Hotels.com Amex Offer: 10% Back, But There's a Catch

If you've got an Amex card and you're planning a hotel stay, there's a new offer that could put some cash back in your pocket. It's straightforward, but there are a few hoops to jump through—and one big trade-off to think about.

What You Get

The offer is simple on the surface: earn 10% back as a statement credit when you use your enrolled Amex card to make qualifying prepaid hotel purchases online at hotels.com/amex. The credit is capped at $125 total, which means you can spend up to $1,250 and still earn the full 10%. The offer expires on January 15, 2027.

That $125 cap is actually pretty generous compared to many Amex Offers, which often cap out at $50 or $75. If you're booking a hotel stay that costs $1,250 or more, you'll hit the maximum. Even if you spend less, you'll still get 10% back on whatever you prepay.

The Hoops You Have to Jump Through

First, you have to book through the dedicated hotels.com/amex link. If you go directly to Hotels.com or use the app without that link, the purchase won't qualify. That's a bit annoying, but it's easy enough to click through.

Second, you must choose the prepaid option at checkout—the one labeled 'pay now.' If you select 'pay at property,' the charge goes through the hotel, not Hotels.com, so Amex won't see it as a qualifying transaction. This is a common pitfall with these offers.

Third, and this is the big one: you can't use any promo codes, coupons, cashback sites, or browser extensions. Doing so will invalidate the offer. That means you have to decide between the 10% Amex credit and whatever other savings you might find.

The Trade-Off: Portal Rewards vs. Amex Offer

Shopping portals like Rakuten and Capital One Shopping have recently offered 10x on Hotels.com purchases. Depending on your card, 10x Membership Rewards points could be worth more than 10% cash back—especially if you transfer them to airline or hotel partners. Bilt Points are another option, and 10x Bilt Points can be quite valuable too.

But here's the catch: those portal rewards usually require you to click through their link, and they may conflict with the Amex Offer's terms. In the past, people have reported that stacking a portal with a similar Expedia Amex Offer didn't work. Since Hotels.com is owned by Expedia, it's likely the same story here. So you probably have to pick one: the guaranteed 10% from Amex or the potentially more valuable portal points.

If you value simplicity and cash back, the Amex Offer is a solid choice. If you're chasing points and are comfortable with a bit more risk, the portal might be better. Just don't expect to double-dip.

Prepaid Doesn't Always Mean Non-Refundable

One nice thing about prepaid rates is that they're not always locked in. Some prepaid bookings can still be canceled for a full refund, and they'll still trigger the Amex Offer because the charge goes through Hotels.com immediately. So if your plans might change, look for a prepaid rate that allows free cancellation. You'll get the statement credit and keep your flexibility.

Is It Worth It?

If Hotels.com is your go-to booking site, 10% back is a pretty good deal—especially with the $125 cap. Hotels.com Rewards earnings were cut from 10% to 2% a few years ago, so this offer helps make up for that. But if you're not loyal to Hotels.com, you might find better value elsewhere, either through a different portal or by booking directly with a hotel loyalty program.

Also keep in mind that this offer is only valid on purchases made in US dollars. If you're booking an international stay, make sure the charge goes through in USD, or it won't qualify.

Bottom Line

• 10% back at Hotels.com on up to $1,250 in prepaid bookings, max $125 credit.
• Must book through hotels.com/amex and choose prepaid option.
• Using promo codes, coupons, or cashback portals invalidates the offer.
• Some prepaid rates are refundable, so you can still cancel if needed.
• Compare with portal rewards like 10x Rakuten or Capital One Shopping—you likely can't stack both.

Common Questions