Amex and Airbnb launch major travel tie-up

American Express and Airbnb have launched an exclusive partnership that brings over one million Airbnb listings around the world to the Amex Travel platform. Eligible U.S. Card Members can now search and book these Airbnb stays through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel app, integrating home rentals into a portal that previously focused on hotels. The tie-up significantly broadens the accommodation choices available to American Express customers within a single booking environment.

After completing a booking through Amex Travel, Card Members can view their trip details on the Amex Travel platform while using Airbnb’s platform to manage the stay itself, including messaging hosts, adding co-travelers, making changes or getting support. This structure keeps booking and payment within Amex Travel while preserving Airbnb’s usual tools for trip management.

The partnership introduces new earning opportunities for Membership Rewards points on Airbnb stays. Consumer and Business Platinum Card Members earn 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid Airbnb bookings made through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel app. All other eligible Card Members enrolled in the Membership Rewards program earn 2X Membership Rewards points on prepaid Airbnb bookings through Amex Travel.

Consumer Classic Green Card Members continue to earn 3X points on travel bookings made directly with third-party sites, including Airbnb. This preserves existing rewards structures for direct bookings while adding enhanced earn rates for those who choose to use the Amex Travel portal for Airbnb stays.

The agreement also incorporates Airbnb Luxe into Amex Travel, offering Card Members access to a selection of premium homes in sought-after destinations. U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum Card Members who book Airbnb Luxe stays online through Amex Travel can receive additional benefits that align with the card’s high-end travel positioning.

Prepaid Airbnb Luxe bookings of two nights or more are eligible for the annual $600 lodging credit, formerly known as the $600 hotel credit. This extends the lodging credit benefit beyond prepaid hotel bookings to include qualifying Airbnb Luxe properties. In addition, Platinum Card Members can access a $250 statement credit on eligible Airbnb Experiences after making an Airbnb Luxe booking, further linking accommodations with on-trip activities.

By adding Airbnb rentals, American Express expands a lodging portfolio that already includes more than 3,400 properties across its Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs in 116 countries. The inclusion of over one million Airbnb listings greatly increases the range of property types and locations available to Card Members, from traditional hotels to private homes and high-end rentals.

While Card Members can earn Membership Rewards points on prepaid Airbnb bookings through Amex Travel, the arrangement does not currently allow them to redeem points to pay for Airbnb stays. The focus of the launch is on earning potential and expanded choice, with rewards structures calibrated by card type to differentiate premium products such as the Platinum Card from other Membership Rewards cards.