Travelers who prefer vacation rentals over traditional hotels will now have another way to earn rewards on their trips. This comes through the coveted American Express membership, known for generous rewards and equally hefty annual fees.
For those carrying an Amex Platinum Card, making the most of every available benefit has become increasingly important to justify its nearly $900 annual fee.
And now, adding to its list of benefits, the credit card giant has partnered with Airbnb and introduced a new $250 travel credit. More than 1 million vacation rental listings will be available to book through American Express Travel.
The October 22 announcement comes as travelers increasingly look for ways to stretch their vacation spending.
More than 75% of respondents in an American Express-commissioned survey said earning rewards toward future trips increased their satisfaction with travel purchases. Nearly four in five said earning travel rewards could encourage them to book a trip.
The partnership also presents an opportunity for Airbnb to compete for travelers who prefer traditional hotels.
According to a May 2026 Statista Consumer Insights report, 41% of surveyed U.S. vacationers had booked hotels in the previous 12 months, compared with 16% who booked vacation apartments or houses through platforms such as Airbnb.
The underlying survey included more than 6,000 Americans who had traveled for personal reasons during the previous year, highlighting how Airbnb could reach a much larger audience of hotel travelers through American Express’s rewards program.
While American Express and Airbnb are looking to capitalize on travelers’ interest in rewards and value, the expanded benefits come with restrictions that could affect how customers plan their vacations.
American Express adds Airbnb bookings and new travel rewards
Under the new partnership announced by American Express and Airbnb, eligible U.S. cardholders can browse more than 1 million Airbnb properties through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel app.
The available accommodations range from family homes and city apartments to luxury villas and premium private residences.
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Cardholders can earn Membership Rewards points on eligible prepaid bookings depending on their card:
Platinum and Business Platinum Cards: 5X Membership Rewards points.
Consumer Classic Green Card: 3X points on eligible travel purchases, including bookings made directly with Airbnb.
Other eligible Membership Rewards cards: 2X points when booking through Amex Travel.
The partnership also introduces additional benefits for Platinum Card members who book eligible Airbnb Luxe properties, Airbnb’s collection of premium private homes.
Eligible prepaid Airbnb Luxe stays of at least two nights can now qualify for the existing $600 annual lodging credit, divided into $300 in statement credits every six months.
Platinum members who make a qualifying Airbnb Luxe booking can also unlock a new annual credit of up to $250, but there is an important distinction.
Unlike the existing $600 lodging credit, the new $250 benefit cannot be used to pay for an Airbnb stay.
Instead, it applies to Airbnb Experiences, which are activities such as guided tours, cooking classes and other experiences booked through the platform.
To qualify, cardholders must first make a prepaid Airbnb Luxe reservation through Amex Travel. Once that booking is confirmed, they can receive up to $250 back in statement credits for eligible Airbnb Experiences purchases made directly through Airbnb using their eligible Card.
Here are some things to know about the new $250 credit:
This can only be used to book Airbnb experiences, not for a stay.
Once unlocked, they are valid for a year ending Dec. 31.
Experiences can be booked directly through the Airbnb app.
There is no minimum spend to use this $250 credit, and it can be used to purchase multiple small or one big experience.
It is not necessary to book the Experience during your Luxe stay, as long as it’s within that calendar year.
You will need to link your Amex account to Airbnb to access unlocked credits.
Experiences vary across cities; for instance, New York City offers photo sessions with a celebrity photographer, baking sessions, and the option to make your own ceramics. You can use your $250 credit, or part of it, to book any experience.
Together, the two benefits offer up to $850 in annual statement credits. However, the $600 lodging credit is an existing benefit that can now be used for eligible Airbnb Luxe stays, while the $250 Experiences credit is the newly introduced perk.
The Luxe reservation must be confirmed, and eligible Experiences purchases must be made by December 31 of the applicable calendar year. Canceling the qualifying stay can also result in the credit being reversed.
American Express CEO Stephen Squeri highlighted the partnership during the company’s October 23 earnings call, pointing to the expansion of Airbnb listings and travel benefits for eligible U.S. cardholders.
American Express changes an important hotel credit rule
While the partnership expands where Platinum customers can use their lodging credits, another change could make those credits harder to redeem for shorter trips.
According to the company’s updated lodging credit terms, starting January 1, 2027, Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings must be for at least two nights to qualify for the annual $600 Lodging Credit.
Previously, eligible one-night bookings through Fine Hotels + Resorts could qualify.
The Hotel Collection already required a minimum two-night stay, and the new Airbnb Luxe benefit carries the same requirement.
That means cardholders who typically use their lodging credits toward single-night luxury hotel stays will have to adjust their booking plans beginning next year.
As TheStreet previously reported, American Express has been expanding premium card benefits as annual fees rise, making the ability to use those benefits an important consideration for customers.
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