The main places to buy Airbnb gift cards

You can buy Airbnb gift cards from Airbnb's own website, from major retailers that sell gift cards in-store and online, and from some digital gift card marketplaces. The most straightforward route is Airbnb.com itself — you can purchase a digital card that arrives by email within minutes, or order a physical card that ships to an address. If you prefer to shop in person or use a retailer you already visit, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon all stock Airbnb gift cards both physically and online.

The card amount you choose is flexible. Airbnb gift cards typically come in denominations ranging from $25 to $500, though some retailers may offer different minimum or maximum amounts. A digital card from Airbnb arrives when ready; a physical card takes the standard shipping time for that retailer, usually 3 to 7 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb.com sells digital gift cards that arrive by email within minutes and physical cards that ship in 3 to 7 days.
  • Retailers including Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon carry Airbnb gift cards in denominations from $25 to $500.
  • Digital cards from Airbnb have no expiration date, but physical cards from retailers may have different terms depending on the seller.
  • The recipient redeems the card by entering the code into their Airbnb account and can use the balance toward any booking on the platform.

Buying directly from Airbnb

Go to Airbnb.com and look for the "Gift Cards" link, usually found in the footer or under the account menu. You can choose the card amount and decide whether you want a digital or physical card. For a digital card, you enter the recipient's email address and an optional message, and the card code arrives in their inbox within minutes. For a physical card, you provide a mailing address and can schedule the delivery date.

Airbnb's own gift cards have no expiration date once purchased, so the recipient can use the balance whenever they are ready to book. This is the most direct route and gives you the most control over timing and personalization.

Buying from retail stores and online marketplaces

Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon all carry Airbnb gift cards in their physical stores and on their websites. Prices and denominations vary slightly by retailer, but all of them stock cards in the $25 to $500 range. If you shop at one of these stores regularly or have a rewards program there, buying through them may earn you points or cash back on the purchase.

When you buy from a retailer rather than directly from Airbnb, check the card's terms printed on the packaging or listed online. Some retailers' physical cards may have expiration dates or other restrictions that differ from Airbnb's own cards. Digital cards sold through these retailers typically follow the same terms as Airbnb's direct sales.

Digital versus physical cards

A digital Airbnb gift card is the fastest option — it arrives in the recipient's email within minutes of purchase and requires no shipping. It works best if you are buying last-minute or if the recipient lives far away. The recipient straightforward opens the email, copies the code, and enters it into their Airbnb account to add the balance.

A physical card is better if you want to wrap it as a gift or hand it over in person. It takes longer to arrive but feels more tangible. Both types work identically once redeemed — the recipient adds the balance to their account and can use it toward any Airbnb booking, just like a credit on their account.

What happens after the recipient gets the card

The recipient logs into their Airbnb account (or creates one if they do not have one yet) and goes to the "Redeem a gift card" section, usually found under account settings or in the payment methods area. They enter the code from the card, and the balance is added to their account when ready. The balance stays in their account until they use it, and they can combine multiple gift card balances if they receive more than one.

When the recipient books a stay, Airbnb automatically applies the gift card balance to the total cost. If the booking costs more than the card balance, they pay the difference with another payment method. If the balance is more than the booking costs, the leftover amount stays in their account for future trips.

Checking for current promotions and discounts

Airbnb and major retailers occasionally run promotions on gift cards — for example, buying a card of a certain amount and receiving a bonus balance, or a discount on the purchase price. These promotions change throughout the year and vary by retailer. Before you buy, check Airbnb.com directly and the websites of retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon to see if any current offers explore.

Signing up for retailer newsletters or checking their apps can alert you to upcoming gift card promotions. Some retailers also offer bonus points or cash back on gift card purchases during certain sales events, which effectively reduces the cost of the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Airbnb gift cards expire?

Gift cards purchased directly from Airbnb do not expire. However, physical cards sold through retailers may have expiration dates depending on the seller's terms. Always check the card's packaging or the retailer's website for any time limits before you buy.

Can I use an Airbnb gift card to pay for experiences or other services on Airbnb?

Gift card balances are for Airbnb accommodations only — stays at homes, apartments, and other lodging. They cannot be used for Airbnb Experiences, restaurant reservations, or other services on the platform. The balance applies only to the nightly rate and fees for a place to stay.

What if the recipient already has an Airbnb account with a balance?

Gift card balances stack with any existing account balance. If the recipient has $50 in their account and redeems a $100 gift card, they will have $150 available for their next booking. There is no limit to how many gift cards can be redeemed into one account.

Can I buy a gift card for a specific amount that is not a standard denomination?

Airbnb's website allows you to choose custom amounts when buying directly from them, so you can purchase a card for any amount between the minimum and maximum (usually $25 to $500). Retailer gift cards are typically limited to preset denominations, so check the options available at the store where you plan to buy.

Is there a difference between buying a gift card and sending Airbnb credit directly to someone?

Airbnb gift cards are the standard way to send credit to someone. There is no separate "send credit" feature — gift cards are how the platform handles this. When you purchase a gift card and send it to someone, that is the equivalent of sending them account balance to use for bookings.