Booking an Airbnb instead of a hotel can save you money — but the right credit card can save you even more. Most travel rewards cards code Airbnb as "travel," which means you can earn bonus points or cashback on every booking. The trick is choosing a card that matches your spending habits and credit profile.
Here's what to look for in an Airbnb-friendly credit card. If you are also shopping for a card to cover the airfare portion of the trip, see our guide to the best credit cards for booking flights to make sure you pair the right travel card with your Airbnb spend. If you prefer traditional hotels, compare welcome offers in our Best Western credit card bonus review — it is one of the easier-to-qualify hotel card bonuses for people still growing their score.
Why Airbnb Spending Deserves a Travel Card
Airbnb bookings can run several hundred to several thousand dollars per trip. If your card earns 1% on those purchases instead of 3% or 5%, you're leaving real money on the table.
Most major issuers — Chase, Capital One, American Express — categorize Airbnb under their travel bonus categories. That means a card earning 3x points on travel will earn 3x on your Airbnb stays automatically. No activation needed.
What to Look For in an Airbnb Card
Focus on these features when comparing cards:
- Travel category bonus. Look for cards that earn at least 2x or 3x points on travel.
- No foreign transaction fees. If you Airbnb internationally, this saves you 3% on every charge.
- Travel insurance perks. Some cards include trip cancellation, lost baggage, or rental car coverage.
- Flexible redemption. Points you can transfer or use as statement credit are more valuable than locked-in rewards.
Top Card Categories for Airbnb Bookings
Premium travel cards (Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture) earn the most on travel and come with valuable insurance. They usually carry an annual fee around $95.
No-annual-fee travel cards (Capital One VentureOne, Bank of America Travel Rewards) are a solid pick if you don't travel often enough to justify a fee.
Cashback cards with rotating categories (Chase Freedom Flex, Discover it) sometimes feature travel as a quarterly bonus — useful if you book a few trips per year.
What If You're Still Building Credit?
Most travel rewards cards require good or excellent credit (670+). If your score is lower, you have two paths:
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Build your credit first. Use a secured credit card or credit-builder card responsibly for 6–12 months. Once your score crosses 670, apply for a travel card.
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Use a beginner-friendly cashback card. Cards like the Petal 2 Visa or Discover it Secured earn cashback on all purchases, including Airbnb. If you're rebuilding from bad credit and still want travel rewards, the Aspire Mastercard offers up to 3% cashback on common travel-adjacent expenses like gas and dining — helpful for funding trips while you rebuild.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. Prequalify* For Up To $1000 Credit Limit. No security deposit. Packed with great benefits, it’s designed to give you more flexibility—and purchasing power—along with up to 3% cash back rewards!** Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, it’s the go-to card for any lifestyle.
Standout feature
Up to 3% cashback rewards
Fees
$49 to $175; after that $0 to $49 annually; - $60 to $159 annually billed at $5 to $12.50 per month after the first year.
Pros
No Deposit Required. Prequalify for up to $1000 credit limit
Cons
High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
Perpay Credit Card
Perpay Credit Card
Meet the only card powered by your paycheck. With automatic transfers from your paycheck, you can manage payments stress-free and build credit with ease.
Fee
$9/month plus $9 account opening fee
APR
Marketplace: 0% / Credit Card: 27.74% to 29.99% depending on your creditworthiness.
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
2% reward on purchases made in Perpay Marketplace
Benefit
2% rewards, no security deposit
A Few Smart Booking Tips
Always book Airbnb directly through the platform — third-party sites usually disqualify you from earning travel category bonuses. Pay the full amount with one card to maximize points. And if you're charged in a foreign currency, choose to be billed in the local currency (your card's exchange rate will almost always beat Airbnb's).
The Bottom Line
The best credit card for Airbnb stays earns travel rewards, has no foreign transaction fees, and matches your credit profile. If you have good credit, a flexible travel rewards card pays back the most. If you're still building credit, a no-fee cashback card lets you start earning today while you work toward something bigger.
Learn more about building credit with Firstcard so you can qualify for the rewards cards you actually want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which reward category is best for Airbnb bookings? A: Travel category rewards are ideal for Airbnb stays. Most major card issuers classify Airbnb bookings as travel, so a card earning 3x points on travel will earn 3x on your Airbnb booking automatically, without needing to activate or register the purchase.
Q: Can I use travel credits for Airbnb purchases? A: Yes, many premium travel cards offer annual travel credits that can be used for Airbnb stays, airline tickets, hotels, and other travel expenses. These credits often offset the card's annual fee, making premium travel cards more valuable than they appear.
Q: Do I need to worry about foreign transaction fees when using Airbnb abroad? A: Absolutely. International Airbnb bookings incur a 3% foreign transaction fee on most standard cards. Travel rewards cards often waive this fee, saving you significant money on overseas stays. Always check a card's foreign transaction fee policy before booking internationally.
Q: How do I build credit while earning Airbnb rewards? A: If your credit score is below 670, start with a secured credit card or credit-builder card. Use it responsibly for 6–12 months while making small purchases and paying on time. Once your score improves, you'll qualify for premium travel rewards cards that offer better Airbnb earnings.
Q: Is there a difference between Airbnb and hotel credit cards? A: Most travel rewards cards treat Airbnb and hotels the same—both earning the travel category bonus. However, some cards offer specific hotel chain bonuses (like Hyatt or Marriott) that won't apply to Airbnb. Choose a flexible travel card that rewards all travel, not just specific hotel chains.
