No, rest assured you will not be debited right after submitting the booking request. The payment will only be processed once the host has validated your request. Depending on your chosen payment method or location, there might be an authorization or charge for the full reservation amount at the time of your request.
Temporary Authorizations:
Certain payment methods or locations may require a temporary hold, known as authorization, for the full reservation amount when you make the request. If the host accepts your reservation, this authorization will be converted into an actual charge, and the corresponding amount will be deducted from your payment account.
However, if the reservation request is either declined or expires without receiving a response, you'll observe two possibilities:
The authorization will disappear from your payment account entirely.
The authorization will appear as a refund in your payment account.
Please bear in mind that the release of the authorization might take up to 7 business days, depending on your bank's processing time.
Charged Payment Methods:
Some payment methods or locations require an immediate charge of the full reservation amount when you submit your request. If your reservation is accepted, the charge remains, and your reservation is confirmed.
On the other hand, if the reservation request is declined or expires, you'll receive an automatic and immediate refund. The processing time for this refund could take up to 10 calendar days, depending on your bank's policies.