American Express (Amex) has announced a significant partnership with Airbnb, enabling its cardholders to access more than 1 million Airbnb listings through Amex's travel portal. While members cannot currently redeem points for Airbnb bookings, they can earn rewards on prepaid bookings, with the Platinum card members earning five times the points.
Additionally, Amex's consumer and business Platinum cardholders can apply their $600 annual lodging credit to Airbnb Luxe stays and benefit from a new $250 statement credit on eligible Airbnb Experiences after Luxe bookings.
This partnership is a strategic move for Amex as it seeks to enhance its travel offerings and attract high-paying customers, particularly as competition among premium credit cards intensifies. The company has recently increased the annual fee for its Platinum card to $895 and is investing in additional perks, such as expanding its Centurion Lounges.
The collaboration with Airbnb comes at a time when American consumers are prioritizing travel experiences despite rising costs in airfare and accommodations, with a recent study indicating that over half of Americans did not alter their travel plans this summer