Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

14 Nov, 2015

American Express, Airbnb Launch First Booking Experience and Loyalty Program Integration

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 03, 2015  – American Express (NYSE:AXP) and Airbnb announce a first-of-its-kind tech integration that enables U.S. Card Members to quickly and seamlessly sign up for Airbnb and book stays at close to 2 million listings around the globe.

Starting today, Card Members can create an Airbnb account with their existing americanexpress.com User ID and Password. Card Members will also have the opportunity to use their Amex login to identify themselves as an American Express Card Member on their Airbnb profile as an additional verification. Eligible Card Members can also use Membership Rewards points to book accommodations directly on the Airbnb site or check out with Amex Express Checkout in just a few clicks.

“Our Card Members love one-of-a-kind and memorable travel experiences, and with this partnership, we’re creating a frictionless and valuable way for them to take advantage of everything Airbnb has to offer,” said Leslie Berland, executive vice president, Global Advertising, Marketing & Digital Partnerships at American Express. “Through our technology, we’re bringing to life our unique assets on Airbnb, delivering the world-class service, experience and benefits Card Members expect from their Amex Membership.”

“We welcome millions of Amex Card Members to belong anywhere with Airbnb,” said Lex Bayer, Head of Global Payments and Business Development, Airbnb. “Whether staying at a bungalow in Bali with Membership Rewards points, or a business trip to London with your Amex Card, this partnership makes booking an Airbnb in over 190 countries seamless and allows Card Members to be verified with their American Express login within the trusted community of Airbnb.”

Create an Airbnb Account in Just a Few Clicks

For the first time, Card Members can sign up for an account on Airbnb using their Amex login that they use to check their account online. Through the “Sign Up with Amex” button on the Airbnb site, Card Members will enter their Amex login and American Express will securely auto-fill the Airbnb set-up fields with their account information and payment details. A Card Member is then set to check out seamlessly and be verified with a badge on their profile as an American Express Card Member.

Add Verification for Airbnb Guests and Hosts

Card Members who set up an Airbnb account with their Amex login will have a badge on their Airbnb profile that shows guests and hosts that they are an American Express Card Member. This exclusive feature will allow hosts and guests to build their identity and learn more about one another.

Turn Membership Rewards Points into Airbnb Trips

Card Members who are enrolled in the Membership Rewards program can use points to book accommodations directly on Airbnb for the first time by simply entering an eligible American Express Card at checkout and adding the dollar amount in points they want to apply to their booking. Card Members can easily check their points balance on the Airbnb site before they check out, and use points for all or part of their Airbnb bookings.

Fly Through Airbnb Checkout

Card Members who do not have an American Express Card on file can check out quickly with Amex Express Checkout, the fast and secure way for Card Members to pay online. Card Members will choose Amex Express Checkout from the dropdown menu on the Airbnb payment screen and then enter their existing Amex login. American Express will auto-fill the Airbnb checkout fields with their Card details and relevant account information in just a few clicks for seamless bookings.

Spend $100, Get $50

Through Amex Offers, eligible U.S. Card Members can get $50 back when they spend $100 or more on Airbnb through 12/31/2015. Terms apply.