Airbnb Limits Guest Chores and Partners with American Express

Airbnb has announced significant changes aimed at improving the guest experience by restricting the post-checkout tasks hosts can demand, while simultaneously launching a major partnership with American Express that brings over 1 million listings to the credit card issuer's travel portal.

Beginning November 20, Airbnb will implement a new policy that limits what hosts can ask guests to do before leaving a property. Under the updated guidelines, guests will generally no longer be required to handle chores typically performed by a cleaner, such as washing and putting away dishes, stripping bed sheets, or taking trash off-site. The platform stated that requests should be reasonable and noted that visitors should not be asked to perform tasks requiring significant time and effort, especially given that many reservations already include a cleaning fee.

While travelers have frequently voiced frustration on social media regarding strict checkout requirements and viral videos of hosts nitpicking minor details, the policy shift has met with resistance from some property owners. Several hosts expressed concern online that the new rules remove their ability to hold guests accountable for leaving properties messy, with some considering moving to competing platforms.

Concurrently, American Express and Airbnb announced a partnership on Thursday that integrates more than 1 million Airbnb listings into Amex Travel. Eligible U.S. cardholders can now book Airbnb stays through the Amex Travel website and mobile app, earning Membership Rewards points on prepaid bookings.

As part of the financial agreement, cardholders of the American Express Platinum Card and The Business Platinum Card can earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on prepaid Airbnb bookings through Amex Travel, while other eligible rewards cards will earn 2 points per dollar. Platinum cardholders booking prepaid Airbnb Luxe stays of at least two nights can also unlock a new annual credit of up to $250 for eligible Airbnb Experiences, usable through the end of the calendar year.

Alongside these new Airbnb benefits, American Express announced adjustments to its existing travel perks. Beginning January 1, 2027, the $600 annual lodging credit on the Platinum and Business Platinum cards will face stricter rules, requiring a minimum two-night stay for Fine Hotels and Resorts properties in order to qualify for the credit, aligning it with the requirements of The Hotel Collection. Financial terms of the Amex and Airbnb partnership were not disclosed.