Key Points

• Premium travel cards earn 3x-5x points on Airbnb, worth $45-$75+ per $1,000 spent.
• Chase Sapphire cards code Airbnb as travel, making them top choices for flexibility and value.
• Cash back cards offer simpler 2-3% returns without worrying about point transfers or redemptions.

Introduction

Booking an Airbnb for your next vacation? The credit card you use could earn you hundreds of dollars in rewards. Most travelers don't realize that Airbnb purchases code as travel with most major credit cards, which means you can rack up serious points or cash back on accommodations that might cost $1,500 or more per week.

I've tested dozens of cards on Airbnb bookings over the past few years, and the earning differences are massive. Use the wrong card and you'll earn just 1 point per dollar. Use the right one and you could be earning 5x points or 3% cash back on every stay. Let me show you exactly which cards maximize your Airbnb rewards and how to pick the best one for your situation.

How Airbnb Charges Code on Credit Cards

Here's what you need to know: Airbnb transactions almost always code as travel purchases. This is huge because it means your travel rewards cards will give you bonus points on these bookings, just like they would for hotels or flights.

When you book an Airbnb, the charge appears on your statement from "Airbnb" and falls under the travel merchant category code. This works in your favor with cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which earns 3x points on travel, or the Capital One Venture X, which earns 2x miles on everything including travel.

The only exception I've seen is when booking through third-party sites that resell Airbnb stays. Stick to booking directly through Airbnb.com or the Airbnb app to ensure you get travel category bonuses.

Best Premium Travel Cards for Airbnb

Chase Sapphire Reserve: 3x Points on All Travel

The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x Ultimate Rewards points on all travel, including Airbnb. With the ability to transfer points to partners like Hyatt and United, or redeem at 1.5 cents per point through the Chase travel portal, you're getting 4.5-6% back in value on every Airbnb booking.

Here's the math on a typical $1,200 week-long Airbnb stay: you'd earn 3,600 points. Transfer those to Hyatt and you've got enough for a free night at many Category 3 properties (worth $150-200), or use them for 1.5 cents each through Chase Travel for $54 toward your next trip.

The $550 annual fee sounds steep, but the $300 annual travel credit effectively reduces it to $250. If you're booking several Airbnbs per year, the 3x earning easily justifies the cost. Apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve to maximize your Airbnb rewards with premium travel benefits.

Chase Sapphire Preferred: Best Value for Most Travelers

If the Reserve's annual fee is too much, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers nearly identical Airbnb earning at 3x points for just $95 per year. You'll earn the same 3 points per dollar on all Airbnb stays, and your points are just as valuable with the same transfer partners.

The main difference is redemption value through the Chase portal—you'll get 1.25 cents per point instead of 1.5 cents with the Reserve. On that same $1,200 Airbnb booking, you'd earn 3,600 points worth $45 through the portal or potentially much more through transfer partners.

For most travelers booking 2-4 Airbnbs per year, this is the sweet spot. The lower annual fee means you break even faster, and the 60,000-point welcome bonus (worth $750+ when transferred to partners) covers several Airbnb stays right out of the gate. Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred to start earning 3x points on Airbnb immediately.

Capital One Venture X: Simple 2x Miles on Everything

The Capital One Venture X takes a different approach: earn 2x miles on every purchase, including Airbnb. While 2x sounds less impressive than 3x, Capital One miles are incredibly flexible. You can transfer them to 15+ airline partners, use them to erase any travel purchase at 1 cent per mile, or book through Capital One Travel for 1 cent per mile.

The real advantage here is simplicity. You don't need to track categories or worry about whether Airbnb codes correctly. Every booking earns 2x miles, period. Plus, the card comes with $300 in annual travel credits, Priority Pass lounge access, and a strong welcome bonus.

On that $1,200 Airbnb stay, you'd earn 2,400 miles worth $24-30 in value depending on how you redeem. Not quite as lucrative as the Sapphire cards, but the $395 annual fee is offset by the $300 travel credit, making the effective cost just $95. Check current Capital One Venture X offers to see if the welcome bonus makes sense for your spending.

