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The Platinum Card From American Express Review 2024: Is It Worth It?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

NerdWallet Rating

NerdWallet CA

Best for travellers who want added premium perks.

The Platinum Card from American Express offers an impressive combination of travel benefits, exclusive offers and insurance coverage, but it comes with a high annual fee. Learn more about how we evaluate cards .

The glitzy Platinum Card from American Express carries a high price tag, but its top-tier travel perks offer significant value.

• Full review
• Customer ratings
• Eligibility
• How to apply

The Platinum Card from American Express vs. American Express Gold Rewards Card

• Rating methodology

The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Annual Fee $799
• Interest Rates Varies This card also has a Flexible Payment Option (FPO), which lets you carry a portion of your balance with interest on eligible purchases. Card members must pay all charges not included in their FPO balance in full.
• Rewards Rate 1x-2x Points 2x on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2x on eligible travel and 1x on all other purchases.
• Intro Offer Up to 100,000 Points New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.
• Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®.
• Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points – that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away.
• New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
• Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
• Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service.
• Enjoy a $200 Annual Dining Credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants.
• Unlock $200 or more in additional value with Member extras. You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands.
• Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1300 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience.
• Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program.
• Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
• Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $600 USD at over 1,500 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
• Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities.
• Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport.
• You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hertz and Avis.
• Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

The Platinum Card from American Express full review

The Platinum Card from American Express is a metal charge card that earns American Express Membership rewards points. Cardholders earn points for each eligible dollar spent, with accelerated rates on dining, food delivery and travel purchases. 

Charge cards are different from credit cards in that you are typically not permitted to carry a balance.

Benefits of The Platinum Card from American Express

There are several benefits to The Platinum Card from American Express. As a cardmember, you:

• Can enhance your travel experiences with complimentary, personalized service from Platinum Concierge — available 24/7.
• Benefit from a full suite of Platinum-level travel perks, such as worldwide airport lounge access, the Global Dining Collection and more.
• Gain access to priority security lanes, complimentary valet service at Terminal 1 and discounted parking rates when departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport. 
• Be covered by trip cancellation and lost bag protection, car rental theft/damage insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and more. 

Drawbacks of The Platinum Card from American Express

The primary drawback of The Platinum Card from American Express is its high annual fee ($799), which is hard to recoup unless you plan to travel frequently and utilize all the card’s perks. What’s more, some of those perks, like priority security screening, are only apply to cardholders who fly out of Toronto Pearson International Airport. If you live in another province or don’t typically use Pearson, those benefits won’t be of much use. 

Also, there is no medical coverage for cardmembers over the age of 65, which may be a deal-breaker for some travellers.

Who should get The Platinum Card from American Express?

The Platinum Card from American Express offers its highest earn rates on dining, food delivery and travel purchases, so cardholders will earn the most Membership Rewards points if those are among some of their most frequent expenditures. 

Some of The Platinum Card from American Express’s most exciting benefits are elevated travel perks, which makes it most valuable for travellers who take to the skies several times a year. 

Is The Platinum Card from American Express worth it?

With a steep annual fee of $799, the people who get the full monetary value out of their Platinum Card from American Express will typically be those who make enough purchases to cash in on the welcome bonus and take frequent advantage of its premium travel perks, like complimentary airport lounge access and elevated hotel services. 

At a minimum, you’ll want to recoup your cardholder costs. According to NerdWallet analysis, one American Express Membership Rewards point can be worth as much as 2 cents. You’d need to earn at least 39,950 points to recoup the card’s annual fee of $799. To earn the 39,950 points needed to offset the card’s annual fee, you’d need to spend at least $19,975 — and that’s money spent in this card’s highest earning category of 2 points per $1.

American Express customer ratings

• High in customer satisfaction: American Express ranks third (and above industry average) in customer satisfaction with credit card issuers, according to J.D. Power’s 2022 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study, a survey of 6,478 cardholders in Canada. 
• Low Trustpilot rating: 1.6 out of a possible 5 stars, based on over 3,600 reviews, at the time of this writing.
• Low Better Business Bureau rating: 1.09 out of a possible 5 stars, according to more than 300 customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau website, at the time of this writing. American Express is not accredited by the BBB itself.

Amex Platinum Card eligibility

Who qualifies for the platinum card from american express.

You must be a Canadian resident and at least the age of majority for your province or territory to be eligible for The Platinum Card from American Express. You also must meet credit score and income requirements.

American Express doesn’t publicly disclose annual income requirements for its Platinum Card. You must provide your annual income during the application process, which may be a factor during card approval.

Approximate credit score needed for approval

Canadian credit card issuers rarely disclose required credit scores , which makes it hard to know your chances of approval when comparing credit cards. What we do know is that higher scores have better chances of approval — that’s true no matter what type of credit you’re applying for. Want to learn more? Our guide can help you figure out what credit score is typically needed for a credit card .

The Platinum Card from American Express rewards

• Welcome offer: Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points – that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away.
• How to earn the welcome offer: New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.

How to earn ongoing rewards: Earn 2x the points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada, 2x the points on eligible travel purchases and 1x the points on everything else.

Welcome offer value

The welcome offer for The Platinum Card from American Express includes up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points. The total value of the offer will depend on how you redeem the 100,000 points.

Amex suggests the welcome offer is worth up to $1,000, which is the minimum value when redeemed through statement credits. You need to spend at least $10,000 within the first three months of card membership, then make one eligible purchase of any amount between the 14th and 17th month of card membership to get the full 100,000 points.

Annual value

The Platinum Card from American Express offers plenty of value beyond its welcome offer. 

Cardmembers receive a $200 annual travel credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum Card Travel Service. They can also receive a $100 statement credit every four years for NEXUS application or renewal fees charged to the card.

With Fine Hotels + Resorts, Platinum cardmembers can receive benefits such as guaranteed 4 p.m. late check-out, complimentary daily breakfast for two and other benefits at more than 1,300 properties. Amex says these benefits have an average total value of $750.

Cardholders also receive complimentary access to the more than 1,300 airport lounges that make up the American Express Global Lounge Collection. It’s hard to put a dollar amount on that kind of comfort. 

The insurance included, particularly the out of province/country emergency health coverage, can be invaluable if you ever need to use it.

Point Value Breakdown

The value of an American Express Membership Rewards point varies on the redemption method you choose, but you can expect to get around 0.7-2 cents per point. 

• Up to 2 cents per point for flights, fine hotels and resorts booked via the American Express Fixed Points Travel Program. 
• 1 cent per point for statement credits. 
• About 0.8 cents per point for gift cards. 
• About 0.7 cents per point for shopping with merchant partners.

How to apply for The Platinum Card from American Express

• Click the Apply Now button on The Platinum Card from American Express page on the American Express CA website.
• Review the card’s terms and conditions. Select Agree and Begin to continue.
• Enter your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, phone number, email address and residential address.
• Enter your financial details, including your annual personal income, household income and employment details. 
• Choose a four-digit PIN.
• Review the information you’ve supplied and submit your application. 

Reasons you might want a different card

The Platinum Card from American Express may not be for you if:

• You don’t want to pay an annual fee of $799.
• You don’t travel enough to make use of the card’s perks.
• You don’t often spend money on dining or food delivery.

If The Platinum Card from American Express isn’t a good fit for you, there are plenty of cards out there to choose from, including less exclusive rewards credit cards and cash back credit cards that charge a lower annual fee.  

The Platinum Card from American Express facts

Rating methodology.

NerdWallet Canada rates credit cards according to overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodology include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as airline or hotel perks or the ability to transfer points.

Frequently asked questions about the Amex Platinum Card

Yes, the American Express Platinum Card (aka Amex Platinum) and The Platinum Card from American Express are the same thing. The names are used interchangeably.

There’s no publicly-available minimum income requirement for The Platinum Card from American Express. Household income is, however, a required input when filling out your application. A combination of strong income and good credit will improve your chances of approval.

The Platinum Card from American Express has no preset spending limit. A no-limit card can be a helpful feature when you’re making purchases, but it can also make overspending a lot easier.

About the Authors

Georgia Rose is a lead writer on the international team at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Independent and The Associated…

Clay Jarvis is NerdWallet’s mortgage and real estate expert in Canada. Thus far, his entire professional writing career has revolved around real estate. Prior to joining NerdWallet, he was the…

DIVE EVEN DEEPER

22 Best Credit Cards in Canada for May 2024

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Interest charges don’t need to be a mystery. Use our credit card interest calculator to see how much interest you’d owe if you carry a credit card balance.

How to Activate an American Express Card

You can activate your American Express card online, via the American Express app or over the phone. Activation is required before you can use an Amex card.

How to Maximize Your Use of Credit Card Points

Make the most of your credit card points by calculating the highest-value redemption option and using them before they expire.

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The Benefits And Perks Of The Platinum Card From American Express

Published: Oct 25, 2023, 12:01pm

Table of Contents

What you need to qualify for the platinum card® from american express, what are the benefits of the platinum card® from american express, what are the perks of the platinum card® from american express, bottom line, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Forbes Advisor Canada has already looked at the fees and interest rates of The Platinum Card® from American Express in our review . Now it’s time to talk about the benefits and perks which are the reasons people are willing to pay the $799 annual fee for this card.

We’re going to look at the qualifications for this card, the membership rewards, the hotel, travel and lounge benefits and the unique experiences. Hopefully, in the end, we will have definitively answered whether this stainless steel card is just nice to look at or whether the perks are worth adding to your wallet?

Featured Partner Offers

American Express Cobalt® Card

On American Express’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

Up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points

Regular APR

SimplyCash® Card from American Express

Up to $100 in Statement Credits

Regular APR (Purchases)

Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

On Scotiabank’s Secure Website

Up to 40,000 Scene+ points

Of course, if a card has a high annual fee, one could assume that there’s some serious eligibility requirements for The Platinum Card® from American Express, but that’s not the case here. There is no income requirement, instead all you need is a fair to good credit score. A fair to good credit score depends on the credit reporting service but the average range is from 580 to 780.

Now, while there is no income requirement, you do need to be a Canadian resident, be an adult or the age of majority in your province or territory and have a Canadian credit file.

You should also have enough to pay your credit card in full each month, otherwise your credit score could be negatively affected. There is a flexible payment option on this card called Plan It that could make that easier for some. It allows you to spread payments for individual purchases over several months by breaking them up into equal installments over three to six months.

This card has a lot of benefits, especially if you’re a frequent traveler. We’ll go into more details later, but here’s an overview of what you get with The Platinum Card® from American Express:

• Travel credits
• Dining credits
• Nexus credits
• Hotel and travel benefits
• Lounge access and benefits
• Concierge access and services
• A large welcome bonus
• Consumer protections
• Plenty of insurance coverage

American Express Membership Rewards

Let’s start at the very beginning: When you’ve been approved for this card, you get a welcome bonus of up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points. That’s a cash value of $1,000.

New Platinum cardmembers get 70,000 welcome bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases during the first three months of having your card. The other 30,000 points comes when you buy something between the first 14 and 17 months of being a card member.

After that, There are other ways to collect Membership Rewards points. You get two points per dollar spent on dining and food delivery in Canada. The same applies for travel purchases, which includes flights, tours and hotels. You get one point for every dollar spent on groceries, luxury goods and self-care. Finally, you get an extra point (for a total of two) for every dollar spent on hotel bookings and car rentals through Amex Travel Online.

Transfer or Redeem Your Membership Rewards

You can transfer or redeem your Membership Rewards points for the following:

• Statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your card. The value of your points is set at 1,000 points for a $10 statement credit. So each point is worth $0.01. You must spend a minimum of 1,000 points per redemption.
• Free or discounted flights and hotel stays. This can be done by redeeming Membership Rewards through the American Express Travel Online portal. Transfers at a 1:1 ratio to several frequent flyer and other loyalty hotel programs. These programs are Aeroplan, Asia Miles, Air France KLM Flying Blue, British Airways Executive Club, Delta SkyMiles, Etihad Guest, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.
• Gift cards. Amex’s retail partners include The Bay, Saks Fifth Avenue and Banana Republic. These redemptions can be made through your account or through membershiprewards.ca.

Pay For Anything With Membership Rewards

Merchandise you can redeem your points for includes:

• Exercise equipment
• Outdoor items like camping gear
• Wearable tech like fitness trackers
• Kitchen accessories from Le Creuset, Nepresso and Cuisinart

You can also use your points to shop on Amazon or pay via PayPal and If you’re feeling philanthropic, you can donate your points to the Save the Children charity.

So we’ve talked about the Membership Rewards points and what you can do with them, but points are just skimming the surface of what The Platinum Card® from American Express can offer cardmembers. Since this card is targeted at frequent travelers, there are a lot of travel perks and benefits that get you flights, hotel stays, an annual NEXUS enrollment credit and other fun perks.

Speaking of credits, this card has a lot of them. There is the $200 Annual Dining Credit which you can use at American Express’ curated list of Canada’s top restaurants.

You also get a $200 Annual Travel Credit, which you can use towards a room upgrade or any single travel booking of $200 or more on your card, but you have to book through American Express Travel Online or through the Platinum Card Travel Service.

Another credit is the $100 NEXUS Card Statement Credit, which gives you a credit for your NEXUS application or renewal once it’s charged to your Platinum Card.

There’s also $200 or more in additional value with Member extras , where you can earn statement credits and unlock $200 or more in additional value with member extras when you make qualifying purchases with participating brands like Holt Renfrew, Lululemon, Somm, Dell Technologies and Indeed.

Hotel and Travel Benefits

When it comes to hotel and travel benefits, this card is quite generous. As an eligible cardmember, when you book with American Express Travel, you’ll receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of approximately $600 U.S. at over 1,500 extraordinary hotels and resort properties, through the Fine Hotels + Resorts Collection. These benefits include:

• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late check-out
• Room upgrade upon arrival when available
• In-room Wi-Fi (exclusions apply)
• Noon check-in, when available

You’ll also get a Hotel Status Benefit with The Platinum Card, which gives you access to what American Express calls, “higher tiers of leading hotel loyalty programs around the world without having to fulfill the usual qualifying criteria, such as numerous night stays each year.”

This includes access to higher tiers in two hotel benefit programs:

• Hilton Honors Gold Status
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status

Airport Lounge Benefits

Before you arrive at the hotel, you may have to fly there. One way to make your airport stay more comfortable is to spend time in an airport lounge . Thanks to this card, if you fly out of Toronto Pearson International Airport, your perks start immediately. You’ll get access to the Pearson Priority Security Lane, complimentary valet service at Terminal 1 and a 15% discount on parking rates at the Express Park and Daily Park parking lots there.

When it comes to airport lounges, the Platinum Card by American Express gives you unlimited access to more than 1,300 lounges across 140 countries. You can find the full list here .

We also recommend checking airport lounge availability before you fly as some lounges may still be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Related: Best credit card for lounge access

Unique Experiences and Exclusive Amex Offers

Other perks include the Global Dining Collection, which gives cardholders access to exclusive dining experiences in Canada and abroad . There is also the Platinum Concierge, which offers you complimentary assistance, anytime, day or night, wherever you are.

You can get a reservation at your favourite local spot, presale tickets, front-of-the-line sales to movies, theatre shows, concerts and in-demand restaurants.. The Concierge service will even find the perfect gift for a friend.

Other experiences that come with this card include the Retail with American Express Experiences, which provide personal shopping experiences, and the Wellness with American Express Experiences, which focuses on self-care. Amex Offers also give American Express cardmembers exclusive offers from a number of brands including Columbia, Max and NFLShop.com. For example, as of this writing, cardmembers can get a one-time $25 statement credit by using your enrolled eligible Card to spend a minimum of $150 in one or more purchases in-store at Columbia Sportswear or online at columbia.com by12/31/2023.

Consumer Protections

When it comes to consumer protections, The Platinum Card offers quite a few.

• The Buyer’s Assurance Protection Plan. This extends the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one additional year when you fully charge eligible items to the card.
• Purchase Protection Plan. This insures eligible items charged to your card for 120 days from the date of purchase in the event of accidental physical damage or theft for up to $1,000 per occurrence for all purchased items combined.
• American Express SafeKey. This adds an extra layer of protection when you shop online by confirming your identity to prevent unauthorized use of your card.
• Fraud Protection Guarantee. This protects you against any fraudulent charges as long as you’ve taken reasonable precautions with your information.
• Out-of-Province and Out of-country Emergency Medical Insurance
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Trip Interruption Insurance
• Flight Delay Insurance
• Baggage Delay Insurance
• Hotel Burglary Insurance
• Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance
• $500,000 Travel Accident Insurance
• Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance
• Travel Emergency Assistance

We mentioned the Amex Concierge Service , but there are other services as well, such as 24/7 customer service, fraud protection guarantees and an emergency card guarantee that gets you a replacement if you lose your card.

This is definitely a card for the frequent traveller. It covers everything you’d need or want if you love staying in hotels, accessing airport lounges, flying for free and protecting yourself on your trip with comprehensive travel insurance . Even if you’re not a frequent traveller, the consumer protections, unique experiences and access to things like tickets and dining experiences make this card a contender for the front of your wallet. The only downside is the high annual fee. You’ll have to spend a lot to make it worthwhile, but the value you’re getting from all the perks and benefits more than surpasses the annual cost.

Is The Platinum Card® from American Express worth it in Canada?

Yes, as it offers a lot of benefits and travel insurance coverage which is great for the frequent traveller. However, you would have to make this your primary credit card, collect the maximum amount of points to make it worth the $799 annual fee and the exorbitant interest rate.You also should be aware that American Express isn’t accepted by as many businesses as Visa and Mastercard when evaluating its worth.

Is it impressive to have The Platinum Card® from American Express in your wallet?

Possibly. You’ll likely impress those who also have travel credit cards or who read credit card reviews. The Platinum Card is also made of stainless steel, so that might impress people who are used to plastic cards. Still, don’t get a credit card to impress people. Instead, get one that works for your needs and income.

Are there rewards with The Platinum Card® from American Express?

There are so many rewards ranging from points that can be redeemed for statement credit, travel benefits and charitable donations to hotel, flight, airport lounge and travel insurance benefits. This is a card tailored to people who like to travel well.

How should we view the benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express cumulatively?

This is a card for people who like experiences: dining, shopping, concerts, theatre shows, fine dining and trips. It’s a card for people who want to be where the action is and are happy to pay the annual fees to get front-of-the-line access to local and international airport lounges, and to access concierge services. This card provides convenience and luxury service at a high cost.

Are there better credit cards than The Platinum Card® from American Express?

Better is subjective, as it depends on what’s important to the credit card holder. Credit card companies are always improving their offers to entice credit card holders to switch or apply for more cards. So if you’re interested, check for new offers often to see what may be of interest. But,keep in mind that every credit application is a hard check against your credit score, which can affect it by knocking it down a few points temporarily.

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Renee Sylvestre-Williams is a finance and business reporter. In her more than 10 years of journalism, her work has been published in the Globe and Mail, Flare, Canadian Living, Canadian Business, the Toronto Star and Forbes. She also publishes a biweekly newsletter, The Budgette, (now an audiobook) where she provides financial education for single earners.

Amex Platinum review

With a $799 annual fee is the Amex Platinum Card worth it?

Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points1*

• Rates & Fees
• Eligibility

2x Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada

2x points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel

1x point for every $1 in all other Card purchases

21.99% Purchase APR The Preferred rate of 21.99% applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance.

