Do Airbnb and Vrbo Earn a Travel Rewards Bonus?

The short answer: Usually yes. Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar vacation-rental platforms generally code as travel, so a card with a travel bonus earns its elevated rate on the booking. Coverage is broad on most travel cards, though a handful spell out home-sharing specifically. When in doubt, check your card’s travel definition or use a strong travel card to be sure.

This guide explains how Airbnb and Vrbo code and how to earn the most on them.

How vacation rentals code

Airbnb, Vrbo, and other vacation-rental sites are generally coded as travel, so a card that bonuses travel earns its elevated rate when you pay for a stay. For most travel cards, a vacation rental earns just like a hotel booking would, which makes these platforms a solid place to use your travel card.

Where it can vary

Coverage is broad but not universal. Some cards explicitly list home-sharing platforms in their travel definition, while a few narrower travel categories might not, so an unusual card could pay only the base rate. If your card defines travel tightly, confirm that vacation rentals are included before counting on the bonus, the same care you would take with any category coding.

How to earn the most

Pay for Airbnb and Vrbo with your best travel card to earn the travel bonus, and remember you can also redeem points against these bookings, covered in using points for vacation rentals. For extra earning, check whether an issuer or airline shopping portal offers bonus rewards on the platform, which stacks on top of your card rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Do Airbnb and Vrbo earn a travel bonus?
Usually yes. Vacation-rental platforms generally code as travel, so a card with a travel bonus earns its elevated rate. Most travel cards cover them.
What card should I use for Airbnb?
Your best travel card, since Airbnb generally codes as travel and earns the travel bonus. Confirm your card’s travel definition if it is a narrow category.
Can I use points for Airbnb?
You can redeem points against vacation-rental bookings on many cards, though value varies. Paying with a travel card to earn the bonus, then redeeming separately, is often best.

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Bryce Casson

Written by Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. About the author and how we rank cards.