Anyone use their Barclay card with AirBNB?

[BarkingGhostar]

In planning for my three week long trip, I am thinking of not staying at a traditional five-star hotel and instead using AirBNB. While this would be my first time using AirBNB, the property, which is across from Harrods in London (think Hyde park) seems to have a handful of reviews, all positive, but the first time lead-in experience is a bit scary.

This would be a 19-night AirBNb on the order of almost US$8K. Also, I am bewildered in knowing if the US$8K spent, if I move forward, counts as travel purchases as the 2X miles per US$1 spent explanation seems to leave it up to the merchant to use the proper merchant code--I should email AirBNB on this.

The place I am thinking about is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom property that is on par with 4-5 star hotel except compared to something like the Four Seasons, Shangri-la, etc. I would be saving several thousand dollars.

Thoughts? I could post the AirBNB listing, but I wouldn;'t want to offend the ATOT policies.

 

[jaedaliu]

Just got back from my trip. It looks like once both the renter and the host confirm, the credit card is charged.

Below is from my credit card online info. My guess is the "Merchant description" is a selection from VISA.

Merchant description: LODGING-HOTELS, MOTELS, AND RESORTS - T&E SIC CODE

Whats the rule on international bookings on airbnb? I used my no-international-fee capital one when I booked in Canada, but it's an American company that probably charges me in USD, but then again, there's a lot of international fees running around, I don't think UK people would be happy paying international transaction fees when booking in the UK. nevermind, looked it up.

Additionally, if you pay in a currency that’s different from the denominated currency of your payment method, your payment company (for example, your credit or bank card issuer) or third-party payment processor may apply a currency conversion rate or fees to your payment. Please contact your provider for information on what rates and fees may apply, as these are not controlled by or known to Airbnb.

guess as long as airbnb supports your local currency, there are no international transaction fees.

 

[BarkingGhostar]

I had no issues booking, which I completed this morning after getting the wife to green light the option. Used the Barclay specifically for the No Foreign Transaction fee benefit. Charge showed up within a minute or two. I knew AirBNB would make the charge immediately, but I think they hold the money until24 hours after we arrive at the rental. I haven't confirmed this yet--waiting on AirBNB to respond.

Now I'll wait for the charge to post from temporary on the Barclay card to see if I get any points/miles for it. What a way to spend US$8K this morning. No hookers, no blow.

 

[dawheat]

I had no issues booking, which I completed this morning after getting the wife to green light the option. Used the Barclay specifically for the No Foreign Transaction fee benefit. Charge showed up within a minute or two. I knew AirBNB would make the charge immediately, but I think they hold the money until24 hours after we arrive at the rental. I haven't confirmed this yet--waiting on AirBNB to respond.

Now I'll wait for the charge to post from temporary on the Barclay card to see if I get any points/miles for it. What a way to spend US$8K this morning. No hookers, no blow.

Do you have the Barclays Arrival card? All charges get 2 points per dollar. The travel requirement comes into play when trying to redeem those points. If you use it on prior "travel" expenses, you'll be able to redeem at 1 point = 1 cent. It should be no problem to get "travel" expenses since it includes airfare, lodging, and transportation (rental car, public transportation, etc). I've also had food at restaurant hotels come up as eligible expenses.

 

[BarkingGhostar]

Actually the charge posted this morning and the points were there. So, AirBNB is using the correct merchant code for the Barclay Arrival Elite card. Between the introductory offer and what I've spent these past two weeks I've got >US$600 in usable miles.

BTW, the sent me an email yesterday on a new card benefit, shopping at malls for non-travel/vacation related things. They were offering, amongst the many, many merchants, 6X points per $1 spent. I wish I had that two weekends ago when, instead, I used my Nordstrom Visa. I could have gotten an extra 12K points!

 

[RossMAN]

Does that card have an annual fee?

/lazy