$799 Annual Fee Includes $200 annual travel credit and $200 annual dining credit

2.50% Foreign Transaction Fee

Excellent Recommended Credit Score

By Sandra MacGregor & Cameron Smonk

Fact Checked: Scott Birke

Updated: May 07, 2024

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With great airport, hotel, and travel perks for cardholders, read our Amex Platinum Card review to learn if it's right for you.

So we’ve arrived at the Grandpappy of Canadian credit cards. The Amex Platinum is a card with heft – not just its wildly high annual fee or staggering welcome bonus, but in the literal metal card you’re sent, so thick you can barely insert it into conventional chip readers. The Amex Platinum could be considered the final boss for point heads, or simply the default for high-networth individuals. Either way, if you’re into credit cards, you’ve considered the Plat (what hip people like myself call this card).

Let’s get the fee out of the way – and by the way, it has gone way up since I cancelled my Plat. It’s going to set you back $799, and you better believe you’re paying that up front. But that number gets whittled down more than a bit by the perks. For one, there’s a $200 annual travel credit. Oh, and this was news to me – there’s also a $200 annual dining credit to be spent at “a curated list of Canada’s top restaurants.” 

And now we arrive at the welcome bonus. Assuming you can spend $10,000 in three months (no mean feat), you’re looking at 70,000 bonus points. Decide to keep it for another year? One purchase between 14 and 17 months nets you another 30,000. It’s pretty clear why both the wealthy and the wannabes (present company included) have Platinum on the brain.

Who’s the Amex Platinum for?

As I mentioned above there are two types of people for whom the Amex Plat holds obsession-like appeal – those who find $800 a pittance and don’t know the cost of a banana, and weirdo point collectors who’ve min-maxed schemes for travel and realise the value far outweighs the cost. For most others, an $800 upfront fee (not to mention spending $10,000 on an Amex in three months) is a lot to ask.

Amex Platinum Pros and cons

Earn 5X Rewards Points for flights and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel

Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service

Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide

Annual statement credits: $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, $240 digital entertainment credit

Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.

Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).

High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards

The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points

Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility

The Platinum by American Express welcome bonus

• Earn up to 100,000 points, a value approaching $1,000 (though it could be a lot more with clever point transferring). 
• Spend $10,000 in the first three months, earn 70,000 points. Make a purchase with your Amex Platinum between 14 to 17 months, and qualify for an additional 30,000 points.

How to earn membership rewards points on The Platinum by American Express

I’ll start by noting that the card offers one of the best bonuses available in Canada. Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards ® points – that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away. New Platinum ® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first three months of cardmembership. Conditions apply. Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.

And those points could be worth significantly more if you transfer them to an Airline loyalty program (more on that below).

The Amex Platinum is a card built around its bonus and its perks – not its daily earning categories. Two times the points on dining and food delivery, 2x on travel, and 1x on everything else. Kinda underwhelming right? That said, if you’re the kind of person who can easily put $10,000 on your Platinum in three months, those points can and will rack up, just not with the big multipliers you’d expect from your garden variety daily spend cards.

No matter what you buy with The Platinum Card ® , it’s vital to remember that it’s not technically classified as a ‘credit card.’ Interest applies in accordance with your cardmember agreement, information box and disclosure statement if the total new balance is not paid by the payment due date each month. All payments must be received by the payment due date shown on the monthly statement.

When you do get your points (welcome or otherwise), it’s a great idea to look at transferring them to a partner (like Marriott or Aeroplan) – usually its value is magnified for a niche like flights or hotels.

Earn Rate: 

• Two points for every $1 in card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery
• Two points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
• One point for every $1 in all other Card purchases

How to redeem membership rewards points on The Platinum by American Express

In general, the Platinum Card ® Membership Rewards ® points have a single point dollar value of $0.01. They can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, retail gift cards and more on the rewards  website.  Plus you can use them for exclusive member-only experiences and events offered through Amex’s Platinum Concierge. You also have the option of redeeming points as a statement credit. While 1,000 points = $10 when redeemed for travel, the same 1,000 points may not carry the same value when redeemed elsewhere.

The Amex site claims you can “pay for almost anything with points” – and it's true. Rather use the points to buy directly? The Amex Membership Rewards page lets you redeem them for everything from travel to Amazon and everything in between. Seriously – there is no reward program quite as comprehensive as Amex. Gift cards, Airbnb stays, spa and beauty, dining… the list goes on.

For my money (points) however, I’m inclined to transfer Amex to either Marriott (which used to transfer 1.5x Bonvoy points per 1 Amex – the golden era) or to Aeroplan 1:1. For instance, those 70,000 welcome bonus points? A tidy $700 for statement credits. But, transfer to Aeroplan, and you’re looking creeping into a one-way, non-stop flight to Paris, potentially in premium economy, a value of well over $1,000. 

Note : 5 Membership Rewards points transfer to 6 Marriott Bonvoy points, and 1 Membership Reward point transfers to 1 Aeorplan point

Other standout card features

The Platinum Card is perhaps the most feature-rich travel card in Canada, with an array of goodies that we’ll cover in detail, including:

• Entry into Amex’s International Airline Program, which offers discounted companion tickets, complimentary airline upgrades and some special discounted airfares.
• Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport including security bypass, complimentary valet car service and discount car care and parking.
• Standard and premium Amex Entertainment Benefits, including Front of the Line, as well as special dining programs.
• Hotel perks. Cardholders get automatic gold status in several hotel programs, as well as hotel discounts.

Aside from those, the card has two additional perks that are particularly attractive to frequent travellers, and which could push The Platinum Card ® into the must-have category, despite its high annual fee.

$200 CAD annual travel credit and dining credit

This is obviously one of the card’s most significant perks because it essentially reduces the $799 annual fee. Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum ® Card Travel Service. If you travel even once a year, it’s not difficult to imagine using this credit on a hotel room or a flight upgrade. It’s essential, however, to pay attention to the fine print. You must use the credit on travel purchases booked via American Express Travel Services (or by calling Platinum Card Travel Service) and can only use the credit ONE time per year on the SAME transaction. That means you can’t split it for one trip to pay for a checked bag and use what’s left over on another trip that same year to pay for seat selection. It must be used all at once on one travel expense.

With your Platinum Card, you now have access to an annual $200 Dining Credit. This is made possible through Amex’s partnership with Canada’s 100 Best, and have curated a list of some of the top restaurants nationwide. Use your Platinum Card to pay at these establishments and tap into your $200 Annual Dining Credit.

Unlimited airport lounge access

Despite my deep love of travel, I don’t enjoy airports. That’s why the Airport Lounge Access perk is so important to me. It really can make what would be a hellish eight-hour layover into a thing of beauty thanks to excellent food, quality wines, free Wi-Fi, plush seating and sometimes even shower and nap areas. With The Platinum Card ® you can take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection TM  which unlocks access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion ®  Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience.

Amex Platinum insurance coverage

While they may be the least glamourous perks of a credit card, insurance benefits can be by far the most vital, especially if you end up  needing medical attention while in a foreign country . As you would expect for the steep annual fee, The Platinum Card ®  offers a comprehensive lineup of insurance:

• Emergency medical insurance : Up to $5 million in coverage for emergency medical expenses incurred in the first 15 days of your trip (for card holders under 65). We'll cover this one in more detail below.
• Trip cancellation/trip interruption : In the event of trip cancellation, you’re covered for non-refundable purchases made on your platinum up to $2,500 per person up to $5,000 total. This also applies in case your trip is interrupted or pushed back for any reason, except it’s covered up to $6,000 total.
• Flight delay insurance : You’re covered for up to $1,000 when your boarding is delayed for more than four hours, for things like hotels, restaurants and sundry items purchased on your Amex Platinum.
• Baggage insurance : In the event your baggage is delayed for more than six hours, you’re covered up to $1,000 for reasonable purchases of clothing and necessary items. This also goes in the event it’s lost or stolen, so long as you paid the full price of your airline ticket on your Amex Platinum.
• Travel accident insurance : You’re covered up to $500,000 in the event of a major accident while travelling
• Car rental theft and damage insurance : So long as you rent a car valued less than $85,000 with your Platinum, receive coverage against theft, loss or damage.
• Extended warranty : Tack on an additional one year of warranty to products you purchase that have a manufacturer's warranty of less than five years.
• Purchase protection : Get up to 120 days of purchase protection for items purchased on your Platinum.

Emergency medical insurance (out of province/country)

This is possibly one of the most critical insurance features for people who travel frequently. Two of the most significant details to note are how many days you’re covered for and how much you’re covered in terms of dollar amounts. With The Platinum Card ® you are protected up to a maximum of $5,000,000 per insured person (one of the highest dollar amounts for Canadian similar cards) for 15 consecutive days of each trip. While 15 days is fairly standard, the coverage is only available if you’re under 65 years of age. Once you hit that age threshold, you’re out of luck.

Other travel cards, like the  Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card , have a much lower annual fee and longer coverage—25 consecutive days in the case of the Scotiabank Passport ® Visa Infinite* Card. It also offers 3 consecutive days of coverage to those over age 65.

Personally, when a card comes with a $799 annual fee, I expect the emergency medical protection to be among the best possible available for all age categories. For me, this is one of the major drawbacks of The Platinum Card ® . It’s also discouraging that, while the Baggage Delay Insurance reimburses you up to $1,000, it only kicks in after six hours, whereas other less costly cards (like the Scotiabank Gold American Express card kick in after only four hours. You can compare travel insurance credit cards  via our detailed page on the issue.

What people have to say about this card

... worth it? Absolutely is! They say you have to travel frequently. FK it: collecting the points over 2 years and using it for an almost $0 trip to Hawaii. /u/whatthenickname

We’ll get to my “worth it?” answer down below, but if you’ve read this far, you probably guess that I am in staunch agreement. Use the points you earn, take advantage of the credits, and the Amex Platinum more than pays for itself.

How the Amex Platinum compares

The platinum by american express vs. scotiabank platinum american express.

Google the Scotiabank Platinum American Express card and you might go “woah, woah, woah – this card says it offers $2,100 in value in 14 months, all for a $399 fee? Half the Amex Plat? What gives?” Let me spare you the confusion and say Scotiabank goes through some very creative calculus to reach that figure. It's broken down in its legal footnotes that includes estimations on how much foreign exchange fees you’ll be saving and how many Scene+ points you’re going to earn by spending X amount. A lot of assumptions going on there.

Aside from the marketing BS, the Scotiabank Platinum is damn good. Lots of ways to earn and a dandy welcome bonus. The $399 price tag is kinda steep though, especially considering you don’t get the credits offered by the Amex Plat. I’m leaning OG Amex Plat on this, despite Scotiabank trying to steal a little of their valour. 

The Platinum by American Express vs. American Express Cobalt

Two completely different cards, two completely different target audiences. The American Express Cobalt card is a slow and steady daily driver and a great card for young working professionals looking to build points over time. The Amex Plat is for the amazing perks, huge bonus and people who have either done the point math or literally have the spare money to have people do math for them.

For travel and quickly-earned point volume, the Amex Plat is in a different league than the Cobalt.

The Platinum by American Express vs. American Express Gold

Is the amex platinum worth it.

Oh yeah. That $799 is going to be too tough a pill to swallow for most people, but for those who can see past that, there’s no doubt it more than makes up for it with the value it offers. It remains one of the hardest card cancellations I’ve ever made – I loved it that much.

How do I qualify for Amex Platinum?

Amex recommends your income be at least $50,000 before applying, and your credit score will likely need to exceed 700 for a chance at auto approval.

What is the limit on an American Express Platinum card?

There’s no credit limit associated with Amex Platinum – just make sure you pay down the balance for each billing cycle.

Does American Express Platinum cover car rental insurance?

Yes, it provides coverage for vehicles up to $85,000 MSRP for rental of 48 days or less when you fully charge you rental to your Platinum card. Be sure to decline the rental agency coverage.

Does The Platinum by American Express have foreign transaction fees?

Yes, the Amex Platinum still requires you to pay foreign exchange fees. The foreign transaction fee is 2.5%.

Is Priority Pass free with American Express Platinum?

There’s no deal with Priority Pass, but you won’t need one – the Amex Platinum has extremely comprehensive global lounge access.

Sandra MacGregor has been writing about finance and travel for nearly a decade. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications like the New York Times, the UK Telegraph, the Washington Post, Forbes.com and the Toronto Star.

Cam is a content marketer with a passion for saving, financial independence, and pulling off elaborate credit card point schemes. He has worked in Fintech and Finserve (specifically Group Retirement) and loves researching and writing about finance.

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• $799 annual fee
• Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards points when spending $10,000 in the first 3 months
• 30,000 additional points when making any purchase in months 14 – 17
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on dining and travel, and 1 point on all other purchases

$200 annual travel credit

• $200 annual dining credit (per calendar year)
• Unlimited airport lounge access
• MESSAGE ME FOR A REFERRAL LINK

Welcome bonus and earn rate

Let’s be real for a second. Many people sign up for this card because it typically has a very generous welcome bonus. The offers have been between 85,000 and 115,000 welcome bonus points when using a referral link . That said, to get the bonus, you need to spend $10,000 within the first three months of card membership.

Since 1,000 points = $10 in travel, your welcome bonus is worth at least $850 when booking through the American Express travel portal. However, if you convert your points to Aeroplan, the bonus can easily be worth double that, so $1,700. That’s much higher than the annual fee.

The earning rate is decent. You’ll earn 2 points per $1 spent on dining (not grocery stores) and travel. All other purchases earn you 1 point per dollar spent. Admittedly, there are cards with a higher earn rate, but this is not bad when factoring in all the additional perks.

Benefits and perks

With an annual fee of $799, you should rightfully expect a lot of benefits from this metal credit card . Fortunately, the American Express Platinum benefits are easily the best of any travel credit card in Canada. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the  best credit cards in Canada .

My American Express Platinum Canada review is positive because you get an annual travel credit of $200 on your card anniversary (not every calendar year). You also get that travel credit immediately when you sign up.

Let’s be realistic. If you’re applying for this card, you’re likely a frequent traveller, so you’ll want sweet travel perks. The annual credit will be incredibly useful since it can be applied at the time of booking when you’re making a reservation online via the American Express travel portal, or you can call in later to claim your statement credit. Alternatively, some people have been able to convert that amount into “cash” by booking a fully refundable hotel.

$200 annual dining credit

A dining credit of $200 is now available. This credit applies every calendar year, so technically speaking, you get it twice the first year you sign up. While this credit is great, there are a few quirks. It only applies to a single transaction at one of the American Express dining partners. These restaurants are typically expensive, so burning your $200 credit in a single transaction won’t be difficult. The list of participating restaurants can be found here .

Since you can get the $200 dining credit twice and the travel credit once in the first year, that’s $600 in credits. That means if you use all of your credits, the annual fee for the first year will be just $199 for the first year .

Unlimited lounge access

Having lounge access is a great way to start your travels. With the Platinum card, you get a  Priority Pass  membership with unlimited free entries – a value of US $429 (CAD $589). Plus, you can bring a guest during every visit at no extra cost.

The American Express Global Lounge Collection that comes with your card is incredibly valuable since Amex has multiple partnerships in place. This includes American Express Centurion lounges, Plaza Premium airport lounges, Delta Sky Club, and more. Basically, you’ll have lounge access at almost every airport in the world as long as you have the Amex Platinum Card.

What makes the American Express Platinum card one of the  best credit cards with airport lounge access  is that it also gets you into premium lounges such as Centurion by American Express, Air France / Skyteam, and Delta lounges when you fly on Delta.

Some people think lounges aren’t worth it, or if they’ve never experienced them before, they’re not missing out on anything. I disagree as the travel experience starts at the airport. Lounge access makes things much more comfortable and perfect if you have a long layover. Lounges have also made long delays much more reasonable.

Hotel status upgrades

Another major American Express Platinum credit perk is the instant hotel status upgrade at many major chains. The value of the status is subjective, but generally speaking, you would need to stay 25 nights at each chain every year before you qualify. Here’s what you get right at each brand

• Hilton Honors Gold status
• Marriott Bonvoy  Gold elite status
• Radisson Rewards Americas Gold Status

Most of these programs offer free Wi-Fi, room upgrades, bonus points, and early check-in and late check-out. This may not seem like a big deal,l but you need to read the details of each hotel loyalty program to see what you’re entitled to.

With Marriot Bonvoy Gold, you get 25% more points on eligible spending, a welcome gift or points, and a dedicated reservation line. This status stacks with the  Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card , so you can earn points quickly if you’re a frequent guest at Marriott hotels. Marriott International has over 7,000 properties in 130+ countries, so you’ll have no problem finding a hotel.

NEXUS rebate

When you charge your NEXUS application or renewal to your American Express Platinum Card, you’ll get a statement credit of up to $100 every four years. Since NEXUS is good for five years, you’ll never need to pay any fees again. Nexus is great for those who travel frequently to the U.S. since it allows you to skip the security and customs lines in both Canada and the United States.

Benefits at Toronto Pearson International Airport

If you happen to fly out of Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, you get the following VIP perks:

• Priority security lane
• Complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park
• 15% discount on parking rates at the Express Park and Daily Park

In my experience, the priority security line is usually faster than the Nexus line. That may seem weird to many NEXUS cardholders, but it’s true. That said, you don’t need to take off your shoes or go through an X-ray at the NEXUS line. Always use the priority line to clear security, but use the Nexus line to go through customs.

Toronto Pearson airport parking is always expensive, so getting 15% off when paying with your American Express Platinum Card is nice. Keep in mind the discount shows up as a statement credit.

The complimentary valet service only saves you on the one-time fee. You still need to pay the daily rate for parking, which is more expensive than using regular or long-term lots.

Travel insurance

That’s a lot of insurance you get with the American Express Platinum credit card. Some people would argue that there are better  credit cards with travel insurance in Canada , but that depends on your viewpoint. There’s no denying that the 15 days of insurance coverage with the American Express Platinum Canada Card is a bit disappointing, but you need to look at the entire suite of insurance that’s included.

At $2,500 a person or $5,000 total for trip cancellation and $2,500 a person or $6,000 total for trip interruption, you’re covered for quite a bit if you need to cancel or cut your trip plans.

Your flight delay insurance kicks at 4 hours which is nice since some policies require you to wait 6 hours. I prefer having this four-hour window as I can make a claim sooner. Flight delays can be brutal, and knowing I’m covered for hotels, meals, and minor expenses can make a huge difference. That said, your baggage insurance requires a six-hour delay before making any claims, which is annoying when other policies only have a four-hour requirement.

Purchase insurance

• Purchase protection
• Buyer’s assurance

The included purchase insurance is pretty standard. You get purchase protection which covers your purchases for 90 days from theft, loss, and damage. With the buyer’s assurance, your manufacturer’s warranty is doubled up to one additional year. In both cases, you must charge the total purchase amount to your American Express Platinum Canada Card for the insurance to apply.

American Express International Airline Program

The American Express Platinum Card gives you access to the International Airline Program, a little-known benefit. This feature gives you discounts when you book premium economy, business and first-class tickets on international flights with select airlines. For reference, the only Canadian airline participating in the American Express International Airline Program is WestJet .

In addition, the International Airline Program gives you discounted companion tickets with select airlines when booking business or first-class seats. I don’t think you should expect to save hundreds of dollars with this discount, but it’s worth calling the Platinum Card Travel Service at 1.800.263.1616 if you plan on booking any seats in premium economy, business or first class to see any deals.

