Discover the world of Airbnb and find out whether it's considered as "travel" when it comes to earning rewards on your credit card. Unlock the mysteries of travel-related rewards points and learn how you can maximize your gains as you embark on your next adventure.
Is Airbnb Considered Travel For Credit Cards Table of Contents
Understanding Travel Rewards on Credit Cards
Understanding Travel Rewards on Credit Cards
When trying to earn travel rewards on your credit card, it's important to understand the different categories that are classified as "travel." Generally, travel categories include hotels, airlines, car rentals, and sometimes even public transportation. But what about Airbnb? Since it's become a go-to option for many millennial travelers, let's dive deeper into whether Airbnb falls under this umbrella.
Airbnb and Travel Credit Card Rewards
The truth is, whether Airbnb is considered as travel for the purpose of credit card rewards depends on the specific credit card and its reward program. Some credit card companies explicitly identify Airbnb as a qualifying travel expense, while others do not include it in their rewards categories.
Here's a brief overview of some popular credit cards and their stance on Airbnb as a travel category:
Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve
Both these cards recognize Airbnb as a travel category, and you'll earn bonus points for your bookings. These popular travel rewards cards are part of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program and offer 2-3x points per dollar spent on Airbnb bookings.
American Express (AMEX) Cards
The Airbnb classification varies among the different American Express cards. However, the AMEX Platinum Card does offer 5x points for Airbnb bookings through amextravel.com. Other AMEX cards that accumulate Membership Rewards points can also be used to cover Airbnb charges by redeeming points as statement credits.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard
The soon-to-be discontinued Arrival Plus card (as of September 2021) considers Airbnb a travel expense and rewards users with 2x miles per dollar spent. You can use your miles to offset Airbnb expenses by redeeming them as statement credits.
Maximizing Rewards on Airbnb Bookings
If your current credit card doesn't recognize Airbnb as a travel category, don't worry! There are still ways to optimize your rewards for Airbnb stays. Consider these tips to maximize your rewards:
- Look for credit cards that specifically include Airbnb as a travel category
- Use shopping portals like Rakuten to earn cashback on Airbnb bookings
- Opt for cards with more flexible travel rewards categories
Is Airbnb Considered Travel For Credit Cards Example:
Jess is an avid Airbnb user, but her current credit card does not recognize Airbnb bookings as a travel expense. She decides to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, which offers 2x points on travel, including Airbnb. With her new card, Jess will now earn valuable points for each Airbnb booking she makes.
Additionally, Jess decides to sign up for Rakuten to earn cashback on her Airbnb bookings. She combines her Chase Sapphire Preferred rewards with her Rakuten cashback for a more rewarding Airbnb experience.
Grab your suitcase, and don't forget your wallet! Now that you've unraveled the mystery of Airbnb and travel credit card rewards, it's time to plan your next adventure. As you explore the world, remember to check your credit card's reward program for Airbnb eligibility and stack your rewards to make every trip more rewarding than the last. If you found this article helpful, please share it with your fellow travelers and explore other guides on Flik Eco to boost your personal finance knowledge.