American Express Gold: 3x Points on Flights Booked Through Amex Travel

Here's where things get tricky with the Amex Gold. This card doesn't earn bonus points on Airbnb when you book directly through Airbnb.com. However, if you book Airbnb stays through American Express Travel (which is possible for some properties), you could earn 3x points as flights and prepaid hotels.

In practice, this isn't reliable. Most Airbnb properties aren't available through Amex Travel, and when they are, prices are often higher. I'd recommend using the Amex Gold for its excellent 4x points on dining and groceries, but choosing a different card for your Airbnb bookings.

That said, if you're already an Amex Gold cardholder and see an Airbnb property available through Amex Travel at a competitive price, it's worth booking that way to earn the 3x points. The 4x dining category makes this card valuable, but it's not the best choice specifically for Airbnb.

Best Cash Back Cards for Airbnb

Citi Premier: 3x Points (Easily Converted to Cash)

The Citi Premier earns 3x ThankYou Points on travel, including all Airbnb purchases. While these are technically points, not cash back, you can easily convert them to cash at 1 cent per point, giving you an effective 3% return on all Airbnb stays.

The real power comes from transfer partners. If you're willing to transfer points to airlines like Turkish Airlines or Singapore Airlines, you can get significantly more value—often 1.5-2 cents per point. On a $1,200 Airbnb booking, that's 3,600 points worth $36 as cash or $54-72 when transferred strategically.

At $95 per year, this card punches well above its weight class. The welcome bonus of 75,000 points after $4,000 in spending gives you $750 in cash or travel value right away. Get the Citi Premier to earn 3x on Airbnb with flexible redemption options.

Capital One Venture Rewards: Straightforward 2x Miles

If you want simplicity without the higher annual fee of the Venture X, the regular Capital One Venture card earns 2x miles on everything, including Airbnb. At $95 per year, you get the same earning rate as the Venture X but without the premium perks like lounge access or the $300 travel credit.

This card makes sense if you're primarily focused on earning rates rather than benefits. Every dollar you spend on Airbnb earns 2 miles, which you can redeem at 1 cent each to erase travel purchases or transfer to airline partners. On a $1,200 Airbnb stay, you'd earn 2,400 miles worth $24.

The welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after $4,000 in spending is worth $750 in travel, which could cover your next Airbnb stay entirely.

Wells Fargo Autograph: 3x Points on Travel, No Annual Fee

Here's a hidden gem: the Wells Fargo Autograph earns 3x points on travel (including Airbnb) with no annual fee. Let that sink in—you're getting the same earning rate as the Chase Sapphire Preferred without paying $95 per year.

Wells Fargo points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for cash back, or you can use them for travel at the same 1 cent per point value. On that $1,200 Airbnb booking, you'd earn 3,600 points worth $36 in cash or travel.

The catch? Wells Fargo points don't transfer to airline partners, so you're limited to cash back or booking travel through their portal. But if you prefer simplicity and want to avoid annual fees while still earning solid rewards on Airbnb, this card delivers.

Best Cards for Specific Situations

For Beginners: Chase Freedom Unlimited

If you're new to travel rewards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is a perfect starting point. It earns 3x points on dining and drugstores, but only 1.5x on general travel. However, since it has no annual fee and connects to the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, it's a stepping stone to the Sapphire cards.

Here's the strategy: use the Freedom Unlimited for everyday spending to build up points, then upgrade to a Sapphire card when you're ready to unlock better redemption values and higher travel earning rates. Your points all live in the same Chase account, so nothing is wasted.

On Airbnb specifically, you'll earn 1.5 points per dollar—not spectacular, but respectable for a no-fee card. On a $1,200 booking, that's 1,800 points.

For Maximum Flexibility: Capital One Venture X

If you hate category restrictions and just want one card that works everywhere, the Venture X is your answer. Every single purchase earns 2x miles with no exceptions. Airbnb, flights, groceries, gas—everything earns the same rate.

