The main places to buy Airbnb gift cards

You can buy Airbnb gift cards from Airbnb's own website, from major retailers like Amazon and Target, and from grocery stores including Whole Foods and Safeway. The card itself works the same way regardless of where you purchase it — the recipient redeems the balance on their Airbnb account and uses it toward any booking on the platform.

Physical cards are sold in denominations ranging from $25 to $500 at most retailers. Digital cards, which arrive by email, are available directly from Airbnb and some retailers, and they arrive within minutes rather than days. The price you pay is the face value of the card — there are no markups or hidden fees when you buy from an official retailer.

If you are buying in person, check the gift card display near the checkout or customer service desk. If you are buying online, search "Airbnb gift card" on the retailer's website. Availability varies by location and season, so calling ahead can save a trip if you need a specific denomination.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb gift cards are sold at Airbnb.com, Amazon, Target, Whole Foods, Safeway, and other major retailers in denominations from $25 to $500.
  • Digital gift cards arrive by email within minutes, while physical cards take one to three business days to arrive if ordered online.
  • The recipient can redeem the card balance on any Airbnb booking without restrictions on destination or length of stay.
  • You pay only the face value of the card — no fees or surcharges explore when buying from official retailers.

Buying directly from Airbnb

Airbnb's website lets you purchase gift cards in any amount between $25 and $500. You choose the denomination, add a personal message, and select whether you want the card delivered by email or printed as a physical card mailed to an address. Email delivery is when ready, while physical cards arrive within five to seven business days.

When you buy from Airbnb directly, you have the most control over the message and presentation. You can schedule the email to arrive on a specific date, which is useful if you are giving the gift ahead of time. The recipient receives a code they enter on their Airbnb account to add the balance to their wallet.

Retail stores with physical cards in stock

Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Whole Foods all carry Airbnb gift cards on their shelves. Denominations typically range from $25 to $100, though some locations stock higher amounts. You pay the face value at checkout — the same $50 card costs $50 whether you buy it at Target or Airbnb.

Physical cards are useful if you want to give the gift in person or if you prefer not to share an email address. The recipient scratches off a panel to reveal a code, then enters that code on Airbnb to add the balance to their account. If you are unsure whether a specific store near you carries them, call ahead or check the store's website.

Online retailers and delivery speed

Amazon sells both physical and digital Airbnb gift cards. Physical cards arrive in one to three business days depending on your shipping speed. Digital cards arrive within minutes of purchase and are sent to the email address you provide at checkout.

Other online options include Costco (for members), Sam's Club (for members), and specialty gift card sites like Raise and CardCash. These third-party marketplaces sometimes offer discounted cards, though the discount is usually small — typically 2 to 5 percent off face value. Buying from these sites carries slightly more risk because the card code is delivered by a third party rather than Airbnb directly, but major platforms like Amazon and Costco have buyer protection policies.

What happens after the recipient gets the card

The recipient logs into their Airbnb account and goes to Account Settings, then Payments and Payouts. They select "Redeem a gift card" and enter the code from the physical card or email. The balance is added to their account wallet and can be used toward any booking — there are no blackout dates, restrictions on property type, or expiration dates.

If the gift card balance does not cover the full cost of a booking, the recipient can pay the difference with a credit card or other payment method on file. Unused balance stays in the account indefinitely and can be applied to future bookings.

Checking your local store's inventory

Not every location of every retailer carries Airbnb gift cards, and stock varies by season. During holiday periods, cards sell out faster. If you need a card on a specific date, call the store's customer service line or visit their website to check local inventory before you go.

If your nearest store is out of stock, ordering online for email delivery is usually the fastest option — you can have a code in the recipient's inbox within minutes. If you prefer a physical card and your local retailers are out, Airbnb's website guarantees delivery within a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Airbnb gift cards expire?

No. Once redeemed on an account, the balance never expires and can be used on any booking at any time. The only expiration that applies is on unredeemed physical or digital cards — those typically expire after one to three years depending on the retailer, though Airbnb's own cards do not expire.

Can I use a gift card to pay for experiences or activities on Airbnb?

Gift card balances can only be used for accommodations — stays at homes, apartments, and other properties. They cannot be used for Airbnb Experiences or other services. The recipient would need a separate payment method for those.

What if the gift card code doesn't work?

Contact the retailer where you bought the card with your receipt. If you bought from Airbnb directly, contact Airbnb support with your order number. They can verify the code and reissue it if there was an error. Keep your receipt until the code is successfully redeemed.

Can I buy a gift card for someone in another country?

Airbnb gift cards are region-specific. A card purchased in the United States works only on Airbnb.com and only for bookings in the recipient's local currency. If you are sending a gift to someone outside the US, purchase the card from Airbnb's website in that country, or contact Airbnb support to confirm which card will work for the recipient's location.