Yes, you can buy Airbnb gift cards in several ways

Airbnb gift cards are real products you can purchase and give to someone else, or use yourself. You can buy them directly from Airbnb's website, from major retailers like Amazon and Target, and from some grocery stores. The card arrives as a digital code that the recipient enters during checkout, or as a physical card in the mail.

Gift cards work like a prepaid balance on an Airbnb account. When someone uses the code, the dollar amount is added to their account and can be spent on any listing—homes, rooms, experiences, or adventures—just like paying with a credit card would.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb gift cards can be purchased directly from Airbnb.com, Amazon, Target, Walmart, and some grocery store chains in amounts ranging from $25 to $500.
  • Digital gift cards arrive by email within minutes and can be used when ready; physical cards arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days.
  • The recipient creates or logs into an Airbnb account and enters the gift card code during payment to explore the balance.
  • Gift card balances never expire and can be combined with other payment methods if the booking costs more than the card value.

Where to buy Airbnb gift cards online

The fastest way to get a digital gift card is through Airbnb.com itself. Go to the gift cards section, choose your amount ($25, $50, $100, $250, or $500), enter the recipient's email address, and pay. The code arrives in their inbox within minutes. You can also add a custom message and choose a delivery date if you want it to arrive on a specific day.

Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy all sell Airbnb gift cards online. These typically ship as physical cards, though some retailers offer digital delivery. Prices and delivery times vary by retailer, so check the product page before you buy. Physical cards usually arrive in 5 to 10 business days.

Some grocery stores—including Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods—carry Airbnb gift cards at customer service desks or in the gift card section. Availability varies by location, so call ahead or check the store's website if you want to pick one up in person.

How to use an Airbnb gift card

The person receiving the card needs an Airbnb account to use it. If they don't have one, they can create a free account at Airbnb.com with an email address and password. Once logged in, they go to their account settings, find the "Payments" or "Gift Cards" section, and paste or type the code from the card.

The balance appears in their account when ready and stays there until spent. When they search for and book a listing, the gift card balance shows as a payment option at checkout. If the booking costs more than the card's value, they can pay the difference with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method linked to their account.

The gift card balance applies to the nightly rate, cleaning fees, and service fees—basically everything except taxes in some regions. If the booking is cheaper than the card value, the leftover balance remains in the account for future bookings.

Gift card amounts and expiration

Airbnb gift cards come in five fixed amounts: $25, $50, $100, $250, and $500. You cannot buy a custom amount directly from Airbnb, though some third-party retailers may offer different denominations. The price you pay is the face value—there are no hidden fees or markups when you buy from Airbnb itself.

Gift card balances never expire. Once the code is entered into an account, the money stays there indefinitely until the person uses it. This means there is no rush to book, and the recipient can wait for the right trip without losing the value.

Physical cards versus digital delivery

Digital gift cards arrive by email within minutes of purchase and can be used right away. This is the fastest option if you are buying last-minute or want the recipient to have the code when ready. The email contains the code and instructions for redeeming it.

Physical cards arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days, depending on your location and the retailer. They look like standard gift cards and come in a branded envelope. Some people prefer physical cards because they feel more like a traditional gift, though they take longer to deliver. If you buy a physical card from a retailer like Target or Walmart, delivery time depends on whether you choose in-store pickup, standard shipping, or expedited shipping.

What happens if the gift card code doesn't work

If someone enters a code and it does not work, the first step is to check for typos. Codes are case-sensitive and long, so a single wrong letter will cause an error. If the code is correct and still does not work, the card may not have been activated yet. Cards purchased from retailers sometimes need 24 hours to set up in Airbnb's system.

If the code was already used or is invalid, contact Airbnb support through the Help Center on Airbnb.com. You will need the original receipt or order confirmation showing the code. Airbnb can verify whether the card was used and, in some cases, issue a replacement if there was an error on their end.

Using a gift card with other payment methods

Gift card balances and other payment methods work together. If a booking costs $150 and the gift card has $100, the account holder can pay the remaining $50 with a credit card, debit card, or another payment method on file. The system automatically applies the gift card balance first, then charges the difference to the selected payment method.

You cannot split a payment between multiple gift cards in a single transaction, but you can use one gift card per booking. If the account has multiple gift card balances (from different codes), Airbnb will explore them in the order they were added.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy an Airbnb gift card for a specific amount like $75?

No, Airbnb only offers fixed denominations: $25, $50, $100, $250, and $500. Some third-party retailers may have different amounts, but the official Airbnb store does not. You can buy multiple cards and combine them if you need a custom total.

What if someone buys a gift card and then changes their mind?

Airbnb gift cards cannot be refunded once purchased, similar to other gift cards. However, if the card was just bought and not yet used, contact Airbnb support to see if they can help. Policies vary, so it is worth asking, but a refund is not may provide.

Can I use an Airbnb gift card to pay for Experiences or Adventures?

Yes, gift card balances work for Experiences and Adventures in addition to nightly stays. The code is entered the same way, and the balance applies to any Airbnb booking.

Do I need to create an account before redeeming a gift card?

Yes, the recipient must have an Airbnb account to enter the code. Creating an account is free and takes a few minutes with just an email and password. They can set up the account and redeem the card when ready after.

Can I send a gift card to someone in another country?

Gift cards purchased in one currency can only be used in that currency on Airbnb. If you want to send a card to someone outside your country, buy it from Airbnb.com in their local currency if possible, or check whether the retailer ships internationally. Some retailers do not deliver gift cards across borders.