We have rented homes/apartments through VRBO MANY times...some in the USA but mostly in Europe and have had zero issues. We had to cancel our last one (2020) in Bruges, Belgium and had our deposit returned quickly.

I do my research, read the reviews with a critical eye, and go from there. Of course, your experience my vary and COVID has created some issues that might not have been there in the past. Like airlines, they are great until they are not.

Re: payment....yup credit card can be used. There is a VRBO booking fee that supposedly covers you if there are issues but I would take that with a grain of salt....but...you do get miles for the CC use

Edit: I should add that we found and thoroughly enjoyed a fantastic modern multi-level house in the rainforest of Costa Rica through VRBO (actually Homeaway then) which we NEVER would have found without them...fantastic collection of properties for rent