Finding the right credit card can make your hosting experience significantly more rewarding and efficient. Many hosts wonder which credit card is best for Airbnb operations or if there are specific credit cards offering Airbnb rewards.
Based on research from various financial experts and industry resources, this article highlights credit cards that offer valuable benefits for vacation rental hosts and Airbnb operators. These card options can help Guesty Lite users maximize the potential of their hosting business while earning rewards on their everyday hosting expenses.
Why vacation rental hosts need a dedicated credit card
Before diving into our recommendations for the best credit cards for Airbnb hosts, let’s understand why having a dedicated card for your hosting business is important:
- Separate finances: Keeping your hosting expenses separate from personal spending makes tax preparation much simpler.
- Expense tracking: A dedicated card provides clear records of all your hosting-related purchases.
- Maximize rewards: Earn points or cash back on property supplies, furniture, utilities, and other hosting expenses.
- Build business credit: Establish a credit history for your hosting business that can help with future property investments.
Top credit card recommendations for vacation rental hosts
While there aren’t specific credit cards with Airbnb offers built in, several business cards provide features that align with vacation rental needs. Based on our review of popular business credit cards and their features, here are four strong options that could benefit vacation rental operators:
1. American Express Blue Business Cash Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash card is an excellent choice for hosts seeking straightforward rewards without an annual fee. This card offers:
- Key benefits: 2% cash back on all purchases up to $50,000 per year, then 1% cash back
- Annual fee: $0
- Best for: New hosts or those looking for simple cash back with no annual fee
- Special features: Expanded buying power allows you to spend beyond your credit limit for larger purchases, automatic statement credits, and 0% intro APR for 12 months
For Guesty Lite users handling more than one property, this card provides uncomplicated rewards on everything from cleaning supplies to furniture purchases. The automatic statement credits make it easy to see your rewards without extra steps.
Learn more about the American Express Blue Business Cash Card
2. Chase Ink Business Preferred credit card
If you frequently travel between your rental properties, the Chase Ink Business Preferred credit card offers exceptional travel rewards:
- Key benefits: 3x points on travel, shipping, internet/cable/phone services, and advertising (up to $150,000 annually)
- Annual fee: $95
- Best for: Hosts who travel frequently or manage properties in multiple locations
- Special features: Cell phone protection when you pay your bill with the card, 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
This card is especially valuable for hosts who need to visit their properties regularly or purchase advertising for their listings. The bonus categories align perfectly with common expenses for serious property managers.
Learn more about the Chase Ink Business Preferred credit card
3. Capital One Spark Cash Plus
For hosts with significant monthly expenses, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus offers unlimited rewards potential:
- Key benefits: Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases with no caps
- Annual fee: $150 (waived first year)
- Best for: Established hosts with high monthly expenses who pay in full
- Special features: No preset spending limit, potential for a large welcome bonus, free employee cards
As a charge card requiring full payment each month, this option is ideal for hosts who don’t carry balances. Guesty Lite users managing multiple properties with substantial monthly expenses will appreciate the unlimited 2% return on all their hosting purchases.
Learn more about Capital One Spark Cash Plus
4. American Express Business Gold Card
For mid-sized vacation rental operations with significant spending in specific categories, the American Express Business Gold Card offers premium rewards:
- Key benefits: 4x points in your top 2 spending categories each month (up to $150,000 annually)
- Annual fee: $375
- Best for: Hosts with multiple properties and significant, targeted spending
- Special features: No preset spending limit, travel benefits, cell phone protection, flexible redemption options
This premium card automatically adjusts your bonus categories based on where you spend the most each month, making it incredibly flexible for hosts with varying expenses throughout the year. For hosts wondering about credit cards with Airbnb benefits, this card’s flexibility makes it particularly valuable as your rental business evolves. While the annual fee is substantial, the potential rewards for serious operators can easily outweigh the cost.
Learn more about the American Express Business Gold Card
How to maximize credit card rewards as a vacation rental host
Once you’ve selected from among the best credit cards for Airbnb hosts, here’s how to make the most of your new financial tool:
- Consolidate expenses: Put all eligible business expenses on your card, including furnishings, supplies, utilities, and services
- Pay in full monthly: Avoid interest charges by paying your balance in full each month
- Time large purchases: Plan major expenses to coincide with sign-up bonus spending requirements
- Match expenses to bonus categories: Use your card strategically for purchases that earn the highest rewards
How a good credit card can work alongside your property management system
Your property management software and credit card can work together to streamline your financial management:
- Use your property management system’s expense tracking alongside your credit card statements for comprehensive financial oversight
- Set up automatic payments for recurring hosting expenses, like cleaning services or utilities
- Reconcile guest payments with credit card purchases to maintain accurate profit calculations
- Download your financial records from both your credit card and property management software at tax time
Tips for choosing the right card for your vacation rental
When selecting the best credit cards for Airbnb hosts, consider these factors:
- Analyze spending patterns: Review your largest expense categories to find a card with matching bonus rewards
- Evaluate travel needs: If you frequently visit your properties, prioritize travel rewards and protections
- Consider your business goals: Choose a card that aligns with your long-term plans, whether you’re maintaining your current properties or planning to expand
- Compare fee structures: Ensure any annual fee is justified by the rewards and benefits you’ll actually use
- Look for promotional offers: Some credit card promotions for Airbnb hosts offer enhanced sign-up bonuses for new accounts
The right credit card can be a powerful tool for vacation rental hosts using Guesty Lite. By selecting from the best credit cards for STR hosts based on your specific business needs and spending patterns, you can earn valuable rewards while keeping your hosting finances organized.
Whether you opt for the straightforward cash back of the American Express blue business cash card, the travel perks of the Chase Ink business preferred, the unlimited rewards of the Capital One Spark Cash Plus, or the premium benefits of the American Express business gold card, your choice should complement your property management approach and business goals.
Combined with the powerful features of your property management software, picking the right credit card is vital in helping you maximize the profitability of your vacation rental business.