If you’ve been searching online for an Airbnb discount code UK, you may have noticed it’s harder to find one than before. That’s because Airbnb ended its guest referral scheme for UK users. In the past, new customers could sign up via a referral link to claim money off their first booking, but this option is no longer available in the UK.
The good news is that Airbnb is still one of the best ways to save money on accommodation and experiences compared to traditional hotels. And while guests can no longer get referral discounts, existing users can still earn cash rewards by sharing referral links with people who sign up to host, create an experience, or offer a service.
In this guide, I’ll explain what’s changed, what still works, and why Airbnb is still my go-to for affordable and unique travel stays.
Does Airbnb Still Have a Discount Code in the UK?
The simple answer is no, not for new guests. Airbnb’s guest referral programme ended for UK users, so there is no valid Airbnb discount code UK or Airbnb referral code UK for travellers at the moment.
That said, Airbnb does sometimes run limited promotions in certain countries, and the host referral programme is still active worldwide. This means if you’re looking to earn through Airbnb, referral links can still help.
Other Ways to Save Money on Airbnb
Even though there’s no longer a referral discount for new guests in the UK, there are still plenty of ways to save when booking with Airbnb:
- Filter by entire place or private room – sometimes a private room in a shared property can be much cheaper than booking a whole flat or house.
- Book outside peak season – prices can drop dramatically if you’re flexible with travel dates.
- Stay slightly outside the city centre – as we found in Bruges, a short drive or train ride can save hundreds compared to central locations.
- Look for weekly or monthly discounts – many hosts offer reduced rates if you stay longer.
- Compare to hotels – Airbnb isn’t always the cheapest, but often you’ll get more space and amenities for less money.
By using these tips, you can still cut costs even without a discount code — and enjoy the added benefit of staying somewhere unique.
What is the Airbnb Referral Programme?
Even though the guest discount scheme has ended in the UK, you can still take part in the referral programme if you’re an Airbnb user. Every eligible Airbnb account can generate referral links for hosting, experiences, or services.
This means you can share your own referral code with friends, family, or followers. When someone signs up as a new host, creates an experience, or lists a service through your link and completes a qualifying booking, you’ll receive a cash reward.
It’s a simple way to make money by introducing others to Airbnb. Just keep in mind:
- Guest booking discounts are no longer available in the UK.
- Referral rewards are only paid once the new host, experience, or service provider completes their first qualifying booking.
- Airbnb caps the number of successful referrals you can earn rewards from each year (currently up to 25 per category).
So while you can’t get a discount as a new guest anymore, you can still earn by sharing your own links.
Here’s a quick look at each programme:
1. Airbnb Host Referral Programme
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a host, then the referral programme is still open to you. Here’s how it works:
- You sign up to Airbnb as a host through a referral link.
- You list your property (entire home, flat, cabin, etc.).
- Once you complete your first qualifying booking, you’ll earn your usual hosting income.
- The referrer receives a cash reward from Airbnb for introducing a new host.
If you’d like to start hosting, you can use my Airbnb host referral link here: Airbnb Host Referral Link
2. Airbnb Experience Referral Programme
Airbnb isn’t just about places to stay. You can also host experiences, from food tours to art classes. The referral system applies here, too:
- The new host earns normally by running their experience and keeping the booking income.
- The referrer gets a cash reward once the first qualifying booking is completed.
Start your journey as an experience host using my referral link: Airbnb Experience Referral Link
3. Airbnb Service Referral Programme
Airbnb has also introduced services in some markets, and referrals apply here, too. Just like with hosting and experiences:
- The new provider earns their regular service income.
- The referrer is rewarded by Airbnb once a qualifying booking is completed.
You can get started with my link: Airbnb Service Referral Link
Why I Still Love Booking with Airbnb
Even though the guest discount has ended, Airbnb still usually saves me money compared to hotels — and offers much better value for family travel, especially abroad!
When we went to Bruges, hotel quotes were around £300 per night for a family room. Instead, I found a private two-bedroom apartment just a 25-minute drive from the city for £60 per night. Not only was it far cheaper, but we had a whole apartment to ourselves — living room, kitchen, garden, and free parking. For a family of four, this was a much better option than being crammed into one hotel room with the kids on a sofa bed.
For our trip to Portugal to visit family, Airbnb also came to the rescue. I found a three-bedroom apartment in the nearest town centre for only £28 per night, while similar properties nearby were more than double the price. It was an incredible bargain, and it meant we could stay close to family without spending a fortune.
FAQ: Airbnb Discount Codes and Referrals
Does Airbnb still offer a discount code in the UK?
No, the guest referral discount ended for UK users, so there is no active Airbnb discount code for UK users at the moment.
Can I still use an Airbnb referral code UK?
Yes, but only if you are signing up as a host, experience host, or service provider. Guests can’t claim referral discounts right now.
Do people using referral links get extra money?
No. The person signing up earns normally through hosting or services, but only the referrer receives an additional cash reward from Airbnb.
What’s the difference between an Airbnb promo code, coupon, and referral code?
They all refer to ways of saving with Airbnb. Promo codes and coupons are often temporary deals, while referral codes were part of the guest sign-up scheme. Currently, only host, service, and experience referral codes are available.
Final Word
While it’s a shame that the Airbnb guest referral discount is no longer available in the UK, there are still plenty of ways to earn through the platform. Hosting a property, running an experience, or listing a service can all be done through Airbnb’s referral links, and it remains one of the best ways to travel affordably while enjoying more space and flexibility than hotels.
For anyone searching for an Airbnb discount code UK, the truth is the old scheme has ended — but with hosting opportunities, unique experiences, and great value accommodation, Airbnb is still well worth exploring.
More ways to save money on travel:
- How to get a free holiday
- How to get the cheapest train tickets
- 8 ways to save money when hiring a car
- How to save money on family travel
- Get discounts on family attractions with Kids Pass
Discover more from Travel Vixta
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