Compare Recommended Airbnb Credit Cards
11 Best Airbnb Credit Cards of 2024
Best Overall
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
On CreditCards.com’s secure site
Annual Fee
$550
Regular APR
22.49% – 29.49% Variable
Intro Bonus
60,000 bonus points Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the best overall credit card for Airbnb bookings since it earns 3X points on general travel bookings and offers a $300 annual travel credit (note, travel rewards kick in after the $300 annual travel credit is spent). The card also has valuable travel protections and a 60,000-point welcome bonus earned after spending $4,000 within three months of account opening.
Pros and Cons
- 3X points on travel
- $300 annual travel credit
- Useful travel protections
- Need to earn the $300 annual travel credit before earning travel rewards
- $550 annual fee
- $75 annual fee for each authorized user
Best For Earning Amex Membership Rewards
American Express® Green Card
Annual Fee
$150
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Intro Bonus
40,000 points Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express Green Card® within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good – Excellent
Why We Chose It
The American Express Green Card stands out with its focus on travel and dining rewards, earning 3X points on travel (including Airbnb stays), dining at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and transit. This card also offers a variety of travel benefits, including trip delay insurance*, baggage insurance plan* and access to Amex Offers, which occasionally include deals for Airbnb.
Pros and Cons
- 3X points on travel, transit and dining at restaurants worldwide
- Travel and retail discounts through Amex Offers
- Relatively low welcome bonus
- $150 annual fee
Best for Travel Insurance
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Bankrate Credit Cards’s secure site
Annual Fee
$95
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Intro Bonus
60,000 bonus points Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Excellent – Good
Why We Chose It
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers some of the best travel protections of any credit card at a relatively low $95 annual fee. The card earns 2X points on general travel purchases and an annual $50 hotel credit for bookings through the Chase Travel℠ portal. Most notably, you get access to travel protections like trip cancellation and interruption insurance, a primary auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursem*nt and more.
Pros and Cons
- 60,000-point welcome bonus earned after spending $4,000 in first three months
- Annual $50 hotel credit for Chase Travel hotel bookings
- Various travel insurances, including primary auto rental collision damage waiver insurance
- $95 annual fee
- 2X points on general travel isn’t as competitive as other travel cards
Best for Redeeming Points for Airbnb Bookings
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
On CreditCards.com’s secure site
Annual Fee
$95
Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% Variable
Intro Bonus
(Limited-Time Offer) $250 travel credit + 75,000 bonus miles Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good – Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns a generous 2X miles on all spending. These miles can be redeemed for Airbnb bookings (or any travel purchase) at a rate of 1 cent per mile.
Pros and Cons
- Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months
- 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Up to $100 in credits toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every four years
- Travel protections aren’t as comprehensive as other cards
- $95 annual fee
Best Business Card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
On Bankrate Credit Cards’s secure site
Annual Fee
$95
Regular APR
21.24% – 26.24% Variable
Intro Bonus
Earn 120,000 bonus points Earn 120,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good – Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card earns 3X points on the first $150,000 spent each account anniversary year on travel; shipping, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines; and internet, cable and phone services, making it a good pick for businesses that want to maximize rewards. It also provides comprehensive travel insurance benefits to protect your bookings.
Pros and Cons
- Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months
- 25% more points value toward travel booked through Chase Travel
- Includes trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance
- $95 annual fee
- 3X bonus category restricted to $150,000 in purchases each account anniversary year (then 1X points)
- Primary rental car insurance only valid for business purposes
Best for Cash Back
Citi Double Cash® Card
On Citi’s secure site
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% – 29.24% Variable
Intro Bonus
$200 Cash Back Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of your Citi Double Cash® card account opening.
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good – Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Citi Double Cash Card is the best card for earning cash back on Airbnb bookings because it effectively earns up to 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% on all spending, plus 1% back when you pay off your balance. Rewards are issued in the form of points that are redeemable for cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit or check or for gift cards, travel and shopping with points on Amazon.com.
Pros and Cons
- Up to 2% cash back on all purchases (1% as you buy and 1% as you pay)
- $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,500 in the first six months
- Generous intro APR offer on balance transfers
- High balance transfer fee after intro fee offer
- No travel or purchase protections
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Best for Hotel Points
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
Annual Fee
$250
Regular APR
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Intro Bonus
Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Excellent – Good
Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card may seem like an odd choice, since you only earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. However, Marriott has its own proprietary vacation rental site called Homes & Villas by Marriott where Airbnb properties are often double-listed, meaning you can sometimes earn points on your stays.
