Best Credit Card for Airbnb in 2026
Airbnb is classified under MCC 6513 (Real Estate Agents and Managers - Rentals). The best card for Airbnb purchases is the Bilt (no annual fee), earning 1x on real estate agents and managers - rentals — an effective return of 1.50%.
The Airbnb MCC (6513) is crucial for travel enthusiasts because it falls under lodging expenses, making it eligible for rewards on cards like the Bilt and others offering bonus points.
To maximize your rewards on Airbnb, sign up for their referral program and earn points every time someone books through your unique link.
Airbnb purchases are classified under MCC 6513 (Real Estate Agents and Managers - Rentals).
MCC Details for Airbnb
Best Credit Cards for Airbnb (2026)
How Airbnb Codes on Your Statement
When you pay at Airbnb in the app or online, your card issuer sees MCC 6513 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a real estate agents and managers - rentals merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "real estate agents and managers - rentals" purchases, Airbnb transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Airbnb specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Airbnb transaction by checking your card's mobile app or statement. Some issuers display the merchant category alongside the transaction details. For the most accurate information, contact your card issuer's customer service and ask whether MCC 6513 qualifies for bonus rewards.
Bonus Category Match — Airbnb
About MCC 6513: Real Estate Agents and Managers - Rentals
Merchant Category Code 6513 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Real Estate Agents and Managers - Rentals industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 6513, all qualifying card programs that include real estate agents and managers - rentals as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Financial industry group encompasses several related MCCs. Not all merchants in a similar business will share the same MCC — for example, a grocery store inside a warehouse club may code as wholesale ({"5300"}) rather than grocery ({"5411"}). Always verify with your issuer if you're unsure whether a specific merchant qualifies for bonus rewards on your card.
Other Real Estate Agents and Managers - Rentals merchants: Booking.com Vacation Rentals, Evolve Vacation Rental, FlipKey.
What You Could Earn at Airbnb
Spending $200/month at Airbnb with the Bilt (1x on real estate agents and managers - rentals) earns approximately $24/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. That is $0 more per year with no annual fee.