Home rentals are a popular alternative to hotels, and you may be considering an Airbnb for your next trip.
While the topic of the best credit cards for hotel stays gets a lot of attention, it’s a different matter for Airbnb stays. That’s especially true when you consider that hotel chains have their own credit cards, yet Airbnb does not.
If you’ve decided to go the Airbnb route, which rewards credit card should you use to make the purchase? Let’s take a closer look at your best options.
What is Airbnb?
If you’re unfamiliar with Airbnb, the site offers a wide variety of lodging options when traveling. In many cases, Airbnb provides privately owned rooms, apartments, houses, boathouses and hotel rooms. They’re available for both short- and long-term stays.
While prices are sometimes more affordable than equivalent hotel rooms, it should be noted that Airbnb is not exactly a hotel on a budget.
There are tradeoffs. Aspects such as room service, daily housekeeping and other full-service amenities aren’t usually found. However, if you are searching for unique accommodations or want the feeling of being in a home while away from home, Airbnb could be a good option.
Groups and those traveling with others also tend to prefer Airbnb, since it’s easy to reserve multi-bedroom lodging.
Beyond stays, Airbnb offers experiences. These can include tours, outdoor activities like whale watching, cooking classes or even a great photographer to snap photos for your social media during your next vacation.
Airbnb doesn’t have a loyalty program, so using the right credit card is the best way to make the most of these purchases.
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Related: Airbnb knows how you like to travel — and it’s using that data to help you book the perfect stay
Which credit card is best for Airbnb stays and experiences?
You may see some familiar names among the cards listed above. That’s because several of the best credit cards for Airbnb are on our list of the best credit cards for travel.
The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Earning rates on the top cards for Airbnb
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s May 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
A closer look at the best credit cards for Airbnb
Airbnb typically codes as “travel” on your credit card statement. This means it will trigger any bonus points or annual credits offered in the travel category. Here’s a deep dive into the best cards for Airbnb.
American Express Green Card
Some travel cards have more limited travel categories that don’t go beyond the scope of airfare and hotels. With the American Express Green Card’s broad travel bonus category, however, you’ll be sure to earn more than 1 point per dollar on Airbnb stays.
Annual fee: $150
Welcome offer: Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Airbnb earning rate: 3 points per dollar
Why we like it: The Amex Green is the most flexible Membership Rewards card when it comes to earning bonus points for every dollar spent on Airbnb.
Those 3 points equate to a 6% return on your spending, based on TPG’s May 2025 valuations. If you’re flying to get to your Airbnb, you can also take advantage of an up to $199 Clear Plus annual statement credit to make that process smoother. (Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.)
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Green Card.
Related: Is the Amex Green Card worth the annual fee?
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards is an excellent choice for those who value a straightforward earning rate on all purchases, including vacation rental bookings and anything else you buy.
Annual fee: $95
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Airbnb earning rate: 2 miles per dollar
Why we like it: In exchange for a $95 annual fee, this Capital One credit card earns you a flat 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases with Airbnb. This means you’re getting 3.7% back on your spending, per TPG’s May 2025 valuations.
You can also redeem your rewards to cover your Airbnb stay at a rate of 1 cent per mile. However, if you decide not to use your rewards for Airbnb bookings, you can use them to cover any travel purchases made with your card in the last 90 days or transfer them to one of 15-plus airline and hotel transfer partners.
To learn more, read our full review of the Venture Rewards.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Venture X card also offers a straightforward 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases not booked in the travel portal, including your next Airbnb booking. It offers more luxury perks than its lower-annual-fee counterpart, the Venture Rewards card.
Annual fee: $395
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Airbnb earning rate: 2 miles per dollar
Why we like it: The Venture X’s earning rates are simple, making this a solid option for those who don’t want to memorize multiple bonus categories.
Like with the Venture Rewards, you can redeem your Capital One miles to cover your Airbnb stay at 1 cent per mile. You can also use them to cover any travel purchases made with your card in the last 90 days or transfer them to a Capital One transfer partner.
The Venture X’s $395 annual fee is offset by its valuable perks, such as a $300 annual travel credit for Capital One Travel bookings, reimbursement for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, access to airport lounges (including Capital One’s growing network) and rental car elite status.
To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Sapphire Preferred boasts strong earning categories for a reasonable annual fee, making this one of our favorite travel cards on the market.
