Yes, Airbnb sells gift cards you can give or use yourself
Airbnb offers gift cards in both digital and physical formats. You can buy them directly from Airbnb's website, from retail partners like Target and Walmart, or through third-party gift card sellers. The recipient can use the card balance toward any stay, experience, or service on the Airbnb platform — there are no restrictions on where they book or how much they spend per reservation.
Gift cards do not expire, so the person who receives one can use it whenever they want. The balance stays in their account until it runs out. If a stay costs more than the card balance, they can pay the difference with another payment method.
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb gift cards are sold in denominations ranging from $25 to $500 and can be purchased directly from Airbnb or from major retailers like Target and Walmart.
- Digital gift cards arrive by email within minutes, while physical cards ship to your address and take several business days to arrive.
- The recipient does not need an Airbnb account to receive a gift card, but they will need to create one to redeem it.
- Gift card balances never expire and can be combined with other payment methods if a booking costs more than the card value.
Where to buy Airbnb gift cards
The official Airbnb website lets you buy gift cards in amounts from $25 to $500. You choose the amount, add a personal message, and decide whether to send it digitally or by mail. Digital cards arrive within minutes; physical cards take five to seven business days.
Major retailers also sell Airbnb gift cards at their stores and websites. Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon all carry them in fixed denominations — typically $25, $50, $100, and $250. Buying from a retailer can be faster if you need a physical card the same day, since you can pick it up in-store rather than waiting for shipping.
Some grocery stores and pharmacies, including Kroger and CVS, stock Airbnb gift cards near the checkout or in their gift card section. Call ahead to confirm they have the denomination you want in stock.
Digital versus physical gift cards
Digital gift cards are sent by email and arrive within minutes. You can customize the message and choose the exact amount. This option works well if you are giving the card last-minute or to someone who lives far away. The recipient gets an email with a code they can use when ready.
Physical gift cards come in a printed envelope or box and ship to your address. They take five to seven business days to arrive. Physical cards are better if you want to hand the card to someone in person or include it with another gift. The card itself has the code printed on the back.
Both types work the same way once redeemed — the balance appears in the recipient's Airbnb account and can be used for any booking.
How to redeem an Airbnb gift card
The person who receives the gift card needs to create an Airbnb account if they do not already have one. They can sign up using an email address, phone number, or existing Google or Apple account.
Once logged in, they go to their account settings and select "Redeem a gift card." They enter the code from the email or the back of the physical card. The balance appears in their account when ready and is ready to use on any booking.
If the gift card code does not work, the recipient should check that they entered it correctly — codes are case-sensitive. If the code still does not work, they can contact Airbnb support with the code and the original email or card.
Using a gift card balance on a booking
When searching for a stay or experience, the recipient adds it to their cart and goes to checkout. Airbnb automatically applies the gift card balance to the total cost. If the booking costs less than the balance, the remaining amount stays in their account. If the booking costs more, they can pay the difference with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method on file.
Gift card balances can be split across multiple bookings. There is no minimum or maximum spend per reservation — the recipient can use $10 on one stay and $200 on another, or use the full balance on a single trip.
Gift card terms and what to know
Airbnb gift cards do not expire and have no hidden fees. The balance is good indefinitely. The card can only be used on Airbnb bookings and services — it cannot be transferred to another person's account or converted to cash.
If a gift card is lost or the code is forgotten, the recipient can contact Airbnb support with proof of purchase (the original email or receipt). Airbnb can sometimes reissue the code, but this depends on how the card was originally purchased and whether the purchase receipt is available.
Gift cards purchased from Airbnb's website are refundable within 30 days if unused. Gift cards bought from retailers like Target or Walmart follow that retailer's return policy, which usually allows returns within 30 to 90 days if the card has not been redeemed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Airbnb gift card to pay for an experience instead of a stay?
Yes. Airbnb gift cards work for experiences, activities, and other services on the platform, not just overnight stays. The recipient can use the balance however they want across any Airbnb offering.
What happens if I buy a gift card and the recipient never uses it?
The balance never expires. The recipient can use it months or years later without losing any value. If they lose the code, they can contact Airbnb support to recover it if they have the original purchase receipt.
Can I buy a gift card for a specific amount that is not a standard denomination?
Yes, but only through Airbnb's website. You can choose any amount from $25 to $500. Retail partners like Target and Walmart sell only fixed denominations like $25, $50, $100, and $250.
Do I need an Airbnb account to receive a gift card?
No. The recipient can receive the gift card code without an account. They will need to create one when they are ready to redeem it and make a booking.
Can I combine a gift card with another payment method on the same booking?
Yes. If the booking costs more than the gift card balance, Airbnb applies the full card balance first, then charges the remaining amount to another payment method the recipient has on file.