Booking direct
How booking direct works
Airbnb takes about 15% of every booking, built into the price you see. When you book direct with the host, that fee isn't there, so many hosts offer a lower rate.
What the booking sites take
- Airbnb charges most hosts 15.5% of the booking subtotal (nightly rate, cleaning and other fees, before taxes). Since late 2025 that fee is built into the price guests see, so there is no separate guest fee at checkout. It is still part of what you pay.
- VRBO charges hosts about 8% (a 5% commission plus 3% payment processing) and adds a traveler service fee at checkout that varies with the booking amount.
- Direct with the host, the host typically pays card processing of about 3% and the cost of their booking software. There is no booking-site fee.
A worked example
A 3-night stay at $200 a night plus a $100 cleaning fee, $700 before taxes. On Airbnb the host keeps $591.50. Booked direct, the host can charge less and still keep the same or more:
| Guest pays | Host keeps | |
|---|---|---|
| Booked on Airbnb | $700.00 | $591.50 |
| Direct at 7% under Airbnb | $651.00 (pays $49.00 less) | $631.47 ($39.97 more) |
| Direct at break-even | $609.79 (pays $90.21 less) | $591.50 |
The middle row is the common case: the host prices a little under Airbnb, and both the guest and the host come out ahead. The last row is the lowest price at which the host keeps what Airbnb would have paid them.
Each host sets their own rate
Key & Porch does not set prices. Listings marked Direct-rate promise commit to a direct rate at or below their Airbnb and VRBO price for the same dates. For any other place in Fargo-Moorhead, send a request from its page and we will ask the host about booking you direct.
Fees checked Oct 2026. Sources: Airbnb service fees,Vrbo service fee. Card processing is a typical rate; each host's is different.
Questions
Is booking direct always cheaper?
Not always. Each host sets their own direct rate. Without the booking-site fee there is room for a lower price, and many hosts offer one, but some keep the same rate. Listings marked Direct-rate promise commit to matching or beating their booking-site price for the same dates.
Who do I pay when I book direct?
The host, through their own booking system. Key & Porch never takes payment for a stay.
Do taxes change?
No. Sales and lodging taxes apply whether you book on a booking site or direct.