# Amex FHR & Hotel Collection Prepaid Stays Now Settle with Mastercard

_Jul 22 06:42_

Tags: Fine Hotels + Resorts, Hotel Collection, Amex FHR, Amex Hotel Collection, Amex Gold, Amex Platinum, American Express, Expedia, loyalty program, policy change

American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and Hotel Collection prepaid stays are now settled with Mastercard via Expedia, rather than Amex, despite being booked with Amex cards

## Summary

American Express has two hotel collections: Fine Hotels + Resorts (for Platinum members only) and Hotel Collection (available to Gold members). Select Amex cards offer credits for stays at these properties, provided a prepay option is used. While these stays are eligible for hotel loyalty program benefits, points, and nights/stays, the settlement process has changed. Amex FHRs and Hotel Collection stays are booked by Expedia, which handles the charges. However, the payment is settled to the property with a Mastercard, not an Amex card. This occurs because Expedia uses Mastercard for settlement, likely due to better acceptance and lower fees. Travelers paying with an Amex card will see a Mastercard on their receipt. This branding issue may cause confusion at hotels, as staff might mistake the booking for an OTA reservation, though the rate type determines loyalty eligibility, not the booking channel

## Why it matters

Spans 4 hotel programs (Fine Hotels + Resorts, Hilton Honors, Hotel Collection...). Card-issuer angle via American Express, Expedia.

## Sources cited

- [LoyaltyLobby](https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/07/22/what-credit-card-does-amex-use-to-settle-prepaid-fhr-hotel-collection-stays?omhide=true) — What Credit Card Does Amex Use To Settle Prepaid FHR & Hotel Collection Stays?

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