This simplicity is worth something. You never have to think about which card to pull out or whether a purchase will code correctly. Plus, with 15+ transfer partners including Air France, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines, your miles go far when used strategically.

The $395 annual fee is offset by a $300 travel credit that applies to almost any travel purchase (including Airbnb), plus 10,000 anniversary bonus miles. Real effective cost? About $45 per year.

For International Airbnb Stays: Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees

Booking an Airbnb in Europe, Asia, or South America? Make sure your card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. All the cards I've mentioned so far—Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, Citi Premier, and Wells Fargo Autograph—have no foreign transaction fees. Learn more about the best cards for international travel.

This matters more than you might think. A 3% foreign transaction fee on a $1,200 international Airbnb booking costs you $36. That completely wipes out the rewards you'd earn with a lower-tier card. Always use a no-foreign-fee card for international bookings.

How to Maximize Airbnb Rewards

Stack Credit Card Rewards with Airbnb's Loyalty Program

Airbnb doesn't have a traditional loyalty program, but they occasionally offer promotions for repeat bookers. When these pop up, you can stack them with your credit card rewards for double benefits. Keep an eye on your Airbnb account for special offers like "Book 3 stays, get $50 credit."

Combine this with a 3x earning card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, and you're looking at significant savings. On three $400 stays ($1,200 total), you'd earn 3,600 Chase points (worth $45-$54) plus the $50 Airbnb credit, for $95-$104 in total value.

Book During Credit Card Bonus Periods

Many travel cards offer elevated bonuses in the first few months after you open them. If you're planning a big Airbnb trip, consider timing your card application to maximize the welcome bonus. Check out our guide to the best credit card bonuses available right now.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 60,000 points after $4,000 in spending within three months. If you're booking a $1,500 Airbnb plus regular spending, you'll hit that threshold easily and earn 60,000 bonus points plus 4,500 points from the Airbnb booking itself—that's 64,500 points worth $800+ when transferred to partners.

Use Airbnb Gift Cards Purchased at Bonus Rates

Here's an advanced move: some grocery stores and office supply stores sell Airbnb gift cards. If you have a card that earns bonus points at these locations, you can earn more rewards on your Airbnb stays. For more strategies like this, read our complete guide to manufactured spending.

For example, the Chase Ink Cash earns 5x points at office supply stores (on the first $25,000 per year). Buy a $500 Airbnb gift card at Staples and you'll earn 2,500 Chase points just from the purchase. Then when you use that gift card to book your Airbnb, you won't earn additional points, but you've already collected 5x on the spending.

This strategy works best if you regularly book Airbnbs and can plan ahead. The savings add up quickly for frequent travelers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a Non-Travel Card for Airbnb Bookings

I see this all the time: someone books a $2,000 Airbnb with a basic 1x earning card and leaves thousands of points on the table. On that booking, the difference between 1x and 3x earning is 4,000 points—worth $40-$60 in travel value.

If you don't have a travel card yet, get one before your next Airbnb booking. Even a no-annual-fee option like the Wells Fargo Autograph gives you 3x points and pays for itself immediately with the increased rewards.

Forgetting About Travel Insurance and Purchase Protection

Premium travel cards offer valuable protections that basic cards don't. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, for instance, provides trip cancellation insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and lost luggage coverage when you use the card to book travel. Learn more about credit card travel insurance benefits.

If your Airbnb host cancels last minute or you need to cancel due to illness, these protections can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Always check your card's benefits guide before booking, and consider using a premium card for expensive stays even if it doesn't earn the absolute highest rewards rate.

Not Paying Attention to Redemption Value

Earning 5x points sounds great until you realize those points are only worth 0.5 cents each. Always consider redemption value, not just earning rates. A card earning 2x points worth 1.5 cents each (3 cents total return) beats a card earning 3x points worth 0.7 cents each (2.1 cents total return).

