By: Bryan Tropeano
Splitting the check at a restaurant is fairly easy. You simply ask the server to give you two or more checks or split payment between multiple credit cards. This system is particularly handy when you’ve got a group of friends and you’re worried one might stiff you on the payback.
Unfortunately, other activities and venues aren’t as accommodating. Movie theaters, concerts, hotels and the like only allow one credit card for payment. And because every group of friends has that one person who isn’t keen on making good on their portion of the costs, someone ends up eating it. The person is usually named Matt or Jeff. It’s always a Matt or a Jeff, am I right?
Luckily, ever-popular Airbnb has listened to the complaints and is now testing a split payment system allowing for up to a 16-way split. The Uber of paid stays can be expensive if you’re booking a block of several days, especially in a big city. Trust me, I’ve played out this scenario with six people and trying to get everybody to Venmo me the money can be a headache. Damn you, Matt!
“We’re currently testing a way to split the cost of a trip on the Airbnb platform,” Airbnb spokesperson Tim Rathschmidt says. “This is a small, initial pilot – our goal is to make it even easier to use Airbnb to travel with friends and family.”
Currently the new feature has only rolled out to a few homes with a wider release expected later this year. No longer will we have to arrange for a massive payback scheme or cross our fingers that the one person supporting the trip has enough room on their credit card.
What are your thoughts on the new Airbnb split payment feature? Is this going to make it easier for you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bryan Tropeano is a senior producer and a regular reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Washington D.C. and loves all things Tech.
