Airbnb has become a popular alternative to traditional hotels for travelers in Singapore and worldwide. Using the right credit card for your Airbnb bookings can earn you significant rewards and miles. 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. UOB KrisFlyer Card - Best for Airbnb
Rewards Rate: 2.4 MPD on Airbnb (whitelisted online travel merchant)
Key MCC: 7011 (Lodging) - Airbnb is a whitelisted merchant
Why It's Best for Airbnb:
- Airbnb is specifically whitelisted as an online travel merchant
- Earns 2.4 MPD (uncapped) on all Airbnb bookings
- KrisFlyer miles don't expire with activity
- No minimum spend requirement for bonus miles
Key Considerations:
- Must spend S$1,000 annually on SIA Group to maintain accelerated earn rates
- Annual fee: $192.60 (waived first year)
- Miles are credited directly to KrisFlyer account
2. UOB Lady's Card - Best for Female Travelers
Rewards Rate: 4 MPD (10X UNI$) on travel category
Key MCCs: 7011, 3500-3999 (Hotels, Motels, Resorts), 3000-3299 (Airlines)
Why It's Great for Airbnb:
- Travel category includes MCC 7011 (Lodging)
- Earns 4 MPD on Airbnb bookings
- Flexible category switching (can choose Travel as one of your categories)
- Good for women who travel frequently
Key Considerations:
- Must select "Travel" as one of your 2 bonus categories each quarter
- Annual fee: $192.60 (waived first year)
- Available to female applicants only
3. HSBC Revolution - Strong Travel Rewards
Rewards Rate: 4 MPD on travel, dining, and online shopping
Key MCCs: 7011, 3000-3999 (All travel-related MCCs)
Why It's Good for Airbnb:
- Comprehensive travel coverage includes MCC 7011
- Consistent 4 MPD on all travel expenses including Airbnb
- No category selection required
- Strong welcome bonus offers
Key Considerations:
- Annual fee: $192.60
- Cap at $1,500 per month for bonus categories
- Good all-rounder for travel and dining
Airbnb MCC Quick Reference
| Platform | MCC Code | Category | Best Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbnb (all bookings) | 7011 | Lodging | UOB KrisFlyer, UOB Lady's, HSBC Rev |
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 UOB KrisFlyer for Airbnb: Guaranteed 2.4 MPD on all Airbnb bookings as a whitelisted merchant
- Check MCC before booking: Use CheckMCC to verify which MCC your Airbnb booking uses
- Meet SIA Group spend requirement: If using UOB KrisFlyer, ensure you spend $1,000 annually on SIA Group
- Combine with welcome bonuses: Time your Airbnb bookings with new card applications to meet minimum spend requirements
- Consider travel category selection: For UOB Lady's Card, ensure "Travel" is selected as your bonus category
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?
UOB KrisFlyer Card is the best choice for Airbnb, as Airbnb is specifically whitelisted as an online travel merchant, earning 2.4 MPD on all bookings.
Can I earn miles on Airbnb bookings?
Yes, several Singapore credit cards earn miles on Airbnb bookings. The best options include UOB KrisFlyer (2.4 MPD), UOB Lady's Card (4 MPD with Travel category), and HSBC Revolution (4 MPD on travel).
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: March 2026 | This guide reflects current credit card rewards programs and MCC codes as of March 2026. Terms may change. Always check with the issuing bank for the latest rewards structure.