American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts

The American Express card gives you access to the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts collection , a highly underrated benefit. When booking a hotel that falls into the Fine Hotels & Resorts collection, you’re entitled to the following benefits:

• Free room upgrade
• Free daily breakfast for two
• $100 hotel credit for food and drinks per stay (may vary per hotel)
• Noon check-in
• 4 PM check-out
• Complimentary WiFi

The website lists that the average value of this benefit is US$550, but I prefer to value this benefit at $150 since the room upgrade is not guaranteed.

Whenever you book a hotel, it’s worth checking to see if a hotel you’re interested in is part of the Fine Hotels & Resorts collection. Sometimes, booking through this benefit will cost me only $20 more, but I get all the extra perks that have made it worthwhile.

American Express Experiences

American Express Experiences are exclusive to American Express cardholders. Not every offer will be of interest, but occasionally, you’ll get one or two that will excite you.

• Front of the line presales – Get access to tickets to concerts, theatre productions, restaurants and more before the general public.
• Front of the line reserved tickets – At select venues, American Express, has agreements where cardholders can purchase reserved tickets and seats.
• Entertainment experiences – Purchase special entertainment experiences such as screenings of movies, theatre packages and more.
• Dining experiences – From tasting menus to food festivals, cardholders can get access to some of the most sought-after culinary events.
• Offers – Throughout the year, you’ll get special shopping offers. These offers can be incredibly valuable since you’ll get a certain amount back as a statement credit. For example, spend $400, and get $100 back.

How to redeem your points

In this American Express Platinum Canada review, I need to go over how American Express Membership Rewards (MR) work since those are the points you’ll earn.

You can redeem 1,000 MR points for $10 for a statement credit. This applies to ALL purchases. American Express Membership Rewards is the only bank travel rewards program that allows you to redeem your points for a statement credit at the same value as travel redemptions.

Booking on your own and then redeeming your points is incredibly valuable since you can find the lowest prices or book directly with brands to take advantage of your loyalty stays. You must Book through the American Express travel portal to use your annual travel credit.

Another interesting thing about Membership Rewards is that you can double the value of your points. Take a look at the chart below. A short-haul flight between Canada and the U.S. requires 15,000 points but has and has a maximum base ticket price of $300. That means your points can have a value of 2 cents each.

American Express Platinum Canada transfer partners

What makes Membership Rewards points valuable is that you can transfer your points to various partners , which include airlines and hotels. This gives your points a lot of value since they’re flexible. Basically, you can look at all the different options available to you and then redeem your points for maximum value.

The transfer ratio for American Express Membership Rewards points is as follows:

Understanding your transfer partners and the American Express/Fixed Points Travel Program is essential to getting maximum value.

For example, 60,000 Membership Rewards points are worth $600 if you use them on travel purchases. However, they’re worth up to $900 if you use the Fixed Points Travel Program.

Transferring the same number of points to Aeroplan would give you 60,000 Aeroplan points, which can go quite a long way, depending on how you use them. I personally don’t have much issue getting a value of 2 cents per Aeroplan point. That means 60,000 Aeroplan points are worth $1,200.

If you’re an American Express Platinum cardholder and plan to book a flight, always compare the Amex travel portal, the fixed points travel program and Aeroplan to see what gives you the best value.

Regarding hotels, transferring your points to Marriott Bonvoy could save you some money. Generally, you should value your Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.9 cents each. If a hotel costs you 25,000 points, but the nightly rate is $300, that’s a good value. However, if the nightly rate is $150, paying cash or redeeming your American Express Membership Rewards points towards the travel purchase would be better.

American Express Platinum Card eligibility

• You’re a Canadian citizen, or you’re a permanent resident
• You’re at least the age of majority in your province or territory

You’ll quickly notice that American Express doesn’t have a formal personal or household income requirement. In addition, there’s no minimum credit score listed. That said, since this is a premium travel credit card, having a credit score of 700+ will likely improve the odds of you being approved.

How the American Express Platinum Card compares

You can compare the American Express Platinum Canada to a surprising number of premium travel credit cards. Not only should you look at general travel rewards cards, but you should also consider co-branded credit cards.

American Express Platinum Card vs. American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

With the Platinum Card, you get unlimited access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, whereas the Reserve Card gives you unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America. I personally think Maple Leaf Lounges are better, but that only applies to North American airports that have them. If you fly a lot internationally or to airports without Maple Leaf Lounges, you’d be better off with the Platinum Card.

The secondary benefits are also worth considering. With the Reserve Card, your first checked bag free when flying Air Canada, priority airport check-in, boarding, and baggage handling. These benefits alone could be worth it for travellers who frequently fly Air Canada.

It’s also worth looking at the points. With the Platinum Card, you have flexibility with your points since you have a few transfer partners. With the Aeroplan Card, you’re restricted to using your points on Aeroplan rewards.

American Express Platinum Card vs. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card

Another premium Aeroplan credit card worth considering is the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card . It’s very similar to the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, with the main difference being that the TD card also gives you DragonPass airport lounge access + 6 free annual passes.

While the annual fee of $599 is lower than the Platinum card, most of the benefits of the TD card are related to Air Canada, whereas the Platinum card gives you better general travel perks.

American Express Platinum Card vs. American Express Business Gold Rewards Card

If your goal is to earn a lot of points fast, then you may want to look at the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card . The welcome bonus is typically 75,000 American Express Membership Rewards points after spending $5,000 in the first three months. While the bonus isn’t as generous as the Platinum card, the minimum spend requirement is much lower. In case you’re wondering, you don’t need a business to get a business credit card .

Final thoughts

My American Express Platinum Canada review is positive. This card is ideal for people in the following situations:

• You want a huge welcome bonus – The signup offer is typically worth around 100,000 points. That’s usually one of the most generous offers on the market.
• You frequently travel – This card gives you unlimited airport lounge access, a yearly travel credit, and hotel status.
• You want flexible rewards – American Express Membership Rewards can be transferred to Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy.

If you’re a frequent traveller, want to travel like a VIP, or are trying to earn many points fast, this card is for you. You can easily get more than $2,000 in value in the first year, so the annual fee of $799 shouldn’t be a huge concern. Friends, family, and readers of my blog can use my referral link below to earn some extra points.

Welcome bonus: Up to 100,000 American Express Membership Rewards points

Annual fee: $799

Is the American Express Platinum annual fee worth it?

If I haven’t convinced you about the value of the American Express Platinum Card yet, let me break down the real value of the benefits for you.

• Travel credit – $200
• Dining credit – $200 per calendar year
• Welcome bonus – $1,000+
• Lounge access – $520
• Travel insurance – $300

That equals at least $2,420 in value in the first year. Yes, the fee is $799, but you still come out ahead by more than $1,300.

Let me break down the value for you.

The annual travel credit is $200. Assuming the welcome bonus is worth at least 100,000 points, that’s a minimum value of $1,000. However, if you transferred your points to Aeroplan, it wouldn’t be hard to get a value of at least $2,000. In addition, the $200 dining credit is per calendar year, so you could use it twice in your first year of cardmembership.

With lounge access, a prestige Priority Pass membership is US $429 (CAD $580), and it gives you and a guest unlimited free visits. Finally, the travel insurance is worth roughly $300 per person. As you can see, there’s an insane amount of value with this card. Even after the first year, the benefits you get are still easily worth more than the annual fee, so consider keeping this card if you travel regularly.

About Barry Choi

Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who frequently makes media appearances. His blog Money We Have is one of Canada’s most trusted sources when it comes to money and travel. You can find him on Twitter: @barrychoi

180 Comments

I used to have this card when I was travelling a lot for work. The lounge access and skipping the line was great. Also at the time it was one free North American flight per year. My wife and I used this to go to New York one summer.

This card doesn’t make sense for me anymore because I don’t travel all that much for work anymore. I could no longer justify the annual fee. Although what you are saying with the reduced annual fee seems interesting.

In regards to what one can do with the 50K or 60K account opening points, you wrote, “60,000 points are enough for two round trip tickets to anywhere in North America. A standard return trip to Los Angeles from Toronto is $600, so that sign up bonus instantly has a value of $1,200. Plus, you’ll still have 10,000 points leftover. ”

I logged into the Amex travel rewards website. I can see the rewards chart. But what I see is a Canada/US “long haul” ticket will cost 40K points. In what you wrote, you are saying that 60K points will get you 2 long haul tickets and still 10K points leftover. So you are saying that a long haul flight only costs 25K points? I can’t seem to find that at all?

Do you have a link to the rewards chart?

I answered this privately already, but just including it here in case someone else has the same question.

The trick is to convert your American Express Member Rewards to Aeroplan since it can be done on a 1:1 basis. You would then use Aeroplan’s redemption chart which is the numbers I used.

However, note that Aeroplan does have blackout dates as well as taxes so those are things to consider.

Further to my note above. You also say that the 60K points can get you a round trip ticket to South America or Europe. But the same rewards chart I am looking at shows a European ticket and a South American ticket to cost 60K and 100K points, respectively.

This is the link to the rewards chart: https://travel.americanexpress.ca/service/static_page.cfm?page=FixedPoints

Hi there. Just received my Platinum card and found this page. A question about using the $200 travel credit. Is it ok to wait for my statement to show the $699 fee, then call Plat travel to book and apply the credit and later do what is mentioned to make my annual fee down to $499!

I don’t think it matters when you use the travel credit. When you do use it, it shows up as a statement credit of $200 which is applied usually right away. If you want to turn that into “cash” just book a fully refundable hotel, wait for the credit to post, then cancel your hotel.

You can also claim the travel credit directly from the American Express travel portal which is located within your account.

Thanks very much for your advice Barry! The card itself has many travel perks that I’m gonna be looking forward to use! The application process was very easy for card members, as I already have the Aeroplan Plus Platinum. It just took a few clicks to verify and after submitting it..got the approval right away! I’m not too worried about the sign up points as I wanted to keep the Aeroplan Plat for exclusive AC lounge access and my new Plat for other travel..so I’m pretty much covered! Sam

The biggest advantage is the referrals. For every referral, you get 15K bonus membership reward points while the person you refer gets an extra 10K.

I absolutely love the lounge access that the Platinum card gives you. If you’re flying out of Pearson, the Maple Leaf Lounge access from your Aeroplan Platinum card is better than what’s offered from Priority Pass members, but in other airports having priority pass is great. In Portugal, it gave me access to the ANA lounge which was wonderful.

Although the “$499” annual fee is high, I really think the benefits are worth it if you’re a frequent traveller.

Hi. Thanks for the information. I have also been told that the card offers perks like Uber Pass for free. Do you know where to access those perks? Are they limited to the ‘offers’ Amex offers or are there hidden perks in different sites?

Amex offers come and go. Uber Pass was a previous benefit. One of the most recent ones was get $40 back when you spend $400 on Oxford properties (a big mall retail owner across Canada).

The perks are accessed within the app. The offers are indeed limited to what Amex offers. Generally speaking, it’s not hard to get a few hundred dollars in value from these perks each year.

Hi Barry, Thanks again for your great insight! Yes, the Prestige level of Priority Pass is a great balance with my Maple Leaf Lounge as I do plan on trips into Europe and Asia where I’m using another airline! Love the Fast track out of YYZ as well! All the best for now and yes, I’ll be thinking of referring both my Aeroplan and Personal Platinum! I guess I’ll get both Aeroplan miles and Membership Rewards Points! Take care, Sam

The nice thing about Membership Rewards points is that you can convert them to many airline rewards points (including Aeroplan) at a 1:1 ratio.

Thanks for this. Can you provide the benefits of the supplementary card. The $175 charge is hefty and I cannot find many details about it. If the Priority Pass provides free entry (as opposed to just membership and then a $27 charge) that is good. If it allows Hilton Gold that is good too. I would hope it provides enough spousal benefits to make it worthwhile.

I personally don’t think the supplementary card is good unless your partners spends a lot on their own or also travels a lot on their own. My wife always travels with me so she automatically gets access to lounges since card holders are allowed to bring an extra guest.

The instant upgrade in hotel status is definitely a nice perk. I have yet to take advantage of companion fares, but I believe that’s only available when booking tickets in business or first-class.

Have had an amex gold rewards for over two years now and love it – received an offer to upgrade to plat and am very intrigued especially after reading your tips to reduce annual fee etc. One question – can you advise how to self refer for an added 5,000 points? From my Gold rewards account I can only seem to refer the Gold Rewards card?

Hi Connor, After clicking your own referral link, you should see a button that says “view our other cards.” Then it should show you the Platinum card. Definitely self-refer instead of upgrading for the bonus points.

I can’t find an answer about the supplementary card. Does that cardholder get the same priority pass benefits as the basic cardholder – that is, free access for the holder and a guest? So a family of four could get access for free if they have both the basic and supplemental card?

And just to confirm, supplementary card holder get gold tiers in both Hilton and spg.

I actually don’t know the answer to that since I don’t use supplementary cards. I would advise calling Amex directly for an answer.

Hi Barry, Thanks for the amazing insight! I’m thinking of getting this card as I’ll be traveling quite a bit in the next year and the lounge access will be quite handy. If I only get the primary card, will my wife have access to the lounge as well or does she have to pay the $27? The priority pass prestige membership page says guests have to pay $27 to enter.

Once you have lounge access, you won’t want to go back. The Canadian lounges are kind of meh, but wait til you try the ones abroad. As for your question, with you Priority Pass, you’re allowed to bring one guest with you. This can be your wife or any other travelling companion. If you bring 2 guests (one will have to pay), but at least they get access since you’re a member.

Hello Barry, Do you know if the card gives you priority boarding? It says priority check-in but does not mention boarding.

As far as I know, this card does NOT give you priority boarding.

Hi- Just to say your tips on the refundable hotel booking to get the credit is very smart and for that alone I will be signing up via your referral link as a thank you! Cheers!

It’s an easy trick to do. to be honest, I love this card now and don’t mind paying the $499 yearly fee moving forward (after doing the $200 credit trick).

I’m curious to know if the card is metal? I would also like to know whether the priority pass card is automatically renewed per annum, or if it is just complimentary for the first year? I read somewhere else that the number of complimentary guests may be up to 2, but see in your previous comments it is 1. Has the number of allowed complimentary guests changed at all recently?

Thank you, Norine

The card is plastic. I’m not sure if memberships are automatically renewed. With the card, you need to manually signup for Priority Pass as well as the higher status programs with all the hotels. I would hope things auto renew, but it’s not like those other loyalty members know if you still hold the card. That’s something I need to look into.

I’ve only had the card for about 8 months and during that time I’ve only been allowed one complimentary guest. Not sure if that’s new or not.

If you have a supplementary Amex Platinum Card – that can also allow 1 additional guest. We are a family of five and only one kid has go pay access to the lounge which is still a good deal. We travel often and using the lounge is always a “to do” item for each trip:) Never regretted getting this. Year s4 for me.

I forgot that the Platinum allows you bring in one additional guest to lounges. Interesting enough, usually the main benefits only apply to the primary cardholder so it’s great that supplementary cardholders also get access to lounges. That being said, I’ve had some lounges specifically ask for my Priority Pass membership so I suspect at those lounges, you might not get in with a supplementary card unless your spouse also has a Priority Pass Membership.

Hi Barry… Great article. Just wanted to know if this card is churnable. For some personal cards amex stopped giving bonus if you had owned a card like spg and gold. Does this applied to platinum also or we can churn and get bonus points again?

This is the main reason I didn’t apply yet.

Since you have not owned this card before, you would qualify for the signup points. Now if you cancel it in a year, and they try to reapply; there’s a good chance you wouldn’t get the points the second time around.

Ok so in short…..The platinum is good for 1 time only to get the sign up bonus points. Churn only if you want the lounge access, insurance and the travel credits to keep the fees low. Thanks!

Correct. The other benefit is referrals. You get 15K points for every referral. so you need 2-3 referrals a year to wash that large annual fee.

One thing you did no mention, and maybe can confirm but I think the hotel status level gives you free breakfast at the member hotels.

I believe the breakfast only applies to Platinum members. The Amex Platinum only gives you Gold status.

@Mark and @Barry, with the Preferred Gold Membership in the Starwood Preferred Guest® program, doesn’t it give you a status match with Marriott Gold Elite Benefits, if you’re a member of both programs?

If so, the Marriott Gold Elite Benefits are fantastic and even better than SPG Preferred Gold:

Guaranteed Lounge Access/Breakfast. Free daily continental breakfast, light snacks and beverages for the Gold Elite member and one guest in the Executive Lounge at JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection®, Renaissance® and Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels® (resorts excluded). In the U.S. and Canada, select hotels will provide 750 or 1,000 points in lieu of breakfast in the event the lounge is closed.

Another great feature of this AMEX Platinum card!

Interesting, breakfast is included for Gold Elite members at Marriott properties but at SPG you need to be Platinum.

Hi Barry! If I apply and receive the AMEX Platinum card March 15/18, I understand will receive and can use $200 credit immediately.

If I use the 2nd $200 credit immediately when it posts in Jan/19 … and go to cancel the card before the 2nd annual fee posts in March, will there by any issues with owing AMEX for the 2018 $200 credit used? Thanks!

No issue whatsoever. It’s basically a hack to lower the annual fee down to $299 the first year while getting 60K Membership Rewards points (with referral).

Have you tried this Barry? They do in fact charge your card for the second $200 when you cancel before the end of your first year, as of 2017.

As far as I know, this trick still works since it does not violate the terms and conditions. However, Amex has charged back the $200 to some people so you would have to call into customer service to ask for an explanation and to get the chargeback removed. I’ve updated the info my post for best practices.

Thank you for the post, it was a very interesting read. I was wondering if your referral link is still working, one year later? And also, I’m leaving in 12 days from now, I was wondering if the delivery of the card should be fast enough for me to get it before I leave, so I can rest in the VIP lounges. Any clues / tips?

The referral code is still good! Amex sends their platinum cards out by courier so you’d likely get it in 3 days. For your PriorityPass, download the app so you can get access quicker.

Hi. I’ve had the Amex Platinum card for many years. I was surprised when I saw that they give 1.25 points for every dollar spent, because I was under the impression that I was receiving 1.5 points. So I checked a recent statement and confirmed that I do in fact, receive 1.5 points for each dollar spent.

You should only be getting 1.25 points per $1 spend with the Amex Platinum. Is it possible that there was a promotion which is why you got 1.5?

I don’t think so. I recall that going back perhaps 10 years, users were given a choice of two different types of rewards that they could get using the card. Once the choice was made you couldn’t switch. You writings have to reapply for the card.

I looked at the terms just now and it states 1.25 MR per #1 spent. It’s possible that you were grandfathered into the old program?

So many places don’t take American Express, especially overseas, that I don’t think this card is a reasonable option for travellers.

I wouldn’t depend on just American Express when travelling. I personally use this card at home to maximize my earning potential and book travel with it. When I’m abroad, I use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

So if you decide to get the card, meet the monthly minimums, get your 60k bonus, apply your travel credits, and then cancel the card after all that, what happens to your points? Or if you plan to churn the card, should you book something to use up your 60k+ points before you cancel it?

You can transfer the points to one of their partners e.g. SPG or airlines before you cancel. Technically speaking, your login will still be active, but I honestly don’t remember what happens to your points if you cancel as I’ve always had an active account.

