For years, American Express has offered cardholders the chance to book stays at some of the world’s most exclusive luxury hotels through American Express Travel. Starting today, Amex is expanding that program to include a new type of stay: Airbnb.
The credit card company announced a partnership with Airbnb on Thursday that will bring more than 1 million Airbnb listings to Amex Travel. The deal means eligible U.S. cardholders can now book Airbnb properties directly through the American Express Travel website or app, and earn Membership Rewards points on prepaid stays.
But the biggest changes are for American Express Platinum cardholders, who will gain a new way to use their existing $600 annual lodging credit, along with access to a new $250 Airbnb Experiences credit.
Previously, Amex Travel primarily offered traditional hotel accommodations, including more than 3,400 properties across 116 countries through its Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs. Adding Airbnb gives the platform a much larger selection of places to stay.
“The place you stay often becomes one of the most memorable parts of a trip,” Howard Grosfield, group president, U.S. consumer services at American Express, tells Fast Company. “Our research found that as many as 82% of consumers say where they stay can be as important as the destination itself.”
The partnership also gives Airbnb a new way to reach travelers who are already using American Express to book their vacations.
“Our global community of hosts makes it possible to find the right place for every kind of trip, from a family reunion to a weekend away,” Juan David, global head of partnerships at Airbnb, tells Fast Company .
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