Amex Adds Airbnb Listings to Travel Portal With Rewards for Eligible Cardholders
Amex adds over 1 million Airbnb listings to Amex Travel, with rewards on prepaid stays and new credits for Luxe bookings.
The companies said the launch adds Airbnb rentals to Amex's hotel portfolio, which includes more than 3,400 properties across its Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs. Amex currently does not allow members to redeem points to pay for Airbnb bookings.
Consumer and business Platinum cardholders can now apply their $600 annual lodging credit, previously called the hotel credit, to Airbnb's higher-end Luxe stays. They can also use a new $250 statement credit on eligible Airbnb Experiences after making a Luxe booking.
"We're excited to bring more choice and flexibility to American Express Card Members with this exclusive partnership. Both of our companies exist to help people travel more and better, and this partnership helps people see more of the world by making travel more rewarding," said Juan David Borrero, head of partnerships at Airbnb, in a news release.
Membership points vary by card. Consumer and Business Platinum card members earn five times the Membership Rewards on prepaid Airbnb bookings through Amex Travel. Consumer Classic Green card members earn three times the points on travel bookings made directly through third-party sites, including Airbnb. Other eligible rewards members earn two times the points on prepaid Airbnb bookings through Amex Travel.
The partnership comes as competition among premium credit cards continues to increase. Last year, American Express raised the annual fee on its Platinum card to $895 and has been investing in cardholder perks such as airport lounges and events. Earlier this month, it announced an expansion of its Centurion Lounges, with renovations coming to four existing lounges and new ones planned for Newark Liberty International Airport and London Heathrow Airport. The Newark lounge will be the largest in its network.
The launch also comes as Americans continue to choose travel and luxury experiences even as airfare, gas and hotel prices rise. A recent study by travel insurance company Squaremouth found that more than half of Americans reported making no changes to their travel plans this summer despite higher costs.