You can use Chase points for Airbnb through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, but the redemption value and process depend on which Chase card you hold
Chase points convert to Airbnb credit through the Chase Ultimate Rewards website, where you can transfer points directly to your Airbnb account or book through the rewards portal. The redemption rate varies: some Chase cards offer 1 point per dollar spent on travel, while others earn at different rates depending on the category. When you redeem through the portal, Chase typically values each point at 1 cent, meaning 10,000 points equals $100 in Airbnb credit.
Not all Chase cards earn Ultimate Rewards points. Only cards in the Chase Sapphire, Chase Ink, and a few other premium product lines participate in the program. If your Chase card does not carry the Ultimate Rewards brand, you cannot transfer points to Airbnb through this method, though you may be able to redeem points for cash back and pay for Airbnb separately.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to Airbnb through the Chase rewards portal, where you can see the exact point-to-dollar conversion before you confirm.
- The redemption rate is typically 1 point equals 1 cent, but some premium Chase cards offer better rates when you book travel through their portal.
- Only Chase cards branded with Ultimate Rewards participate in this program; check your card's benefits guide to confirm your card is may be able to access.
- You can also redeem Chase points for cash back and use that money to pay Airbnb directly, which may offer better value on some cards.
Which Chase cards earn Ultimate Rewards points
The Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Chase Sapphire Prime all earn Ultimate Rewards points and allow transfers to Airbnb. The Chase Ink Business Preferred and Chase Ink Business Unlimited also participate. These cards typically earn 1 to 3 points per dollar depending on the spending category — for example, the Sapphire Preferred earns 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
If you hold a basic Chase card without the Ultimate Rewards label — such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited or an older Chase card — you cannot transfer points to Airbnb through the rewards portal. You can still redeem those points for cash back, statement credits, or gift cards, but Airbnb is not a direct transfer option. Check the benefits guide that came with your card or log into your Chase account online to see whether your card is branded Ultimate Rewards.
How to transfer points to Airbnb through Chase
Log into your Chase account and navigate to the Ultimate Rewards portal. Select "Redeem Points" and look for the travel or Airbnb option. Chase displays the current point-to-dollar conversion rate before you proceed — this is usually 1 point equals 1 cent, but premium cards sometimes offer 1.25 or 1.5 cents per point when you book through the portal. Choose the amount of points you want to redeem and confirm the transfer.
The points typically post to your Airbnb account within one to three business days. Once they arrive, log into Airbnb, go to your account settings, and look for "Credits" or "Payments" to see the balance. You can then use that credit toward any Airbnb booking. If the credit does not appear after three days, contact Chase customer service with your confirmation number from the redemption.
Comparing point value: portal redemption versus cash back
The value of your points depends on how you redeem them. Through the Chase portal, 1 point typically equals 1 cent when you book Airbnb, meaning 10,000 points gives you $100 in credit. Some premium cards like the Sapphire Reserve offer 1.5 cents per point when you book travel through the portal, which would make those same 10,000 points worth $150 instead.
If you redeem for cash back instead, most Chase cards offer 1 cent per point — the same as the standard portal rate. However, some cards offer bonus cash back in specific categories. For example, if your card earns 5 percent cash back on a particular category and you can purchase an Airbnb gift card in that category, you might come out ahead by redeeming for cash and buying the gift card separately. Compare the redemption rates in your card's benefits guide before you decide.
What happens if your Chase card does not have Ultimate Rewards
If your card is not part of the Ultimate Rewards program, you cannot transfer points directly to Airbnb. Your options are to redeem points for cash back or a statement credit, then pay Airbnb with that money, or to use a different payment method and earn points on the Airbnb purchase itself if your card offers bonus categories for travel or dining.
Some older Chase cards or co-branded cards (like airline or hotel cards) have their own rewards programs that do not connect to Ultimate Rewards. Check your card's terms to see whether you can transfer points to travel partners. If your card does not offer Airbnb as a redemption option and does not have a transfer partner program, redeeming for cash back is usually the most straightforward path.
Airbnb gift cards as an alternative
You can also redeem Chase points for cash back, then use that cash to purchase an Airbnb gift card from Airbnb's website or from a third-party retailer. This approach works with any Chase card that offers cash back redemption, not just Ultimate Rewards cards. The value is the same — you get the cash equivalent of your points — but it adds an extra step.
Airbnb gift cards do not expire and can be used toward any booking on the platform. If you plan to book Airbnb multiple times, buying a gift card with your cash back can be a convenient way to keep that credit separate from your main payment method. However, if you only book Airbnb occasionally, redeeming points directly through the Chase portal is faster and requires no extra purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chase points expire if I do not use them?
Chase Ultimate Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close your card or account, you typically lose any remaining points. Check your card's terms for specific rules about account closure and point forfeiture.
Can I transfer Chase points to someone else's Airbnb account?
No. Points must be redeemed from your own Chase account and transferred to your own Airbnb account. You cannot transfer points to another person's account, though you could redeem for cash back and give them the money to book separately.
What if I have multiple Chase cards with Ultimate Rewards?
You can combine points from multiple Ultimate Rewards cards into a single Airbnb transfer if your accounts are linked under the same Chase login. Log into your account, view your total points balance, and redeem from there. Points from cards under different Chase logins cannot be combined.
Is there a minimum number of points I need to transfer to Airbnb?
Chase typically requires a minimum of 1,000 points to redeem through the portal, though this can vary by card. Check the redemption screen in your account to see the minimum for your specific card.
Do I earn points on Airbnb bookings if I pay with Chase points?
No. When you redeem Chase points for Airbnb credit, that transaction does not earn additional points. You only earn points on purchases made with the physical card or its digital version.