Couchsurfing is built around genuine connection and cultural exchange, not profit. This is a community, not a marketplace. That means members can't use the platform to make money, promote a business, or advertise products, services, or causes.
What Counts as Commercial Use?
The following aren't allowed on Couchsurfing:
- Advertising products, services, or goods to other members
- Promoting a business, brand, organization, or cause, including non-profits
- Posting job offers or volunteer opportunities on behalf of a business or charity
- Sharing unsolicited links to external websites
- Charging for accommodation or requiring any form of payment or "in-kind" contribution as a condition of hosting
- Creating events primarily to promote a business, grow a following, or generate profit, including bar and club promotions, ticketed tours or classes with a mandatory fee, or any event where you (or your employer) take a cut of the proceeds
What About Events That Cost Money?
Real life has costs, and that's fine. Weekly meetups in cafés, museum visits, hiking trips, walking tours: events that involve some kind of expense are a totally normal part of Couchsurfing. What matters is who benefits.
You can organize an event with an associated cost as long as:
- You're not personally profiting from it, and neither is a business you work for
- Any fees go directly to the venue, activity, or entry, not to you as the organizer
- Costs are clearly stated in the event so members can decide whether to join
- Any donation-based element (a walking tour, a yoga class) is genuinely optional
If you own or manage a venue and want to host a Couchsurfing meetup there, you're welcome. Charge your normal prices; you don't need to subsidize the community. Just don't make a minimum spend a condition of showing up, and don't use the event to promote your business.
What About Hosting?
Hospitality on Couchsurfing is always free. Hosts can't charge for accommodation, ask for labor in exchange for a couch, or refer members to paid accommodation services. If a host and guest choose to split the cost of something they do together, like cooking a meal or going on a day trip, that's a mutual decision between two people. It's not a condition of the stay.
A Couple Things to Know: Events aren't the place to post about upcoming trips or look for accommodation. Use the Trips feature for that.
If you spot a member using the platform for commercial purposes, report them from their profile. Our Trust and Safety team reviews all reports.
Need more help? Get in touch. You can also reach us anytime through Settings → Contact Support.