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.
Best cards for Airbnb stays
| Card |
Airbnb earning rate | Rewards type | Value of rewards* | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3 points per dollar spent |
Chase Ultimate Rewards points |
6.2 cents |
$95 |
|
|
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) |
Chase Ultimate Rewards points |
6.2 cents |
$95 |
|
|
3 points per dollar spent |
Membership Rewards points |
6 cents |
$150 |
|
|
3 points per dollar spent |
Wells Fargo Rewards points |
5.25 cents |
$95 |
|
|
2 miles per dollar spent |
Capital One Venture miles |
3.7 cents |
$95 |
|
|
2 miles per dollar spent |
Capital One Venture miles |
3.7 cents |
$395 |
*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.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Sapphire Preferred boasts strong earning categories for a reasonable annual fee, making it one of our favorite travel cards year after year.
Annual fee: $95
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Airbnb earning rate: 3 points per dollar spent
Why we like it: This card earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be transferred to one of Chase’s travel partners.
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.
To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
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 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Airbnb earning rate: 3 points per dollar spent**
**On the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year in the following categories, then 1 point per dollar spent:
- 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 spent 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
American Express Green Card
Some travel cards have more limited travel categories that don’t extend beyond airfare and hotels. With the Amex Green’s broad travel bonus category, however, you’ll be sure to earn more than 1 point per dollar spent 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 spent
Why we like it: The Amex 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 $209 statement credit toward a Clear+ membership to make that process smoother. (Enrollment required; statement credit is offered each calendar year; subject to auto-renewal)
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Green Card.
Related: Is the Amex Green Card worth the annual fee?
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey is a solid option for earning bonus points on Airbnb stays, with a modest annual fee.
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.
To learn more, read our full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey.
Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
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 through Capital One Travel and other purchases.
Annual fee: $95
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: 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.
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 most purchases, including your next Airbnb booking. It offers more luxury perks than its lower-annual-fee counterpart, the Venture Rewards.
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.
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
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.
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.
Travelers who want to maximize points will likely get the most from cards like the Sapphire Preferred or Amex Green, while those who prefer simplicity may be better served by the Capital One Venture Rewards or Venture X.
Regardless of which card you use, paying with a rewards credit card can help you earn valuable points on your next vacation rental.
Related: Our Airbnb host canceled our vacation rental at the last minute. Now what?