I read up on another blog that they will cancel your points if you cancel the card actually. I think one would have to have another amex open to maintain the account and the points accrued from the other. Another question I was going to ask was about the “book a hotel then cancel it” thing. In order to get the 200$ credit, do you have to book through amex travel? Or can you just book any hotel, on expedia say, and then call amex and say you want to apply the credit?

Hmm good to know, that’s for sharing.

Yes, the credit is through Amex travel, you can book and apply your credit online, but when I last checked, you had to call in to cancel the reservation. I personally just wait a few weeks so it’s not obvious that I cancelled it just for the statement credit.

With today’s Marriott announcement, I wonder which elite status, if any, Amex will provide. It looks like current gold SPG is lower tier than the new gold merged program

If you currently have the card and Gold status, you’ll be upgraded to Platinum, but I’m pretty sure next year it’ll be gold.

Thanks for the post!

I already have amex spg card, will I still get 60,000pt ?

Also, how long does the bonus pt get posted to account? I am thinking to charge airfare ($3000+) using this card and get $200 travel credit, then transfer point to spg right away. Will amex cancel my point if I cancel the card before 2nd year annual fee kicks in?

Yes, you’ll still get the points since this is a different card from the SPG Amex.

The points normally post as soon as you reach the minimum spend, but technically speaking, it can take up to 8 weeks.

Amex will not cancel your points, if you cancel before the start of year 2, but I do advise using your 2019 travel credit ASAP before cancelling.

Please use my referral link if you found this info useful.

Hello I just joined American express platinum last February. They had an offer , for each person that you add to your card, you will get 5, 000 points. I added 5 persons to my card. Each person had to pay 175.00 for the extra card . So here is my problem , so far , they gave me only 5, 000 points for one person .I have called A.E. many times to check about the points for the other 4 persons .They kept telling me that they were working on it and will get back to me. Last week, I called them again , only to be told that there was a note on my file that says … do not give him those 5, 000 points per extra card holders !!! I was so upset but the supervisor told me that there was nothing she could do .I just received by mail a letter about the details to complaint and all the procedures . I am so upset about the whole thing .Is there something else I should do? Thank you for your help .

Hi M.Beauregard,

If American Express is only giving you 5,000 points for one person and won’t give you those points for the other 4, I would advise cancelling those additional cards and demanding a refund on the fees.

If you still want those points, you could refer one of those people who just cancelled for their own card which would give you 15K points.

I am not sure if you had the same issue, Barry Choi, but I have noticed that American Express is intentionally not sending the card in a timely manner. I had about six, seven calls after my card was approved to ask why I haven’t received my card yet and no one could honestly answer the question. I was initially told that the card was send about 7 business days ago from Markham, Ontario (I live downtown Toronto) and that I should receive it by today (which is the 8th business day past the approval date), but ironically another customer service representative told me that it wasn’t even dispatched yet.

The clock of spending $3,000 starts from the approval date rather than the day of delivery of the card. I have already lost about 2 weeks, leaving me with 10 weeks (rather than 12 weeks) to spend $3,000. I am not sure how common that is, but I thought to ask you, Barry, whether you had such issues?

If you have noticed such a pattern as well, there may be room to sue American Express for engaging in a fraudulent activity.

I recently applied for a business platinum card and it took about 7 business days to arrive. That being said, I once had a card arrive in 3 days so it could be random.

Great site Barry. I am just going through your posts. Is the hotel status kept for the duration of having the card or is it first year only?

As long as you have the card, you keep the status.

I had an American Express Platinum card about 3 years ago. If I reapplied, do you think I would get the sign up bonus?

Technically speaking, there’s a once per lifetime signup bonus, but the odds are you would still get the bonus since quite a few years have passed. That being said, if they don’t award it, you can’t really fight them over it.

I’m an AMEX Gold card member – can I refer a friend to the platinum card, or do I need to be a platinum card holder myself to do that and get the referral bonus?

thanks! enjoying your insights.

p.s. I should add that I’ve tried the self-referring option and the only other card option it gives me is the Cobalt,

With the personal gold, you can only self refer (or refer someone else) to the personal gold or Cobalt card.

To get the 60K signup bonus with the personal platinum, you’d have to use someone’s referral link (hopefully mine). Once you have the personal platinum you can refer the personal platinum, business gold, and business platinum.

Thank you, Barry. If we go the platinum route, we will gladly use your referral to start us off!

I noticed U.S. Amex is offering a 100,000 sign up bonus until Aug 8th. Is this available to Canadian businesses if we spend to a certain amount? My company is based in Vancouver and we plan to spend at least $1 million per year on the card. We would be able to provide our financials to Amex upon request. We have never had an Amex card before. Thanks!

The signup bonuses aren’t as high in Canada. The most points you can get is 60,000 points when using a referral link.

If you’re using this card for business purposes, you’re likely better off applying for the Business Platinum card.

https://www.moneywehave.com/american-express-business-platinum-canada-review/

It’s specifically aimed at businesses and offers you similar benefits to the personal platinum card but with lower fees.

When it comes to emergency medical travel protection , does the American Express Platinum cover everything that I should look for or should I take additional coverage through a personal insurance company ? And if I only have 1 card , does it cover my spouse as well ? Thank you !

You would only need additional insurance if you’re travelling for more than 15 days. If that’s the case, you can just extend your coverage via Amex for an additional charge.

The Amex Platinum certificate of insurance states the following (she’s covered).

Insured person – means any of the following persons who are under the age of 65 years of age and who have a valid government health insurance plan: the cardmember, the supplementary cardmember, the cardmember’s spouse, the supplementary cardmember’s spouse, the cardmember’s dependent child or the supplementary cardmember’s dependent child.

Greetings Barry,

Have you done a comparison of the Personal vs the Business Platinum Cards? It appears that they are ow very similar, and the business card can get lounge access now. Assuming you have both, and you where to keep ony one, which one would you keep? If churning, which one to cancel and reapply for later? Thanks, Jon

They are indeed very similar. Technically speaking, you need a business to get the business card, but I know people have been approved without a formal business setup.

Most people who churn end up applying for both cards (referring themselves to the second card).

I personally prefer the personal platinum just because of bragging rights.

Hi Barry — I can’t seem to get your referral link working. Is it still valid? Thanks for the super helpful post!

The Amex referral site is down for maintenance right now. It’ll likely be back up tomorrow (Monday)

If I cancel the card just after i get the bonus points, will I get a refund on the annual fee? Also, if I get the card now, will I get a $200 travel credit this year and again next year before the 12 months are up? And finally, do you see any good reason to keep the card beyond the first year?

There have been various reports, but some people have been able to get a partial refund with their annual fees after collecting the sign up bonus. That being said, you would almost definitely be flagged by American Express so you could possibly be denied any future applications.

The travel credit is per calendar year. However, if you claim it in January and then cancel the card in February, there’s a good chance that it’ll be clawed back. Your best bet would to claim it in January and cancel the card 4 – 6 months later if that’s your intention, but there’s no guarantee that they’ll let you keep the credit.

As for keeping the card past the first year, there are plenty of reasons. You get unlimited lounge access, status at various hotel chains, a premium travel insurance package, access to Amex platinum services and more.

Thanks for the response. I am very tempted by the platinum card but I am concerned that I may find it difficult reaching the spending requirement. I live in Montreal and have been to a number of major supermarkets in the past week (groceries are largest monthly spend) and none bar Metro take Amex. I am also looking to buy a new car but the one dealer I have been to said they do not take Amex. I would appreciate any tips on how to spend on Amex in Canada (and Montreal specifically) without increasing my overall spending. Thanks

The best thing to do is the refundable hotel trick but that would require you to float a few thousand dollars until you reach the minimum spend “naturally”

https://princeoftravel.com/blog/all-about-refundable-hotel-trick

Looks like the Fairmont Platinum membership after 5 nights have now been removed with the purchase by AccorHotels?

It was removed at the start of 2018

Did you notice the blurb in the Amex Platinum statement this month? Starting in 2019 you receive the $200 travel credit on your anniversary date. The credit is no longer based on calendar year.

So if your anniversary is in December, you will pay the $699 fee in December 2018 and not receive your travel credit until December 2019 when another $699 fee is due.

I understand that they are trying to plug the loop hole where you can get two $200 travel credits in first year of account ownership but this new policy seems to punish their existing client base.

Have you heard from AMEX on this issue?

Yes, this change happened last month. I do agree that it’s a bit odd that they didn’t grandfather the calendar year travel credit to existing cardholders, but that was likely a bit of a pain to do.

Amex has confirmed that the credit is now given every calendar year.

I understood the calendar year travel credit to mean one $200 credit per calendar year which then does not renew until the anniversary date. So if I received card in November, instead of the calendar year deal which allowed me to claim a credit in November and again from Jan 2019 and then again from Jan 2020, with the anniversary deal, I could claim my credit in November but then would have to wait until November 2019 to claim another. The issue is that I can claim in at any time during the year (even before they bill me for the annual fee) only the offer won’t renew until after anniversary date, at which point I can claim the credit at any point in that year.

That’s pretty much how it is now. Amex just changed the rules since there was a lot of abuse with people claiming two travel credits in the first year and then cancelling the card.

Regarding the point Viv has raise, wouldn’t it be illegal that Amex just canceled a promised promotion for existing customers? If Amex is keep changing such policies randomly, then how should we be able to rely on their promises when we sign up for a new card? I am not sure if it is only me, but I think this was an unacceptable move taken by Amex.

The Amex terms and conditions state that they can change benefits at anytime so they’re within their rights. I have no problem with this change as it was always meant to be a credit you get once a year which has been abused.

Thanks, Barry. Even if I would get referral bonuses as you do via your blog, I wouldn’t recommend anyone any longer to sign up to Amex Platinum given that they are keep changing the benefits that one was hoping to receive when they signed up for the card. It is at the end of the day all about trust, transparency and keeping up their word to provide the benefits that are promised initially. Anyone can write a lengthy legal document and trick people into traps as Amex did here, but losing the trust of customer hurts companies in the long-run.

One pays up front a hefty $699 price tag for services that are canceled later on. I signed up to Amex after reading your recommendation here and I regret that I signed up for Amex since they keep reducing their benefits.

Well with new people signing up, it’s now clearly stated that the travel credit is given annually so it’s not deceptive IMO. Now for people who currently have the card, it probably should have been grandfathered per calendar year, but that was Amex’s decision. They haven’t reduced their benefits with this change. For the last year, people who tried to get the credit twice in one year were often clawed back since it was a loophole.

I am in total agreement that it is perfectly ethical to change this benefit for people who sign up for a NEW card. However, existing customer shouldn’t be impacted by this change since they already signed up for the card with the expectation that they will receive ALL promised benefits. How will I know in the future that Amex will not cancel other benefits if I decide to sign up for another card? This is a very short-termist behaviour by Amex.

When I read your blog in late May this year, I got the impression that I could claim the credit anytime during a new calendar year rather than waiting to pay for the new annual fee to obtain my new credit. For the sake of transparency, it would be very helpful to make this clear in the blog as well. I know that you are trying to help out the community and we all appreciate it.

I totally agree that the old benefit should have been grandfathered. I’m not 100% sure about this, but it seems to be a recent trend where any new changes to credit cards would also affect current cardholders. I know that MBNA World Elite cardholders saw their cards devalued, the same thing happened to BMO WOrld Elite Mastercard and the Tangerine money-back card.

I definitely understand your frustration, heck it annoys me too.

Actually, I applied and received my card in October and they called me to inform me of the change but also honoured the travel credit conditions offered at the time of application. So I have a travel credit that I can (and have collected) to the end of 2018 and another that I can collect from January next year. Then yes, I will have to wait for next credit to kick in after October 2019, after which I can collect it once a year as promised. IMO, that is not a bad deal and exactly what they promised.

As far I understand there was only ever one opportunity to collect 2 rewards in any 12 month period and thereafter the rewards were limited to one per 12 month period. The new rules gets rid of the possibility of have 2 rewards for the initial 12 months which new applicants will be aware of prior to submitting application.

One issue I am having however is with the transfer of points once I have hit the $5000 spend. I was expecting it to happen within a week but customer service is telling me it could take 8-10 weeks. Normally I wouldn’t mind, but I really want these points before the end of the month to meet the BA Avios transfer deal. I feel as a platinum card holder, having paid such a high fee, that they should be able to expedite the transfer. When I held an (basic) Amex card in the UK, the points were transferred almost immediately. What is your experience?

My sign up point have almost always posted immediately after I’ve reached the minimum spend. That being said, technically speaking customer service is right and it could take 8-10 weeks to post. There’s no way to expedite the process.

Hi Barry. I just got the personal Platinum card 3 days ago. It’s metal not plastic. I wished I had seen your site earlier so I could’ve used your referral link to get the 60 instead of 50k points. I however only need to spend 3 thousand dollars to get the 50k points. I wanted to ask you RE: the 200 dollars travel credit. Is it available to me now or do I have to wait for the next anniversary date to get it? Thanks for all your tips and insights.

Yeah they introduced the metal version earlier this year. The travel credit is available to you now. If you login to your Amex account and go to the travel portal, then book some travel, you’ll see an option to use your credit. You get it again on the anniversary of your card.

Can you confirm if supplementary Platinum cards earn points? or is it just the primary cardholders card that earns the points?

The supplementary cardholder earns points for the primary account holder.

Perfect! That’s what I assumed. Just want to make sure my kids are getting me points! LOL

[…] Your earn rate is 1.25 points per $1 spent, and you get an annual travel credit worth $200. Read my American Express Platinum card review now for my full […]

[…] 72,800 Marriott Rewards points after you reach your minimum spend if were yo transfer your points. Read my full review of the American Express Personal Platinum card […]

Hi, i was recently presented this offer from American Express for my small business, what are your thoughts

welcome bonus of 60,000 points when you charge $7,000 in purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.1 That’s enough to redeem for a $600 statement credit

also when they say no pre set limit, can one go out and spend 15000 in one month

Hi Maynard,

You actually get an even better promotion when you use a member referral link (preferably mine)

With that offer, you get 75,000 points on a $7,000 spend in the first three months which is enough for a $750 credit statement or even more if you transfer those points to Aeroplan or Marriott Rewards.

With the no preset limit, yes you can go spend whatever. That being said, from what I recall, your limit scales up e.g. as you charge things to your card and pay it off, your unofficial limit goes up.

What I’m getting at is that I’m sure they have some natural fraud prevention built in. But if they targeted you with an offer, the odds are you won’t have any issues.

Thank you, also not completely understanding how the 55 days interest works with billing, but I like the referral offer better, with this card dies balance need to be paid in full every month or can you carry a bslance

With standard credit cards you get a billing cycle of about a month. With the business card you get 55 days so you just get a longer period to pay your balance. You can carry a balance, but you’ll get charged a pretty high interest rate so it’s better to pay it off every month.

Thank you for all of your help

Thank you for your insights. If I have a Gold Card and Platinum Card ( just approved with your referral) do the points from each card stay in one joint account or are they separated?

They’re shown under each card. You can ask customer service to combine them though. If you plan on cancelling one of the cards in the future, be sure to combine your points to an active account or to transfer your points to another program.

Hey, I have a few questions about this card. 1st do we have priorty check in at the various aiports with this card like the nexus or VISA infinite cards? Also, is the 200$ yearly credit lost if it is not used or does it carry over each year. Finally, I have a friend who had applied a few days ago and I just told them about the referral link, is there anyway to call AMEX to add your referral bonus? Thanks

You only get priority line at Pearson and that’s on the way out. The $200 credit does NOT carry over but technically you can convert it to cash by booking a fully refundable hotel (you pay up front), use the credit, then cancel the hotel for a refund. Unfortunately, once your friend has signed up and been approved, there’s no way he can go back and use a referral link to get the extra 10K points. If you do sign up, I would definitely be thankful if you use my link.

Hi, I applied and saw your referral link after. I was told by amex that i could cancel the request after 2 business days from when i was approved. Do you think doing so, and reapplying through your link a few days later would work to get the bonus?

Also, if someone only spends 3000$ and not the 5000$ in 3 months, would they still get the 50k bonus if they went through your link, or is it all or nothing 5000$ for 60k points?

I personally think an extra 10K points as a welcome bonus is worth the hassle of cancelling and reapplying. You won’t not get the bonus at all if you don’t meet the minimum spend requirement of $5,000 in the first three months when using a referral link.

It worked…last week after i applied without referral link (and was approved instantly), i applied minutes after with your link but they told me the system cancels duplicate applications. They told me to call after 2 business days from automatic approval if i wanted to cancel my first request, so i did so yesterday. I called today and they simply “uncancelled” the 2nd cancelled application. Whether they ran a 2nd credit check or not i dont know (thought approval was almost instant), but whatever its worth it

Thanks again for the info, my real name/initials are JS when you see your referral bonus 😉

My referrals don’t say exactly who used it, but I thank you for using mine =D.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hi…I already have an Amex gold card. If I use your referral link will my existing points automatically be transferred to the new Platinum and my current card be cancelled?

You would have to apply for the Platinum card first. Once you have it, call American Express and have them transfer the points in your Gold Card account over to your Platinum account. Once the transfer is complete, have them cancel the Gold card.

Many thanks Barry. I shall use your referral link!

Barry, good afternoon. I clicked on the referral link, but it takes me to the American Express USA website, but the article that you wrote talks about Platinum American Express Canada. Am I missing something.

Are you currently in the U.S. or using a VPN set to the U.S? The link should take you the Canadian site.

Here’s the direct link which I just tested and is showing Canada.

https://mgmee.americanexpress.com/refer/mgmee/ca/en/PTCAPTCAG3S4S5/AAARAgARHxMbAg==/v2?CPID=100200325&GENCODE=349992624315204&URN=AAARAgARHxMbAg%3D%3D

Thanks for your response. I called Amex and because I had the Platinum card 10 years ago I don’t qualify for any bonus points.

THat’s their official line, but I’m betting if you apply, you’d probably get them. That being said, they’re within their rights to not give them to you.

Hi Barry, I used your referral link and got approved instantly. I’m just wondering if there’s a site or a place that I could post my referral link for others to use too. Any ideas?? Thank you!

Thanks for using my link! The best place to post your link would be reddit.

https://www.reddit.com/r/churningcanada/

Be sure to follow the rules as they’re pretty anal about people who break them.

You’re very welcome!

I can’t really see any subreddits where I can post my referral link. If I could just get 2 or 3 to offset some of the annual fee that would be amazing. I know there’s a maximum limit in a year. Any other suggestions?

The subs always happen at the start of the month so just wait til April 1st to post your link.

Beyond that, all you can really do is educate friends and family about the card. Don’t be a salesman, but if the subject comes up, just tell them why you signed up and why the annual fee is not that big of a deal if you know how to use your points.

I used your referral link and I’m just waiting for the card to arrive. My question is on how statement credits work. Do I call AMEX to have them put the 60,000 bonus points on my account as a statement credit of $600. Then, can I just book my flight online using my AMEX card or do I have to call AMEX travel concierge to book? I have another question regarding travel agent services. Some VISA cards offer full travel agency services. Does this AMEX card offer same?

