American Express Bars Advisors from Travel Benefits, ASTA Fights Back

Starting September 15, American Express Centurion and Platinum cardholders are now forced to choose between using their travel advisor or booking directly through American Express Travel to access their card benefits. Previously, travel advisors could book hotel stays and apply cruise benefits through RezSaver, an Amex-run portal. This change has prompted the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) to launch a petition, which has already gathered over 4,000 signatures, urging American Express to reinstate access for travel advisors.

Luxury travel advisors frequently work with clients who hold these premium American Express cards, which come with substantial annual fees ($895 for Platinum and $5,000 for Centurion). The benefits include credits of up to $300 per stateroom, among other perks. By cutting off advisors' access, American Express is compelling cardholders to forfeit these benefits if they wish to use their trusted travel advisor.

This decision places clients in a difficult position, as they must either give up the benefits they paid for or limit their advisor's role to partial trip bookings. Advisors rely on hotel and cruise bookings for a significant portion of their commissions, and they invest heavily in maintaining relationships with suppliers for their clients' benefit. ASTA is also encouraging suppliers who partner with American Express Travel to support the petition.

Zane Kerby, president and CEO of ASTA, criticized the move, stating, 'When a large U.S. bank cuts off travel advisors’ access to benefits for their shared clients, cardmembers are the ones who suffer.' He emphasized that travel advisors coordinate complex trips where every connection matters, and the new policy introduces unnecessary complexity and potential service disruptions.