When planning a trip to the Caribbean for Carnival, finding affordable accommodations is key to keeping your budget in check. While hotels offer loyalty programs, many Carnival travelers prefer the comfort, privacy, and flexibility of Airbnb stays. But did you know you can still rack up points and miles on Airbnb bookings?
That’s right—just because Airbnb doesn’t have its own loyalty program doesn’t mean you have to miss out on rewards. With the right credit cards, airline partnerships, and strategies, you can maximize points and miles on Airbnb stays and save big on your next Carnival getaway.
Let’s break it all down so you can book your next Carnival adventure smarter—not harder.
Pay for Airbnb Stays with Reward-Boosting Credit Cards
Not all credit cards are created equal, and when it comes to Airbnb stays for Carnival travelers, some cards offer better rewards than others. Here are a few top picks that help you earn points and miles quickly:
Top Credit Cards for Airbnb Bookings
•3x points on travel purchases—including Airbnb.
•$300 annual travel credit (perfect for covering Airbnb stays).
•Flexible points transfer to airlines and hotels for future redemptions.
•Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
•2x miles on every purchase.
•Redeem miles as a statement credit to erase Airbnb charges.
•3x points on travel, including Airbnb bookings.
•Access to Amex Membership Rewards partners for flexible point transfers.
•Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
•3x points on travel and select business expenses.
•Ideal for Carnival vendors or small business owners traveling for work and fun.
Pro Tip:
Use your card strategically to hit sign-up bonuses. Many cards offer 50,000–100,000 points after spending a certain amount within the first few months—enough to book flights or cover part of your Carnival accommodations.
Take Advantage of Airline Partnerships with Airbnb
Earn points and miles on Airbnb bookings through airline programs that offer frequent flyer miles when you book stays via their dedicated portals. It’s like double-dipping—you get miles for the booking and points from your credit card.
Popular Airline Programs Partnered with Airbnb:
•Delta SkyMiles – Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on Airbnb.
•British Airways Executive Club – Earn 3 Avios per $1, £1, or €1 spent on Airbnb.
Pro Tip: Always book through the airline’s dedicated Airbnb portal—not directly on the Airbnb website—to maximize rewards.
Buy Airbnb Gift Cards for Bonus Points
Did you know you can earn extra points and miles by buying Airbnb gift cards? Many grocery stores and retailers sell these cards, and if you use a credit card that rewards grocery purchases, you’ll score even more points.
Example Strategies:
• Use the American Express Gold Card to earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets.
• Buy Airbnb gift cards at Office Depot using the Chase Ink Business Cash Card for 5% cash back.
• Look for seasonal promotions on gift card purchases through shopping portals for bonus rewards.
Use Travel Portals to Boost Earnings
Travel portals can help you earn even more rewards on your Airbnb stays. For instance:
•Chase Ultimate Rewards® Portal – Earn extra points when booking travel-related expenses.
•Capital One Travel Portal – Redeem points directly to cover Airbnb bookings.
•American Express Travel Portal – Transfer points to eligible airline and hotel partners.
Pro Tip:
If your credit card doesn’t support Airbnb directly, use its “Pay Yourself Back” feature to get reimbursed for Airbnb purchases with points. This approach ensures your Carnival travel with credit card rewards is seamless.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re heading to the Mecca for Trinidad Carnival, St. Kitts for Sugar Mas, there are plenty of ways to make Airbnb stays more rewarding. By leveraging Airbnb rewards with airline programs, using the right credit cards, and employing strategic shopping methods, you can keep your Carnival travel both budget-friendly and fulfilling.
Start maximizing your points now, and let your Airbnb stays pave the way to your next unforgettable Carnival experience!