Many thanks, Deborah

Hi Deborah,

With Amex MR points, you can claim 1,000 points for $10 in travel purchases or $7 for ANY purchases. Both redemptions are done via your American Express account. E.g. there’s an option to use your points for purchases. Obviously, you get maximum value for your points when using them for travel. You can book any type of travel you want and just pay with your amex card. You’ll then be able to redeem points for those purchases after. Alternatively, you can use the Amex travel portal to make your reservations. Amex does indeed have a full service travel agency if you call them.

Hi Barry Is your referral link still active. I would like to use it for Amex Platinum. Thanks

Hey Shelley,

You, all the referral links in the post are active. Thanks for using my referral link!

The membership benefits, $200 Travel credit and 50,000 bonus points far outweigh the annual fee on this card.

Great article – can you clarify the Valet at Pearson. Is that one valet park once a year? And how many days can you park free? Also, what do you mean priority line on the way out of Pearson? Have you used either perk – can you clarify?

The free valet service is for any trip to Pearson. It covers the valet portion, but you still pay the regular daily rate for parking.

https://www.torontopearson.com/en/transportation/parking

As for the priority line, it’s the same line people use who have Nexus.

Awesome – thank you! Just signed up with your link

Hi Barry- very helpful article, thanks a lot for all the guidance. I intend to use your referral link to apply. Quick question – I’m trying to decide between the Platinum and Business Platinum and can’t make up my mind. For Busines Platinum, I like the extra 15k MR points (75 vs 60k) on the referral, and the lower fee ($499 vs $699, esp since the $200 doesn’t come to you until a year later). Questions – (1) What exactly does the Platinum have that Business Platinum doesn’t, aside from the $200 credit? (2) What about the other way around (Business Plat over Plat) , aside from what I mentioned above? (3) Can I apply for the Business card using my personal credit (I do have a numbered company? Thanks a lot – Walt.

There are a few differences. The Amex Business although it comes with a higher signup bonus, you do need a minimum spend of $7K (when using the referral). The earn rate of the regular Platinum is arguably better at 3 points for restaurants, 2 points for travel and 1 point for everything else per $1 spent. The Business Platinum gives you a straight 1.25 points per $1 spent on all purchases which may be better for people who charge large amounts to their card that don’t fall under travel or restaurants. The regular Platinum card also gives you more hotel loyalty program upgrades.

Technically speaking you need a business to apply for the business card, but they won’t ask for a numbered company nor will they ask for proof of business.

hi barry, I read lot of question answer here I have one question , I just received my platinum american express metal card do I need the priority card for lounge access and other benefit ? when I visit to priority access page its saying some fee for membership? thanks to reply .

If I recall correctly, you need to call American Express to set up your free Priority Pass membership. Once that’s done, just download the app and log in. At Canadian airports, you can just show your Platinum cards at Priority Pass lounges, but internationally, it’s easier to use the app.

If you don’t think you can reach the $5,000 spend in the first 3 months is the 10,000 points really worth it. I feel like its safer to go through the main website and only have to spend $3,000 and get the 50,000 points vs the 60,000 points at a 5k spend.

If you can’t reach the $5K minimum spend, then definitely don’t use the offer that gives you 10K more points.

Hi Barry, Thanks for your referral link I used it for the 60K signup bonus. I had a gold airmiles card a few years ago, so I am assuming that I will still qualify? Also, the examples of the Michael Steakhouse and Duty Free promotions, do those types of promotions automatically come to me via email or do I have to opt in somehow?

BTW, really well done article. I was wondering what the heck do you get for a $695 fee? Apparently, a lot that applied to me 🙂

THe Gold AirMiles card is completely different so there’s no reason you shouldn’t get the signup bonus for the Amex Platinum.

With the offers, they’re automatic. That being said, sometimes there are some smaller offers that require you to register. One big promo recently that applied to everyone was if you booked $900 in hotels via the Amex Travel partner, you’d get $300 credit. There was also a save 5,000 points when you booked fixed travel for 40,000. Both were excellent offers.

Hi Barry, Thanks for the great article, very informative. Enjoy your 15k referral bonus I would have just sent your way.

On another note, the RBC Avion VISA Infinite Privilege is another card that I am considering. What are your thoughts on it? It has a 30k welcome bonus and I get a rebate through RBC premier banking rather than private banking.

Thanks for using my referral. As for the Avion VISA Infinite Privilege card, it’s similar to the Amex Business card as far as earn rates and benefits are concerned. That said the Avion card does not give you unlimited lounge access. Is the entire annual fee waived as a premier banking client? If so, you might as well get the card for the signup bonus and then transfer them to WestJet Dollars or BA Avios. On occasion, RBC has promos where you can get an extra 25% when transferring your points to hotels.com gift cards so that’s another option.

I currently have a Cobalt card for my usual expenses and have accumulated nearly 112k MR select points. I’m wondering if I should apply for the platinum for the big purchases and perks and keep the Cobalt for daily expenses? Mostly cause i don’t know what to do with my MR select points and yes I intend to use your link when applying for the Platinum card.

The Platinum card gives you more flexibility since you can transfer to Aeroplan but as you know, the Cobalt has a higher earn rate at 5X the points vs 3X the points on eats. I would only consider the Platinum card if #1 you can meet the minimum spend of $5K for the 60K points via a referral as that alone makes it worthwhile. You can then assess throughout the year how your spending is and decide in 11 months or so which card you should keep.

Thanks for the response. I am keeping my Cobalt till I redeem my points. Regarding the $5K minimum, I am going to pay my auto and home insurance lumpsum to meet it. Thought I would share so that your other readers could maybe do the same ?! 🙂

Your articles were a great source of information.

Auto and home insurance is the PERFECT way to meet the minimum spend =D

How do the hotel status upgrades work? Do I need to update my hotel membership accounts to indicate that I have the AMEX Platinum? Does it simply automatically upgrade status the next time I pay for a stay at such a hotel and provide my hotel membership information?

I believe you need to call Amex Platinum card services to get your account upgraded 1‑800‑263‑1616.

Hey Barry I’m looking to either get the business or personal platinum card. That being said besides the different earning point structure and if I can meet the minimum spending, are there any differences (i.e benefits, perks, etc) between the 2 cards? I would love to hear your insights!

Thanks for reaching out. The signup bonus is the biggest difference 60K vs. 75K but there’s also a minimum spend of $5K vs $7k. The annual fee is $699 for the personal platinum vs. $499 for the business but the personal platinum gives you an annual travel credit of $200 so in reality, the fees are the same.

As you’re aware the earn rates are different. If the majority of your spending is on restaurants and travel, the personal platinum may be a better choice.

Both cards give you unlimited lounge access, but the personal platinum gives you additional travel perks such as hotel status upgrades, access to American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, The Hotel Collection by American Express, High-end travel benefits and the Global Dining Collection.

If you’re a high end traveller, I think the personal platinum card is better. If you’re a casual traveller who wants to earn AMex points fast, I prefer the Amex Platinum business card.

Hi Barry, just signed up using your link. You are very helpful. Does Amex know to combine the MR points into the same account if I already have an Amex Bus Plat earning MR points and now adding an Amex Personal Plat?

You can call Amex and combine the MR accounts e.g. all current and future points would all go into either your business or personal account (whichever you tell them).

Hi Barry Thank you for the incredibly informative post! Do you know if the Canadian card offers the Uber and Saks credits? Thanks!

There are no Uber or Saks credits that come with the Amex Platinum card in Canada.

Thanks Barry!

I don’t like how the FHR program Hotels are significantly higher fees than the same hotel selected without the FHR perks. What you save they tack on in fees by somewhat similar amounts

I agree for about 80% of the hotels. On occasion, there’s an FHR that offers a good deal. Good deal being a relative term.

The same goes for the Rental Car Program they have with Hertz. I consistently find much much higher costs with the Hertz Rental Car Company than with any other rental company, so much so that I have not yet rented with them anywhere! I think the Platinum Card does not convey any benefits in this case.

I’ve also always found Hertz to be pretty expensive. I always use Alamo when I go to Orlando and it’s usually 20% cheaper than Hertz for similar vehicles.

Thanks for this informative post. I know that AMEX platinum doesn’t come with Uber credits, but what if we travel to the US and use Uber down there?

There are no Uber credit with the Amex Platinum Canada card.

I think your referral link is expired?

I just checked and it’s working fine – https://www.moneywehave.com/refer/amexplatinum

[…] American Express Platinum Canada offer is now live. The website now shows a welcome bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards Points when you charge $3,000 in purchases to your Card in the first three months of Cardmembership, plus […]

Hi there, do you know if there’s a difference on travel medical coverage between the American and Canadian AMEX Platinum cards?

This article for the USA version doesn’t mention great medical insurance, but it looks like the medical coverage is available on the Canadian version.

Reference: https://creditcarrots.com/american-express-platinum-review/

I’m not familiar with the US Travel benefits for the Amex Platinum. If you’re based in the U.S., google “American Express Platinum Certificate of Insurance” and it should pull up the handbook so you can go through it.

In Canada, the American Express Platinum Card costs $699 per year. This annual fee covers the cost of worldwide airport lounge access, a $200 annual travel credit, worldwide travel insurance, 110,000 welcome bonus points, and more.

Barry a question please. I travel to the US quite frequently, and have an Amex Platinum card. Does Amex charge a transaction fee for every purchase on this card?

Yes, a 2.5% foreign exchange fee applies for any purchase not made in Canadian dollars.

You might want to consider one of these cards – https://www.moneywehave.com/the-best-no-foreign-transaction-fee-credit-cards-in-canada/

That said, I frequently travel too. I use the Amex Platinum card for lounge access and Scotiabank passport card for purchases.

Thanks Barry. Is there any reason why I couldn’t apply for a US Amex card, I am building a house in Arizona, and only use the card in the US?

If you have a Social Security Number, US Bank account, and a US address is actually really easy to get a US credit card.

How do you use the Priority Security? Do you simply show your card? What about travelling companions? Can they go through with you?

You generate priority QR codes here – https://yyz.americanexpress.com/

You can generate up to 10 at once. Each travelling companion would get one.

I believe now you have to request for the QR codes to access the automated Priority Security gates in YYZ via this link: https://yyz.americanexpress.com/

You can request up to 10 QR codes each time. It is said that the Amex card holder should be in the travelling party.

Hi Barry, thanks for the post here.

For Travel Insurance, it says that you will be covered if the entire purchase was put on the Platinum card. My question is if you transfer your points to Aeroplan and use them to purchase the entire travel, are you still eligible for travel insurance coverage? Second, if you use your all of you points directly with Amex travel for the full ticket price, does that still count towards getting travel insurance?

No, your extended travel insurance does not apply if you transfer your points to Aeroplan unless you pay the balance with an Aeroplan credit card.

If you use your points via the American Express travel portal and pay the balance with your Amex Platinum, your extended travel insurance applies. If there’s no balance, insurance applies

Travel medical applies regardless.

This is the Way.

I just paid $794 less per ticket for a total savings of $2,382 for 3 round trip business class flights from YYZ to SIN for this August through Amex’s International Airline Program.

The Amex Platinum card is definitely a card worth keeping. For the $699 annual fee, membership has its privileges. 😉

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How to maximize benefits with the Amex Platinum Card

Editor's Note

The Platinum Card® from American Express is among the best premium travel rewards cards available. Thanks to its generous benefits and its ability to earn valuable, transferable American Express Membership Rewards points , it can be well worth the annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees ) for many travelers.

The Amex Platinum's current public offer is 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.

While this is an excellent welcome bonus, you may want to check the CardMatch tool for targeted offers — we've seen Amex Platinum bonuses of 125,000 points floating around in the past (though those offers are subject to change without notice)

Beyond the welcome offer, it is the Amex Platinum's ongoing perks that can be even more valuable, including annual statement credits that can be worth up to $1,400 — or more if you really leverage them to their fullest.

Here's a rundown of how to maximize the benefits of the Amex Platinum Card.

Amex Platinum benefits overview

• Earn 80,000 Amex Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the card in your first six months of card membership
• Earn 5 points per dollar for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
• Earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• Annual Uber Cash of up to $200 ($15 in Uber Cash to use on eligible orders with Uber Eats and rides with Uber in the US every month plus a bonus $20 in December, for U.S. services)*
• Annual airline fee statement credit of up to $200*
• Up to $200 back in statement credits each calendar year on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings (the latter of which requires a minimum two-night stay) with American Express Travel when you pay with your Amex Platinum *
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100 for Global Entry every 4 years or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4½ years)
• Up to $189 back per calendar year on your Clear Plus membership (expedited security, subject to auto-renewal)*
• Up to $300 annual Equinox credit on select Equinox memberships when using your card (subject to auto-renewal)*
• Up to $155 annually in statement credits toward monthly Walmart+ membership fees ($12.95, plus applicable taxes, monthly; subject to auto-renewal; Plus Up is excluded)
• Up to $300 statement credit toward a SoulCycle bike (up to 15 bikes per calendar year); Must be enrolled in an Equinox+ membership to be eligible for this benefit
• Up to $100 annually at Saks Fifth Avenue : Up to $50 statement credits from January to June; up to $50 statement credits from July to December*
• Digital entertainment credit : Up to $20 in statement credits each month ($240 per calendar year) when you pay for eligible purchases with your card at one or more of the following providers: Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM ( ends May 7, 2024 ), The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal*
• Airport lounge access , including Centurion Lounges and Studio locations worldwide*
• Gold elite status with Marriott and Hilton *
• Complimentary car rental elite status with Hertz Gold Plus Rewards**, Avis Preferred and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive*
• Various travel and shopping protections
• Cruise Privileges Program
• International Airline Program
• American Express concierge service
• ShopRunner membership *

*Enrollment required for select benefits, terms apply.

** Enrollment in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program is required

Let's focus on the benefits with the potential highest value and how you can maximize them year after year.

$200 in Uber Cash

What it is: One of the more popular Amex Platinum perks is the annual Uber Cash of up to $200, allotted in $15 monthly increments except in December, when you'll get a $35 credit ($15 plus a $20 bonus) for U.S. services. For anyone who frequently uses the ride-hailing service or its food-delivery platform, it shouldn't be hard to get the full $200 in value from this benefit.

Make sure you add your Amex Platinum to your Uber account, and the credit will automatically be applied to your first domestic ride or food order each month.

Tips for maximizing: Note that these credits are only valid for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S.

You don't have to pay your balance with an Amex card to get the discount, meaning you could use the card for the portion of a ride covered by the statement credit and then pay the rest of the fare using another card with better earning rates .

These credits expire at the end of each month, so you won't be able to roll over any unused credits.

$200 airline fee credit

What it is: With the Amex Platinum , you get up to $200 in statement credits toward incidental fees with one U.S. airline each calendar year. Enrollment is required.

Compared to other cards that offer airline fee or travel credits , the Platinum card's terms are limited. For instance, you must specify one eligible U.S. airline each year with which to use the benefit ahead of time, and the credit doesn't cover airfare.

Still, you can use your Platinum card to offset expenses ranging from luggage fees to seat selection, lounge access and more .

Tips for maximizing: You're technically limited to the airline you select for the entire calendar year, but reports indicate that you might be able to change your selection by contacting customer service (either on the phone or via online chat). Although Amex doesn't explicitly list which charges are eligible for this credit, it excludes the following expenses:

Airline tickets, upgrades, mileage and points purchases, mileage and points transfer fees, gift cards, duty-free purchases and award tickets are not considered incidental fees.

So try to stick within the parameters to avoid any issues.

$200 American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts credit

What it is: Another benefit of this card is the ability to make bookings through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program , which is available to Platinum , Business Platinum Card® from American Express and Centurion cardholders.

Amex FHR is essentially a travel portal that lets you book stays at a selection of luxury hotels and participating properties with a variety of benefits, including complimentary room upgrades when available, noon check-in when available, 4 p.m. checkout, daily breakfast for two, an experience credit worth at least $100 and more. At select hotels in the Amex FHR program, you can also enjoy a free night on multi-night stays — usually the third, fourth or fifth night.

Plus, you'll get up to $200 annually in statement credits when you book a prepaid rate through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts with American Express Travel . (This benefit can also be used for stays of at least two nights at properties in the not-quite-as-prestigious The Hotel Collection .)

Tips for maximizing: Booking through Amex FHR and paying with the American Express Platinum could make sense for a shorter stay at an eligible property, especially with the on-property credit usually worth at least $100.

However, if you book a property with FHR that participates in a major loyalty program — like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors — you may not earn points on the stay or enjoy any elite benefits. Reports indicate that it sometimes happens, but since these reservations are technically through a third-party platform, you should be prepared to miss out on those perks.

Related: When to book through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts vs. Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection

Up to $100 Credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment fees

What it is: This is definitely one of the Platinum Card benefits you shouldn't leave on the table. You can get a credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry once every four years (up to $100) or TSA PreCheck once every 4½ years (up to $85). Both trusted traveler programs expedite your experience at the airport — at customs and immigration with Global Entry, and at security checkpoints with PreCheck.

Once you've applied and been accepted for Global Entry, you'll also be eligible for TSA PreCheck. Hence, Global Entry is generally the better option (although you'll need to add your Known Traveler ID number to all your frequent flyer accounts to enjoy the benefits of PreCheck).

Tips for maximizing: You must charge the application fee to your Platinum card to get the fee waiver. You'll only be able to take advantage of this perk every four years, but authorized users can also receive fee credits of their own. It costs $195 (see rates and fees ) to add up to three additional users to your card account — see our guide on adding Amex Platinum authorized users for more information.

Related: Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is better?

$189 Clear Plus membership credit

What it is: Clear is a program that essentially lets you skip the serpentine queue at TSA security checkpoints. It has its own lane that allows you to input biometrics such as fingerprints or an iris scan instead of waiting in line to hand your ID and boarding pass to a TSA officer. Just take a few seconds at a Clear kiosk, and you'll be escorted directly to the big gray bins.

This card benefit gives you up to $189 back per calendar year on your Clear Plus membership — the exact price for which the membership retails. You may even be eligible for discounts thanks to any other associations you have, such as airline elite status with some carriers. However, as long as you have the Amex Platinum, you can receive free membership with Clear Plus.

Tips for maximizing: Families can maximize this perk by combining it with other discounts to all access Clear Plus together. For example, general members of both Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus can enroll in Clear Plus for $179 (it's even cheaper for those with elite status or cobranded credit cards). In addition, it costs $70 to add an adult family member to your account. And kids under the age of 18 can accompany adults for free.

As a result, if you sign up through Delta or United (for at most $179), add your spouse or partner (for $70), and then bring your child(ren) through the Clear Plus lane with you, you'll only pay $60 for the entire family's membership after your Amex credit.

Read more: Guide to using the new Amex Platinum Clear Plus benefit

$300 Equinox Credit

What it is: With the Amex Platinum, you'll get up to $300 back annually on select Equinox memberships or on a digital subscription to Equinox+, the on-demand fitness app. Subject to auto-renewal; enrollment is required.

Tips for maximizing: The most practical use is a digital subscription to Equinox+, $39.99 monthly, so you can take live and on-demand classes online.

$155 Walmart+ credit

What it is: Walmart+ is a service that confers an assortment of benefits as a Walmart customer, including:

• Free grocery delivery (must order at least $35 in products)
• Free shipping on non-grocery items (no order minimum)
• Discounts on prescriptions
• Discounts at Walmart and Murphy gas stations
• Included Paramount+ subscription

You'll receive up to $155 per year in credits toward Walmart+ when you pay for your membership each month (subject to auto-renewal). Membership costs $12.95 per month (plus any applicable tax), meaning this perk effectively equates to free Walmart+ membership as long as you have the card (though you might be responsible for local taxes and fees; Plus Up is excluded)

Tips for maximizing: Since the credit is issued monthly ($12.95 + taxes), ensure you're subscribed to the monthly membership instead of the annual one. Generally, the monthly membership is more expensive than the annual one, but your credit will fully cover the monthly cost.

