Buy Airbnb gift cards directly from Airbnb or at major retailers

You can buy Airbnb gift cards in two ways: directly from Airbnb's website or from physical and online retailers that stock them. Airbnb sells digital gift cards on its own site in amounts from $25 to $500. Physical gift cards are sold at Target, Walmart, Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and Amazon, usually in denominations of $25, $50, and $100.

Digital cards arrive by email within minutes and work when ready. Physical cards require set up at the retailer or online before use. Both types work the same way once activated — the recipient enters the code during checkout to cover part or all of their booking cost.

Prices are the same everywhere: a $50 gift card costs $50 whether you buy it from Airbnb, Target, or Amazon. No retailer marks them up or discounts them. The choice comes down to convenience — whether you want when ready delivery or prefer to hand over a physical card.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb's website sells digital gift cards in $25 to $500 amounts, delivered by email within minutes.
  • Physical gift cards are stocked at Target, Walmart, Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and Amazon in $25, $50, and $100 denominations.
  • Gift card prices are fixed across all sellers — there are no discounts or markups at any retailer.
  • Digital cards set up when ready upon receipt; physical cards must be activated before first use, either in-store or online.

Buying directly from Airbnb.com

Go to airbnb.com/giftcards to purchase a digital card. You choose the amount ($25 to $500), enter the recipient's email address, and add a personal message if you want. Payment is by credit card, debit card, or PayPal. The card is sent to the recipient's inbox within a few minutes.

Digital cards have no expiration date and work on any Airbnb booking — experiences, stays, or both, depending on the recipient's account settings. The recipient does not need to create an account before receiving the card; they can use the code when they sign up or book.

Airbnb also sells physical gift cards through its website, though these take longer to arrive by mail. Most people choose the digital option for speed.

Buying physical gift cards at stores

Physical Airbnb gift cards are located in the gift card section of Target, Walmart, Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and most grocery store chains. They come in $25, $50, and $100 denominations. You pay at checkout like any other purchase.

After buying, the card must be activated before use. Some retailers set up it at the register automatically; others require you to set up it online or by phone using the number on the back of the card. Check the card's instructions — they vary by retailer.

Once activated, the recipient scratches off or views the code and enters it on Airbnb during booking. Physical cards have no expiration date.

Buying on Amazon

Amazon sells both digital and physical Airbnb gift cards. Digital cards are emailed to the recipient within hours. Physical cards are shipped to your address and arrive in 1 to 2 business days with Prime, or standard shipping otherwise.

Prices on Amazon match Airbnb and other retailers — no markup. If you have Amazon Prime and choose fast shipping on a physical card, this can be faster than buying in-store if your local retailers are out of stock.

Using the gift card after purchase

The recipient logs into their Airbnb account (or creates one) and goes to their account settings. They select "Redeem a gift card" and enter the code. The balance appears in their account when ready and is applied to their next booking at checkout.

If the booking costs more than the gift card balance, the recipient pays the difference with their own payment method. Partial balances roll over — if a $50 card is used on a $40 booking, the remaining $10 stays in the account for the next trip.

Gift cards work on any type of booking: entire homes, private rooms, shared rooms, and experiences. They cannot be transferred to another account or converted to cash.

Checking stock and availability

Physical gift cards are usually in stock at major retailers, but availability varies by location and time. If your local store is out of stock, call ahead or check the retailer's website for nearby locations. During holidays, stock can run low.

Digital cards from Airbnb.com are always available and never out of stock. If you need a gift card today, buying digital is the only may provide option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Airbnb gift cards expire?

No. Both digital and physical Airbnb gift cards have no expiration date. The recipient can use the balance whenever they book, with no time limit.

Can I buy a gift card for a specific amount between $25 and $500?

Yes, on Airbnb.com. Digital gift cards let you choose any amount in that range. Physical cards sold at retailers come only in $25, $50, and $100 denominations, so you would need to buy multiple cards to reach an in-between amount.

What if the recipient doesn't have an Airbnb account yet?

They can create one when they receive the card or when they are ready to book. The gift card code works whether the account exists before or after the card is sent. They just enter the code during checkout.

Can I return or exchange a gift card?

Airbnb gift cards cannot be returned for a refund or exchanged for cash. Once purchased, the card is final. Check the retailer's return policy for physical cards bought in-store — some retailers allow returns within a set period if the card has not been activated.

Is there a difference between buying at Airbnb.com versus a retailer?

The only difference is delivery speed and format. Airbnb.com offers digital cards that arrive in minutes; retailers sell physical cards that you set up in-store or online. The price and card value are identical everywhere.