Yes, Airbnb sells gift cards you can buy and send to others

Airbnb offers gift cards that work like account credit. When someone receives a gift card, the dollar amount is added to their Airbnb account and they can use it toward any booking on the platform — accommodations, experiences, or restaurant reservations through Airbnb's services. The gift card itself has no expiration date once it's been redeemed into an account, though the terms of service do specify conditions around the card itself before redemption.

You can purchase Airbnb gift cards directly from Airbnb's website, through their mobile app, or from certain retail partners. The cards come in fixed denominations and digital formats, making them straightforward to buy and deliver.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb gift cards can be purchased in set dollar amounts through Airbnb.com, the Airbnb app, or select retailers, and the credit never expires once added to an account.
  • Digital gift cards are delivered by email when ready after purchase, while physical cards ordered through retailers arrive by mail.
  • The recipient must have an Airbnb account to redeem a gift card, though they can create one for free at any time.
  • Gift card credit can be used for any Airbnb booking, including stays, experiences, and restaurant reservations.
  • Airbnb gift cards cannot be refunded, transferred to another account, or converted back to cash once purchased.

Where to buy Airbnb gift cards

The easiest place to buy an Airbnb gift card is directly from Airbnb.com. Go to the gift cards section, select your amount, and choose whether you want a digital card (sent by email) or a physical card (mailed to an address). Digital cards arrive within minutes; physical cards typically take 5 to 10 business days depending on your location.

You can also purchase Airbnb gift cards through the Airbnb mobile app using the same process. The app lets you buy and send a digital card in just a few taps.

Some retail stores and online retailers carry Airbnb gift cards as well. Availability varies by region and retailer, so check with major retailers in your area if you prefer to buy in person. When you buy from a retailer, you typically receive a code that you then redeem on Airbnb's website or app.

How to redeem an Airbnb gift card

To redeem a gift card, the recipient needs an Airbnb account. If they don't have one, they can create a free account at Airbnb.com or through the app in under a minute using an email address or phone number.

Once logged in, the recipient goes to their account settings, finds the "Redeem a gift card" or "Add funds" section, and enters the gift card code. The credit is added to their account when ready and appears as a balance they can use toward any booking. The recipient doesn't need to enter payment information to redeem — the code itself is all that's required.

If the recipient receives a physical gift card in the mail, they'll find a code printed on the card. They use that same code to redeem it online or in the app.

Gift card amounts and what they cover

Airbnb gift cards are sold in fixed denominations. Common amounts include $25, $50, $100, and $250, though the exact options available depend on your region and whether you're buying digital or physical cards. Some retailers may offer different denominations.

Once redeemed, the credit can be used toward the full cost of any Airbnb booking — accommodations, experiences (like tours or classes), or restaurant reservations through Airbnb Restaurants. If a booking costs more than the gift card balance, the recipient can pay the difference with another payment method. If the booking costs less, the remaining balance stays in their account for future use.

What happens if the gift card is lost or not redeemed

If a digital gift card code is lost before it's redeemed, contact Airbnb support with proof of purchase and they may be able to help recover it. Physical cards that are lost or damaged before redemption should also be reported to Airbnb with your receipt.

Gift card codes do not expire before redemption in most regions, though Airbnb's terms vary by location. Once the code is redeemed and the credit is added to an account, that credit has no expiration date and can be used whenever the account holder chooses.

Airbnb does not refund gift cards once purchased, and the credit cannot be transferred to another account or converted to cash. The card is a one-way transfer of funds to the recipient's Airbnb account only.

Using gift card credit across Airbnb services

Gift card credit works the same way as any other payment method in an Airbnb account. When the recipient searches for and books a stay, experience, or restaurant reservation, they'll see their available balance at checkout and can choose to use it to cover part or all of the cost.

The credit applies to the total booking price, including the nightly rate (for stays), the activity fee (for experiences), or the meal cost (for restaurants). Taxes and service fees are included in what the credit covers — it's not limited to the base price alone.

If the recipient has multiple payment methods on file, they can choose which one to use at checkout. Airbnb will typically explore the gift card credit first if it's available, then charge any remaining balance to another payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy an Airbnb gift card for someone who doesn't have an account yet?

Yes. The recipient can create a free Airbnb account anytime and then redeem the gift card code. You can send them the code by email or give them the physical card, and they'll be able to set up their account and add the credit whenever they're ready.

What if I buy a gift card but the recipient never uses it?

The credit doesn't expire once it's redeemed into an account, so the recipient can use it anytime in the future. If the code itself hasn't been redeemed yet, check your region's terms — in most places the code doesn't expire either, but this varies.

Can I use a gift card to pay for someone else's booking?

No. The gift card credit is tied to the account it's redeemed into. If you want to pay for someone else's stay, you'd need to use a regular payment method at checkout, not a gift card.

Is there a maximum amount I can spend with a gift card on one booking?

No. You can use your entire gift card balance on a single booking, or split it across multiple bookings. There's no limit on how much of your balance you can use at once.

Do Airbnb gift cards work in every country?

Airbnb gift cards are available in most regions where Airbnb operates, but availability and terms vary by country. Check Airbnb.com in your region to see if gift cards are sold there, or contact Airbnb support if you're unsure whether they're available in a specific location.