Smart Travel: How Aussies Are Saving Big On Airbnb Stays With A Coles Hack

As the cost of travel continues to rise, Australians are getting smarter with their booking strategies—and one clever hack involving Coles and Airbnb is turning heads. A recently resurfaced tip reveals how travellers can save up to 15% on their next Airbnb stay, simply by using discounted eGift cards purchased from Coles supermarkets.

The Coles-Airbnb Gift Card Hack

Coles now offers Airbnb eGift cards at a discounted rate—allowing customers to pay less than face value while redeeming the full amount on their Airbnb bookings. The current promotion provides discounts of up to 15%, meaning a $500 Airbnb card can cost as little as $425. For frequent travellers or families booking multi-day getaways, the savings add up quickly.

Each shopper can buy up to $500 per transaction, and with some deals allowing two transactions, total savings can exceed $150 per trip. These cards can be redeemed online just like cash and are applicable to nearly any listing globally.

What makes this even more attractive is that these discounted cards can be combined with loyalty programs. For example, Coles’ Flybuys members often earn points for every gift card purchase—points that can be redeemed for groceries or transferred to airline partners. In this way, travellers enjoy upfront discounts and future travel rewards in one go.

Why This Hack Matters

Unlike waiting for unpredictable Airbnb coupon codes or relying on host-led discounts, this Coles strategy offers a guaranteed discount up front. It doesn’t require app downloads, memberships, or even code tracking. You simply buy a card, book your stay, and save.

And because the gift card acts as standard Airbnb credit, it can be used for any listing—be it a high-rise apartment in Melbourne, a beachside cottage in Byron Bay, or even a villa abroad.

Stacking the Savings

For the ultra-savvy, there are even more ways to enhance the benefits. Credit cards that offer bonus points for grocery purchases can turn every Coles transaction into a points-earning opportunity. In some cases, these rewards can be worth hundreds of dollars annually when combined with supermarket promos.

Other travellers recommend booking trips during off-peak seasons or on less popular days of the week. For instance, flying on a Tuesday or booking midweek stays often results in lower nightly rates.

Beyond the Hack: Even Bigger Airbnb Savings?

In addition to the Coles eGift card trick, many experienced travellers are now using reverse image search to track down Airbnb properties that also appear on direct booking websites. Because Airbnb charges hosts a commission (often 14–16%), many property owners operate their own sites or list on multiple platforms.

By uploading or searching an Airbnb photo through Google Images, some users have been able to identify the same rental on another website—usually with fewer fees, lower cleaning charges, or longer-stay discounts. A Reddit post that went viral shared one guest’s experience saving $660 AUD by doing exactly this.

However, while direct bookings can cut out service fees, they also eliminate Airbnb’s platform protections, including cancellation support and customer service. It’s a trade-off between savings and security.

Not Always a Win

While the Coles-Airbnb hack is a game-changer for many, it's important to note a few limitations:

• Gift card caps may restrict high-value bookings.
• Airbnb’s platform fees and cleaning charges still apply.
• Strict cancellation policies still exist with some hosts.
• Gift card balance may not cover full costs depending on timing and availability.

Additionally, Coles gift card promotions may not run continuously, so keeping an eye on store catalogues or digital deals is essential.

Travel Smarter, Not Harder

The takeaway? With a bit of planning, Aussies can cut significant costs on accommodation. Whether you're booking a long weekend in Sydney or a working holiday overseas, applying this strategy is a great way to boost value without compromising comfort.

By using Coles’ discounted Airbnb cards, stacking Flybuys or credit card points, and leveraging tools like reverse image search, travellers are shifting the way they book—and save.

In an age of rising prices, digital fatigue, and more discerning guests, financial flexibility and creative booking approaches are proving essential. Coles’ gift card hack is just one of many modern tools that can help you make the most of every dollar on the road.

For longer corporate or relocation stays, platforms like Corporate Keys offer a cost-effective alternative to hotels, providing fully furnished apartments with home-style amenities and flexible lease terms—ideal for extended travel without sacrificing comfort.