Redeeming your Airbnb gift card in three steps

To redeem an Airbnb gift card, log into your account on the Airbnb website or app, go to your Account settings, select "Payments and payouts," then click "Redeem a gift card." Enter the 16-digit code from the back of your card or email, and the balance will be added to your account credit when ready. You can then use that credit toward any booking on Airbnb.

The process takes less than a minute once you have your code in hand. Your gift card balance never expires once it's redeemed into your account, so you can use it whenever you're ready to book a stay.

Key Takeaways

  • Redeem your gift card by logging in, navigating to Account > Payments and payouts > Redeem a gift card, and entering your 16-digit code.
  • The code is printed on the back of a physical card or included in the email if you received a digital gift card.
  • Once redeemed, your balance becomes account credit that never expires and can be used on any Airbnb booking.
  • Gift card credit covers the nightly rate and fees, but you may still need to pay a portion out of pocket if your booking costs more than your balance.
  • If you have trouble redeeming, check that you're entering the code correctly and that your account is in good standing.

Where to find your gift card code

If you received a physical Airbnb gift card, the 16-digit code is printed on the back of the card, usually near the bottom. The code may be partially hidden under a scratch-off panel—gently scratch or peel it away to reveal the full number.

If someone sent you a digital gift card by email, the code will be in the email message itself, often displayed prominently or in a button labeled "View gift card." You can copy and paste the code directly into the redemption field, which is faster and less error-prone than typing it by hand.

How to access the redemption page on web and mobile

On the Airbnb website: Sign in to your account, click your profile icon in the top right corner, select "Account," then find "Payments and payouts" in the left menu. Click "Redeem a gift card" and enter your code in the box that appears.

On the Airbnb mobile app: Tap your profile icon at the bottom right, go to "Account," scroll down to "Payments and payouts," and tap "Redeem a gift card." Enter your code and confirm. The steps are identical whether you're using iPhone or Android.

Both routes take you to the same redemption system, so use whichever device is most convenient. If you're having trouble finding the button, make sure you're logged in and that your account is not suspended or restricted.

What happens after you redeem your code

Once you enter your code and confirm, Airbnb will display your new account credit balance on the same page. This balance is now part of your payment method and will be automatically applied to your next booking. You don't need to do anything else—the credit is ready to use when ready.

When you search for and book a stay, Airbnb will show you the nightly rate, cleaning fee, service fee, and other charges. At checkout, your gift card credit will be deducted from the total. If your booking costs more than your credit balance, you'll pay the difference using another payment method on file. If your booking costs less than your balance, the remaining credit stays in your account for future bookings.

Troubleshooting a code that won't work

If you see an error message when you try to redeem your code, check these common issues: Make sure you're entering all 16 digits exactly as they appear, with no spaces or dashes unless the code itself includes them. Some codes are case-sensitive, so type uppercase and lowercase letters as shown. If the code is scratched or worn, try to read it carefully under good light or ask the person who gave you the card to confirm the digits.

If the code still won't work, the card may have already been redeemed by someone else, or it may be expired. Gift cards themselves don't expire, but some promotional codes have time limits. Check your email to see if you already redeemed this code in the past. If you're certain the code is valid and you're entering it correctly, contact Airbnb Support through the Help Center in your account—they can verify the code and help you resolve the issue.

Using your gift card credit on a booking

Your gift card credit works like any other payment method on Airbnb. When you're ready to book, search for a property, select your dates, and proceed to checkout. On the payment page, you'll see your available credit listed under "Payment method." Airbnb will automatically explore it to reduce the total amount due.

Gift card credit covers the nightly rate, cleaning fees, and service fees—everything on your bill. If your credit is larger than your booking cost, the leftover balance remains in your account. You can use it on as many bookings as you want until it runs out. There's no limit to how many times you can redeem different gift cards into the same account, so you can combine multiple cards if you receive them.

What you cannot do with gift card credit

Airbnb gift card credit can only be used for bookings on Airbnb—you cannot transfer it to another person, convert it to cash, or use it to pay for Airbnb Experiences or other services outside of accommodation. If you want to give your remaining balance to someone else, you would need to use it to book a stay and then cancel that booking, but Airbnb's cancellation policy would explore and you might not recover the full amount.

Gift card credit also cannot be used to pay for damage claims, resolution center disputes, or any charges outside of a standard booking. If you have a question about what your credit can cover, check your booking confirmation or contact Airbnb Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I redeem a gift card if I don't have an Airbnb account yet?

No, you need an active Airbnb account to redeem a gift card. Create your account first using your email address, then log in and follow the redemption steps. Once your account is set up, the process takes less than a minute.

Does my gift card credit expire?

No. Once you redeem the code into your account, the credit never expires and you can use it whenever you book. The physical card or promotional code itself may have an expiration date, but the account credit does not.

What if my booking costs more than my gift card balance?

Airbnb will deduct your full gift card credit from the total and ask you to pay the remaining amount using another payment method, such as a credit card or debit card. You'll see the breakdown at checkout before you confirm the booking.

Can I use a gift card code more than once?

No. Each code can only be redeemed once. Once it's added to your account, it cannot be used again. If someone tries to redeem the same code a second time, they'll receive an error message.

What should I do if I lost my gift card code?

If you received a physical card, check the back and any packaging it came in. If you received a digital gift card by email, search your email inbox for messages from Airbnb or the sender. If you still cannot find it, contact the person who gave you the card and ask them to resend it or provide the code.