Market Chatter: Airbnb Tests Lower Host Fees In US To Counter Direct Bookings

07:45 PM EDT, 08/31/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Airbnb (ABNB) is testing lower service fees for some US hosts, cutting its take rate to 6% or 10% from an average of 16%, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The limited-time pilot is available to hosts using third-party software to manage listings and requires guests to book through a unique link shared by the host, the report said. An Airbnb spokesperson confirmed the test is intended to assess how different pricing affects hosting businesses, Bloomberg said. The initiative could help Airbnb retain bookings that hosts might otherwise direct to their own websites. Airbnb did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)