Afftank
Worry not — our team of expert advertisers and publishers has curated this Airbnb Affiliate Program Review to give you a bird’s-eye view.
Discover verified insights, core features, and essential tips to help you decide whether this affiliate network is the right fit for your monetization strategy.
What is the Airbnb Affiliate Program?
The Airbnb Affiliate Program was designed to allow publishers, bloggers, and travel influencers to earn commissions by referring new users to Airbnb. Affiliates could promote Airbnb listings or experiences through custom referral links and earn a commission for qualified bookings.
However, it’s important to note that Airbnb officially discontinued its affiliate program in March 2021. Since then, many have been looking for alternatives or exploring partner opportunities via third-party affiliate networks.
Despite its closure, some marketing platforms still offer limited ways to promote Airbnb content under partnership models or API-based integrations.
Airbnb Affiliate Program Features
Although the official program is no longer active, here’s a breakdown of its core features back when it was running — useful if you’re evaluating Airbnb Affiliate Program alternatives or if it ever reopens:
- Custom deep-linking: Generate referral links to specific listings or experiences.
- High-converting creatives: Banners, widgets, and text links provided by Airbnb.
- Commissions: Affiliates earned up to $100 for every new user booking.
- Tracking and analytics: Real-time reporting of clicks, bookings, and earnings.
- Dedicated support: Account managers for top-performing partners.
How to Join Airbnb Affiliate Program (or Its Alternatives)
While the direct affiliate program is no longer open for registration, here’s what you can do instead:
- Check Partner Networks: Platforms like Impact, Skimlinks, or Travelpayouts sometimes offer Airbnb-like programs.
- Apply for API Access: Airbnb’s API program allows select partners to display listings, though it’s more developer-focused.
- Promote Alternatives: Use travel-related affiliate programs that pay for hotel bookings, experiences, or rentals.
Airbnb Affiliate Program Payment Information
- Commission Type: CPA (Cost Per Acquisition)
- Earnings: Up to $100 per new user booking (when active)
- Payout Threshold: $100 (varied by partner platform)
- Payment Methods: PayPal or Bank Transfer (when offered via third-party networks)
Note: There is currently no Airbnb Affiliate Program payment proof available from new affiliates, as the program is discontinued.
Airbnb Affiliate Program Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- High-value commission rates
- Trusted global brand
- Easy-to-use referral tools
- Targeted travel audience
❌ Cons
- Official program discontinued
- Not beginner-friendly now
- Limited to approved partners only
- No direct signup for affiliates today
Is Airbnb Affiliate Program Legit or Fake?
Yes, the Airbnb Affiliate Program was completely legit during its operation. It was run directly by Airbnb and paid out commissions reliably.
However, if you come across websites still claiming to offer direct signup to Airbnb’s affiliate system, verify the source — many such listings could be outdated or misleading.
Airbnb Affiliate Program vs Booking.com Affiliate Partner Program
Here’s a side-by-side look at how Airbnb’s affiliate offer (when active) compared with a leading alternative, Booking.com Affiliate Partner Program:
| Feature | Airbnb Affiliate Program | Booking.com Affiliate Program |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Discontinued (2021) | Active |
| Commission Type | CPA (new users only) | CPA (per booking) |
| Average Commission Rate | Up to $100 per new user | ~25%-40% of Booking’s revenue |
| Approval Process | Selective | Open to all |
| Partner Tools | Deep linking, widgets | Banners, APIs, widgets |
| Ideal For | Travel bloggers, influencers | Travel sites, deal platforms |
Airbnb Affiliate Program Alternatives
If you’re looking for Airbnb Affiliate Program alternatives, consider these top affiliate networks:
- Booking.com Affiliate Partner Program
- Expedia Affiliate Network
- TripAdvisor Affiliate Program
- Travelpayouts
- HotelsCombined
These platforms offer excellent commission structures and broader affiliate support.
FAQs
Is Airbnb Affiliate Program still active?
No, Airbnb discontinued its affiliate program in March 2021. However, select partners may still use Airbnb’s API.
Is Airbnb Affiliate Program real or fake?
The program was 100% real and legit during its operation. Beware of unofficial or outdated affiliate links circulating online.
What are the Airbnb Affiliate Program pros and cons?
Pros included high commission rates and a strong brand. Cons were limited access and eventual discontinuation.
How to use Airbnb Affiliate Program now?
You can’t directly join it now. Instead, consider affiliate network alternatives like Booking.com or Travelpayouts for monetizing travel traffic.
What is Airbnb Affiliate Program pricing or cost?
Joining the affiliate program was completely free. Affiliates earned based on performance without upfront costs.
Are there Airbnb Affiliate Program payment proofs?
There were legit payment proofs before the program shut down, but there are no current or recent payment proofs from 2022 onward.
What are the best Airbnb Affiliate Program alternatives?
Top alternatives include Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Expedia Affiliate Program — all of which are active and support new affiliates.
Conclusion
While the Airbnb Affiliate Program is no longer active, its legacy still guides how affiliates look at travel partnerships today.
For those who missed the opportunity, plenty of strong affiliate network alternatives offer similar — if not better — earning potential. Stay cautious of outdated signup links and always verify program legitimacy.
