New Amex Platinum Airbnb Benefits: Up to $850 in Travel Credits!
American Express just announced some exciting new travel benefits for both the Personal and Business Platinum Cards, and they're available now! The changes include earning 5X Membership Rewards points on Airbnb rentals, using your existing $600 annual lodging credits toward Airbnb Luxe properties, and unlocking an additional $250 Airbnb Experiences credit.
This caught my attention because I sometimes prefer renting a vacation home over staying in a hotel, particularly when traveling with family or friends. Now there are even more ways to put those valuable Amex Platinum benefits to work!
Earn 5X Amex Points on Airbnb Rentals
You can now earn 5X Membership Rewards points per dollar on eligible prepaid Airbnb rentals booked through Amex Travel, including ordinary Airbnb properties—not just luxury rentals. Eligible taxes and cleaning fees are included in the points calculation.
I always recommend comparing prices directly with Airbnb before booking. I found some differences between the two platforms for identical properties and dates. But when prices are comparable, earning 5X Amex points makes booking through Amex Travel very attractive.
Use Your $600 Annual Amex Credit for Airbnb Luxe
Here's where things get interesting!
Amex has renamed its $600 annual Hotel Credit the Lodging Credit, expanding it to include Airbnb Luxe properties booked through Amex Travel.
Both Personal and Business Platinum cardholders receive:
$300 credit: January through June
$300 credit: July through December
$600 total annually, now usable toward eligible Airbnb Luxe rentals, Fine Hotels + Resorts, or The Hotel Collection.
Airbnb Luxe properties require a minimum two-night stay.
My strategy: With 2026 coming to an end, consider using an unused $300 credit to book two nights in 2027, then making another eligible booking after January 1 using your new $300 credit. You could potentially cover $600 of a four-night vacation through two back-to-back reservations, assuming the property permits separate bookings and both qualify.
Remember, it's when you prepay for the reservation, not when you travel, that determines which semiannual credit applies.
Airbnb Luxe properties aren't inexpensive, but I've already found some interesting possibilities in Mexico and Southeast Asia. It's another welcome option alongside Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection.
Unlock an Additional $250 Airbnb Experiences Credit
Here's another benefit that could be particularly valuable.
When you book an eligible prepaid Airbnb Luxe property through Amex Travel, you unlock up to $250 in Airbnb Experiences statement credits for the remainder of that calendar year.
Airbnb Experiences offers activities such as food tours, cooking classes, cultural experiences, and guided excursions.
What's particularly interesting is that your Experience doesn't have to be associated with your Luxe rental or even the same trip!
For example, you could book an Airbnb Luxe stay for 2027 now and use the $250 Experiences credit for a completely different trip, provided you purchase the eligible Experience before December 31, 2026.
The Experiences credit resets annually, but you must make another qualifying Luxe booking to unlock it in a subsequent calendar year.
Be aware that cancellation policies vary by property, and canceling a qualifying reservation could affect your eligibility for credits.
One Unwelcome Change to Fine Hotels + Resorts in 2027
Unfortunately, there's one downside.
Beginning January 1, 2027, Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings must be at least two nights to qualify for the $300 lodging credit.
Previously, you could use the credit on a single-night FHR reservation, which was particularly useful for short getaways or airport stopovers.
If you have an unused 2026 lodging credit, consider booking an eligible one-night FHR stay before December 31, even if your actual stay is in 2027.
MyMilesGuy Thoughts
Overall, I think these are positive changes for Amex Platinum cardholders, especially those who enjoy vacation rentals.
Airbnb Luxe properties can be pricey, but for families or groups sharing a larger property, the economics can become much more attractive.
Between the $600 annual lodging credit and the additional $250 Airbnb Experiences credit, there's potentially $850 in annual travel benefits available, plus 5X Membership Rewards points on eligible Airbnb bookings.
My advice? Don't book an expensive property simply to use a credit. But if you're already planning a vacation rental, these new benefits are definitely worth exploring.
I've already spotted some promising options in Mexico and Southeast Asia and plan to investigate further.
As always, the secret to traveling better for less is knowing how to maximize the benefits you already have!
Terms and eligibility requirements apply. Credits are available per eligible card account, subject to American Express terms.
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