American American Express cardholders in the US can now access more than one million Airbnb properties through the Amex Travel platform.
According to the joint announcement, the partnership focuses on new benefits for holders of American Express consumer and business Platinum Cards. Specifically, eligible cardholders can now use their $600 annual lodging credit, previously known as the Hotel Credit and now renamed the Lodging Credit. The credit provides up to $300 every six months and now also covers, subject to certain conditions, prepaid bookings of at least two nights at Airbnb Luxe properties.
This expands the program beyond eligible prepaid hotel bookings to include luxury Airbnb homes.
At the same time, a new $250 annual credit is being introduced for select Airbnb Experiences. This benefit becomes available after an eligible prepaid booking at an Airbnb Luxe property through Amex Travel is confirmed. Cardholders can then receive up to $250 in credits for eligible Experience purchases made directly through Airbnb during the remainder of the calendar year.
These experiences may include activities such as horseback riding in the Malibu hills, culinary cruises along the Seine or tours of the historic canals and floating gardens of Xochimilco in Mexico.
How the partnership works
Travelers begin their search in the dedicated Homes section of the AmexTravel.com website or the Amex Travel app by entering their trip details. They are then directed to Airbnb’s search platform, where they can choose from more than one million properties, ranging from family homes and spaces for corporate gatherings to luxury villas.
To complete a booking, travelers must link their American Express and Airbnb accounts. The booking is made through Airbnb, while travelers can also view their trip in Amex Travel. Stay management, communication with the host, booking changes and customer support are all handled through Airbnb.
In addition, eligible Membership Rewards members can earn points on prepaid bookings made through Amex Travel using a qualifying American Express Card. Platinum Cardholders earn five times the Membership Rewards points, consumer Green Card holders continue to earn three times the points on travel purchases, including direct Airbnb bookings, while other eligible cardholders earn twice the points.
The importance of travel rewards
The partnership reflects the two companies’ efforts to increase the value consumers receive from their travel spending. According to research cited by American Express, more than 75% of respondents said they feel greater satisfaction from travel purchases when these come with rewards that can be used on future trips. Meanwhile, nearly four in five said that the opportunity to earn travel rewards could encourage them to make a booking.
“Guests choose Airbnb for the variety of options, from an apartment for a solo trip to a home for a family gathering or a luxury villa for a special occasion,” said Juan David Borrero, Airbnb’s Head of Partnerships, expressing the expectation that the agreement will offer American Express cardholders greater flexibility.
For its part, American Express emphasizes that the partnership expands its customers’ accommodation options while maintaining the rewards and service model that characterizes its program.
For now, the new benefits and the ability to search for properties through Amex Travel are available to eligible American Express cardholders in the US. Therefore, these benefits do not apply broadly to all Airbnb users or to American Express cardholders in other countries.
