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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
Renting an Airbnb this summer? Here are the best credit cards to use
Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
also contributed to this story
July 5, 2026 • 11 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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Quick summary
Airbnb does not have its own rewards program or cobranded credit card, so travelers should consider cards that offer bonus rewards on travel purchases or strong flat-rate earnings.
Most major travel rewards cards recognize Airbnb bookings as travel, but merchant coding can vary and affect reward eligibility.
Options include cards with transferable points, broad travel categories or straightforward flat-rate rewards, each catering to different traveler preferences.
Choosing the right card can help maximize the value of Airbnb stays through rewards that can be used for future travel.
What to consider
Reward rates and redemption options differ depending on the card and how Airbnb transactions are processed.
Some cards offer additional perks, such as travel credits or purchase protections, but these may not always apply to Airbnb bookings.
TPG's July 2026 valuations provide guidance on the relative value of various reward types.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of top credit cards for Airbnb, including their unique benefits, reward structures and tips for maximizing value on vacation rental bookings.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Airbnb can be a great alternative to hotels, but choosing the right credit card isn't as straightforward. Unlike Marriott, Hilton or Hyatt, Airbnb doesn't have its own cobranded credit card, so you'll want to use a card that either earns bonus rewards on travel purchases or offers strong flat-rate earnings.
Here are the best credit cards for Airbnb stays and why each one stands out.
Why choosing the right credit card for Airbnb matters
Unlike major hotel chains, Airbnb doesn't have its own rewards program or cobranded credit card. Instead, you'll generally want to use a card that either earns bonus rewards on travel purchases or offers a strong flat earning rate on every purchase.
The good news is that Airbnb bookings typically code as travel with major credit card issuers, allowing eligible travel rewards cards to earn bonus points or miles. However, merchant category coding isn't guaranteed, so rewards may vary depending on how the transaction is processed.
By choosing the right card for your Airbnb stays, you'll earn valuable rewards that can go toward future travels.
3 points per dollar spent (on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
*Rewards value is based on TPG's July 2026 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
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.
Plus, you'll receive a $100 annual hotel credit on bookings made through Chase Travel℠. It's important to note that Airbnb bookings aren't available through the portal, so they aren't eligible for this credit.
TPG credit cards editor Olivia Mittak recently used her Sapphire Preferred's hotel credit to cover a large chunk of an overnight stay after a concert in Bend, Oregon.
Some travel cards have more limited travel categories that don’t extend beyond airfare and hotels. With the Amex Classic Green's broad travel bonus category, however, you'll be sure to earn more than 1 point per dollar spent on Airbnb stays.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $150
Welcome offer: The card is no longer accepting applications, therefore it does not have a welcome offer.
Airbnb earning rate: 3 points per dollar spent
Why we like it: The Amex Classic Green is the most flexible Membership Rewards card for earning bonus points on every dollar spent on Airbnb.
Plus, if you’re flying to get to your Airbnb, you can take advantage of this card's up to $219 statement credit toward a Clear+ membership to make that process smoother. (Enrollment required; statement credit is offered each calendar year; subject to auto-renewal)
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey is a solid option for earning bonus points on Airbnb stays, with a modest annual fee.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $95
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Airbnb earning rate: 3 points per dollar spent
Why we like it: Expect to receive 3 points per dollar spent on purchases made with Airbnb when you pay with the Autograph Journey.
Wells Fargo points can be transferred to multiple transfer partners. While this list isn't as long as some of its competitors, it does include valuable partners such as British Airways Club, Iberia Club and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
The Capital One Venture Rewards is an excellent choice for those who value a straightforward earning rate on all purchases, including vacation rental bookings through Capital One Travel and other purchases.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $95
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus receive a $300 credit to use on hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year.
Airbnb earning rate: 2 miles per dollar spent
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.
You can also redeem your rewards to cover your Airbnb stay at 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.
The Venture X card also offers a straightforward 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases, including your next Airbnb booking. It offers more luxury perks than its lower-annual-fee counterpart, the Venture Rewards.
THE POINTS GUY
Annual fee: $395
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Airbnb earning rate: 2 miles per dollar spent
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.
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.
Tips for booking Airbnb with a credit card
Use a card that earns bonus rewards on travel whenever possible.
Check whether your card includes trip cancellation/interruption protections that may apply.
Review Airbnb's cancellation policy before booking.
Consider paying entirely with your credit card instead of gift cards if you want purchase protection.
Bottom line
The best credit card for Airbnb depends on how you value rewards.
