Airbnb Gift Cards: What They Are and How They Work

Yes, Airbnb sells gift cards that work like prepaid credit toward any booking on the platform. You can buy them in set denominations, give them to someone else, and they can use the balance to pay for part or all of a stay. The recipient doesn't need to create an account before you send the gift card—they can set one up when they're ready to book.

Gift cards are stored as account credit, not as a separate card you carry. Once redeemed, the balance sits in the recipient's Airbnb account and stays there until they use it. There's no expiration date on the credit itself, though Airbnb's terms can change, so it's worth checking the current policy before you buy.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb gift cards come in fixed amounts and can be purchased online through Airbnb's website or through select retail partners.
  • The recipient redeems the card by entering a code into their Airbnb account, and the balance becomes account credit with no expiration date.
  • Gift card credit can be used toward the nightly rate, cleaning fees, and service fees—it applies to the total cost of a booking.
  • You can buy a gift card for someone without knowing their Airbnb username, and they can redeem it whenever they're ready to book.

Where to Buy Airbnb Gift Cards

The most direct way is through Airbnb's own website. Go to the gift cards section, choose your amount, and either email it to the recipient or print it yourself. Amounts typically range from $25 to $500, though the exact options may vary by country.

You can also buy Airbnb gift cards through third-party retailers. In the United States, these include Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. The denominations and availability differ by retailer, so check what each one offers before you buy. Retail gift cards work the same way as ones purchased directly from Airbnb—the recipient enters the code to add the balance to their account.

How to Redeem an Airbnb Gift Card

The person receiving the gift card needs an Airbnb account to use it. If they don't have one yet, they can create it for free on the website or through the mobile app using an email address and password.

Once they have an account, they go to their account settings and look for the option to redeem a gift card or add a gift card code. They enter the code from the card, and the balance appears as account credit. From that point on, whenever they book a stay, the credit is available as a payment option at checkout. They can use it to cover the entire cost or combine it with another payment method.

What You Can and Cannot Use Gift Card Credit For

Airbnb gift card credit covers the nightly rate, cleaning fees, and Airbnb's service fee. It works on any type of listing—entire homes, private rooms, shared rooms, and experiences. The credit applies to the total booking cost, so if a stay costs $300 and the gift card has $200, the recipient pays $100 out of pocket.

There are some limits. Gift card credit cannot be used to purchase Airbnb gift cards themselves, and it doesn't work toward monthly subscriptions like Airbnb Plus or Airbnb Luxe memberships. If a booking is cancelled and refunded, the refund goes back to the original payment method, not to the gift card balance.

Checking Your Gift Card Balance

Once redeemed, the balance is part of the account credit and shows up in the account settings under payment methods or wallet. The recipient can see it anytime they log in. There's no separate card number to track—it's just a number attached to the account.

If someone loses track of how much credit they have, they can check by going to their account, selecting payment methods, and looking for the gift card or account credit section. The exact location varies slightly between the website and the mobile app, but it's always in the payment settings area.

What Happens If the Gift Card Code Doesn't Work

If someone tries to redeem a code and gets an error, the most common causes are a typo in the code, a code that's already been used, or a code from a different country than the account's region. Airbnb gift cards are region-specific, so a card bought in the United States won't work on an account set to another country.

If the code is correct and still won't work, the recipient should contact Airbnb support through the app or website. They'll need the code and proof of purchase (like an email receipt or the original card). Airbnb can verify whether the code is valid and troubleshoot why it's not redeeming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy an Airbnb gift card without knowing the recipient's email or username?

Yes. When you buy a gift card through Airbnb's website, you provide the recipient's email address so Airbnb can send them the code, but they don't need an account yet. They can create one later and redeem the code whenever they're ready to book.

Do Airbnb gift cards expire?

The credit itself does not expire once it's been redeemed into an account. However, Airbnb's policies can change, so it's worth checking their current terms. If you're buying a gift card to send to someone, it's best to send it soon rather than holding onto it for a long time.

Can I use a gift card to book an experience instead of a stay?

Yes. Airbnb gift card credit works on experiences—activities like tours, classes, and events—the same way it works on accommodations. The credit covers the experience price and any associated fees.

What if the recipient doesn't want to use the gift card?

Airbnb does not refund gift card credit back to cash or a credit card. Once redeemed, the balance stays in the account as credit. The recipient can use it on any booking whenever they choose, but they cannot convert it back to money.

Can I buy a gift card for a specific listing or trip?

No. Gift cards are generic account credit, not tied to any particular listing or date. The recipient can use the balance on any listing they want, at any time. This makes them flexible but means you can't reserve a specific property for someone.