American Express is expanding its Amex Travel portal with a new partnership.
About the American Express-Airbnb Partnership:
Airbnb is coming to Amex Travel. Now, American Express cardmembers in the United States can book Airbnb stays on AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App, allowing them to earn Membership Rewards points on prepaid bookings.
With this addition, Amex is also adjusting one of the Platinum Card‘s key credits. What was previously known as the Hotel Credit has been renamed the Lodging Credit, but continues to offer up to $600 per year ($300 semi-annually). Now, not only will Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Collection prepaid bookings be eligible for this credit, but Airbnb Luxe bookings made via Amex Travel are as well.
Both Hotel Collection and Airbnb Luxe bookings require stays of two nights or more in order to earn the credit. Currently, Fine Hotels & Resorts bookings have a minimum stay requirement of one night — however, starting January 1st, 2027, only stays of two nights or more will be eligible for the Lodging Credit.
A new Airbnb Experiences Credit will also be coming to the Platinum card. Each year, after cardmembers use their card to book a prepaid Airbnb Luxe stay through Amex Travel, they’ll unlock a credit for up to $250 on eligible Airbnb Experience bookings made directly with Airbnb. Once unlocked, this credit will be available to cardmembers through the end of the calendar year.
What They’re Saying:
Announcing this new partnership and the associated updates, American Express’s Group President of U.S. Consumer Services Howard Grosfield stated, “Travel is personal and where our Card Members choose to stay is personal. By partnering with Airbnb, we’re giving Card Members more choice alongside the rewards, service and exceptional value that define American Express Membership.”
My Thoughts:
Unlike some I’ve seen on social media, I have yet to RSVP to the “Amex Platinum is Over Party” because of this change. That said, I do think it is a disappointing update. After all, I’ve previously been able to enjoy single-night stays at places like The Palazzo in Las Vegas and redeem my $300 semiannual credit. Now, I’ll have to look at ways to extend that to two nights… which might not make the math work out, in the case of most Fine Hotels & Resorts. Because of that, I think that The Hotel Collection is now the new sweet spot since these always require a minimum two-night stay and can be significantly cheaper than some FHR properties. I’ve also had good Hotel Collection experiences, including The Nash in Nashville and, most recently, Kimpton Rowan in Palm Springs.
Of course, what’s funny about all of this is how I completely ignored the main part of the story: Airbnb! Although I’ve stayed at some Airbnbs with friends in the past, I’ve never actually booked one myself — and had no idea what Airbnb Luxe was. So, I did a quick search for a Luxe location near me and found a few within an hour of me. However, each was priced at around $1,000 for two nights before taxes and such. That experience suggests that this still isn’t going to give me a no-brainer, easy way to burn off my (now called) Lodging Credit. But at least it does put some options in my area, as I currently have to drive at least a few hours to find a Hotel Collection or FHR.
Overall, while the two-night update is easy to groan at, I still think that there will be value to find with this Amex Platinum Lodging Credit going forward.
