Airbnb has become a popular alternative to traditional hotels for travelers in the US and worldwide. Using the right credit card for your Airbnb bookings can earn you significant rewards and points. This guide explains Airbnb's Merchant Category Codes (MCC) and which cards maximize your rewards.
Understanding Airbnb MCC Codes
MCC 7011 stands for "Lodging - Hotels, Motels, and Resorts" and is the primary merchant category code used by Airbnb for most bookings.
This MCC code covers:
- Entire home/apartment bookings
- Private room bookings
- Shared room bookings
- Airbnb Experience bookings
- Airbnb Plus and Luxe listings
Best Credit Cards for Airbnb
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve - Best Overall for Airbnb
Rewards Rate: 3x points on travel including Airbnb
Key MCC: 7011 (Lodging)
Why It's Best for Airbnb:
- Airbnb bookings fall under travel category
- Earns 3x Ultimate Rewards points on all Airbnb stays
- Points transfer to 14 airline and hotel partners at 1:1 ratio
- Premium travel protections including trip delay and cancellation insurance
Key Considerations:
- $550 annual fee (offset by $300 annual travel credit)
- Priority Pass Select lounge access
- Points worth 1.5 cents each through Chase Travel Portal
Annual Fee: $550 (with $300 annual travel credit)
2. Capital One Venture X - Best Flat Rate
Rewards Rate: 2x miles on every purchase, including Airbnb
Key MCC: 7011 (Lodging)
Why It's Great for Airbnb:
- No category restrictions - earns 2x on every Airbnb booking
- 10x miles on hotels booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles transfer to 15+ airline partners
- No foreign transaction fees
Key Considerations:
- $395 annual fee (offset by $300 annual travel credit)
- Priority Pass lounge access included
- Simple, no-category-tracking required
Annual Fee: $395 (with $300 annual travel credit)
3. Amex Green Card - Best for Everyday Travel
Rewards Rate: 3x points on travel, including Airbnb
Key MCC: 7011 (Lodging)
Why It's Good for Airbnb:
- 3x Membership Rewards points on all travel including Airbnb
- Points transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners
- Lower annual fee than premium cards
- Also earns 3x on transit and dining
Key Considerations:
- $150 annual fee
- $100 annual Clear credit
- No lounge access (upgrade to Amex Platinum for that)
Annual Fee: $150
Airbnb MCC Quick Reference
| Platform | MCC Code | Category | Best Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbnb (all bookings) | 7011 | Lodging | Chase Sapphire Reserve, Venture X, Amex Green |
Note: Airbnb's MCC may vary by country and payment method. Always verify using CheckMCC before making a booking if you're unsure about your card's rewards eligibility.
Tips to Maximize Airbnb Rewards
- Use Chase Sapphire Reserve for Airbnb: Earn 3x points on all Airbnb stays with premium travel protections
- Check MCC before booking: Use CheckMCC to verify which MCC your Airbnb booking uses
- Leverage the Chase Travel Portal: Points are worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed through Chase Travel
- Combine with welcome bonuses: Time your Airbnb bookings with new card applications to meet minimum spend requirements
- Stack with Airbnb coupons: Look for Airbnb promo codes to reduce your out-of-pocket cost while still earning full rewards
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Airbnb use?
Airbnb typically uses MCC 7011 (Lodging - Hotels, Motels, and Resorts) for most bookings. However, this can vary depending on the payment method and booking type.
Which credit card is best for Airbnb?
Chase Sapphire Reserve is the best overall card for Airbnb, earning 3x Ultimate Rewards points on all travel including Airbnb stays, with valuable transfer partners and premium travel protections.
Can I earn points on Airbnb bookings?
Yes, several US credit cards earn rewards on Airbnb bookings. The best options include Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x points), Capital One Venture X (2x miles), and Amex Green Card (3x points).
Does Airbnb earn the same rewards as hotels?
Airbnb typically uses MCC 7011, which is the same category as hotels. Most credit cards that bonus hotels will also bonus Airbnb, but always verify with CheckMCC first.
Last Updated: May 2026 | This guide reflects current credit card rewards programs and MCC codes as of May 2026. Terms may change. Always check with the issuing bank for the latest rewards structure.