Airbnb Lets US Guests Defer Payments Until Closer to Check-In

Airbnb Inc. is letting guests in the US reserve some trips without paying upfront, an effort to win over budget-conscious travelers who may be reluctant to book in advance.

The feature, called “Reserve Now, Pay Later,” is available for US-based rental listings that have a flexible or moderate cancellation policy, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. Guests don’t need to pay the full amount until eight days before the end of the listing’s free cancellation period, it said. The option is not a loan and doesn’t require credit checks or interest, it added.