This is why the Chase Sapphire cards punch above their weight. Three points per dollar might not sound revolutionary, but when you transfer those points to Hyatt or United at peak value, you're often getting 1.5-2 cents per point or more—4.5-6% back on your Airbnb spending.

Which Card Should You Choose?

If You Book Multiple Airbnbs Per Year

Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred. The 3x earning rate on all travel, combined with valuable transfer partners and a reasonable $95 annual fee, makes this the best all-around choice for frequent Airbnb bookers. If you spend $2,000+ per year on Airbnb and other travel, you'll easily earn enough rewards to justify the annual fee.

Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred to start earning 3x points on every Airbnb stay, plus dining and other travel purchases.

If You Want Premium Benefits

Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X. Both cards offer airport lounge access, travel credits, and elevated point values that make the higher annual fees worthwhile for frequent travelers. The Reserve's $300 annual travel credit and 1.5-cent point value through Chase Travel make it particularly attractive for maximizing Airbnb rewards.

Check current Chase Sapphire Reserve offers to see if the 60,000+ point welcome bonus makes sense for your spending patterns.

If You Prefer Cash Back

Go with the Wells Fargo Autograph for no annual fee, or the Citi Premier if you don't mind paying $95. Both earn 3x on travel including Airbnb, and their points convert easily to cash. The Autograph's no-fee structure makes it the better long-term hold, while the Premier's transfer partners give you more flexibility if you ever want to maximize value.

Get the Citi Premier to lock in 3x earning with the option to transfer points for higher value or convert to cash.

If You're New to Rewards Cards

Start with the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One Venture. Both have no annual fees (Venture is $95 but waived first year), making them low-risk entry points. The Freedom Unlimited connects to the Chase ecosystem for future upgrades, while the Venture gives you immediate 2x earning on all purchases including Airbnb.

The Freedom Unlimited is ideal for building points you can eventually transfer to better redemption options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Airbnb count as travel for credit card rewards?

Yes, Airbnb purchases code as travel for virtually all major credit cards. This means cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred (3x on travel) and Capital One Venture (2x on everything) will give you bonus points on Airbnb bookings. I've tested this across dozens of transactions with multiple cards and it's been consistent.

Can I earn points on Airbnb experiences and not just stays?

Yes. Airbnb experiences also code as travel purchases, so you'll earn the same bonus rate as you would on accommodations. If you're booking a cooking class in Italy or a guided tour in Japan through Airbnb, use your travel rewards card to maximize points.

Do travel card protections apply to Airbnb bookings?

Travel insurance coverage varies by card. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers trip cancellation insurance that typically covers Airbnb bookings, but you need to check your specific card's benefits guide. Most basic travel cards don't extend coverage to home rentals like Airbnb, focusing instead on flights and hotels.

Should I book Airbnb through a third-party site to earn more points?

No. Always book directly through Airbnb.com or the Airbnb app. Third-party booking sites often don't code as travel, meaning you'll lose out on bonus category earning. Plus, you'll have better customer service and cancellation options when booking directly with Airbnb.

Can I use credit card points to pay for Airbnb directly?

Not directly, but you can use travel credits from cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($300 annually) or Capital One Venture X ($300 annually) to offset Airbnb purchases. Alternatively, you can redeem points for statement credits or transfer them to maximize value on other travel.

Conclusion

Choosing the right credit card for your Airbnb bookings can add hundreds of dollars in value to your travel budget each year. The Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out as the best option for most travelers, offering 3x points on all Airbnb stays with valuable transfer partners and a manageable $95 annual fee.

If you're booking multiple Airbnbs annually, premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X justify their higher fees with elevated earning rates, travel credits, and luxury perks. Cash back fans should look at the Citi Premier for 3x earning with flexible redemption, or the Wells Fargo Autograph for no annual fee.

Don't leave money on the table by using a basic 1x earning card. The right travel card turns your Airbnb spending into points for future trips, better travel experiences, and more adventures. Start earning more on your next stay by choosing one of these cards today.

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