5 Best Credit Cards for Airbnb

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated October 3, 2025

Finding the right credit card can make booking an Airbnb stay more rewarding and cost‑effective. Some cards treat Airbnb like hotel purchases, which means they can earn extra points or cash back on each reservation. With the right choice, travelers can cover part of their trip, save money, and unlock valuable perks that make every stay easier to afford.

  • Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

    The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is a simple option for travelers who want flexible points. It works well for Airbnb stays because purchases are categorized as travel. This card focuses on straightforward rewards without adding extra complications.

    Earning Structure:

    • 1.5x points per $1 spent on all purchases
    • 3x points per $1 when booking through the Bank of America® Travel Center

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 18.24%–28.24% Variable
    • Other benefits: Travel-friendly features, access to Preferred Rewards boosts
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flat-rate rewards on every purchase
    • Extra points through Bank of America Travel Center
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Flexible redemption options

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel purchases, including Airbnb, or for statement credits, gift cards, and other options.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 690–850, to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The flat 1.5x rate may feel low compared with cards that offer higher multipliers in specific categories.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    The card is easy to manage since rewards are simple and do not require tracking rotating categories.

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a travel card designed for people who prefer simple earning and flexible redemption. It works well for frequent travelers who want to earn rewards without tracking complicated bonus categories.

    This card is widely accepted and offers straightforward travel perks, including Airbnb stays that code as travel purchases. It offers access to Capital One’s airline and hotel partners for those seeking better value from their miles.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x miles on every purchase, including Airbnb purchases
    • 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after they spend $4,000 in the first three months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • APR: Variable, typically around 19.99%–29.24%
    • Other benefits: Travel accident insurance, extended warranty, rental car coverage
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Flat-rate rewards on all purchases
    • Extra miles on bookings through Capital One Travel
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Flexible redemption options
    • Access to transfer partners

    Redemption Options:

    You can use miles to cover Airbnb bookings and other travel purchases, with each mile worth 1 cent toward your stay.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, typically with a score of 690–850.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has an annual fee and does not offer higher rewards for categories like dining or groceries.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its simple earning structure and flexible redemption make it easy for new travelers to use without confusion.

  • Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

    The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a flat-rate cash back card designed for simple rewards. It gives cardholders an easy way to earn on every purchase without tracking categories.

    This card is often compared to other 2% cash back cards but stands out with its straightforward design. It works well for travelers booking Airbnb stays since purchases are treated like hotel charges.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2% cash back on all purchases, including Airbnb purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a cash rewards bonus of $200 when they spend $500 in the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Cell phone protection, Visa Signature perks
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Cash back
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Redemption minimums: $25 for most options

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flat 2% cash back on all spending
    • Simple rewards program with no categories
    • Cell phone protection with eligible payments
    • Accepted worldwide as part of the Visa network

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be applied as a statement credit to cover Airbnb stays.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need a FICO score of 690–850 to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges a foreign transaction fee, which makes it less ideal for frequent international travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its flat rewards rate and no annual fee make it simple for new cardholders to use without managing complex reward structures.

  • Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

    The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card is a $0 annual fee credit card that focuses on everyday spending categories. It is designed to give cardholders flexibility without requiring complex reward tracking.

    This card is ideal for those looking to earn points on everyday purchases such as dining, travel, and streaming, including Airbnb stays. It also provides built-in protections that add value for travelers and frequent shoppers.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on dining
    • 3x points on travel, including Airbnb rentals
    • 3x points on gas stations, transit, and streaming services
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    The card usually provides a welcome bonus of 20,000 points for new applicants who spend $1,000 in the first three months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Cell phone protection, travel protections
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Points-based rewards card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Bonus points in multiple everyday categories
    • Travel and purchase protections included
    • Works well for both domestic and international use

    Redemption Options:

    Points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed as a statement credit to cover Airbnb stays.

    Credit Requirements:

    The card requires a credit score of 690–850 to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card does not offer elevated rewards for Airbnb bookings specifically, but travel purchases still earn bonus points.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It is simple to use, has no annual fee, and covers common spending categories that many new cardholders find valuable.

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a mid-level travel card designed for people who want solid rewards without paying for a premium card. It works well for travelers who want flexible points that can be used in different ways.

    This card offers a balance of strong earning rates and useful travel protections, with Airbnb bookings earning points since they code as travel.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • 3x points on dining and select streaming services
    • 3x points on online groceries
    • 2x points on other travel purchases, including Airbnb
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • APR: Variable, typically around 19.99%–28.24%
    • Other benefits: Built-in travel protections, purchase coverage
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Valuable travel protections
    • Flexible point transfer to travel partners
    • Strong earning rates on travel and dining
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed at 1 cent each as a statement credit to offset Airbnb purchases.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, often starting around a 690 score or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has an annual fee and does not include premium perks like airport lounge access.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides strong rewards and simple redemption options, making it easy for new travelers to maximize value without dealing with complex rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top credit cards that offer the best rewards for Airbnb bookings?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture Rewards both treat Airbnb as travel, allowing cardholders to earn bonus points or miles on each stay. The Wells Fargo Autograph also earns extra points on travel, including Airbnb rentals. For flat rewards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash gives 2% back on Airbnb purchases.

Which credit cards provide special offers or discounts when booking through Airbnb?

There are no co-branded Airbnb credit cards with built-in discounts. However, certain travel cards, like Chase Sapphire Preferred, allow users to redeem points for Airbnb stays through travel statement credits. Some issuers also run limited-time promotions that can apply to Airbnb purchases.

How do Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders benefit from using their card on Airbnb?

Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders earn 2x points on Airbnb since it codes as travel. They can redeem points at 1.25 cents each through the Chase travel portal or as a statement credit. This makes the card a flexible choice for Airbnb stays.

Are there any credit cards that allow you to purchase Airbnb gift cards with bonus points or cash back?

Some cards offer elevated rewards at grocery stores or office supply stores, where Airbnb gift cards may be sold. For example, cards that give 3x or 5x points at supermarkets can indirectly boost rewards when buying Airbnb gift cards. The rewards depend on the store category, not Airbnb itself.

Does Capital One offer cash back for transactions made on Airbnb?

Yes, the Capital One Venture Rewards earns 2x miles on Airbnb stays since they are treated as travel purchases. Those miles can then be redeemed as a statement credit to cover Airbnb charges. This makes it a straightforward option for frequent Airbnb users.