You can use Chase points for Airbnb through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, but not directly at checkout
Chase points do not work as a payment method inside the Airbnb app or website. Instead, you transfer your points to cash through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, then use that cash to book on Airbnb like any other guest. The conversion rate is typically 1 point = 1 cent, though some Chase cards offer better rates for specific categories.
The process takes a few minutes: log into your Chase account, go to the Ultimate Rewards section, select "Redeem Points," choose "Cash Back," and the money lands in your linked bank account within one to three business days. From there, you add it to your Airbnb payment method and book normally.
Key Takeaways
- Chase points convert to cash at 1 point per 1 cent through the Ultimate Rewards portal, then you use that cash on Airbnb like regular money.
- Some Chase cards earn bonus points on travel purchases, which may include Airbnb depending on how the card categorizes the booking.
- The cash conversion takes one to three business days to reach your bank account, so plan ahead if you want to book when ready.
- You cannot transfer Chase points directly to Airbnb or use them as a discount code at checkout.
Which Chase cards earn bonus points on Airbnb
Whether your Chase card earns bonus points on Airbnb depends on how Chase categorizes the purchase. The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve both earn 2x or 3x points on "travel," which includes hotels and some vacation rentals. Airbnb bookings sometimes fall into this category, but not always—Chase's system may code them as "other purchases" instead, earning only 1x point.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5x points on all purchases, so you get the same rate whether Airbnb codes as travel or not. The Chase Freedom Flex earns 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, but this applies only if you book the hotel or rental through that portal, not directly on Airbnb's website.
To know for certain whether a specific Airbnb booking will earn bonus points on your card, check your card's terms or contact Chase customer service before you book. The safest approach is to assume 1x points unless your card explicitly lists "vacation rentals" or "alternative lodging" as a bonus category.
How to convert Chase points to cash for Airbnb
Log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app. Navigate to the "Ultimate Rewards" or "Rewards" section—the exact name varies by card type. Select "Redeem Points" or "Redeem Your Rewards."
Choose "Cash Back" or "Statement Credit" from the redemption options. You will see your current point balance and the cash value at your card's conversion rate. Enter the number of points you want to redeem. Most cards allow you to redeem in increments of 100 points, though some allow smaller amounts.
Confirm the redemption. If you chose cash back, the money will deposit into the bank account linked to your Chase card within one to three business days. If you chose statement credit, it applies to your next statement automatically. Once the cash reaches your bank account, add it to your Airbnb payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account) and book as usual.
Comparing Chase points value across redemption options
| Redemption Option | Point Value | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cash back to bank account | 1 point = 1 cent (standard) | Flexibility; use the cash for anything, including Airbnb |
| Statement credit | 1 point = 1 cent (standard) | Reducing your credit card bill instead of moving money to the bank |
| Travel redemption through Chase portal | 1 point = 1.25 cents or more (varies by card) | Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cardholders; higher value if booking through the portal |
| Transfer to Chase travel partners | Varies by partner | Airline and hotel loyalty programs; usually lower value for Airbnb users |
The travel redemption option through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal sometimes offers better value than straight cash back—typically 1.25 cents per point instead of 1 cent. However, this only applies if you book a hotel or rental through the portal itself, not if you book on Airbnb's website directly. For Airbnb specifically, converting to cash and paying directly is usually your best option.
Timing: when the cash reaches your account
Cash back redemptions take one to three business days to appear in your linked bank account. If you redeem on a Friday evening, the money may not arrive until the following Tuesday or Wednesday. Statement credits explore when ready to your next billing cycle, but you cannot use them to pay Airbnb directly—they only reduce what you owe Chase.
Plan your redemption at least three to five business days before you want to book, to account for processing time and any delays. If you need to book urgently, statement credit is faster in the sense that it posts right away, but you would still need to transfer money from your bank account or use another payment method for Airbnb.
Alternative ways to pay for Airbnb with rewards
If you do not have a Chase card, or if your points are with another bank, you can still use rewards to pay for Airbnb. Most credit card rewards programs—American Express, Capital One, Discover, Bank of America—allow you to convert points to cash or statement credit the same way Chase does. The conversion rate is usually 1 point = 1 cent, though premium cards sometimes offer better rates.
Some people use a rewards credit card to book Airbnb directly, earning points on the purchase itself, then redeem those points later for cash or travel. This stacks rewards: you earn points on the booking, then convert them to cash for future trips. Over time, this approach can reduce your total travel costs significantly.
Airbnb also offers its own loyalty program, Airbnb Plus, which gives discounts and perks to frequent bookers, but it does not accept credit card points directly. You would need to pay with cash or a credit card, then earn Airbnb's own rewards separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Chase points directly as a payment method on Airbnb?
No. Chase points only work through the Ultimate Rewards portal, where you convert them to cash or statement credit. Airbnb does not accept Chase points as a payment option at checkout. You must redeem the points first, then use the resulting cash or credit card to pay Airbnb.
Do I earn bonus points if I book Airbnb through the Chase travel portal?
The Chase travel portal does not include Airbnb listings. You can only book hotels and some vacation rentals through that portal. If you book Airbnb directly on their website, your card's bonus category (if any) depends on how Chase codes the transaction—usually as "travel" or "other purchases."
What is the best Chase card for Airbnb bookings?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve are strong choices if Airbnb codes as travel on your account, since they earn 2x to 3x points. The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5x points on everything, so you get consistent rewards regardless of how the purchase is coded. Check your card's terms or contact Chase to confirm Airbnb qualifies for bonus points.
How long does it take for redeemed points to show up as cash?
Cash back redemptions typically take one to three business days to deposit into your linked bank account. Statement credits post when ready to your account but do not give you cash—they only reduce your credit card balance. Plan ahead if you want to book Airbnb soon after redeeming.
Can I use Chase points to pay for Airbnb experiences or activities?
Yes, if you convert your points to cash first. Airbnb Experiences are booked the same way as accommodations, so once you have cash in your account, you can use it for any Airbnb purchase, including activities and tours.