Just a few days after the Hotel Association of New York City broke out a report indicating Airbnb’s negative impact on the city’s hotel industry—and by extension, the hotel industry at large—the online-based home-sharing company announced a new program with a heavy-hitting partner.
Airbnb and American Express are teaming up to expand benefits for customers who use each company’s services. The two have partnered in the past, but the ties run deeper this time around, diving deep into their technology services.
The first-of-its-kind tech integration between the companies enables Amex card holders in the United States to quickly and seamlessly sign up for Airbnb with their existing americanexpress.com user ID and password. Card holders can also use their Amex login to identify themselves on their Airbnb profile, as an additional verification.
Eligible card holders can use membership rewards points to book directly on the Airbnb site or check out with Amex Express Checkout in just a few clicks.
“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,” says Leslie Berland, executive vice president of global advertising, marketing and digital partnerships at American Express.
“We welcome millions of Amex Card Members to belong anywhere with Airbnb,” says Lex Bayer, head of global payments and business development for 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 within the trusted communities of Airbnb and American Express.”
To entice customers, Airbnb and American Express are offering $50 back to those who spend $100 or more when booking through Airbnb through the rest of 2015.