Pros and Cons
- Earn 6X points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
- Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- Redeeming Marriott points for Homes & Villas gets you less value than hotel bookings
- No trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- $250 annual fee
Best for No Annual Fee
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
On Wells Fargo’s secure site
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% (Variable)
Intro Bonus
20,000 Bonus Points Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good – Excellent
Why We Chose It
What makes the Wells Fargo Autograph Card such a compelling choice for Airbnb bookings is that it earns 3X points on travel for no annual fee. Additionally, the card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Pros and Cons
- 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans
- No annual fee
- Cellphone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Low welcome bonus
- Must have enough rewards to redeem for the entire transaction amount
- No trip cancellation or interruption insurance
Best for Travel Dining
American Express® Gold Card
On Bankrate Credit Cards’s secure site
Annual Fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Intro Bonus
60,000 points + earn up to $100 back Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Excellent – Good
Why We Chose It
With the American Express® Gold Card, you’ll get up to $120 in statement credits for dining purchases at select merchants (earned up to $10 per month). Pair this with earning 4X Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points) and 4X points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X points), and you’ll have all of your meals just about set for your next Airbnb trip.
Pros and Cons
- $120 in Uber Cash for use in the U.S. (up to $10 per month) when you add your eligible Gold as method of payment on your Uber account in the latest version of the downloaded Uber App
- 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 spent in purchases per calendar year, then 1X) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent in purchases per calendar year then 1X)
- No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
- $325 annual fee
- No special points rate specifically for booking Airbnb stays
- Dining credit limited to participating partners
Best $0 Liability Guarantee
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
On Bank of America’s secure site
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% – 29.24% Variable
Intro Bonus
25,000 Bonus Points Earn 25,000 online bonus points if you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening – which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases.
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good – Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card gives you peace of mind in case your card gets stolen or skimmed when staying at an Airbnb. Its $0 liability guarantee covers any fraudulent transactions made by others using your account.
Pros and Cons
- Unlimited 1.5X points on all purchases
- Can redeem points to pay for Airbnb stays
- No annual or foreign transaction fees
- No premium travel benefits
- Other travel cards offer far better reward rates
- High penalty APR
Best Annual Travel Credit
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
On CreditCards.com’s secure site
Annual Fee
$395
Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% Variable
Intro Bonus
75,000 Miles Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Excellent
Why We Chose It
Every year you have the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you receive both a $300 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel as well as 10,000 anniversary miles starting with your first anniversary (equivalent to $100 toward travel). These credits are in addition to access to over 1,300 airport lounges and up to a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years for membership.
Pros and Cons
- Can redeem miles as statement credit for Airbnb stays
- Up to $50 travel credit if recommended flight price drops within 10 days after booking
- 10X miles on rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Can’t book Airbnb stays on Capital One Travel
- $395 annual fee
- Have to use Capital One Travel for most benefits
A Closer Look at the Best Credit Cards for Airbnb
Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Why we love this card: The Chase Sapphire Reserve is hands down the best card for Airbnb, as you earn 3X points on general travel, including purchases with Airbnb, and can take advantage of an annual $300 travel credit that’s applicable toward Airbnb stays. The card also comes with comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance and primary rental car coverage, adding peace of mind to your travels.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Sapphire Reserve is best for travelers who value generous rewards, comprehensive travel protections and perks. Aside from the benefits mentioned above, the card also provides a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit of up to $100 every four years and nearly $1,200 worth of benefits through partners like Lyft, DoorDash, Priority Pass Select and more.
Other cards to consider: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a solid alternative if you want a card with a lower annual fee. In exchange for a $95 annual fee, the card earns 2X points on general travel purchases and offers many of the same travel protections. Alternatively, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns 2X miles on all spending and includes numerous travel benefits that offset its $395 annual fee.
Best for Earning Amex Membership Rewards: American Express Green Card
Why we love this card: The American Express Green Card earns 3X points on travel (including Airbnb stays), dining at restaurants worldwide and on transit. This card also offers up to a $199 CLEAR® Plus credit and has no foreign transaction fees. Plus, you might occasionally get targeted for an Amex Offer with a special discount on Airbnb bookings.
Who should have this in their wallet: The American Express Green Card is a good choice for consumers who want to earn American Express Membership Rewards points on Airbnb bookings. You’ll also enjoy practical travel perks for a reasonable annual fee.
Other cards to consider: If you want elevated rewards on Airbnb bookings, the Bilt Mastercard® might be a good option. The card has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and earns 3X Bilt Points on dining, 2X points on travel, 1X points on rent payments with no transaction fee (up to 100,000 points earned each calendar year) and 1X points on other purchases. You do have to make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn rewards. See rewards & benefits.