Related: Fast shipping battle: We put Amazon Prime and Walmart+ to the ultimate test

$300 SoulCycle statement credits

What it is: You'll receive up to $300 in statement credits when you use your Amex Platinum to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike . You can use this credit for up to 15 bike purchases per calendar year.

Tips for maximizing: This is one of the least useful credits on the card, but if you're interested in this particular perk, you must make your purchase through this link . If you purchase in a store or through the Equinox mobile app, you won't receive the $300 statement credit. Also, this credit will not offset any accessories you may purchase for the bike.

$100 Saks Fifth Avenue credits

What it is: This perk is available in the form of two up-to-$50 statement credits per year. Your first up to $50 statement credit can offset purchases from January through June; a second up to $50 statement credit is available from July through December. You must register your Amex Platinum card through your Amex online account to receive this benefit before purchasing.

Tips for maximizing: There is no minimum purchase required to trigger these new statement credits, so you could make a purchase of $50 (or less) once every six months and not owe anything out of pocket once the credit posts to your Amex Platinum account.

Related: Your guide to the Amex Platinum Saks Fifth Avenue credit

$240 digital entertainment credit

What it is: You'll receive up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with your Amex Platinum at one or more of the following providers (enrollment required):

• The Disney Bundle
• SiriusXM ( ends May 7 )
• The New York Times
• Wall Street Journal

Tips for maximizing: You can get up to a $20 monthly credit, so you can stack multiple subscriptions to get the most value. For example, a Peacock subscription ($4.99 per month) and a Disney Bundle Basic subscription ($12.99 per month) will allow you to use about $216 out of the full $240 in statement credits each year.

Related: Best credit cards for streaming services

Centurion Lounge access and more

What it is: Cardholders enjoy complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges . If you've ever visited one, you'll know why this is a great perk.

These spaces offer gourmet food, craft cocktails and comfortable places to rest. If your home airport or others you travel through frequently have Centurion Lounges, this benefit alone might be worth getting the card — though these spots have seen crowding issues recently.

Tips for maximizing: The Amex Platinum Card also entitles you to Delta Sky Club access (during same-day travel with the airline; limited to 10 annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025), and you'll gain unlimited entry to Priority Pass lounges (although not restaurants ) and several others . Enrollment is required.

Elite status with Hilton and Marriott

What it is: The Platinum Card allows members to register for automatic Gold Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program along with Hilton Honors Gold elite status . Both hotel chains offer on-property benefits such as late checkout and bonus earnings on stays to elite members. Enrollment is required.

Tips for maximizing: Hilton Honors Gold elite status — which usually requires 20 stays, 40 nights or earning 75,000 Honors base points — includes an 80% points bonus on stays, provides complimentary breakfast (or an on-property credit ) at most hotel brands and entitles you to space-available upgrades.

Meanwhile, standout benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status — which usually requires 25 nights — include a 25% points bonus on stays, upgrades to enhanced rooms and free premium internet.

Car rental program elite status

What it is: In addition to Hilton and Marriott elite status, you'll get status with a few car rental programs . You'll get Avis Preferred Plus , Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President's Circle* and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status. You'll need to enroll for these benefits on the Amex website .

* Enrollment in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program is required.

Tips for maximizing: Regardless of how often you rent cars, go ahead and register for these programs since doing so may allow you to skip the counter and/or get upgraded cars when you rent with these companies. With demand (and prices) for rental cars remaining high, having elite status may be a big help when getting the transportation you want.

Travel and shopping protections

What it is: American Express offers extensive shopping protections and travel coverage when you use your card to make eligible purchases. These protections include:

• Trip delay protection* : If your trip is delayed by more than six hours for a covered reason, you may be eligible to be reimbursed up to $500 per covered trip for reasonable additional expenses, at up to two claims per consecutive 12-month period
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection* : If you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, you may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per card per consecutive 12-month period
• Extended warranty** : Extends eligible manufacturer's warranties of five years or less by up to one additional year
• Purchase protection** : Protects recent purchases against theft, accidental damage or loss for up to 90 days from the purchase date, at up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per calendar year
• Return protection*** : If you try to return an eligible item within 90 days from the date of purchase and the merchant won't take it back, American Express may refund the full purchase price (up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per card account)

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

**Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

***Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details.

Tips for maximizing: When making a purchase for which you might later benefit from shopping or travel protections, be sure to save your receipt. Start a claim as soon as possible if you need to use your card's protections.

Related: Our guides to Amex shopping protections and Amex travel coverage

Bottom line

Although the Amex Platinum isn't necessarily the best card for everyday spending , the average consumer should have no trouble recouping the annual fee thanks to its array of perks. Of course, if you spend more heavily on travel, especially if you're lucky enough to be able to charge reimbursable business travel to your personal credit cards, you may come out even further ahead.

Just make sure you know the terms of each benefit — including which ones require enrollment — so you can make the most of the card each and every year.

Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here .

Get the Scotiabank Platinum American Express ®  Card

Are you a scotiabank customer with access to online banking.

Are you new to Canada in the past three years?  Visit a branch to apply. Use our Branch Locator

Get a Supplementary Card 10

Earn more travel rewards  You will earn travel rewards on the purchases made by your Supplementary Cardholder at the same rate that you earn travel rewards on purchases made on your Card.

Comprehensive travel and shopping protection Your Supplementary Cardholders will also enjoy the benefits of comprehensive Travel and Shopping coverage included with your Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card Account

Offer details

To qualify for this Offer make sure to open a new Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card account (“Account”) by October 31, 2024.

To qualify for the 60,000 bonus Scene+ points:

• Earn 50,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
• Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $10,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 14 months. 

Once you qualify, we’ll credit your account in 2 instalments:

• 50,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to your Scene+ membership account within approximately 2-3 business days after the qualifying $3,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
• An additional 10,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to your Scene+ membership account within approximately 2-3 business days after you have met the $10,000 spend threshold in your Account within the first 14 months of Account opening.

Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for this offer.

See terms and conditions below 4  for full details.

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Scotiabank Platinum American Express ® Card

• Earn 2X the Scene+™ points for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases 1 .
• The only major bank that saves you 2.5% on foreign transaction fees 7∆ .

Earn up to $2,100* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 60,000 4 bonus Scene+ points .

Is this Credit Card right for you?

Right for you if you:

• Want to obtain a convenient and secure payment method for everyday purchases
• Interested in building your credit history by making at least your minimum payments on time each month
• Want an interest free grace period on purchases 
• Value the rewards and benefits that can be earned with this Card and willing to pay an annual fee

May not be right for you if you:

• Will be carrying an outstanding balance for a long period of time or using it for debt consolidation  
• Rarely travel, rarely make foreign currency purchases, or rarely need travel insurance coverage
• Prefer cash back rewards  

Fees, rates and other information 5

Annual fee: $399 /year

Interest rates: 9.99 %  on purchases 9.99 %  on cash advances (including balance transfers, Scotia Credit Card Cheques and cash-like transactions)

Minimum credit limit:  $10,000

Each supplementary Card:   $99 /year

NEW 2X Scene+ TM points on all eligible purchases, plus these added benefits.

No foreign transaction fees

You will not pay 2.5% foreign transaction fees on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when travelling abroad. Only the exchange rate applies 7 .

Mobile device insurance

Protect new devices purchased using your  card if they get lost, stolen, accidentally damaged, or have a mechanical failure 12 .

Airport lounge access

Enjoy 10 complimentary airport lounge passes per year 6 .

Double the points on ALL purchases Earn 2 X the Scene+ points 1  for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.

Continue enjoying these great benefits.

Travel rewards

Book travel through Scene+ Travel, our full-service travel agency, and redeem for travel, with no restrictions 2 .

Luxury travel privileges

Enjoy complimentary premium concierge services 3 , airport lounges 6 , and more.

• Insurance coverage

Relax while you’re away with comprehensive travel insurance coverage 12 .

Your card comes with exclusive benefits

As a Scotiabank American Express Platinum Cardholder, you’ll enjoy ultimate travel privileges.

10 Complimentary airport lounge access 6

Be confident that you’ll have a place to relax or catch up on business. Enjoy complimentary lounge access with Priority Pass™ and Plaza Premium lounges with access to over 1200+ VIP lounges around the world. You must present your Priority Pass Membership Card (or Digital Membership Card) to enter lounges accessible through Priority Pass and present your Scotiabank American Express Platinum card to access the Plaza Premium lounges.

As a Scotiabank American Express Platinum Cardholder you receive access to lounges in more than 100 countries and 300 cities worldwide.

Access includes:

• Use of lounges in the program regardless of the class of travel or airline you're flying
• Privileged access to over 1200 Airport VIP Lounges worldwide
• Relaxing ambience – for both you and your guests
• Complimentary refreshments and snacks
• Email, internet and conference space

Primary Cardholders receive complimentary membership plus 10 free visits per year from the date of enrolment. Supplementary Cardholders receive complimentary membership plus 4 free visits per year from the date of enrolment. Lounge visits exceeding your complimentary benefit entitlement will be charged at the prevailing retail rate which can be found at https://www.prioritypass.com/join-prioritypass

To take advantage of this benefit, each Cardholder (primary and supplementary) needs to enrol for the Priority Pass membership separately.

In order to apply for a Priority Pass go to  prioritypass.com/scotiabankplatinum  and provide code Scotia1 for primary cardholder and code Scotia2 for supplementary cardholder.

No foreign transaction fees 7

You will not be charged a Foreign Currency Conversion mark-up on foreign currency purchases whether you make them online or outside of Canada. Only the exchange rate applies.

Get ready to take off with Scene+ Travel 2

With Scene+ Travel, you can earn 3 Scene+ points per Canadian dollar (CAD$) spent on hotel and car rental bookings made through Scene+ Travel using your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card. Points can be redeemed fully or partially, for flights, car rentals and hotels. You can access a range of flexible options when it comes to booking and redeeming for travel purchases 2 .

You can choose to book online or over the phone.

To book online:

• Log in to your Scene+ account at  sceneplus.ca
• Plan your trip
• Book your travel with points, your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card, or a combination of both

Apply Scene+ Points to Travel 8

With Scene+, you have the flexibility to make your own travel arrangements at any travel provider, site or operator that you choose, and then select the “Apply Points to Travel” option to redeem points to cover off your trip costs within 12 months of the date of the travel purchase.

• Book eligible travel using your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card or other Scotia credit card that earns Scene+ points.
• Wait for your travel purchase to be posted to your Card.
• Log into  sceneplus.ca , and redeem your Scene+ points towards the travel purchase 8 .

To learn more on how to apply Scene+ points to Travel, call 1-866-586-2805 or visit  sceneplus.ca .

Beyond travel rewards

Treat yourself or your loved ones with rewarding experiences and exclusive offers by Scene+ ( Shopping and gift cards, Dining, Entertainment, Points for credit ).  Redeeming is easy.

Shopping and gift cards  - Redeem for the latest in tech through the Apple and Best Buy catalogues, and for gift cards at more than 60 national retailers.

Dining  - Redeem points at over 800+ restaurant partners including Swiss Chalet®*, Harvey’s®*, Montana’s®* and more.

Entertainment  - Redeem points at Cineplex Theatres®^, Cineplex Store®^, The Rec Room®^ and Playdium®^.

Points for credit  - Use the ‘Points for Credit’ option to receive a statement credit on your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card.

Remember to review the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available on  scene.ca/sceneplus  for full details about these program benefits.

For more information about all the ways you can redeem your points or about the Scene+ Program, visit  scene.ca/sceneplus  or call 1-866-586-2805.

Enjoy premium concierge services 3

For everything from restaurant reservations to show tickets to finding the perfect birthday gift, your full-service travel and lifestyle Concierge Service is happy to assist, 24/7.

American Express Experiences®

American Express Invites 9  includes:

• Front Of The Line® Presale Tickets or reservations to some of the most in-demand concerts, theatre productions, restaurants and special events, often before the general public.
• Front Of The Line Reserved Tickets gets you access to a block of great seats reserved for Cardmembers even after shows are on sale to the public.
• Special Offers & Experiences for all Cardmembers - enjoy a variety of special Entertainment offers and events created for Cardmembers.

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Premium Lifestyle Experiences 15

Your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card gives you access to an array of incredible experiences.

For the evolved palate

Access to culinary experiences featuring the world’s greatest chefs including private group dinners, cooking classes, and culinary apprenticeships.

Travel in style and luxury

Enjoy a variety of special offers and discounts along your travel journey. With access to discounted bookings, car rental perks, and curated hotel offerings, travel has never been easier.

The best of entertainment

Enjoy a variety of special offers and events created for Cardmembers. From advance screenings of blockbuster movies, music and theatre packages, it’s easy to have an experience you’ll never forget.

Make everyday more premium

Access lifestyle benefits to get the most out of life. Platinum benefits can improve life’s everyday moments, from elevating your golf game to exploring the latest fashion trends with top designers.

Amex Offers® †

Make every day more rewarding with  Amex Offers ®†  With offers for shopping, dining, travel, and more, there’s something for everyone. Adding offers to your card is quick, easy, and best of all, incredibly rewarding. 14

Register your Card

Be a Hertz #1 Club Gold Member

Enjoy speedier service, less paperwork, and other special privileges and benefits at over 8,500 locations across 147 countries.

Save time at the checkout

Tap your Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card or your smartphone for quick easy payments.

Apple Pay  – The easy, secure, and private way to pay with your eligible Scotiabank credit cards 11 .

Get a supplementary Card

Add an additional Supplementary Cardholder to your Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card. One account, multiple cards. Added benefits! Get an additional Card for a friend or family member 10 .

See your travel rewards and save.

Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions

Insurance coverage available with your Card

Take advantage of all the ways a Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card adds to your life.

Travel Emergency Medical Insurance 12

Coverage is provided for eligible persons under age 65 for up to 31 consecutive days and for eligible persons age 65 and older for up to 10 consecutive days.

As a Scotiabank American Express Platinum cardmember (cardmember includes the primary cardmember and any supplemental cardmember), you, your spouse and your dependent children are each eligible for up to $2 million in emergency medical coverage if sudden and unexpected illness or accidental injury should occur while travelling outside your province or territory of residence in Canada.

Coverage includes eligible expenses for hospital care, nursing care, prescription drugs, licensed ambulances and physicians' and surgeons' fees, as well as other eligible medical services and supplies.

The date of departure is counted as the first day.

This benefit is subject to an exclusion for pre-existing medical conditions.

If you are under age 65 and are travelling for more than 31 days or if you are age 65 and older and travelling for more than 10 days, you may choose to purchase additional days from the insurer prior to your departure date by calling 1-877-222-7342. You will receive a separate Certificate of Insurance if you choose to purchase this coverage.

Certificate of Insurance

Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance 12

Protect your travel investment with trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance at no extra cost when you charge at least 75% of your trip costs to your Card.

You, your spouse and your dependent children are eligible for up to $2,500 per person for travel expenses (maximum $10,000 per trip) for trip cancellation benefits and for up to $5,000 per person for travel expenses (maximum $25,000 per trip) for trip interruption when you charge at least 75% of such trip expenses to your Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card and are forced to cancel or interrupt your trip for medical or non-medical causes. Coverage provides reimbursement of non-refundable eligible trip costs and additional charges for ticketing changes.

Flight Delay Insurance 12

Charge at least 75% of the full ticket cost to your Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card and you’ll be eligible for reimbursement of necessary expenses such as hotel accommodations, meals and other emergency items.

You may be reimbursed for eligible necessary and reasonable living expenses incurred during the period of a delayed flight or missed connection which lasts four hours or more to a limit of $1,000 per insured person on the same trip.

Rental Car Collision Loss/Damage Insurance 12

Charge the full cost of your eligible rental car to your Card and you’re automatically insured if your rental is damaged or stolen.

You are automatically covered by Collision Loss/Damage Insurance when you rent a vehicle in your name, decline the agency's collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver (or similar provision) and use your Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card to pay for the entire cost of the rental. If your rental car is damaged or stolen you are covered for the amount that you are liable to the Rental Agency up to the actual cash value of the vehicle. Note that the rental period cannot exceed 48 consecutive days and vehicles costing over $65,000 are not covered.

Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance 12

Charge the full cost of your airplane, train, bus or cruise ship tickets to your Card. If your checked luggage is delayed or lost – you’re covered.

When you purchase common carrier tickets with your Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card, you are eligible for coverage against the loss or the delay of your checked luggage. The lost luggage benefit is limited to the lesser of the value of the covered luggage or the actual replacement cost of the lost or stolen covered luggage, to a combined maximum of $1,000.

The delayed luggage benefit is limited to $1,000 for all insured persons on the same trip for the cost of replacing eligible essential items if your checked luggage is not delivered within four (4) hours from your time of arrival at your final destination.

Travel Accident Insurance 12

Charge at least 75% of your ticket cost to your Card and you’re insured against accidental loss of life or dismemberment.

You, your spouse and eligible dependent children will be automatically insured against accidental loss of life, or dismemberment – up to a maximum of $500,000 (to a maximum of $1,000,000 per occurrence). Coverage is in place while occupying a common carrier for which you have charged at least 75% of the ticket cost to your Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card, and which is licensed to carry passengers such as airplanes, cruise ships, trains or buses.

Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance 12

Use your Card to pay for your stay at any hotel or motel in Canada or the U.S.

When you check into any hotel or motel in Canada or the U.S., and charge your stay to your Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card, you and your spouse and dependent children travelling with you will be eligible for coverage against theft of your covered personal property if your room is broken into. Should your claim exceed the amount reimbursable by the hotel, and/or any applicable insurance protection, your coverage picks up the balance, up to a maximum of $1,000.

Mobile Device Insurance 12

You may have Mobile Device Insurance for new cell phones, smartphones, or tablets purchased on or after July 1, 2022, when you charge the full cost of your new mobile device to your Card, or charge all of your wireless bill payments for such device to your Card when you fund such purchase through a plan.

You may be covered for up to $1,000 in the event your cell phone, smartphone, or tablet is lost, stolen, accidentally damaged, or experiences mechanical failure.

For claim forms and answers to Frequently Asked Questions visit our partner's site . 

Shop with added coverage

Added coverage means you can shop with confidence anywhere around the world.

Purchase Security & Extended Warranty Protection 12

Most items purchased with your Card are insured against theft, loss or damage for 120 days from the purchase date and the manufacturer’s warranty is doubled for up to one year.

Most items purchased anywhere in the world are automatically insured against theft, loss or damage as long as the full cost of the item is charged to your Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card.

Coverage extends for the first 120 days from the date of purchase, is limited to the lesser of the repair cost, replacement cost or original purchase price, and is in excess of any other insurance coverage.

When you charge the full cost of most items to your Card, extended warranty coverage doubles the original manufacturer’s warranty for up to two years. Coverage is limited to the lesser of the repair cost, replacement cost, or original purchase price.

Items covered by a manufacturer’s warranty repair services of five years or more must be registered within the first year of purchase.

