Why is my payment failing

Payment issues can be frustrating when trying to complete your booking. The reasons for payment failure vary depending on which platform you're using and your payment method. Below, we've outlined the most common causes and how to resolve them.

Common reasons for payment failure

1. Payment Authentication Issue

You must authorize the payment through your bank's secure verification process. This may require:

• Confirming the transaction in your banking app
• Entering a code, TAN, or PIN sent by your bank via text message or phone call

2. Insufficient funds

Ensure that your account has enough balance to cover the full booking amount, including any taxes or fees.

3. Withdrawal amount exceeded

Your bank may have set daily, weekly, or monthly spending limits. Check your banking app or contact your bank directly to verify your account limits and request an increase if needed.

4. Payment Method Supported

Make sure you are using a valid payment method. Supported payment methods typically include:

• Credit Card
• PayPal
• iDeal (The Netherlands)
• Klarna (Austria, Germany, and The Netherlands)
• Sofort

5. Invalid or Declined Card Details

Common issues include:

• Incorrect or invalid CVC number
• Invalid or expired card number
• Card blocked or restricted by your bank for security reasons
• Cancelled card - contact your bank to confirm your card status

6. Too many failed attempts

If you've made 5 or more unsuccessful payment attempts, your account may be temporarily blocked to protect against fraud. Wait 1-2 hours before trying again. If the issue persists, contact your bank or use an alternative payment method.

Payment failure on Booking.com

If you chose "Pay Now"

Your payment is fully managed by Booking.com, and we do not have access to your payment details. To understand why your payment is failing, contact Booking.com's customer service via chat or phone call.

If you selected "Pay On"

Payment is processed by Holidu. If your payment is failing, refer to the common reasons listed above. These include authentication issues, insufficient funds, exceeded withdrawal limits, unsupported payment methods, invalid card details, or too many failed attempts.

Payment failure on Holidu

If your payment is failing on Holidu, check the common reasons listed above. Follow the same troubleshooting steps: authorize your payment, verify sufficient funds, check withdrawal limits, confirm your payment method is supported, validate your card details, and allow time between failed attempts.

Payment failure on Airbnb

Airbnb manages all payments directly. If you are experiencing payment issues, reach out to Airbnb customer service via chat for further assistance.

You may also find helpful information in Airbnb's help section on why your payment is getting declined or isn't working.

What to do next

If you've checked all the above and your payment is still failing:

• Contact your bank to confirm there are no blocks or restrictions on your account
• Try a different payment method if available
• Wait 1-2 hours before attempting the payment again
• Contact customer support for the platform where you're making the booking