Best for Travel Insurance: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Why we love this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card earns 2X points on other travel outside the 5X on travel purchased through Chase Travel, including Airbnb reservations. Cardholders also get a 10% point bonus each year on their account anniversary. The card’s best-in-class travel protections include trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursem*nt, primary rental car coverage, baggage delay insurance and emergency travel assistance services.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Chase Sapphire Preferred is great for consumers who want comprehensive travel insurance and bonus points on travel spending for a reasonable annual fee. Further, the card’s trip cancellation and interruption insurance and primary rental coverage are ideal for Airbnbers who want peace of mind in case of an emergency.
Other cards to consider: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no-annual-fee alternative to the Sapphire Preferred that earns 1.5% cash back all other purchases outside of bonus categories. While the Freedom Unlimited is marketed as a cash back card, it technically earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be used to book travel with Chase Travel.
Best for Redeeming Points for Airbnb Bookings: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Why we love this card: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card lets you earn a generous limited-time welcome bonus that’s equal to $1,000 in travel: enjoy a one-time $250 credit to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months opening an account. In terms of ongoing rewards, the card earns 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases. These miles are worth 1 cent each toward travel bookings, including Airbnb.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Capital One Venture is best for travelers who want to earn elevated rewards and redeem them toward Airbnb bookings at a favorable rate. Plus, cardholders receive two complimentary lounge visits to Capital One Lounges or Plaza Premium Lounges per year (to use by December 31, 2024)—a perk you can use if you’re flying to your next Airbnb.
Other cards to consider: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a no-annual-fee alternative to the Venture Card that earns 1.25X miles on every purchase. This rewards rate is equivalent to 1.25% cash back, or you can transfer your rewards to one of Capital One’s transfer partners for added value.
Best Business Card: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Why we love this card: The Chase Ink Business Preferred offers 3X points on the first $150,000 spent each account anniversary year on travel (including Airbnb bookings) and other business-related purchases. It also has a generous welcome bonus and allows for point transfers to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. This card’s benefits include cellphone protection (when you pay your bill with the card) and trip cancellation and interruption insurance, adding value for both business and personal travel needs.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Ink Business Preferred is best for business owners who want to earn generous rewards and receive purchase protections on Airbnb bookings and other travel expenses. It also earns elevated rewards in common business spending categories, making it ideal for maximizing business expenses.
Other cards to consider: For a no-annual-fee business card that still earns lucrative rewards, consider The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (see rates and fees). The card earns 2X Membership Rewards points on all purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1X points). Considering you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards to 21 airline and hotel partners, these rewards are potentially more valuable than the ones earned with the Chase Ink Business Preferred.
Best for Cash Back: Citi Double Cash Card
Why we love this card: The Citi Double Cash Card is great for earning up to 2% cash back on all spending, including Airbnb bookings, as you’ll earn 1% back as you buy and another 1% back when you pay off your purchase. The card also comes with one of the longest introductory APR offers available on balance transfers.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Citi Double Cash Card is best for travelers who want to earn above-average cash back on Airbnb bookings. It also has no annual fee, making it a great card to keep for the long haul.
Other cards to consider: There are many other 2% cash back cards to choose from if you’re not sold on the Citi Double Cash Card. For example, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases and a slightly shorter intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers.
Best for Hotel Points: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card
Why we love this card: The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card earns 6X points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined spending at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points) and 2X points on all other eligible purchases. It can offer a great balance between hotel perks and the ability to redeem rewards toward vacation rentals. The Homes & Villas by Marriott platform lists many of the same properties as Airbnb, giving you the best of both worlds.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy is a good option if you want the flexibility of a hotel card that earns generous rewards on vacation rentals outside of the Airbnb platform. It’s a good choice if you fluctuate between hotels and Airbnbs and want a card that caters to both.
Other cards to consider: For more premium rewards, consider the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, which earns the same 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy but offers premium benefits like a $300 dining credit for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide each calendar year (up to $25 per month), complimentary Platinum Elite status and other premium perks for a $650 annual fee (see rates and fees). For a lower $95 annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card offers complimentary Silver Elite status with the ability to spend your way up to Gold Elite status.
Best for No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Autograph Card
Why we love this card: The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is an excellent card for maximizing common spending categories, including travel and Airbnb bookings. The card earns 3X points on dining, travel, gas, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans, plus it offers a short intro APR on purchases.
Who should have this in their wallet: The Wells Fargo Autograph is a great choice for travelers seeking a no-annual-fee card that earns high rewards on Airbnb bookings and a wide range of spending categories. The auto rental collision damage waiver also makes it a good choice if you’ll be renting a car on your travels.
