Got an Airbnb gift card? Lucky you! It’s like holding a golden ticket to adventure, relaxation, or maybe even a treehouse in the woods. Whether it’s your birthday, a holiday treat, or a thank-you gift, this little card can get you a whole lot of awesome. Let’s keep it simple and walk you through how to use that magical rectangle of travel joy.
Step 1: Redeem That Gift Card
Before you can use your Airbnb gift card, you need to redeem it. No worries — it’s quick and easy.
- Open the Airbnb app or go to airbnb.com.
- Log in to your account. Don’t have one? You’ll need to make one real quick; it’s free!
- Click on your profile picture and go to “Payments & payouts.”
- Select “Gift card” and enter your gift card code.
- Hit “Redeem.” Boom! The amount will be added to your Airbnb balance.
It’s like watching fairy dust sprinkle over your account. ✨
Step 2: Start Dreaming and Exploring
Now comes the fun part — deciding where to go. Use Airbnb to find a cozy cabin in the mountains, a cool loft downtown, or maybe a beach house with a view to die for.
Not sure where to begin? Hit that search bar and type in a destination. Try something like:
- “Beach house in California”
- “Treehouse in Oregon”
- “Studio in Paris”
Scroll through listings, see photos, read reviews. Tip: Save your favorites by clicking the little heart icon.
Step 3: Make Your Booking
Found your dream place? Awesome! Time to book it.
- Select your dates.
- Check the number of guests.
- Click that big friendly “Reserve” or “Request to Book” button.
At checkout, you’ll see the option to pay using your Airbnb balance — that’s where your gift card lives now. If the booking costs less than your card amount, you’re all set. If it costs more, you can pay the rest with a debit or credit card.
What You Can Use It For
Your Airbnb gift card doesn’t just work for places to stay. You can also use it for Airbnb Experiences.
What’s that? Think fun, local activities hosted by real people — cooking classes, walking tours, surfing lessons, and much more!
Here are a few ideas:
- Make pasta from scratch in Rome 🍝
- Take a street art tour in Mexico City 🎨
- Learn to salsa dance in Havana 💃
Just like booking a place to stay, when you reserve an Experience, it’ll charge your gift card balance first.
Tips to Get the Most From Your Airbnb Gift Card
Want to stretch that gift card to go further? Try these tips:
- Travel off-season: Prices are lower when schools are in and beaches are empty.
- Filter by price: Use the filters to set your budget and avoid temptation.
- Look for discounts: Some hosts offer deals for longer stays.
- Go with friends: Split the cost and use one person’s gift card for the group.
Remember, you don’t have to use it all at once. If your reservation doesn’t use the full balance, the rest stays in your account until you’re ready for another getaway.
Sending a Gift Card Yourself?
Wanna be the person who gives the best gifts ever? Send someone an Airbnb gift card.
Here’s how:
- Go to the Airbnb gift card page (just Google it if you can’t find it).
- Choose the amount you want to send.
- Write a personal message (optional but sweet!).
- Send it by email or print it out.
Perfect for birthdays, weddings, graduations, or just because. Who wouldn’t want a little getaway?
Things to Keep in Mind
Your Airbnb gift card is great, but there are a few small rules you should know:
- Only works in the U.S. if it’s a U.S. gift card (it’s based on your Airbnb account settings).
- It’s non-refundable — once redeemed, you can’t turn it back into cash.
- No expiration date! Yep, you’ve got forever to use it (unless you close your account).
Also, if someone emails or calls you asking for the gift card number — don’t do it! That’s a scam. Keep your code private like your toothbrush.
Need to Check Your Balance?
Want to see how much adventure money you have left? Easy:
- Go to your Airbnb account.
- Select “Payments & payouts.”
- Click on “Gift Cards.”
Your balance will be right there waiting for you.
Why Use a Gift Card at All?
Good question! Using a gift card comes with some real perks:
- Budget control: Stick to how much you’ve got to spend.
- No surprises: Airbnb applies that balance first at checkout.
- Feel-good vibes: Gifts make everything more fun — it’s science.
And That’s It!
Using an Airbnb gift card is super simple, and it turns into memories you’ll never forget. Whether you’re traveling the world or planning a chill weekend staycation, that gift card is your first-class ticket to fun (okay, maybe coach, but still). 😄
So what are you waiting for? That mountaintop hot tub or downtown city loft isn’t going to book itself. Happy travels!