Scotia Credit Card Protection (optional) 13

This optional insurance coverage can provide you and your family financial protection by paying off your outstanding account balance or helping to cover your monthly credit card payments as a result of certain unexpected life events, such as Death, Critical Illness, Hospitalization, Disability, Job Loss or Strike or Lockout.

There are two different coverage bundles to choose from:

Basic Protection 

• Life Benefit
• Critical Illness Benefit  
• Hospitalization Benefit

Comprehensive Protection

• Critical Illness Benefit
• Disability Benefit
• Job Loss Benefit
• Strike or Lockout Benefit

Scene+ makes every experience more rewarding.

Scene+ is our enhanced rewards program that allows members to earn and redeem points for travel, shopping, dining and more.

Get the Scotiabank Platinum American Express ® Card

Apply online

Ultimate travel rewards & privileges

Takes about 8 minutes

Make an appointment at your local branch

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Scotiabank gold american express ® card.

Earn up to  6X the Scene+ points  on every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible grocery, dining, and entertainment purchases.

The only major bank that saves you 2.5% on foreign transaction fees.

Annual Fee:

Interest rates:

Not sure if this is the right credit card for you?

Resources and advice, manage your card, do more with your card, helpful resources.

Savings and reward potential in first 14 months based on the following card usage and offers:

  $600 in travel rewards (60,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $3,000 within your first 3 months (to earn 50,000 points) and when you spend $10,000 within your first 14 months (to earn an additional 10,000 points); 

   $141 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average first year annual foreign spend per account (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee typically charged by other card issuers);

    $742 in travel rewards (74,188 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual first year spend per account;

   $704 value of a complimentary Priority Pass membership and free lounge passes per year for the primary cardholder (annual membership fee package of CAD$400/USD$299, which includes 10 lounge passes) and for one supplementary cardholder (basic annual membership fee of CAD$132/USD$99 plus 4 lounge passes at CAD$43/USD$32 each). Currency conversion as at November 10, 2022.

       Potential 14-Month Value = up to $2,187

Actual savings and rewards earned will depend on individual card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

Scene+ Points are awarded for purchases charged to your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Credit Card Account (“the Account”). The regular earn rate is two (2) Points per $1.00 in purchases charged and posted to the Account.

Eligibility: Only purchases earn Scene+ Points. Cash advances (including Balance Transfers, Scotia® Credit Card Cheques and Cash-Like Transactions), fees, interest or other charges, returns, refunds or other similar credits to your Account do not qualify for Scene+ Points. Scene+ Points will not be posted to an Account that is not in good standing when purchases are made or when a statement is issued, or if the Account is not open when a statement is issued. See your Scene+ Points terms at www.scotiabank.com/sceneplus for full program details.

The Scene+ Travel website and call center are owned and operated by Expedia Inc, a third-party travel service provider (the “Scene+ Travel Partner”). To earn or redeem Points, travel must be booked through the Scene+ Travel website or Scene+ Travel call centre. Travel booked via the Scene+ Travel call centre may be subject to a booking fee. Prices are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. Prices and points requirement are available on the website, and subject to change.  The Scene+ Travel Partner may impose terms and conditions that supplement the ‘Additional Terms and Conditions for Scene+ Travel’ included in the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions. Scene LP and its owners are not responsible for the products and services made available to you by third parties.

Earning Scene+ Points for Scene+ Travel purchases:  Scene+ points are earned on eligible travel purchases made through Scene+ Travel website or call centre (collectively “Scene+ Travel)”.  Scene+ Points are only earned on the total value of hotel or car rental booking purchases (excluding taxes and fees) made through Scene+ Travel  regardless of the payment method used for the purchase (Scene+ points redemption and/or payment card purchases). Points earned will be added to your Scene+ account within six weeks from the completion of your travel itinerary.

Paying for your eligible Scene+ Travel purchase:   Points may be redeemed for the entire amount of the hotel or car rental booking purchases (including taxes and fees), or redeemed in part with the remaining balance paid by an available payment card.

Concierge Services are provided by a duly licensed third-party premium concierge provider (currently Ten Lifestyle Management Limited ("Ten" or "Ten Group")) and are subject to Terms & Conditions and Privacy Statement of that provider. Provider is subject to change by The Bank of Nova Scotia ("Scotiabank"). Scotiabank is not responsible for the Concierge Services, including the delivery of, or for any failure to deliver, any such services. By using the Concierge Services you must consent and agree to Ten Group's Terms & Conditions  and  Privacy Statement that apply .

Offer Description and Conditions:  The 60,000 Bonus Scene+ Points Offer (the “Offer”) applies only to new Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card accounts (“Account”) opened by October 31, 2024 and is subject to the conditions below. To qualify for 50,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “50,000 Point Bonus”), you must open a new Account by October 31, 2024 and have at least $3,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in the first 3 months of the Account open date. To qualify for 10,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “10,000 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $10,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in the first 14 months of the Account open date. Eligible purchases include purchases (less any refunds, returns or other similar credits) but do not include payments, cash advances (including balance transfers or cash-like transactions), interest, fees or other charges. 

The applicable point Bonus will be credited approximately 2-3 business days after the qualifying amount in eligible purchases (i.e., $3,000 or $10,000) has been posted to the Account, provided the Account is open and in good standing. For Joint Accounts with a Primary Borrower and Co-borrower, the applicable point Bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower that completed the last transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases (i.e., $3,000 or $10,000).  If a supplementary cardholder completes the last qualifying transaction, the applicable point Bonus will be credited to the Primary Borrower’s Scene+ account. Points can be transferred between Primary and Co-Borrower or Supplementary Cardholder’s Scene+ accounts by contacting Scene+. The Account is considered in good standing if it is not past due or over limit and the Cardholder(s) is not in breach of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the Account.  All other terms and conditions of the Program Terms continue to apply during the Offer period. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers.

Eligibility and Exclusions:   Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for the Offer. Subject to the above exclusions, Scotiabank small business credit cardholders are also eligible for the Offer.

Rates and Fees:  The current annual fee is $399 for the primary card and $99 for each additional card  (including those issued to co-borrowers and supplementary cardholders). The current preferred annual interest rates for the Account are: 9.99% on purchases and 9.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and cash-like transactions). All rates, fees, features and benefits are  outlined in the Application Disclosure Statement and are subject to change..

For current rates and information on fees and interest, call 1-888-882-8958. Interest rates, fees and features are subject to change without notice. Learn more about  credit card fees  and  interest rates .

Priority Pass™ membership includes access to airport lounges participating in the Priority Pass program. Certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Unless cancelled, Priority Pass membership automatically renews on its anniversary date. Priority Pass membership will be cancelled if your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is cancelled. Lounge visits are counted on a per person per visit basis (e.g. Lounge access by a Cardholder and one accompanying guest will count as two (2) visits). The first 10 lounge visits for the primary Cardholder and the first 4 lounge visits for the supplementary Cardholder per 12-month cycle from date of enrolment are complimentary. Beginning with the 11th visit for the primary Cardholder and the 5th visit for the supplementary Cardholder, each additional lounge visits exceeding your complimentary benefit entitlement will be charged at the prevailing retail rate which can be found at https://www.prioritypass.com/join-prioritypass . Priority Pass membership and services are provided by a third party. The Bank of Nova Scotia is not responsible for the Priority Pass membership or services. All fees, features and benefits are subject to change. For complete Priority Pass terms and conditions, please visit  https://www.prioritypass.com/Conditions-of-use

We will not charge you Foreign Transaction Fees on foreign currency transactions, including purchases, only the exchange rate applies. The term “Foreign Transaction Fees” is a substitute for “Foreign Currency Conversion” as described in the Disclosure Statement you received with your Card. This fee relates to the 2.5% mark-up that is typically charged by credit card issuers in addition to the exchange rate. See the Foreign Currency Conversion section of the Disclosure Statement for this Card for full details. Rates and fees are subject to change.

Apply Points to Travel redemptions are only permitted towards an eligible travel purchase charged to a Scotiabank credit card or debit card that earns Scene+ Points. Redemptions must be requested through sceneplus.ca or the Scene+ app within 12 months of the travel purchase transaction date. Minimum Scene+ Point redemption thresholds apply. For full terms and conditions, click here .

Purchase must be charged in full to an American Express Card. Subject to availability and to event and ticketing terms, restrictions, verification procedures and fees. Tickets and packages may not be transferable and should not be resold. Refunds and exchanges subject to merchant’s obligations under applicable law. Ticket holder assumes full liability for any risks and Amex is not liable. Events are subject to compliance with public health & safety requirements related to COVID-19 and may be cancelled. For the latest terms of use, purchase policies, safety protocols and changes to events, please check the ticket provider and venue Terms of Use and FAQs before purchasing and prior to attending any event. Visit americanexpress.com for the list of ticket providers and venues and links to their websites.

The Primary Cardholder on the Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card Account (the “Account”) is responsible for all charges to the Account including those made by the additional Supplementary Cardholder.

Apple Pay works with iPhone 6 and later in stores, apps, and websites in Safari; with Apple Watch in stores and apps; with iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 3 and later in apps and websites; and with Mac in Safari with an Apple Pay enabled iPhone 6 or later or Apple Watch. For a list of compatible Apple Pay devices, see  https://support.apple.com/km207105

Under all insurance coverages or services, certain limitations, restrictions and exclusions apply, including a pre-existing condition exclusion for certain benefits. Please see the Certificates of Insurance for full coverage details. Coverages are underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and its wholly owned subsidiary First North American Insurance Company. The Bank of Nova Scotia is not an insurer. All insurance claims must be forwarded to the insurance providers.

Scotia Credit Card Protection is underwritten by Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada under a Group Policy issued to The Bank of Nova Scotia. All coverage is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Certificate of Insurance which you will receive upon enrolment.

Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia. American Express is a registered trademark of American Express. This credit card program is issued and administered by the Bank of Nova Scotia under license from American Express.

Compared to other consumer credit cards publicly offered by Canadian Schedule 1 banks as of March 3, 2023.

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• Amex Platinum Card

Full List of Travel Insurance Benefits for the Amex Platinum Card [2024]

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

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Keri Stooksbury

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Table of Contents

Amex platinum card overview, car rental loss and damage insurance, trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage insurance, premium global assist hotline, filing a claim, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Frequent travelers who are interested in premium travel benefits and solid reward-earning opportunities gravitate to The Platinum Card ® from American Express . The card, as well as The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , has been the go-to card for meeting travelers’ earning, redemption, and benefits needs.

We frequently cover Membership Rewards points-earning opportunities , as well as a multitude of ways to maximize the redemption options . We’ve even done a deep dive into getting the most from statement credits offered by Amex cards.

Next up in our collection of articles focusing on the valuable perks that come with the Amex Platinum card is the card’s travel insurance benefits. Insurance can be inherently confusing in general and the insurance coverages that come with credit cards can be equally so.

Fortunately, even a quick overview will give you some insight as to the insurance coverages you can expect on the Amex Platinum card. So, right here and now, we’re stepping up to deliver just that.

Let’s take a look at exactly which insurances come with the card, how these benefits can provide a level of peace of mind, and find out what situations might trigger the coverage to provide economic value.

It’s important to have a little background on the card to put its coverage into context. Here are important card details, including the current welcome bonus and annual fee.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card ® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: CLEAR ® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck ® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck ® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary standard car rental insurance that provides secondary coverage when using your card to reserve and pay for your entire rental car contract. You also have the option to purchase premium primary car rental coverage .

For either coverage to be valid, you must decline the rental car agency’s LDW (loss damage waiver) or CDW (collision damage waiver) coverage when renting the vehicle.

Here’s an overview of how both of these coverages work:

Standard Car Rental Coverage

Secondary (standard) coverage means that you must first file a claim with any other applicable insurance you might have before the card coverage applies.

You can expect to receive excess secondary coverage for these losses:

• Damage to and theft of the vehicle
• Personal property up to $1,000 per person/$2,000 per accident
• Accidental injury up to $5,000 per claimant
• Accidental death/dismemberment up to $300,000

This is just a snapshot of the standard secondary car rental coverage; several terms and conditions apply. You should access the official guide to benefits or call your benefits administrator for specific information.

Premium Car Rental Protection Coverage

One of the real car rental insurance perks of holding the Amex Platinum card is having access to Premium Car Rental Protection coverage for just 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period, not a per-day charge like the rental agency charges.

Although there are some credit cards with primary rental car insurance , the American Express Premium Car Rental Protection coverage, in some circumstances, can provide equal or better coverage and elevated peace of mind. Terms and conditions apply.

Bottom Line: Consider Amex Premium Car Rental Protection if you don’t have a credit card that provides primary car rental insurance. Additionally, if you are renting an expensive vehicle that exceeds your card’s limit of coverage or the maximum length of the rental period on your other card is limited to less than 42 days, the Amex Premium Car Rental Protection could also be a prudent choice. 

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance are designed to cover unexpected, unforeseen events that may cause you to have to cancel your trip or that cause a disruption in a trip you’re already started.

To be eligible for coverage, purchase your entire round-trip common carrier ticket with your Amex Platinum card.

American Express has a broad definition of who is covered under this benefit. Eligible travelers can include the cardholder, traveling companion, family member of the eligible traveler, or family member of the traveling companion.

Examples of events that could be covered include the following:

• Bodily Injury or Illness — If you, a traveling companion, or a family member of either, experience an accidental injury or become ill, causing you to cancel your trip, you may have coverage
• Bad Weather — If extreme weather causes your trip to be canceled or disrupted, there could be coverage
• Change in Military Orders —Applies to cardmember and/or spouse (spouse definition includes domestic partner)
• Terrorist action or hijacking
• Jury duty or other qualifying legal obligation
• Uninhabitable dwelling of either the cardmember or traveling companion
• Quarantine imposed by a physician for health reasons

You can expect coverage of up to $10,000 per trip , and a maximum limit of $20,000 per card per 12-month period.

Terms and conditions apply.

Bottom Line: While the trip cancellation/trip interruption benefit covers specifically stated reasons for trip cancellation/interruption, there is no coverage for voluntary cancellations, disruptions due to known events, or for preexisting conditions. Additional terms and conditions can be found in your guide to benefits or call the benefits administrator prior to your trip.

Experiencing a trip delay is inevitable so having coverage for added expenses as a result of that delay could be a welcome economic benefit. To qualify for trip delay coverage, just pay for the full amount of your common carrier round-trip transportation ticket with your Amex Platinum card.

The delay must be for more than 6 hours for you to be eligible for reimbursement for necessary incidentals, meals, and lodging.

Coverage limits are $500 per covered trip and a maximum of up to 2 covered trips in each consecutive 12-month period. Coverage is secondary to other coverage that applies and does not include expenses that are reimbursed by the airline or other entities. Additional terms and conditions also apply.

Losing a checked bag used to be a very common occurrence. With new technology and tracking mechanisms, however, incidents have declined, but they still happen. If you do happen to experience lost bags, however, you can count on the baggage insurance found on the Amex Platinum card.

To activate the coverage , simply pay for your common-carrier fare with your card and/or Membership Rewards points.

Here’s the coverage you can expect for lost luggage:

• Checked Bags — Up to $2,000 per covered person, per trip
• Carry-on Bags — Up to $3,000 per covered person, per trip
• Specialty High-value Items — Up to $1,000 per person, per covered trip ($2,000 for New York residents, maximum $10,000 per trip)
• Combined Limit — The limit for all baggage, including high-risk items, is $3,000 per covered person, per single trip

Checked baggage is covered only while traveling on a common carrier . Carry-on baggage is additionally covered while traveling to , from , and when waiting at the carrier terminal.

Note that the coverage on the card is secondary to any other insurance or reimbursement you might receive from the airline. There is no coverage for delayed baggage , but several other credit cards do offer this coverage .

While technically not insurance coverage, having access to help when you’re traveling, 24/7, is sure to provide additional peace of mind. The Amex Platinum card offers a premium version of a dedicated helpline that serves as a welcome resource should things go wrong during your travels.

Here are the types of assistance you can expect from the service:

Emergency Medical Transport and Evacuation — Complimentary Coverages

One of the premium services offered on the card is complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation . If you or a covered family member becomes injured or ill during your travels, you could receive emergency medical transportation or evacuation , if necessary.

You can expect to receive the following services without charge when arranged via the hotline:

• Emergency Transport or Evacuation — Transport to the nearest medical facility or transport from an inadequate medical facility
• Transport of Family Member — Transport may be covered for an adult member to be by the bedside of the cardmember or for the cardmember’s minor child (who had been traveling alone with the cardmember) to be transported back to the U.S.
• Transport of Remains — Amex will pay for the transport of remains back to the U.S.
• Post-Evacuation Assistance — If you’re evacuated and your return ticket back to the U.S. has become invalid, Amex will arrange and pay for transportation back to the U.S.

Please note that the Premium Global Assist Hotline does not cover any medical expenses or emergency transportation services arranged outside of the hotline. Several terms and conditions apply to these coverages.

Additional Medical Assistance

In addition to the complimentary coverages offered by the hotline, you’ll find these additional medical services:

• Medical Referrals — Receive help finding an English-speaking doctor, a hospital, or other needed medical services
• Prescription Replacement Assistance — Get help with replacing lost or forgotten medications

There is no charge for the referral service but cardmembers are responsible for actual services received from the provider.

Other Hotline Services

• Passport/Visa Assistance — Whether you need help replacing a passport or have a need to contact the U.S. consulate, the hotline can assist
• Emergency Translation Services — Receive over-the-phone services or written language translation assistance
• Legal Referrals — Should you need legal services during your trip, the hotline can help you find local bail bond services that accept Amex or refer you to other legal personnel
• Financial Assistance — The hotline can help you arrange cash wire services, help you check out of your hotel remotely, or assist with lost card situations
• Emergency Message Relay — In the event of an emergency, the hotline can send a message to a family member, friend, or another recipient on your behalf
• Lost Items — Should you lose an item, your baggage gets lost, or other missing possession, the hotline can help track it down
• Trip Planning Services — Access information such as weather, currency exchange rates, passport/visa requirements, customs information, travel warnings, and more

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary emergency transportation and evacuation services with no stated limit. Additional medical, legal, and travel service referrals are also complimentary, but other than the emergency medical transportation and evacuation, services rendered must be paid for by the cardholder. 

As with any insurance claim, you’ll need to report any event as soon as possible, provide supporting documentation, and follow up after the claim has been filed.

You could be expected to submit any, or all, of the following:

• Copies of your common carrier ticket
• Copies of your credit card statement showing the expenses
• Proof of the loss (i.e. a copy of physician’s quarantine order, military orders, etc.)
• Copy of the travel supplier’s cancellation policy
• Any other supporting documentation requested by the claims administrator

Claims must be reported within 60 days but it is best to do it as soon as possible. Once you report the claim, you’ll receive instructions for completing the next steps in the process.

Hot Tip: Be sure to take photos and videos, keep receipts, secure any applicable police report, and hold on to other documentation that might be needed to support your claim. Keep in mind that supporting information can be difficult to obtain after the fact but may be readily secured at the time of the claim. 

While the insurance that comes with the Amex Platinum card won’t take the place of a comprehensive travel insurance policy , you’ll find value in several of the benefits.

Utilizing Premium Car Rental Protection, trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, and complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation could save you more than you could imagine in certain circumstances.

