If you think credit card rewards are only good for flights and hotels, think again. Airbnb is one of the fastest-growing ways to travel in style and comfort, and yes—you can use your credit card points on Airbnb too! 🎉 Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a business trip, or even a long-term stay, learning how to maximize your points can save you hundreds of dollars.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best hacks to redeem credit card points on Airbnb so you can stretch your travel budget further.
Table of Contents
Why Use Credit Card Points for Airbnb? 💳✨
Airbnb has become the go-to for travelers looking for unique stays, budget-friendly options, or luxurious experiences without the standard hotel vibe. By using credit card points on Airbnb, you:
- Save money on lodging costs 💰
- Unlock exclusive travel perks 🌍
- Enjoy flexibility (choose homes, cabins, apartments, or even castles!) 🏰
- Get more value out of your credit card rewards 🎁
1. Use Credit Card Travel Portals 🖥️
One of the easiest hacks to redeem your credit card points on Airbnb is through your card’s travel portal.
- Chase Ultimate Rewards: Airbnb often shows up when booking through the Chase travel portal. You can pay entirely with points or combine cash + points.
- American Express Membership Rewards: While Airbnb isn’t a direct transfer partner, you can book Airbnb gift cards using your Amex points.
- Citi ThankYou Points: Similar to Amex, you can purchase Airbnb gift cards and redeem them toward your stays.
💡 Pro Tip: Check if your credit card offers a higher redemption rate when booking travel through its portal. Chase Sapphire Preferred, for example, gives 25% more value.
2. Buy Airbnb Gift Cards With Points 🎟️
If your card doesn’t directly support Airbnb bookings, don’t worry. You can redeem your points for Airbnb gift cards.
- Amex, Citi, and Discover all allow Airbnb gift card redemptions.
- Gift cards can be stacked and applied at checkout.
- This is perfect if you’re booking a bigger trip and want to reduce the cash outflow.
👉 Always compare the redemption value. Some portals give 1 cent per point, while others might drop to 0.7 cents.
3. Use Travel Statement Credits 💵
Certain cards let you use points as statement credits for travel purchases—including Airbnb.
- Capital One Venture & Venture X: Simply charge your Airbnb stay, then use your miles to erase the purchase. Each mile is worth 1 cent.
- Barclays Arrival Plus: Works similarly—book Airbnb, then redeem your miles as credits.
🔥 Hack: Book the Airbnb on your travel rewards card, then immediately redeem points to “wipe away” the expense.
4. Leverage Airline + Hotel Programs ✈️🏨
This one’s a bit sneaky but powerful. Some airline and hotel programs sell Airbnb gift cards directly.
For example:
- United Airlines MileagePlus sometimes offers Airbnb gift cards in its shopping portal.
- Hotel loyalty programs like Marriott occasionally run promotions where you can trade points for Airbnb credits.
While not always the highest value, these promos can stretch unused points.
5. Combine Cashback + Points 💸
If you have a cashback credit card, pair it with your points card.
- Use cashback cards (like Citi Double Cash or Discover it) to buy Airbnb gift cards at a discount.
- Then, stack your credit card points on Airbnb for extra savings.
Think of it as a double-dip strategy where you earn rewards twice. 😎
6. Take Advantage of Airbnb Promotions 🎉
Airbnb sometimes partners with banks for exclusive promos.
- “Spend $500 on Airbnb, get 5,000 bonus points” deals pop up.
- Look out for targeted offers in your credit card app.
✅ Combine promos with your points redemption, and you’ll maximize every dollar.
7. Use Points for Travel Experiences 🌎🎶
Airbnb isn’t just about stays—it’s also about Experiences (like guided tours, cooking classes, and concerts). Some travel portals allow you to redeem points for Airbnb Experiences gift cards.
Imagine booking a wine-tasting tour in California 🍷 or a salsa dancing class in Miami 💃—all paid for with your credit card rewards.
8. Always Check the Value of Your Points 📊
Not all redemptions are equal. Some ways of using your credit card points on Airbnb give much higher value than others.
- Booking through portals like Chase Ultimate Rewards can yield 1.25–1.5 cents per point.
- Redeeming points for Airbnb gift cards may only get you 1 cent (or less).
👉 Hack: If the math doesn’t add up, save your points for flights or hotels, and pay for Airbnb with a cashback card.
9. Split Payments Strategically 🪙
Airbnb allows you to split payments if you’re booking with friends. This is a clever way to:
- Use partial points + partial cash.
- Apply multiple gift cards at checkout.
- Share costs while still reaping rewards.
FAQs: Using Credit Card Points on Airbnb 💳🏡
Can I use credit card points on Airbnb?
Yes ✅. You can redeem points through travel portals like Chase Ultimate Rewards, buy Airbnb gift cards with Amex or Citi points, or use travel statement credits from cards like Capital One Venture.
Does Airbnb accept Amex Membership Rewards points?
Not directly. However, you can redeem Amex points for Airbnb gift cards, or use an Amex card that offers travel credits to offset your Airbnb purchase.
Which credit cards are best for Airbnb bookings?
Top choices include Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and Amex Platinum—they offer high-value redemptions, travel protections, and bonus rewards.
Can I use Capital One miles for Airbnb stays?
Yes! You can book your Airbnb with a Capital One card and then redeem your miles as travel statement credits at 1 cent per mile.
Is it better to use points or pay cash for Airbnb?
It depends. If you get 1 cent per point or more, it’s usually worth using points. But if redemption value is low, pay cash with a high-reward travel card and save points for flights.
Final Thoughts 🌟
Airbnb has become more than just a place to stay—it’s a lifestyle of travel, discovery, and adventure. By using these best hacks to redeem credit card points on Airbnb, you can unlock incredible savings and travel smarter.
Whether it’s booking through travel portals, redeeming gift cards, wiping purchases with statement credits, or stacking promos, there are plenty of ways to make your points work harder. And if you love deals beyond travel, don’t miss trending offers like the Adidas Summer Blowout Sale 2025, the viral Domino’s Pizza $3 Deal, or exclusive Amazon Secret Clearance Picks.
💡 Bottom line: Don’t limit your credit card points to just flights and hotels—Airbnb is a game-changer. 🏡✨ For more hidden gems and travel ideas, explore guides on TravelBuzz.us.
