🏠 How to maximize on Airbnb stays

By Mike Dodge, McKay Moffitt ¡ May 9, 2026

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🏠 How to maximize on Airbnb stays

Aaaaand, happy weekend to you! 😙

As you read this, I’m prepping about three dozen hot dogs for a Sandlot-themed get-together.

Oh… and potato salad. And fruit salad. And banana pudding!

Now that you’re all good and hungry, let’s run through some tasty travel tips.

💙 Flying Blue Promo Rewards AND a 20% transfer bonus? Yes, please.

🏨 Don’t miss this 65% transfer bonus to Marriott Bonvoy (ends May 15!).

💔 ICYMI: Spirit Airlines officially ceased operations last week.

🇩🇪 A new free stopover has entered the chat (and here’s what to know).

🔀 Choose your own (points) adventure with IHG’s newest promo.

🤔 Which $95 travel card is best? This week’s Daily Drop YouTube video will help you decide.

🏆 Our Favorite Pick: Stack points on Airbnb stays

As someone whose travel bug skyrocketed while on a college budget, I’m no stranger to unique accommodations.

The idea of “hotel loyalty” didn’t really register until late last year.

And honestly? I still tend to search for hostels first.

(Don’t tell Mike). 🤭

That said, I’m a frequent “Airbnb-er” and am always looking for ways to make those stays work for me in return.

Airbnbs are just so fun. You can meet locals and get their recommendations, stay more off-the-beaten path, and…

There’s just something about staying in a home.

Should you still go for hotel rewards and elite status? Yes… especially if you’re frequenting hotels.

But if and when you wanna stay at an Airbnb, there are a few ways to earn some points while you’re at it.

Book with a solid card

Airbnb stays can actually be pretty great for earning points… if you use the right card.

Some cards treat Airbnb like regular travel purchases, which means you can rack up bonus points, cash back, or even travel protections on your stay.

For example, my personal favorite card earns 2x points on travel purchases, which includes Airbnb stays.

Even better? This underrated baddie earns 3x points on all travel, as does this kick-a business card.

👀 Pro Tip: You can (technically) still use points for your stay — using Capital One miles to book your Airbnb, then cover the purchase with miles afterward. Since Airbnb codes as travel, you can redeem Capital One miles against the charge at a flat value within 90 days of booking.

Earn Delta SkyMiles or Avios with Airbnb (ooh, aah)

If you’d rather earn points on your Airbnb instead of redeeming them, there’s a sneaky-easy way to do it through airline shopping portals and travel partnerships.

Basically, before you book, start your Airbnb reservation through the airline’s booking portal, log in with your frequent flyer account, and let the miles roll on in.

For example:

Earn statement credits

Every so often, credit cards quietly roll out targeted Airbnb offers (like the one Mike received last week) that can knock money off your stay or earn bonus cash back just for booking through the app or website.

They’re easy to miss but can be one of the simplest ways to save on an Airbnb without changing anything about your trip.

Purchase discounted gift cards

Airbnb doesn’t exactly hand out points… but gift cards do. 🤠

If you buy Airbnb gift cards with the right credit card, you can turn your stay into a bonus-category purchase and rack up extra points in the process.

Using this card at grocery stores, and this other one at office supply stores are two easy examples.

✨ Another Pro Tip: Use points to cover Airbnb gift cards instead of the stay itself. Some programs (like Chase, American Express, Citi, and even United MileagePlus) let you redeem points or miles for Airbnb gift cards.

Is it the best redemption value? Usually not. You’ll almost always get more value transferring points to airlines or hotels. But if saving cash is the priority, it’s an easy way to knock down the cost of your stay.

Hotel Tonight partnership, explained

If you book through HotelTonight, you can earn 10% back (excluding taxes and fees) in Airbnb credit on eligible stays. 👀

You’ll need to connect your Airbnb and HotelTonight accounts first, and the credit should post within 24 hours of checkout.

The Airbnb credit is valid for one year, so your last-minute hotel stay today could help fund a discounted Airbnb weekend later on.

Phew… ok that was a lot.

But honestly… if you’re going to stay somewhere fun and different, you might as well earn something back while you’re at it.

👀 Extra, Extra: New month, new top cards

I’ll keep this short n’ sweet (like Miss Sabrina).

Buuuut in case you missed it, we have entered May — meaning our top cards page has been dusted, shined, and updated.

As we approach summer and fall travel, having even one welcome offer stash can bridge the gap between you and a free (or much cheaper) trip. 😌

For example, this premium credit card dropped a record 150,000 UR point-offer, which could easily cover multiple trips.

For all of my planners out there, here’s what you should consider adding to your wallet.

🌍 Week in Review

That’s gonna do it for today, y’all.

I’m likely into my third or fourth bowl of banana pudding with zero plans of stopping.

And with that visual, byyyyyyeeeee,

McKay MoffittWriter, Daily Drop

40°39'41.4"N 73°56'22.0"W

With contributions by Mike Dodge and Sam Anthony

Written by

Mike Dodge
Mike Dodge
Head Writer
McKay Moffitt
McKay Moffitt
Writer
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