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American Express Now Clawing Back Delta Stays Credits on Cancelled Bookings

American Express has updated how statement credits work for Delta Stays bookings made with American Express Delta credit cards. Cardholders are now seeing statement credits reversed when a Delta Stays reservation is cancelled, closing a loophole that previously allowed some members to keep the credit after cancellation.

This change affects cardholders using Delta Stays credits from the American Express Delta Gold, Delta Platinum, and Delta Reserve cards.

What Changed With Delta Stays Statement Credits

Previously, some cardholders reported that they were able to book a Delta Stays hotel, receive the statement credit, cancel the reservation, and still keep the credit. That is no longer the case.

Going forward:

  • If a Delta Stays booking is cancelled
  • The associated American Express statement credit is reversed
  • The reversal appears on the account after the cancellation is processed

This applies regardless of whether the cancellation is refundable or non-refundable.

Which American Express Cards Are Affected

This update impacts all American Express cards that offer Delta Stays statement credits, including:

Each of these cards includes an annual statement credit when booking prepaid hotels through the Delta Stays platform, which is powered by Expedia.

Will Your Delta Stays Credit Reset After a Reversal?

While American Express has not formally clarified this, the expectation is that once the credit is reversed, your remaining Delta Stays credit balance should reset, allowing you to book another eligible stay and re-earn the credit.

That said, cardholders should monitor their accounts closely to ensure the credit meter updates correctly after a cancellation and reversal.

Why American Express Implemented This Change

From a policy standpoint, this update is not surprising. Statement credits are designed to reward completed, eligible purchases, not cancelled transactions.

American Express has historically been strict about enforcing terms and conditions, so many cardholders are surprised that Delta Stays credits were not clawed back sooner. This change brings Delta Stays in line with how Amex already treats airline incidental credits, hotel credits, and other card-based offers.

What Cardholders Should Do Going Forward

If you plan to use your Delta Stays credit:

  • Only book stays you fully intend to complete
  • Expect any statement credit to be reversed if you cancel
  • Track your remaining Delta Stays credit after any cancellation
  • Avoid booking solely to trigger the credit without travel plans

Bottom Line

American Express is now clawing back Delta Stays statement credits on cancelled bookings, eliminating a loophole that allowed credits to stick after cancellation. While some may view this as a negative change, it aligns with standard credit card policies and is ultimately fair.

If you want to maximize value from your American Express Delta card, the best approach is still to use the Delta Stays credit on an actual hotel stay you plan to complete.

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