OTA commission calculator

Find out how much you're really paying in commissions to booking platforms and how much you could save with more direct bookings.

Your rental data

Annual revenue (€) *

Breakdown by platform

Airbnb60%

Booking.com25%

Abritel / VRBO10%

Direct bookings5%

Total : 100%

Include guest fees (Airbnb 14%)

Airbnb charges ~14% in fees to guests on top of your host commission

Enter your information and click "Calculate" to see the breakdown of your OTA commissions

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How much do OTA commissions really cost?

Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo have become essential for vacation rental owners. But this visibility comes at a price: the commissions charged on each booking can represent a significant portion of your revenue.

Airbnb offers two commission models. The split model charges 3% to hosts and about 14% to guests. The simplified (host-only) model charges 15% directly on the amount paid to the host. While the split model appears cheaper, guest fees inflate the displayed price and may discourage some bookings.

Booking.com charges a commission of 15% to 18% depending on your location and property type. It's one of the highest commissions on the market, but the platform remains popular for its considerable traffic volume and international clientele.

Vrbo / Abritel operates with an 8% commission per booking, plus an annual subscription for some plans. It's a hybrid model that can be advantageous for owners with high occupancy rates.

For direct bookings, there is no OTA commission, but you should expect about 2% in payment processing fees (Stripe, PayPal, etc.). This is by far the most profitable channel.

savings

Reducing OTA dependency: strategies that work

Diversifying your distribution channels and developing direct bookings is key to maximizing your rental income. Here are the most effective strategies.

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Website & direct booking

Create a direct booking website with a digital welcome book that encourages your guests to return without going through OTAs.

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Google Vacation Rentals

List your property on Google Vacation Rentals to appear directly in search results without paying commission.

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Guest loyalty

Deliver an exceptional experience with a comprehensive welcome book. A satisfied guest books directly next time.

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The real hidden cost of OTAs

Beyond direct commissions, booking platforms impose hidden constraints that impact your profitability far more than the displayed percentages.

Price pressure

OTA algorithms favor lower prices. To stay visible, you're pushed to lower your rates, which further reduces your net margin after commission. On Booking.com, activating "Genius" or "Mobile" discounts cuts your revenue by an additional 10 to 20%.

Rate parity

Some OTAs impose rate parity clauses that prevent you from displaying lower prices on your own website. This limits your ability to incentivize guests to book directly, even though your actual cost is much lower.

Review dependency

Your visibility depends on your ratings and reviews on the platform. A single negative review can tank your ranking and bookings. You're building your reputation on ground that isn't yours.

No direct guest relationship

OTAs own the guest relationship. You often don't have access to your guests' emails or phone numbers, making any loyalty or direct marketing efforts impossible.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Airbnb's commission for hosts?

Airbnb offers two commission models. The split model charges 3% to hosts and about 14% in service fees to guests. The simplified (host-only) model charges 14% to 16% directly on the booking amount, with no visible fees for the guest. Professional hosts and property managers are often on the simplified model at 15%.

How much commission does Booking.com charge?

Booking.com charges a commission of 15% to 18% on the total amount of each booking. The exact rate depends on your location, accommodation type, and the programs you participate in (Genius, Preferred Partner, etc.). Enhanced visibility programs can increase the commission up to 20% or more.

How can I reduce my OTA commissions?

The most effective strategy is to develop direct bookings. Create a website with a booking engine, use a digital welcome book to build guest loyalty, list on Google Vacation Rentals, collect guest emails to reach out later, and offer a small discount for direct bookings. The goal isn't to leave OTAs, but to gradually reduce your dependency.

Are direct bookings truly free?

Not entirely. Direct bookings don't involve OTA commissions, but you'll need to pay payment processing fees (about 2% via Stripe or PayPal). You should also consider acquisition costs: website, advertising, and time spent on management. Despite this, the total cost remains well below the 15-18% charged by OTAs.

Should I leave OTAs to do direct bookings?

No, that's not recommended. OTAs remain an important source of visibility and new bookings. The right strategy is a balanced distribution mix: use OTAs for acquiring new guests, then build loyalty through direct channels. The ideal goal is to reach 30 to 50% direct bookings while maintaining a presence on major platforms.

What is the best distribution mix?

The ideal mix depends on your market, but as a general rule, aim for 30-40% Airbnb, 15-20% Booking.com, 5-10% other OTAs, and 30-50% direct. The more you increase the direct share, the better your profitability. A good digital welcome book is a key tool for converting OTA guests into recurring direct clients.