Other cards to consider: If you want to earn 3X points on travel with an easy redemption structure and no annual fee, the Discover it® Miles card is a great alternative. The card earns 1.5X miles on all purchases, equivalent to 1.5% cash back. However, Discover matches all rewards earned during the first year, meaning you’ll earn 3X points on Airbnb bookings (and everything else).
Best for Travel Dining: American Express Gold Card
Why we love this card: When you’re staying at an Airbnb, you might want to cook your own meal—making the Amex Gold Card’s 4X points earned per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points) a great incentive. And if you don’t, you can earn 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points). You can also enjoy a monthly $10 dining statement credit when you use your Gold Card at at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (up to $120 annually).
Who should have this in their wallet: Anyone who prioritizes dining experiences—whether that’s cooking seasonal, local ingredients from a U.S. supermarket or trying out a renowned Michelin-star restaurant—when staying at an Airbnb will appreciate the points they earn with the Gold Card. The lack of foreign transaction fees also makes this a handy card for international travelers to have.
Other cards to consider: If you want a card that earns you more at grocery stores, consider the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. You’ll get 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1% back). The cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout. The Chase Sapphire Reserve also earns 3X points on dining and comes with more travel benefits.
Best $0 Liability Guarantee: Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
Why we love this card: Traveling and using your card in foreign locations opens you up to more chances of fraud, which is what makes the Bank of America Travel Rewards card’s $0 liability guarantee so comforting. In addition to that, you’ll earn 1.5X points on all purchases which you can then redeem as a statement credit to pay for dining and travel purchases—including Airbnb stays. This is also one of the few travel cards with a low introductory APR offer, which is great if you want to book an expensive trip and pay it off over time.
Who should have this in their wallet: If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% to 75% more points on each purchase depending on your status level, making this card an even better deal. Otherwise, it’s good for Airbnb travelers who want an easy rewards system that doesn’t require calculating points or tallying up purchases in certain categories.
Other cards to consider: One drawback of this card is the lack of travel benefits. If you want a card with more protections, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It does have a $95 annual fee, but you’ll earn more cash back on travel as well as get trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
Best Annual Travel Credit: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Why we love this card: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card comes with up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee and a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, giving you plenty of value to take advantage of on your next Airbnb excursion. While you can’t book an Airbnb stay through Capital One Travel you can, among the reward rates, earn 10X miles on rental cars and 5X miles on flights (both rates when booking through Capital One Travel), which should help offset some of your costs. You’ll also get access to Capital One Lounges, over 1,300 lounges in the Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group networks and special Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment offerings.
Who should have this in their wallet: If you’re a frequent traveler who will have no problem using up the travel credits, then this card is definitely worth the $395 annual fee. Having access to airport lounges on longer journeys will also make the card worthwhile.
Other cards to consider: If you’re more of a once-a-year Airbnb renter, a lower annual fee card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card would be a better pick. It still comes with a Global Entry or TSA Precheck credit every four years, as well as 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
What Is Airbnb?
Airbnb is an online platform that connects travelers with unique lodging options offered by hosts around the world. Users can book a place to stay in over 220 countries worldwide. What sets Airbnb apart is its diverse range of listings, which include entire homes, apartments, single rooms and even unconventional spaces like treehouses or houseboats. The site has expanded beyond traditional lodging, also offering experiences and activities hosted by locals.
Airbnb is popular among families and groups that need extra space as well as adventure travelers looking for unique experiences. Booking an Airbnb is often a cost-effective alternative to hotels, making it particularly attractive to budget-conscious travelers.
What Are the Benefits of Credit Cards for Airbnb?
Credit cards can offer significant advantages for Airbnb users, mainly rewarding and protecting your bookings. One notable benefit is the potential to earn rewards with every transaction. Many credit cards earn points or cash back on purchases. Depending on the credit card, you can redeem these rewards on future travel or offset the cost of your Airbnb booking.
Additionally, credit cards often come with travel insurance, providing users with a sense of security during their trips. This insurance may include coverage for trip cancellations and purchase protection, ensuring Airbnb guests have protection in unforeseen circ*mstances and can reimburse nonrefundable travel expenses. Furthermore, many credit cards offer purchase protection, safeguarding users against fraud. While Airbnb has policies that protect guests against fraudulent listings, this extra protection can provide added peace of mind.
What Are Airbnb Credit Card Reward Rates?
