What happened
American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cards now earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on prepaid Airbnb short-term rentals booked through the Amex Travel website or app. That return beats the 1-3 airline miles per dollar shopping portals have typically paid on Airbnb.
The Platinum hotel credit is now a lodging credit and can be used on Airbnb Luxe booked through Amex Travel. The $300 credit is available once from January through June and once from July through December. A prepaid Airbnb Luxe booking through Amex Travel also comes with a $250 Airbnb Experiences credit, valid through the rest of the calendar year and usable on other trips.
Inventory and pricing on Amex Travel have not been confirmed against Airbnb.com. Luxe stays tend to cost more, which means the lodging and Experiences credits offset less of the total.
Compare rates on Amex Travel before booking, and use Airbnb Luxe that way only if the luxury rental was already the plan.
- Numbers
- 5 points per dollar: Membership Rewards on prepaid Airbnb rentals booked through Amex Travel
- $300: twice-annual Platinum lodging credit
- $250: Airbnb Experiences credit after booking Airbnb Luxe through Amex Travel
- Who qualifies
- American Express Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card holders who book prepaid Airbnb stays through Amex Travel; the Experiences credit requires a prepaid Airbnb Luxe booking through Amex Travel
- Takeaway
- Compare Airbnb prices on Amex Travel and book there when the rate holds up so you can earn 5X; use Airbnb Luxe through Amex Travel only if you already wanted a luxury or group rental.