When I book an Airbnb—or guide others to do so—I always keep one goal in mind: maximizing travel rewards without sacrificing convenience. In 2025, alternative accommodations are more popular than ever, and a recent global lodging survey suggested that nearly 60% of frequent travelers mix hotels with short-term vacation rentals. Since Airbnb doesn’t have its own program, it’s crucial to find a credit card that classifies your stays as eligible travel expenses. This way, you can make the most of every night away, whether it’s a cozy cottage in the mountains or an urban loft in a global metropolis.
Airbnb properties can offer excellent value, especially for families or groups looking to split costs. I’ve noticed that staying in a shared condo downtown often beats paying for two or three separate hotel rooms. Beyond the cost factor, the unique nature of these rentals—think local neighborhoods and homey touches—makes travel feel more immersive.
Even though Airbnb isn’t linked to a major loyalty program, many credit card issuers do classify these stays under travel. According to industry data from earlier this year, roughly 70% of major fintechs and banks treat Airbnb bookings similarly to hotels, unlocking the potential for bonus points or miles. From a practical standpoint, it pays to verify your specific card’s terms—some classify vacation rentals differently. But if you choose wisely, your Airbnb can generate a tidy stack of rewards points to offset future flights.
In my experience, a key to success here is reviewing your goals. Do you prefer straightforward cashback, or do you want to rack up miles that you can easily transfer across multiple airline programs? That decision alone can make all the difference when it comes to your next big redemption.
I’ve always found this card refreshingly simple. It earns two miles per dollar on almost every purchase, and that includes Airbnb stays. In my daily spending, such uniform earning rates mean I never have to wonder if a purchase is coded as travel, dining, or miscellaneous. Everything just works.
Earlier this year, I saw a traveler use Venture miles to wipe out the cost of a luxury villa stay while visiting the Amalfi Coast. At one cent per mile, it was an elegant redemption that showed me how no-hassle rewards can feel like a mini travel windfall. If you’re the type who’d rather not juggle bonus categories, this card could be the sweet spot. According to a 2025 industry analysis, simplicity remains a compelling factor for about 40% of cardholders who rely on travel rewards.
Practical tip: Always double-check your redemption options. With Venture, points can be redeemed for travel purchases or transferred to airline partners. If you want to keep things quick and straightforward, the ability to use miles to “erase” your Airbnb charges is a stress-free solution.
I’ve grown to appreciate the Reserve for its premium benefits: lounge access, annual travel credits, and robust travel insurance coverage. While my personal preference is to apply those travel credits toward flights or hotel stays, they also help offset Airbnb costs. This card typically offers three points per dollar on travel, which can add up fast when you’re booking extended stays or high-value accommodations.
During my research, I came across a traveler who booked an Airbnb for a two-week workcation in Japan. By charging this to the Sapphire Reserve, they accrued a hefty sum of Ultimate Rewards points. Then, they transferred these points to a partner airline to fund a first-class flight home. That kind of rewards synergy demonstrates the power of flexible bank programs.
From a data perspective, Chase’s Ultimate Rewards portal often values points at 1.5 cents each for Sapphire Reserve cardholders. So that Airbnb booking can effectively boost the value of your earnings when you redeem through the portal. If you’re comfortable navigating a premium card’s annual fee, the Reserve offers some of the best all-around travel protection and reward rates out there.
When the American Express Green card got its facelift not long ago, I was intrigued. Earning three Membership Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining means Airbnb stays can rack up rewards quickly. In my own usage, I’ve noticed that these points transfer seamlessly to numerous airline partners—a boon if you’re a mile-chaser who likes to chase specific redemption sweet spots.
While some travelers stick to cashing out their Amex points, transferring to airline programs can be more lucrative if you’re aiming for a premium cabin award. For instance, this year, I saw a friend book a business-class flight from Los Angeles to Paris for just 60,000 points, made possible with an American Express transfer bonus timed perfectly. That single redemption would have cost thousands if he’d paid cash.
Of course, be aware of nuances. Amex occasionally excludes certain booking platforms or categories, so confirm your Airbnb is coded as travel. Also, watch out for annual fee considerations and foreign transaction fees if you’re booking overseas. Nonetheless, the Green card remains a flexible travel companion with broad perks.
If you lean toward a straightforward approach—no fuss, just consistent earnings—Double Cash is a classic. You get 2% back (1% when you buy, plus 1% when you pay). For many travelers I’ve advised, simplicity is key, especially if they’re combining Airbnb bookings with everyday bills.
But here’s the clever twist: If you also hold a Citi card that allows ThankYou Points transfers, such as the Citi Premier, those cash rewards can be converted into points. For example, I once watched someone turn their Double Cash earnings into points that funded a last-minute cross-country flight via a transfer to a frequent flyer program. It’s a level of flexibility that many cash-back cards lack.
Real-world anecdote: A friend of mine recently used Double Cash alongside a Citi Premier to offset half the cost of a multi-destination Airbnb tour throughout Southeast Asia. By converting the cashback to points, they managed to pool enough for a sizable flight redemption. Whether you want pure cashback or the flexibility of points, Double Cash keeps it simple while letting you dip into advanced redemption strategies when you’re ready.
Bank of America’s Premium Rewards card can net you up to two points per dollar on travel purchases, which extends to Airbnb. If you maintain an eligible Bank of America checking or savings relationship, you can boost those earnings further. In 2025, many travelers are diversifying their rewards strategy, and this card can align neatly with a broader financial plan.
Meanwhile, niche cards like Wells Fargo Autograph and U.S. Bank Altitude Connect also classify Airbnb as travel, offering competitive rates. I’ve seen families who frequent cabin rentals in national parks rely on these cards to chip away at those large vacation charges. Under the hood, it’s all about balancing the cards’ annual fees, their various travel protections, and potential for statement credits.
For maximum value, research each issuer’s redemption portal. Some folks prefer the straightforward “erase travel purchases” method, while others thrive on transferring points to airline or hotel partners. And I always emphasize: watch for rotating sign-up bonuses that might significantly lower your travel expenses through upfront rewards.
Choosing the right credit card for Airbnb in 2025 can mean the difference between scoring a free flight or leaving valuable points on the table. By leveraging the way each card categorizes Airbnb as travel and making sure you time out your redemptions effectively, you can transform your everyday adventures into big travel wins. Rewards programs are constantly evolving, so what works today might shift tomorrow—but that’s part of the fun, especially if you stay informed.
Whether you favor simplicity, robust premium perks, or flexible points transfers, there’s a card out there to align with your lifestyle. As card issuers update their benefits and add partnerships each year, I recommend revisiting your travel rewards strategy regularly. It’s one of the best ways to ensure you’re still getting the maximum edge for your Airbnb stays.
Every time I see a new travel credit card launch, I’m reminded of the future-driven world that shaped my fascination with points. In today’s AI-fueled era, the lines separating miles, points, and digital perks are getting blurrier—and more rewarding. That’s why I keep my eyes peeled for cards that adapt to alternative accommodations like Airbnb.
This conversation isn’t just about collecting perks; it’s about connecting dots between each stay and the next big journey. The right card can make all those nights add up to something extraordinary, whether it’s a first-class seat halfway across the globe or simply a discount on Home Sweet Airbnb.
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