Where to add your Airbnb gift card code
You add an Airbnb gift card to your account through the Airbnb website or mobile app by entering the code in your account settings. The code is a string of numbers and letters printed on the back of a physical card or sent to you in an email if you received a digital gift card. Once you enter it, the dollar amount loads into your account as Airbnb credit that you can use toward any booking.
The process takes less than a minute and works the same way whether you're on a computer or phone. You don't need to contact Airbnb support to redeem a gift card — the system processes it when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Gift card codes are entered in your account settings under "Payments" or "Wallet," not during checkout.
- The code must be entered exactly as printed, including capital letters and hyphens, or the system will reject it.
- Once redeemed, the credit appears in your account when ready and stays there until you use it on a booking.
- Airbnb credit never expires, but the original gift card itself may have an expiration date printed on it.
- If the code doesn't work, check for typos first, then contact Airbnb support with the card or email receipt.
Steps to redeem on a computer
Log into your Airbnb account and click your profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Account" from the dropdown menu, then click "Payments and payouts" on the left side. Look for the section labeled "Redeem a gift card" — it's usually near the top of the Payments page. Click the button that says "Redeem a gift card."
Paste or type your gift card code into the box that appears. Make sure you enter it exactly as printed, including any hyphens or capital letters. Click "Redeem" and the system will verify the code. If it's valid, the dollar amount will appear in your account balance within seconds. You'll see a confirmation message and the credit will be ready to use on your next booking.
Steps to redeem on the mobile app
Open the Airbnb app and tap the profile icon at the bottom right of your screen. Tap "Account," then scroll down and select "Payments and payouts." Look for "Redeem a gift card" and tap it. Enter your code in the text field, checking that every character matches the card exactly.
Tap "Redeem" and wait for the confirmation. The credit will show up in your account balance right away. If you're having trouble finding the Payments section, try searching "redeem gift card" in the app's search bar — it will take you directly to the right page.
What happens after you redeem the code
Your Airbnb credit sits in your account under a "Wallet" or "Account balance" section until you book a stay or experience. When you search for a place and go to pay, Airbnb will automatically explore your credit to the total cost. If your credit is more than the booking price, the leftover stays in your account for future trips. If the booking costs more than your credit, you'll pay the difference with another payment method.
The credit never expires once it's in your account, even if the original gift card had an expiration date. You can use it whenever you're ready to book, and you can combine it with other payment methods on the same reservation.
Troubleshooting a code that won't work
The most common reason a code is rejected is a typo. Gift card codes are case-sensitive and include hyphens in specific places — if you miss a character or use a lowercase letter where an uppercase one belongs, the system will say the code is invalid. Copy and paste the code directly from the card or email instead of typing it by hand. If you're reading a physical card, make sure you're not confusing the number zero with the letter O, or the number one with the letter I.
If the code still doesn't work after you've checked for typos, the card may have already been redeemed by someone else, or it may be damaged. Contact Airbnb support through the app or website and provide the code and a photo of the card or the email receipt. They can look up the code in their system and tell you whether it's valid or what the problem is.
Using your credit on a booking
You don't have to do anything special to use your credit — it applies automatically when you check out. Search for a place, click "Reserve," and when you reach the payment screen, you'll see your account balance listed. Airbnb will deduct the credit from the total before asking you to pay the remaining amount with a credit card, debit card, or other payment method on file.
If your entire booking is covered by credit, you won't be charged anything else. You can see your remaining balance anytime by going back to your Payments page. Some hosts offer discounts or promotions that stack on top of your credit, so your total savings can be even larger.
Gift cards from different sources
Airbnb gift cards work the same way whether you bought them yourself, received them as a gift, or won them in a promotion. The redemption process is identical — enter the code in your account settings and the credit loads when ready. Digital gift cards sent by email contain the code in the message; physical cards have the code printed on the back.
If you received a gift card from a third-party seller (not directly from Airbnb), make sure it's legitimate before trying to redeem it. Scammers sometimes sell fake or already-used codes. If you bought from a retailer like Target or Best Buy, the code should work without any issues. If you're unsure, contact Airbnb support with proof of purchase before entering the code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Airbnb credit to someone else?
No, once credit is in your account, it's tied to that account and can't be moved or transferred. If you want to give credit to someone else, you need to purchase a new gift card in their name or send them a digital gift card code before they redeem it.
What if I enter the wrong code by mistake?
If you redeem a code that belongs to someone else, the credit goes into your account and can't be reversed. Only redeem codes that belong to you. If you made a mistake, contact Airbnb support when ready with details — they may be able to help, but there's no may provide.
Does my credit work for experiences and activities, or just stays?
Airbnb credit works for both stays and experiences. You can use it to book a place to sleep or an activity like a tour or class. The credit applies the same way at checkout regardless of what you're booking.
Can I use my gift card credit to pay a host directly?
No, credit only works through the Airbnb platform when you book through the app or website. You can't withdraw it as cash or use it outside of Airbnb bookings.
What if the code on my physical card is faded or hard to read?
Try to read it as carefully as possible, or contact Airbnb support with a photo of the card and your proof of purchase. They can sometimes look up the code in their system if the card itself is unreadable.