# Amex and Airbnb Partnership: $850 in Travel Credits Explained
American Express and Airbnb have launched a partnership that bundles travel credits and bonus points for cardholders seeking cheaper accommodation. The deal offers up to $850 in combined benefits, structured across multiple Amex card products.
Here's what cardholders actually receive. American Express is providing credits through both its premium business and consumer cards. The Platinum Card from American Express delivers $200 in annual Airbnb credits. The Gold Card from American Express offers up to $100 in annual travel credits that cardholders can apply to Airbnb bookings. Business Platinum cardholders also qualify for $200 in Airbnb credits yearly.
Beyond the direct credits, Amex is bundling bonus points. Cardholders earn extra Membership Rewards points on Airbnb stays booked through the Amex portal. The specific multiplier varies by card. Platinum cardholders earn five times points per dollar spent on Airbnb bookings. Gold cardholders earn three times points per dollar.
The math matters for budget travelers. A Platinum cardholder booking a $2,000 Airbnb stay over a year would receive $200 in credits plus 10,000 bonus points (valued at roughly $100 if redeemed at 1 cent per point). That cuts the effective cost of the stay by 15 percent.
Eligibility centers on card membership. You need an active Amex card to access any of these benefits. Platinum Card members receive the full suite of credits and points. Gold Card members access a smaller pool of benefits. Business Platinum cardholders get matching benefits to their consumer Platinum counterparts. Those holding the Amex Green Card or basic Blue Card do not qualify for the Airbnb partnership.
The offer extends to new cardholders and existing members alike. New applicants considering whether to sign up for Amex should factor this into their annual fee calculation. The Platinum Card costs $695 annually, but the $200 Airbnb credit offsets some of that expense for frequent travelers. The Gold Card runs $250 annually and includes the Airbnb benefit alongside dining and grocery credits.
One catch exists around portal bookings. Cardholders must book directly through the American Express Travel portal rather than Airbnb.com to earn bonus points. Credits apply regardless of booking method, but point multipliers require portal use.
The partnership reflects a broader trend of credit card issuers tailoring benefits to specific travel platforms. Visa and Mastercard have rolled out similar exclusive agreements with hospitality brands. Amex positioned this deal to compete for travel spending against cards offering flat-rate cash back or airline miles.
The real value depends on your usage. Frequent Airbnb travelers who hold Platinum or Gold cards immediately benefit from the credits. Someone booking two or three Airbnb stays yearly could offset the card's annual fee through credits alone. Infrequent users who rarely book travel accommodations see minimal benefit beyond existing card perks.
Amex plans to continue expanding the Airbnb partnership benefits. The company indicated that additional promotional offers may arrive for existing cardholders throughout 2024 and beyond, though specifics remain unclear.