Guest wants to use debit card.

[Tracy792]

Hello, I'm a new host and have just pre-approved a guest who seems to want to pay with a debit card but she needs to pay more than her $3000 debit limit.  I'm searching for ways to work it but also reading a lot of questions asking why Airbnb doesn't accept debit cards, so maybe I can't accept this reservation anyway.  I'd be grateful for any insight from hosts or support people.  My guest says,

"my debit tops at $3000.00 per day. I have two cards that have this limit but I do not see an option for two card #s. Ifyou could help me figure this out Iwould be so grateful."

Does Airbnb accept debit cards?

[Sarah977 · Accepted solution]

@Tracy792  You cannot do anything as a host to facilitate a guest's payment. That is entirely an issue between the guest and Airbnb. Just tell your guest this- that hosts have nothing to do with a guest's payment issues, and have no possible way of facilitating payments- she has to deal with this with Airbnb.

[Tracy792]

That is actually a relief.  I think I was scammed.  Thankyou for this information, @Sarah977 !

[Sarah977]

@Tracy792  Yeah, she could have been scamming, or she just might have been a clueless newbie. As far as I'm aware, Airbnb lets guests know what are acceptable forms of payment depending on what country they are located in, and I don't think debit cards qualify, although they might. 

Whenever a guest starts trying to make their payment issues your problem, it's usually a red flag. They might just be clueless, but do you really want a clueless guest? If they can't read the Airbnb payment info, and follow the instructions, are they going to read your listing info and house rules and pay attention to them?

It's the same as when guests start off by asking for a discount, telling you they are a poor student or that it's a bit over their budget. Their financial situation isn't any of a host's affair, and why would they think a stranger would have any interest in that? If they can't afford what you charge, they should look for something they can.