Airbnb does not issue its own credit card, but travelers can use certain rewards cards to cover expenses or earn more on stays. Frequent guests may save money this way.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is recommended for covering Airbnb stays. It has a $95 annual fee and offers 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Cardholders earn 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 2x miles on other purchases. Benefits include up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA Precheck fees, a $50 experience credit at hotels, and Hertz Five Star membership. Miles can be redeemed for past travel purchases, often including Airbnb stays.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is noted for flexible redemptions. It also charges $95 annually and provides 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in three months. Rewards include 5x points on travel through Chase Travel, 3x on dining and streaming, and 2x on other travel. A $50 annual hotel credit is included. Points can be used for Airbnb gift cards, statement credits, or bank deposits.
For cash back and flexible redemptions, the Chase Freedom Unlimited has no annual fee. It offers a $200 bonus after spending $500 in three months. Cardholders get 5% cash back on travel through Chase Travel, 3% on drugstores and dining, and 1.5% on other purchases. Redemption options mirror the Sapphire Preferred.
The Citi Custom Cash Card, with no annual fee, is highlighted for elevated cash back. It provides $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in six months. Rewards include 5% cash back on the top spending category each billing cycle, up to $500, and 4% on hotels booked through Citi Travel. This can apply to short Airbnb stays, but stays of 28 days or longer may not qualify for the 5% rate.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is best for premium travel perks. It has a $395 annual fee and offers 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in three months. Cardholders earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel, 5x on flights and vacation rentals, and 2x on other purchases. Benefits include a $300 annual travel credit, 10,000 annual bonus miles, and lounge access. Miles can redeem past travel purchases, including eligible Airbnb stays.
The Bank of America Premium Rewards Card suits Bank of America customers. It costs $95 annually and offers 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 90 days. It earns 2x points on travel and dining, and 1.5x on other purchases. Benefits include up to $100 in annual airline fee credits and no foreign transaction fees. Points can cover stays via statement credits or bank deposits.
The Citi Strata Premier Card is best for earning rewards on Airbnb stays. It has a $95 annual fee and provides 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in three months. It earns 10x points on hotels booked through CitiTravel.com, 3x on air travel and other categories, and 1x on other purchases. Benefits include $100 off hotel stays and no foreign transaction fees. It typically earns 3x on Airbnb purchases.
Other cards to consider include the American Express Gold Card, which has a $325 annual fee and may offer up to 100,000 points after spending $6,000 in six months. It is not ideal for earning rewards on Airbnb but suits dining perks. The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a $795 annual fee and offers 125,000 points after spending $6,000 in three months. Its $300 travel credit works for eligible Airbnb stays, and points can cover stays through gift cards or credits. The Wells Fargo Autograph Card has no annual fee and offers 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in three months. It earns 3x on restaurants, travel, gas, and transit.
Airbnb stays typically code as travel, so cards with elevated travel rewards rates apply. Redemption options include gift cards, statement credits, bank deposits, or covering past purchases. Considerations when choosing a card include rewards rates on Airbnb, redemption options, fees, and welcome bonuses. A general travel card can help earn and redeem rewards for Airbnb and other travel expenses.
To save on Airbnb, earn rewards with a travel card, use rewards to cover stays, book through airline portals like British Airways or Delta, purchase discounted gift cards, book early for discounts, ask hosts for discounts, book longer stays, be flexible with dates, and choose flexible cancellation policies.
Airbnb accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and gift cards. Discounts can come from weekly or monthly stays, early booking, new properties, portal bookings, travel cards, host requests, or gift cards. For the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Airbnb is usually travel, but stays over 28 days may code differently. Points typically cannot book Airbnb directly but can be used for gift cards or credits.