Annual fee: $95
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Airbnb earning rate: 2 points per dollar on all other travel
Why we like it: This card earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which TPG’s May 2025 valuations place at 2.05 cents apiece when you transfer to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners. Per our valuations, you’ll receive a 4.1% return on your spending when you use the Sapphire Preferred on Airbnb bookings.
Plus, you’ll receive a $50 annual hotel credit on bookings made through Chase Travel. It’s important to note Airbnb bookings aren’t available through the portal, so they aren’t eligible for this credit.
To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Sapphire Reserve is a solid premium option for anyone looking to collect Ultimate Rewards points on their Airbnb stays.
Annual fee: $550
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Airbnb earning rate: 3 points per dollar
Why we like it: First and foremost, you can use the card’s $300 travel credit toward a wide range of travel purchases, including Airbnb.
Plus, earning 3 points per dollar on Airbnb makes this card useful for earning points toward your purchases after the $300 credit is spent. Those 3 points equate to a 6.2% return based on TPG’s May 2025 valuations.
To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
For small-business owners looking for a solid return on their Airbnb purchases, the Ink Business Preferred is a great choice.
Annual fee: $95
Welcome offer: Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Airbnb earning rate: 3 points per dollar†
†On the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year in the following categories:
- Advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines
- Internet, cable and phone services
- Shipping purchases
- Travel, including Airbnb
Why we like it: This is another Chase card that earns a fantastic 3 points per dollar on travel, including Airbnb stays.
While this isn’t a consumer card, getting approved for a business card may be easier than you think.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.
Apply here: Ink Business Preferred
Prime Visa
How does the Amazon card make our list of the best cards for Airbnb? Two words: Gift cards. Airbnb gift cards are available on Amazon, and you can easily get 5% back this way.
Annual fee: $0; you must have an Amazon Prime membership
Welcome offer: Earn a $150 Amazon gift card immediately upon approval, exclusively for Prime members.
Airbnb earning rate: 5% back when purchasing Airbnb gift cards on Amazon
Why we like it: To maximize your cash back on Airbnbs with the Prime Visa, use this card to buy Airbnb gift cards. Then, use those cards to pay for your upcoming stay.
Note that Airbnb restricts, in fine print, the use of gift cards for long-term stays (28 days or more).
To learn more, read our full review of the Amazon Prime Visa.
Apply here: Prime Visa
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey is a solid option to earn bonus points on Airbnb stays for a modest annual fee.
Annual fee: $95
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Airbnb earning rate: 3 points per dollar
Why we like it: Expect to receive 3 points per dollar on purchases made with Airbnb when you pay with the Autograph Journey. Per TPG’s May 2025 valuation of Wells Fargo points at 1.6 cents per point, you’ll receive a 4.8% return on your spending.
Wells Fargo points can be transferred to seven transfer partners. While this list isn’t as long as some of its competitors, it does include valuable partners such as British Airways Club, Club Iberia Plus and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
To learn more, read our full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey.
Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
Maximizing your next Airbnb stay
One of the most important factors in making the most of your everyday spending is choosing the best travel rewards credit card for every purchase. This isn’t always an easy task, as some cards earn valuable transferable points while others give bonus points for certain categories of purchases. Deciding what is more important is a personal decision.
For any Airbnb stay, though, see if you can double dip. For instance, you can easily earn bonus points or miles with programs like British Airways Club, Delta SkyMiles or Qantas Frequent Flyer by clicking through their Airbnb shopping portals, regardless of what credit card you use to book.
These cards are all great options for Airbnb, but there are many others out there. For instance, if your local grocery store also sells Airbnb gift cards, you can use a card that earns bonuses at grocery stores to maximize your purchase. The same applies to office supply stores.
Since several credit cards offer annual travel credits, consider these as well. Using these credits can be a way to offset your travel costs when staying at Airbnb, since you can’t transfer your points to Airbnb for award bookings.
Related: Airbnb adds once-in-a-lifetime stays category and easier group booking tools
Bottom line
Airbnb is a great lodging option for trips, as the platform represents a nice alternative to traditional hotels. I’ve personally stayed in dozens of Airbnbs throughout my travels and usually favor them over chain hotels.
In addition to the unique properties you can book, some solid credit card options allow you to earn a decent haul of points or cash back. Just remember to review each listing’s cancellation policy and reviews carefully before booking.
Related: Our Airbnb host canceled our vacation rental at the last minute. Now what?
