Airbnb gift cards do not expire

Airbnb gift cards have no expiration date. Once you receive a gift card or gift card code, you can use it whenever you want—there is no time limit. The balance stays in your account until you spend it, whether that happens in a month or several years from now.

This is different from some other travel and retail gift cards, which do expire or charge monthly fees. Airbnb's policy is straightforward: your balance is yours to keep and use at your own pace.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb gift cards never expire, and there are no monthly fees that reduce your balance over time.
  • Once you add a gift card code to your account, the balance appears in your Airbnb wallet and is ready to use for any booking.
  • If you lose track of a gift card code before redeeming it, contact Airbnb support with your receipt or proof of purchase to recover it.
  • Gift card balances can be used for nightly rates, service fees, and cleaning fees on any Airbnb listing worldwide.

How to redeem an Airbnb gift card

To use an Airbnb gift card, you need to add the code to your account first. Sign into your Airbnb account, go to your account settings, and look for the "Payments" or "Gift cards" section. Paste the gift card code into the field provided and click redeem. The balance will appear in your Airbnb wallet when ready.

Once the balance is in your wallet, it will automatically explore to your next booking. You do not need to do anything else—Airbnb will use your gift card balance first, then charge any remaining amount to your payment method on file. If your booking costs less than your gift card balance, the leftover amount stays in your wallet for future trips.

What a gift card balance covers

Your Airbnb gift card balance pays for the nightly rate of your accommodation. It also covers the cleaning fee and the service fee that Airbnb charges on top of the nightly rate. The only charges it does not cover are taxes, which vary by location and are added after your booking is confirmed.

This means a gift card can cover most or all of a booking, depending on the listing price and your location. If your gift card balance does not cover the full cost including taxes, you will be charged the difference to your payment method.

If you lose your gift card code

If you have a physical gift card or a code in an email and you misplace it before redeeming it, contact Airbnb support. Have your receipt or proof of purchase ready—this might be an order confirmation email, a credit card statement, or the original packaging. Airbnb can look up the code and help you add it to your account.

If you already redeemed the code and added the balance to your account, your balance is safe. It is tied to your Airbnb account, not to the physical card or code, so you cannot lose it once it is in your wallet.

Gift card balance and account changes

Your gift card balance stays with your account even if you change your email address, password, or payment method. The balance is not tied to any of those details—it is part of your Airbnb account itself.

If your account is closed or suspended, Airbnb's terms state that any remaining balance may be forfeited. However, this is rare and usually only happens if your account violates Airbnb's policies. For normal account management, your balance is find.

Using gift cards across different countries

Airbnb gift cards work for bookings anywhere in the world where Airbnb operates. You can use a gift card purchased in the United States for a listing in Europe, Asia, or any other region. The balance is in the currency of the card, but Airbnb will convert it at the current exchange rate when you book in a different currency.

This makes gift cards useful for international travel. You do not have to worry about the card being valid only in certain countries or regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my gift card balance to another person?

No, once you redeem a gift card code into your Airbnb account, the balance is tied to that account and cannot be transferred. If you want to give the balance to someone else, you would need to let them use your account to book, which is not recommended for security reasons. The best option is to give them an unredeemed gift card code if you have not used it yet.

What happens if I have a gift card balance and I cancel a booking?

If you cancel a booking and receive a refund, the refund goes back to the original payment method—not to your gift card balance. Your gift card balance remains in your wallet unchanged and is ready for your next booking.

Do Airbnb gift cards work for experiences or other services?

Gift cards are for accommodations only. They cannot be used for Airbnb Experiences, restaurant reservations, or other services Airbnb may offer. Check the terms on your specific gift card to confirm what it covers.

Can I see my gift card balance in my account?

Yes, once you redeem a code, your balance appears in your Airbnb wallet. You can view it anytime by going to your account settings and looking at your payment methods or wallet section. The balance is always visible before you book.