Airbnb gift cards are sold at major retailers and online, not directly from Airbnb itself
You can buy Airbnb gift cards at physical stores like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and CVS, or online through Amazon, Google Play, and the official Airbnb website. The card itself is a digital code that the recipient enters during checkout to pay for a reservation. Most retailers stock them in denominations of $25, $50, and $100, though some locations may have limited selection.
The easiest route depends on whether you want the card when ready or are willing to wait for delivery. Physical retailers let you walk out with a code the same day. Online purchases arrive by email within minutes to a few hours, or by mail if you order a physical card design.
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb gift cards are available at Target, Walmart, Best Buy, CVS, and other major retailers in $25, $50, and $100 denominations.
- Online options include Amazon, Google Play, the official Airbnb website, and digital delivery services that email the code within minutes.
- Physical store cards give you a code when ready; online orders arrive by email or mail depending on the retailer.
- The recipient uses the gift card code at checkout to pay for any Airbnb reservation, and unused balance rolls over to future bookings.
Buying Airbnb gift cards at physical retailers
Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and CVS all carry Airbnb gift cards in their gift card sections, usually near the checkout lanes or in a dedicated gift card aisle. You pay the face value of the card at the register and receive a printed card with a code on the back. The code is valid when ready—you do not have to wait for set up.
Availability varies by location and season. During the winter holidays, most stores stock multiple denominations. In slower months, you may find only $50 and $100 cards, or the selection may be picked over. If you need a specific amount, calling the store ahead saves a trip. Some grocery chains like Kroger and Safeway also carry them, though selection is often smaller than at big-box retailers.
Buying Airbnb gift cards online
The official Airbnb website sells digital gift cards that arrive by email within minutes. You choose the amount (from $10 to $500), enter the recipient's email address, and add a personal message. The recipient gets the code and can use it right away. Airbnb also offers physical gift cards with custom designs that ship by mail, though these take 5 to 10 business days.
Amazon sells both digital and physical Airbnb gift cards. Digital codes arrive within hours; physical cards ship in 1 to 2 business days. Google Play and other digital gift card platforms also stock Airbnb codes, though these are typically digital-only and arrive by email. Prices are always the face value—there are no markups or discounts on any of these platforms.
What happens when the recipient uses the gift card
The recipient enters the gift card code during the payment step of booking a reservation. Airbnb deducts the amount from the total cost. If the reservation costs less than the card's value, the remaining balance stays in their account and can be used for future bookings. If the reservation costs more, they pay the difference with a credit card or other payment method.
The gift card balance does not expire. The recipient can use it whenever they want, whether that is the next day or a year later. There are no fees for holding the balance, and Airbnb does not charge a monthly maintenance fee like some other gift cards do.
Checking denominations and availability by store
| Retailer | Denominations | Delivery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | $25, $50, $100 | In-store pickup same day | Available in most locations; check store inventory online |
| Walmart | $25, $50, $100 | In-store pickup same day | Wide availability; some stores may have limited stock |
| Best Buy | $25, $50, $100 | In-store pickup same day | Available in physical stores and online |
| CVS | $25, $50, $100 | In-store pickup same day | Most locations stock them; call ahead to confirm |
| Airbnb.com | $10–$500 (custom) | Email within minutes (digital) | Physical cards ship in 5–10 business days |
| Amazon | $25, $50, $100 | Email within hours (digital) | Physical cards ship in 1–2 business days |
| Google Play | $25, $50, $100 | Email within minutes | Digital delivery only |
Things to watch out for when buying
Only buy from the retailers listed above or directly from Airbnb. Scammers sometimes sell used or fraudulent gift card codes on third-party sites. If you buy from an unfamiliar seller, you risk losing money with no way to recover it.
Check the card's code before you leave the store or close the browser window. If the code is missing, scratched off, or does not work, return it to the retailer when ready with your receipt. Once the code is used, Airbnb cannot refund it or transfer the balance to a different account, so make sure the recipient has the code before they book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy an Airbnb gift card for a specific amount like $75?
Yes, but only through the official Airbnb website. You can choose any amount from $10 to $500 when you buy a digital gift card. Physical retailers stock only $25, $50, and $100 denominations, so you would need to buy multiple cards to reach an odd amount.
What if the recipient does not use the gift card?
The balance never expires. They can use it whenever they want, even years later. Airbnb does not charge fees for holding the balance, so there is no penalty for waiting.
Can the gift card be used for Airbnb Experiences or other services?
Airbnb gift cards work only for accommodation bookings—stays at homes, apartments, and other properties. They cannot be used for Experiences, restaurant reservations, or other Airbnb services.
Is there a difference between buying a physical card and a digital code?
No. Both contain the same code and work identically. The only difference is how you receive it: physical cards arrive by mail or in-store, while digital codes arrive by email. Choose based on how quickly you need it.
What if someone buys a gift card with a stolen credit card?
Airbnb may cancel the card if fraud is reported. To protect yourself, buy only from official retailers or directly from Airbnb, and keep your receipt in case there is a dispute.