Home rentals are a popular alternative to hotels, and you may be considering an Airbnb for your next trip.
While the topic of the best credit cards for hotel stays gets a lot of attention, it’s a different matter for Airbnb stays. That’s especially true when you consider that hotel chains have their own credit cards, yet Airbnb does not.
If you’ve decided to go the Airbnb route, which rewards credit card should you use to make the purchase? Let’s take a look at your best options.
What is Airbnb?
If you’re unfamiliar with Airbnb, the site offers a wide variety of lodging options when traveling. In many cases, Airbnb provides privately owned rooms, apartments, houses, boathouses and hotel rooms. They’re available for both short- and long-term stays.
However, aspects such as room service, daily housekeeping and other full-service amenities aren’t usually found. But groups and those traveling with others also tend to prefer Airbnb, since it’s easy to reserve multi-bedroom lodging.
Related: Airbnb knows how you like to travel — and it’s using that data to help you book the perfect stay
The top cards for Airbnb
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s March 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.
American Express Green Card
Some travel cards have more limited travel categories that don’t extend beyond airfare and hotels. With the American Express Green Card’s broad travel bonus category, however, you’ll be sure to earn more than 1 point per dollar spent on Airbnb stays.
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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 when it comes to earning bonus points for every dollar spent on Airbnb.
Plus, if you’re flying to get to your Airbnb, you can also take advantage of an up to $209 statement credit toward a Clear+ membership to make that process smoother. (Enrollment required; 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?
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 and other purchases.
Annual fee: $95
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Plus, upon approval, you’ll receive a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use during your first 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.
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
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Sapphire Preferred boasts strong earning categories for a reasonable annual fee, making this one of our favorite travel cards on the market.
Annual fee: $95
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Airbnb earning rate: 2 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 $50 annual hotel credit on bookings made through Chase Travel℠. It’s important to note Airbnb bookings aren’t available through the portal, so they aren’t eligible for this credit.
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:
- 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
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey is a solid option to earn bonus points on Airbnb stays for a modest annual fee.
Annual fee: $95
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in 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
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.
Bottom line
Airbnb is a great lodging option for certain trips, offering a nice alternative to traditional hotels.
In addition to the unique properties you can book, some solid credit card options allow you to earn a decent haul of points or cash back. Just remember to review each listing’s cancellation policy and reviews carefully before booking.
Related: Our Airbnb host canceled our vacation rental at the last minute. Now what?
Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.