The highest credit card rewards on Airbnb bookings are offered by the American Express Green Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Ink Business Preferred. These three cards also offer various travel protections and waived foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad. Here’s a quick overview of all the cards we’ve highlighted in this list in order to easily compare rewards rates:
| Card Name | Rewards Rates |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | -3X points on travel worldwide, including Airbnb purchases -3X points on dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out -5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel -10X points on hotels (excluding The Edit) and car rentals booked through Chase Travel -10X points on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards -1X points on all other purchases Note, travel rewards kick in after first earning the $300 annual travel credit. |
| American Express Green Card | -3X points on travel, including Airbnb purchases -3X points on transit -3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. -1X points on all other purchases |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | -2X on general travel purchases, including Airbnb purchases -5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel -3X points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out -3X points on online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) -3X points on select streaming services -1X points on all other purchases |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | -2X miles on every purchase -5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| Ink Business Preferred Credit Card | -3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined category purchases each account anniversary year (travel; shipping purchases; advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines; internet, cable and phone services) -1X points on all other purchases |
| Citi Double Cash Card | -Up to 2% cash back: 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% back when you pay for your purchase |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card | -6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy -4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points) -2X points on all other eligible purchases |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Card | -3X points on travel, gas, transit, popular streaming services, phone plans and at restaurants -1X points on all other purchases |
| American Express Gold Card | -4X points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1X) -4X points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1X) -3X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com -2X points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com -1X points on all other eligible purchases |
| Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card | -1.5X points on all purchases -1.87X points on all purchases for Gold Tier Preferred Rewards members -2.25X points on all purchases for Platinum Tier Preferred Rewards members -2.62X points on all purchases for Platinum Honors Tier and Higher Preferred Rewards members |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | -10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel -5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel -2X miles on all other purchases |
How Do I Choose the Best Airbnb Credit Card for Me?
Choosing the best travel credit card for Airbnb depends on your travel needs and spending habits. There are also basic travel protections that can come in handy if you need to cancel a nonrefundable booking. Lastly, the type of rewards you’ll earn should be a significant factor when deciding on a credit card. Here’s a closer look at some of the features to consider when choosing the best Airbnb credit card.
Rewards Structure
When choosing a credit card for Airbnb bookings, look for one that offers generous rewards on travel purchases. As you can see above, the most rewarding credit cards for Airbnb spending include the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Green Card and Ink Business Preferred Credit Card. You may also want to choose a credit card that also aligns with your daily spending habits, offering bonus points on gas, groceries and dining. Doing so ensures you earn lots of rewards on your most common expenses, which you can then redeem toward future Airbnb bookings.
Redemption Options
On a similar note, you’ll want a card that makes redeeming points on Airbnb bookings straightforward and favorable. For example, the Capital One Venture earns 2X miles on all purchases. These miles are worth 1 cent each toward travel purchases, including Airbnb. You can also redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards points on Airbnb bookings at a rate of 1 cent per point. Are there better ways to redeem your points? Yes. But if you don’t care for complicated award redemption structures, then redeeming points for statement credits to cover your Airbnb bookings can make sense.
Travel Perks
Consider the supplementary perks and protections offered by a credit card, such as annual statement credits that can be applied toward your booking. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel statement credit you can use on Airbnb bookings. You should also consider a card that waives foreign transaction fees. Beyond lodging-specific perks, look for cards that offer freebies like airport lounge access, elite status and complimentary trusted traveler program application fees. Getting to your Airbnb can be a long, arduous journey at times, depending on where you’re traveling in the world. Why not get there in comfort without paying more for the privilege?
Travel Insurance
Many credit cards offer benefits like trip cancellation and interruption insurance. If you have to cancel your Airbnb reservation due to an illness, your credit card’s travel insurance will reimburse your nonrefundable booking. Other travel protections worth looking out for include primary rental car insurance, trip delay coverage and baggage protections. One of the best cards for travel protection is the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which provides coverage for all of the above.
Annual Fee
Many consumers get so carried away by a card’s benefits and potential rewards that they don’t consider the annual fee. You’ll want to consider whether you can afford to pay this fee every year. If not, you may want to consider the lower-annual-fee alternatives we’ve outlined above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Credit Card for Airbnb?
There is currently no Airbnb-branded credit card. However, you can still earn and redeem points on Airbnb stays by paying with a rewards credit card like the American Express Green Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Which Card Has Offers on Airbnb?
American Express and Chase have previously offered cash back deals on Airbnb bookings. Last year, Amex Offers had a promotion for $100 off a $500 Airbnb booking while Chase has previously allowed favorable redemption rates on Airbnb bookings through the Pay Yourself Back program.
How Do I Use Points on Airbnb?
You can use points or miles for Airbnb bookings with the American Express Green, Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture. All of these cards allow you to redeem toward travel purchases, including Airbnb bookings. If you have a cash back card, you can use your rewards toward a statement credit or request a check, depending on the card.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
