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American Express Raises 2026 Profit Forecast After Q3 Beat

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 4:38 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

American Express Raises Forecast

American Express raised its 2026 profit forecast after reporting a Q3 earnings beat.
Q3 net income reached $3.71 billion, a 28% year-over-year increase.
Adjusted earnings per share were $4.68, topping the $4.49-$4.58 estimate range.
U.S. Platinum Card fee rose $200 to $895, with almost all migrated members retaining the card.
American Express cut about 3,500 global jobs, a 5% workforce reduction.

Summary

American Express Expands Airbnb

American Express added more than one million Airbnb listings to its AmexTravel.com portal.
Platinum cardholders can apply a $600 annual Lodging Credit toward Airbnb Luxe stays.
Prepaid Airbnb Luxe bookings unlock a $250 statement credit for eligible Airbnb Experiences.
Consumer and Business Platinum members earn five times Membership Rewards points on prepaid Airbnb bookings through Amex Travel.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 American Express revived its Platinum Card, keeping the $250 annual fee first set in 1984, and attracted over 500,000 members in two years, generating $1.2 billion in fee revenue. The same premium-travel strategy now underpins its 2026 profit outlook, highlighted by the integration of more than one million Airbnb listings into AmexTravel.com, echoing its historic focus on affluent travelers.

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American Express Raises Forecast

American Express raised its 2026 profit forecast after reporting a Q3 earnings beat.
Q3 net income reached $3.71 billion, a 28% year-over-year increase.
Adjusted earnings per share were $4.68, topping the $4.49-$4.58 estimate range.
U.S. Platinum Card fee rose $200 to $895, with almost all migrated members retaining the card.
American Express cut about 3,500 global jobs, a 5% workforce reduction.

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