Choosing the right credit card can significantly enhance your Airbnb experience, whether you're a frequent traveler, a host, or both. The ideal card will offer rewards, benefits, and travel protections that align with your spending habits and travel patterns, ultimately saving you money and improving your overall Airbnb experience. Let's dive into the best credit cards for Airbnb users in 2024.
Best Credit Cards for Airbnb: A Comparison
| Credit Card | Key Benefits & Rewards | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x points on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases, 2x points on all other travel. | $95 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card | 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x points on dining and travel, $300 annual travel credit. | $550 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | 2x miles on every purchase, 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, $300 annual travel credit, access to Capital One Lounges. | $395 |
| American Express® Green Card | 3x points on travel and at restaurants worldwide, 3x points on transit, CLEAR® credit up to $189 annually. | $150 |
| Citi Premier® Card | 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels. | $95 |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Card | 2x points on travel and dining, 1.5x points on all other purchases, up to $100 airline incidental statement credit. | $95 |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | 4x points on Hyatt purchases, 2x points on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting, and fitness club and gym memberships. | $95 |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | Earn 10 points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 5 points per $1 spent on travel, gas stations, and restaurants, and 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases. | $99 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3x points on the first $6,000 spent each year on combined purchases at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants. | $95 |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, extensive travel benefits. | $695 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card | 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 3x points on eligible travel and mobile wallet purchases. | $400 |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is an excellent all-around travel card with a reasonable annual fee. Earning 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® is a huge perk, as many Airbnb bookings can be made through their travel portal. The 3x points on dining is also beneficial, especially when traveling and eating out. It's a great entry point into the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card: The Sapphire Reserve is the premium offering from Chase, boasting richer rewards and benefits. The 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® provides substantial value. The $300 annual travel credit effectively lowers the annual fee, making it an attractive option for frequent travelers. The 3x on dining and travel outside of the Chase portal is also a great benefit.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: This card provides a simplified rewards structure with 2x miles on every purchase. The 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel is a compelling benefit. The $300 annual travel credit and access to Capital One Lounges add significant value, often offsetting the annual fee.
American Express® Green Card: The Green Card focuses on travel and transit spending. Earning 3x points on travel and at restaurants worldwide is a significant benefit for travelers. The 3x points on transit can be particularly useful for navigating cities during your Airbnb stays. The CLEAR® credit provides added convenience at airports.
Citi Premier® Card: This card offers a straightforward rewards system with 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels. This makes it a strong contender for everyday spending, including those related to preparing meals at your Airbnb or getting around. The relatively low annual fee makes it accessible.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Card: This card offers a good balance of rewards and benefits. Earning 2x points on travel and dining is a solid perk, and the 1.5x points on all other purchases ensures you're earning rewards on everything you spend. The up to $100 airline incidental statement credit can help offset travel expenses.
World of Hyatt Credit Card: If you frequently stay at Hyatt hotels, this card is a must-have. Earning 4x points on Hyatt purchases is a great way to rack up points for free nights. The 2x points on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting, and fitness club and gym memberships add versatility. The free night award each year also provides substantial value.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: For those loyal to IHG hotels, this card offers excellent rewards. Earning 10 points per $1 spent at IHG Hotels & Resorts is a significant perk. The 5 points per $1 spent on travel, gas stations, and restaurants provide solid rewards on everyday spending. The complimentary Platinum Elite status is a valuable benefit.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: This card is geared towards Marriott loyalists. Earning 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels accelerates your point accumulation. The 3x points on the first $6,000 spent each year on combined purchases at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants provides good rewards on common spending categories.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: This is a premium travel card with a high annual fee but offers a wealth of benefits. Earning 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel is a significant perk. 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel is also valuable. The extensive travel benefits, including lounge access, elite status, and travel insurance, justify the cost for frequent luxury travelers.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card: This card offers a modern approach to rewards with a focus on mobile payments. Earning 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center is a compelling benefit. The 3x points on eligible travel and mobile wallet purchases makes it ideal for those who frequently use mobile payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for Airbnb if I’m on a budget?
Consider a card with no annual fee or a low annual fee and rewards on everyday spending categories, like the Citi Premier or the Bank of America Premium Rewards card.
Which credit card offers the best travel insurance for Airbnb stays?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card from American Express are known for their comprehensive travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and baggage delay insurance.
Can I use credit card points to pay for Airbnb stays?
Yes, many credit card rewards programs allow you to redeem points for travel, including Airbnb stays, often through their travel portals or by transferring points to partner programs.
Does using a credit card for Airbnb protect me from scams?
Yes, credit cards offer fraud protection, so you can dispute charges if you encounter a fraudulent listing or a host who doesn't deliver as promised.
Which credit card is best for earning hotel points that can be used for future Airbnb stays?
The World of Hyatt Credit Card, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, and the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card can be a great choice, as you can use the points to redeem for stays and save money for your next airbnb.
What are the benefits of having a travel credit card for Airbnb?
Travel credit cards often offer rewards on travel purchases, travel insurance, and other benefits like lounge access and statement credits, which can enhance your Airbnb experience and save you money.
How do I choose the right credit card for my Airbnb spending?
Consider your spending habits, travel frequency, and desired rewards. Look for a card that aligns with your priorities, whether it's earning points, getting travel credits, or having access to premium travel benefits.
Are there credit cards that offer discounts on Airbnb stays?
While direct discounts are rare, some credit cards offer statement credits for travel purchases, which can effectively reduce the cost of your Airbnb stay.
What should I look for in a credit card for Airbnb hosts?
Consider a card that offers rewards on common business expenses like utilities, supplies, and property maintenance. A card with a 0% introductory APR could also be beneficial for managing cash flow.
How can I maximize my rewards when booking Airbnb?
Book through the card's travel portal if available, use bonus categories for travel or dining, and take advantage of any travel credits or benefits offered by the card.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for Airbnb depends on your individual spending habits and travel preferences. By carefully evaluating the rewards, benefits, and fees of different cards, you can find one that enhances your Airbnb experience and provides significant value. Consider your travel frequency, spending patterns, and desired perks to make an informed decision.