How long does it take to get a refund from booking?

If you need to cancel your booking, contact customer service immediately so they can process the refund as soon as possible. Your refund will be processed within the next 5 business days after we receive the cancellation notice from Booking.com.



As of March 2026, refund timelines for platforms like Booking.com are heavily influenced by the payment method and the service provider (hotel vs. airline). If you booked a "Free Cancellation" hotel and paid the property directly, the refund is usually processed instantly upon cancellation, though it may take 3 to 7 business days to reflect on your bank statement. However, for flights or "Prepaid" stays handled by Booking.com, new 2026 consumer protection regulations (such as those from the DGCA or EU) mandate that refunds for cancelled tickets must be processed within 14 working days. If you paid via credit card, the airline or agency is generally required to initiate the refund within 7 days. Despite these regulations, travelers often experience delays if the refund involves a "third-party" agent. To ensure the fastest return of funds, it is recommended to use the "Manage Booking" portal and keep a digital paper trail of the cancellation confirmation.

People Also Ask

Keep in mind that some hotels have non-refundable reservations, which means that if you cancel your reservation, you will not receive a refund. What is this? For hotels with refundable reservations, the refund process typically takes between 5-7 business days.

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Many hotel stays are refundable as long as you cancel within at least 48 hours. But some aren't. If you leave without making any arrangements, the hotel probably will charge you for the full stay. Experts say hotels consider refund requests on a case-by-case basis.

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Experts say most places will offer you a refund if you have a reasonable excuse. If you are stuck with a nonrefundable room, try changing the date of your reservation. Some hotels will let you move the date of your stay if you ask. You can also resell your room and get your money back that way.

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Why YSK: If you're not used to traveling, you may not know that the term “free-cancellation” just means you won't be charged a fee to cancel your booking. It doesn't mean you'll be refunded if your paid for your room in advanced. In fact, most hotels have a strict refund policy you should be aware of when booking.

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The guest can cancel free of charge until 1 day before arrival. The guest will be charged the first night if they cancel within 1 day before arrival. If the guests do not turn up for the reservation, then they are charged for the price of 1 night as the no show penalty (same as the cancellation fee).

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What should I do? If Booking.com charged you incorrectly, visit the Help Center. We'll likely need a copy of your bank statement showing the incorrect charges as well as your booking confirmation number and PIN. If the property charged you incorrectly, reach out to the property directly for help.

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However, if an airline accepts a reservation without payment, it must allow the consumer to cancel the reservation within 24 hours without penalty. If an airline requires payment with a reservation, it must allow the consumer to cancel the payment and reservation within 24 hours and receive a full refund.

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The guest can cancel free of charge until 1 day before arrival. The guest will be charged the first night if they cancel within 1 day before arrival. If the guests do not turn up for the reservation, then they are charged for the price of 1 night as the no show penalty (same as the cancellation fee).

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By choosing a non-refundable rate, you agree to pay for the room upfront and accept that you won't receive a refund if you need to cancel or modify your reservation. These bookings often come with a lower price compared to flexible or refundable rates, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.

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Be aware that rooms with free cancellation options may be pricier than non-refundable rooms. Typically, free cancellation can be made at least 2-3 days before the check-in date. However, hotels may have different cancellation policies, so always review the terms and conditions.

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