How to Use the Airbnb Referral Program to Grow Your Hosting Business (and Get Paid for It)

Marifil Limpahan
Oct 17
3 min read

Airbnb Referral Program Explained: How Smart Hosts Earn More Without Adding Properties

If you’re already hosting on Airbnb, you know the platform can be a powerful income stream, but what if you could earn even more without managing another property?

That’s where Airbnb’s updated Referral Program (formerly the Affiliate Program) comes in. It’s a simple, scalable way to boost your income while helping others start their hosting journey. And for hosts serious about growth, this program can be a quiet but powerful addition to your Airbnb strategy.

At BNB Guardians, we teach our coaching students how to diversify their income streams, automate operations with tools like Guesty, and scale their Airbnb business efficiently. The Airbnb Referral Program fits perfectly into that playbook — an easy win for hosts ready to think long-term.

What Is the Airbnb Referral Program?

Airbnb’s Referral Program allows you to earn rewards when you refer new hosts to the platform. When someone signs up using your referral link and completes their first booking, you can receive cash bonuses or travel credits directly from Airbnb.

Unlike traditional affiliate marketing, this program rewards you for helping grow the Airbnb community. You’re not just sharing a link, you’re helping new hosts take their first step toward financial freedom.

Benefits of Airbnb’s Updated Referral Program

If you’re already running a successful listing, this program can complement your Airbnb management and marketing strategy in powerful ways:

Earn extra income — Get referral bonuses every time someone you refer becomes an active Airbnb host.
Travel for less — Redeem credits toward your own Airbnb stays or business travel.
Help others get started — Inspire friends, clients, or followers who want to learn Airbnb hosting.
Expand your network — Build connections with other hosts who may later become collaborators, cohosts, or even clients.
Boost your reputation — Sharing helpful tools and resources positions you as a knowledgeable, trustworthy host.

How to Create and Share Your Airbnb Referral Link

Setting up your referral link takes less than a minute:

Log in to your Airbnb account.
Go to Account → Refer a Host.
Copy your unique referral link.
Share it via email, text, or social media — or embed it in your website or blog.

Once your referral completes their first hosting booking, you’ll automatically receive your reward from Airbnb.

Tips for Promoting Your Referral Link

To maximize results, treat your referral link like a mini marketing campaign. Here’s how:

Post it on social media. Mention it naturally when you share hosting wins or behind-the-scenes moments.
Add it to your blog or direct-booking website. Create a short article on “How to Become an Airbnb Host” and include your link.
Use it in your newsletter or Skool community. Encourage members to start hosting with your guidance — it’s a win-win.
Mention it in your Airbnb coaching content. If you’re mentoring others or part of the Airbnb Super Host Academy, it’s the perfect way to help new hosts take action.

Final Thoughts

The Airbnb Referral Program isn’t just about bonuses, it’s about building long-term leverage. You’re helping new hosts unlock financial freedom while adding an extra stream of income to your own business.

At BNB Guardians, we teach hosts to think beyond short-term bookings, to build scalable systems, sustainable income, and a brand that lasts. Integrating programs like Airbnb’s Referral system and automation tools like Guesty is a small but strategic step toward that goal.

👉 Need help with Airbnb? Join our Airbnb Super Host Academy on Skool or book a coaching session with BNB Guardians today, and start building your Airbnb business like a pro.