Additionally, knowing the coverages you have in advance has tremendous value. You’ll be armed with information to make educated decisions that can protect each aspect of your trip and be better prepared for how you might handle a covered incident during your travels. If you’re looking for other card options, see our article on the best credit cards for travel insurance .

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance coverage benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for trip cancellation and interruption insurance is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the trip delay insurance benefits of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for covered persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per covered trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each covered person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, you can rely on the Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. 

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the amex platinum card travel insurance any good.

While the insurance that comes on your Amex Platinum card does not replace a comprehensive travel insurance policy, there is value in the coverages that come complimentary on the card.

Benefits such as trip interruption/cancellation/delay insurance and Amex Premium Car Rental Protection can provide economic value by saving you money should something go wrong during your travels.

Having access to the Premium Global Assist Hotline and complimentary emergency medical transport or evacuation could render peace of mind knowing you have the coverage should you need it.

Does the Amex Platinum card cover flight cancellations?

The Amex Platinum card comes with trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay insurance that can cover flight cancellations for only the specific (limited) reasons listed in the terms and conditions.

As with most insurance, the coverage that comes on your card is not meant to cover voluntary flight cancellations.

For these types of cancellations, you would need to purchase Cancel for Any Reason Insurance , which can be added to some comprehensive travel insurance policies.

Does the Amex Platinum card come with primary car rental insurance?

No. The Amex Platinum card comes with complimentary standard secondary car rental insurance, which means you must first file a claim with any other insurance that may apply before the card coverage is valid.

However, the card does offer a unique benefit that allows you to purchase premium primary car rental insurance for 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period.

This coverage is valid for rental periods up to 42 days in length and costs $12.25 to $24.95 per period, depending on the state in which you reside and the coverage limit you select.

Does the Amex Platinum have delayed baggage insurance?

While the Amex Platinum card comes with lost, stolen, or damaged luggage coverage, it does not offer a delayed baggage benefit.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Travel Hacking & Amex Card Insights For Canada

The $200 American Express Travel Credit in Canada: A Beginner’s Guide

Amex Cards Canada , Amex Cards Canada Guide / November 26, 2018 by Britt / Leave a Comment

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How To Get The $200 American Express Travel Credit

When you apply and get approved for the American Express Platinum Canada Card, you’ll receive an annual $200 travel credit. The American Express Platinum Card is arguably one of the top travel rewards credit cards in Canada .

You can use your travel credit towards a single booking over $200 through:

American Express Travel : American Express’s travel booking portal, similar to Expedia and other travel websites.

American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts : Also a travel booking portal, but features select luxury hotels from around the world that American Express has partnered with. These hotels give cardholders extra benefits such as property credits, early/late check in/out, and daily breakfast when they book using their American Express Platinum personal or business card.

Here’s What You Can Use Your Travel Credit Towards:

• Car Rentals
• Vacation Packages

Be Aware of Recent Changes To The Amex Platinum Travel Credit

There have been some recent changes as to how American Express issues the annual travel credit. Previously, American Express issued travel credits once every calendar year which was a lucrative opportunity for credit card churners.

The loophole was to apply for the Platinum card late in the year and receive the first $200 travel credit and then wait for the next $200 travel credit to be issued in January the following year.

After receiving $400 in travel credits and meeting the minimum spend requirements to earn 60,000 bonus points, credit card churners would then cancel the card. That was quite an excellent investment for a $299 annual fee (factoring in the $400 in total travel credits after paying an initial $699 annual fee.)

American Express has tightened things up regarding this travel benefit, and now travel credits are issued on the anniversary date of when you applied for your card as opposed to the beginning of the calendar year.

$200 Amex Platinum Travel Credit Tips For Success

1. the credit is only applicable for single bookings over $200.

In order to use your $200 travel credit, you must make a single travel booking through American Express Travel worth at least $200. The credit can only be applied one time, and for the full amount.

2. Your Travel Credit Will Post in 1-2 Business Days

You will be charged the full amount at the time of booking, but within 2 business days, the $200 travel credit will be applied to your statement.

3. You Can Combine Your American Express Membership Reward Points

When you use your travel credit, you’ll also see an option to use points to pay for your booking. For the best point redemptions, you’re better off transferring your points to participating airline and hotel transfer partners, however, the option is there to use your American Express Membership Rewards in combination with your travel credit.

4. You’ll Still Earn Airline Miles/Points

If you’re booking a flight, you’ll still get your points/miles awarded just like you would if you booked through any other website such as Expedia. If you’re looking at booking a hotel though, that’s a different story. Read on.

5. You Can Book Travel as a Gift

Although you can’t directly transfer your travel credit to friends or family, you can, however, book the travel under your name and add that person to the reservation. This is useful if you’re planning on booking travel for someone as a gift.

6. No Search Results? Call American Express Concierge To Book

You may find that when you use American Express Travel to find a hotel, it might not show up. Don’t worry if the hotel you had in mind isn’t listed in the search results.

You’ll simply need to call American Express Concierge and tell them where you’d like to stay and they can make the booking for you using their “alternate reservation system”.

Call Platinum Card Travel Service at 1-800-263-1616 (press 2).

Cautions With Using The Platinum Travel Credit

1. your hotel loyalty status might not be honoured.

If you’re booking a hotel stay through American Express Travel, your hotel loyalty status will not be recognized.

Because American Express Travel , is considered a third party booking, your loyalty status will not be honoured. You may want to consider staying at a hotel where you’re not concerned about loyalty perks, or one partnered with American Express FHR in this case.

You can always email or call the hotel after you’ve booked and tell them to apply your loyalty membership number to the reservation. It’s worth a shot to ask and see if they’ll make an exception and give you your perks, but don’t expect it.

However, if you book your hotel using American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts , your loyalty status will be honoured.

2. There’s No Cancellation Policy With The Travel Credit

If you cancel your travel booking after redeeming the annual travel credit, you will NOT be able to use it again in the same year! This is a hefty penalty for cancelling a booking, so make sure you can commit to your travel plans. The travel credit should never be used for speculative travel.

Direct from American Express terms and conditions:

“If you cancel your travel booking after redeeming the Annual Travel Credit, you will not be able to use it again in the same calendar year.”

3. Travel Credits Don’t Carry Over

Your travel credit will expire on the anniversary date of your card, so you’ll need to make sure you use it each year, as they can’t be carried over, or combined.

How I Used My $200 American Express Travel Credit

This year I decided to use my Platinum travel credit towards a one night stay at the Watermark Beach Hotel Resort in Osoyoos, BC . Osoyoos is located in the Okanagan, a desert climate and is the heart of wine country .

The Watermark is a lakefront property on Osoyoos Lake, (Canada’s warmest lake on record!) and offers incredible value in the winter offseason months. Prices at this hotel skyrocket in the summer months, however, and I believe they are already booked solid for summer 2019.

We were able to score a great room for $243 taxes included:

• 836 sq ft suite
• 2 bedroom, 2 bathrooms
• Large balcony
• A very pet-friendly room with no pet restrictions

So after the $200 travel credit was applied, we paid just $43 CAD plus a $25 pet fee for 3 large dogs.

That’s an exceptional value that simply doesn’t exist in Vancouver, which is why we decided to head east for a scenic 3-hour road trip for my 32nd birthday.

I had my heart set on the Watermark from the start but was a little panicked when I searched for it on American Express Travel and no results were found. This is a popular hotel relative to its location, so I wasn’t sure why it wouldn’t be available. Not giving up, I decided to call American Express Travel and they had to use their “alternative booking system” to make the booking. Don’t get me started about how inefficient this is, but if you run into the same problem where the hotel you’d like to book isn’t available on the website, just call Platinum Card Travel Services and they will make the booking for you.

In the next post, I’ll walk you through step by step how to redeem your travel credit, and we’ll also recap our trip with a review of the Watermark, so stay tuned!

Apply Now For The American Express Platinum Card Canada

You can get your own $200 travel credit on approval with the American Express Platinum Canada Card . You’ll also earn welcome bonus points.

How To Redeem Your $200 Travel Credit

Now that you’ve learned the basics about the American Express travel credit in Canada, you’ll probably want to make some travel goals and learn exactly how step by step to redeem the Platinum travel credit .

How do you plan to use your $200 American Express travel credit?

About Britt Phoenix

She loves using points for hotels and exploring the beautiful forests of west coast BC. From rustic cabins, to five star hotels, Britt is always ready for the next adventure.

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Is The Amex Platinum Still Worth it in 2024?

With its annual fee hiked to $799 (all figures in CAD) last year, the American Express Platinum Card is now the most expensive publicly-available credit card on the market.

Given this annual fee increase, the question that must be asked is, “is the Amex Platinum still worth it in 2024?”

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into whether you should apply for, keep, or cancel the American Express Platinum Card.

Amex Increases the Annual Fee of the Platinum Card

In 2023, American Express Canada announced that it would be increasing the annual fee for the Platinum Card. The fee went from $699 to $799, with the increase taking effect towards the end of September 2023.

The annual fee for a supplementary card was also increased at the same time from $175 to $250 per card.

With the American Express Platinum Card already sitting among the most expensive cards in Canada, the fee increase naturally caused some furor in the Miles & Points community. Many in the community were left wondering if the card is still worth keeping or if it’s worth applying for in the first place.

We at Prince of Travel still believe that the Platinum Card is one of the best travel credit cards in Canada; however, we also recognize that each person has different wants, needs, and travel habits, so the card might not be suited for everyone.

To explore this further, let’s break down whether the Amex Platinum is still worth it in 2024.

Welcome Bonus

If you’re holding the American Express Platinum Card after the first year of card membership, feel free to skip this part of the article; however, if you’re currently contemplating whether or not to apply for the card, read on.

The American Express Platinum Card has always lured would-be cardholders with a strong welcome bonus.

Currently, the card offers the chance to earn a welcome bonus of 70,000 Membership Rewards (MR) points once you spend $10,000 in the first three months of card membership.

• Earn 70 ,000 MR points upon spending $10,000 in the first three months
• Plus, earn  30,000 MR points  upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
• Also, earn 2x MR points on all dining and travel purchases
• Also, receive an annual $200 travel credit
• Also, receive an annual  $200 dining credit
• Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
• Unlimited airport lounge access for you and one guest at Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Centurion, and other lounges
• Credits and rebates for daily expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
• Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
• Annual fee: $799

At our current valuation, 70,000 Membership Rewards points are worth $1,540 (1 MR point = 2.2 cents), making signing up almost a no-brainer.

Additionally, you can potentially get an even higher value out of those points by transferring them to an airline partner.

By transferring your 70,000 points to a partnered airline loyalty program like Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, or Air France KLM Flying Blue, you could enjoy a redemption like one the following examples:

• A one-way flight in business class from anywhere in Canada to South America, or from the West Coast to Japan with Aeroplan
• A round-trip business class between the US East Coast and Madrid on Iberia with British Airways Executive Club
• A one-way business class from major cities in North America to anywhere in Europe with Air France KLM Flying Blue

However, do keep in mind that the welcome bonus comes with a rather steep minimum spend requirement of $10,000 in three months. For most households, this might be difficult, especially given that American Express isn’t accepted everywhere.

That said, this level of spend is doable if you have an impending large purchase, such as a renovation or a wedding. Alternatively, you could pay your rent with the card by using a service like Chexy (if your landlord is eligible), and this could make a big dent in the spending requirement.

As an additional bonus, you can earn another 30,000 points by holding the card into the second year and making a purchase between months 14 and 17 of card membership.

These additional 30,000 points are worth $660 according to our valuation, and this alone already covers three quarters of the annual fee for the second year!

In all, with the welcome bonus alone, the American Express Platinum Card is worth applying for and keeping for the second year

Recurring Credits

The American Express Platinum Card has three recurring credits, as follows:

• $200 annual travel credit
• $200 annual dining credit
• $100 NEXUS credit every four years

You’ll have access to these credits after you’ve been approved for the Platinum Card and as you renew it for subsequent years. Keep in mind, however, that these credits aren’t a carte blanche; they come with a laundry list of terms and conditions.

The $200 annual travel credit can only be used on travel booked with Amex’s in-house travel agency, but you’re free to use it on any travel product available on the website or over the phone, including flights.

The $200 annual dining credit is exclusively available to be used at a restaurant selected from a list curated by Amex based on Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants.

The notable downside to this restriction is that you’ll be hard-pressed to find an eligible restaurant if you live far from Canada’s bigger cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

The third recurring credit is pretty straightforward. You can use the NEXUS credit to offset the cost of NEXUS applications. However, you’ll want to keep in mind that the credit only recurs once every four years.

Now, if you can make use of the travel and dining credits every year, your “net cost” for the card will effectively go down to $399 without even taking into consideration the welcome bonus discussed above.

Amex Offers

Another feature of the American Express Platinum Card that may justify its fee is Amex Offers.

With Amex Offers, purchases with partner merchants are incentivized with statement credits, Membership Rewards points, or discounts. Many of these offers can result in substantial savings, sometimes in the hundreds of dollars.

Recent Amex Offers include statement credits with United Airlines, Air France/KLM, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Bonvoy-affiliated properties in Canada, and Fairmont hotels in Canada.

Some offers are exclusive to Platinum cardholders, but many targeted offers appear on the American Express card that you’re currently using most frequently, or on the only Amex card you have.

Thus, if you’re holding more than one Amex card, you might not necessarily get specific Amex Offers on your Platinum Card.

More importantly, Amex Offers are targeted based on your spending patterns, so they’re not the same across all cardholders, and you can’t count on them to consistently offset the cost of your Platinum Card.

Lounge Access

Airport lounge access is one of the most compelling features of the American Express Platinum Card since the card provides unlimited access for the cardholder plus one guest.

The lounge access provided by the Amex Platinum is available worldwide, mostly through the Priority Pass network, which offers 1,500+ lounges.

The cash cost of a single entry to a Priority Pass lounge is $35 per person per visit, so the value of unlimited access can add up.

As an American Express Platinum cardholder, you also get access to Amex’s own Centurion Lounges, which offer gourmet dining and handcrafted cocktails. Centurion Lounges are mostly available in the US, but they’re also available in cities like Sao Paulo and Hong Kong.

Lounge access might also justify supplementary cards for $250 a piece, since supplementary cardholders also get unlimited access to lounges for themselves plus their own guest.

However, unlimited lounge access is only great if you have ‌frequent use for it. For example, if you fly economy for work or you fly low-cost carriers as a digital nomad, you’ll find it truly beneficial.

Comparatively, if you fly business class a few times a year and have lounge access included with your ticket, then unlimited lounge access isn’t a compelling reason to hold the Platinum Card.

Automatic Hotel Status

With the American Express Platinum Card, you’ll receive two hotel statuses automatically: Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold Elite.

After receiving the card, you can log into your Amex account and find the option to link your Marriott and Hilton accounts and upgrade your status immediately. You’ll retain these elite statuses as long as you hold the card.

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite gives you potential upgrades and, more importantly, 2pm late check-out, while Hilton Honors Gold Elite gets you potential upgrades, plus a daily food and beverage credit or free continental breakfast, depending on the property.

Frankly, these statuses aren’t top-tier by any means; however, they’re still nice to have, especially if you can’t earn them by holding another credit card or with organic hotel stays.

Other Benefits

Aside from the major features discussed above, the American Express Platinum Card offers a bevy of other benefits.

Excellent Insurance Benefits

The American Express Platinum Card offers among the strongest credit card insurance benefits in the game.

As an American Express Platinum cardholder, you’ll enjoy the following protections:

• Emergency travel medical insurance of up to $5 million, covering you and your dependents for the first 15 days of your trip, regardless of whether or not you charged your trip to your Platinum Card
• Trip cancellation insurance of up to a maximum of $5,000, reimbursing you for the non-refundable travel charges you made, in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as an emergency medical condition, death in the family, and government advisories
• Flight delay insurance of up to $1,000, covering your accommodations and meals if your flight gets delayed by at least four hours
• Purchase protection coverage that covers accidental physical damage or theft, plus an extension to the manufacturer’s warranty for one year

Platinum Card Concierge

With the Platinum Card Concierge, you get help with restaurant reservations, buying event tickets, and other tasks, typically without extra cost to you.

You might find this service useful as you navigate a new city, or if you’re trying to score a coveted restaurant reservation.

Centurion New York Reservations

A less-publicized benefit of the Platinum Card is the ability to make reservations at Centurion New York, a fine-dining restaurant perched atop One Vanderbilt in Manhattan.

Menus are created by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boloud, and the prices are reasonable by Manhattan standards.

This exclusive restaurant is only open to holders of the Platinum Card and the Centurion Card. You can call the Platinum Concierge to make a reservation.

Access to Hotel Collections

The American Express Platinum Card gives you access to two hotel collections:

• Fine Hotels + Resorts: Luxury properties that provide daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4pm late check-out, 12pm early check-in, potential room upgrades, and $100 (USD) unique property credit (e.g., for the spa or restaurant) per stay.
• The Hotel Collection: Premium properties that give $100 (USD) experience credit (e.g., for the spa or restaurant), plus potential room upgrades.

The Fine Hotels + Resorts collection is exclusive to holders of the Platinum Card and the Centurion Card.

American Express Experiences and Amex Front of the Line

American Express Experiences provides exclusive access and benefits to some of the best entertainment and events.

Additionally, Amex Front of the Line gives access to presale tickets for some of the most in-demand concerts, theatre productions, and special events, often before the general public gets access.

So Is the Amex Platinum Still Worth It in 2024?

If you’re thinking of applying for the American Express Platinum Card, you definitely should as long as you can fulfill the minimum spend requirement for the welcome bonus. After all, the 70,000-point welcome bonus, worth $1,540 by our valuation, more than pays for the card.

You should also keep the card for the second year, since the second tranche of the welcome bonus (30,000 points worth $660) easily offsets more than three quarters of the cost of the card’s annual fee.

The question of whether you should keep the card for subsequent years past the first two is more complex.

If you can use the $200 annual travel credit and $200 annual dining credit, you’ll bring the “net cost” of the card down to $399.

Now, this remaining cost of $399 may be justified by the benefits provided by the Amex Platinum that we’ve discussed above.

Unfortunately, unlike the US-issued American Express Platinum Card, the Canadian Platinum Card doesn’t come with more recurring credits to bring down the net cost of the card further.

Additionally, the potentially lucrative Amex Offers aren’t guaranteed, and for many of the offers, they may show up with an Amex card other than the Platinum Card.

Thus, the thing that could justify holding the Platinum Card for many years is, in one word, access.

With the Platinum Card, you get access to airport lounges around the world, access to hotel status, and access to other exclusive benefits like the Platinum Card Concierge, Fine + Hotels Resorts, Centurion New York, and Amex Front of the Line.

If you value access – and the status symbol of holding the metal Platinum Card – then you should keep the card in your wallet year after year.

The American Express Platinum Card is now the most expensive publicly-available credit card in Canada, commanding a $799 annual fee.

The increase to the annual fee, which took effect in 2023, made many people wonder if the card was still worth applying for or keeping in subsequent years.

Hopefully, in breaking down the card’s benefits above, we’ve helped you make an informed decision on whether to apply for, keep, or cancel the American Express Platinum Card.

• Earn 80,000 MR points upon spending $15,000 in the first three months
• Plus, earn  40,000 MR points  upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
• And, earn 1.25x MR points on all purchases
• Also, receive a $200 annual travel credit
• Credits and rebates for business expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
• Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor

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