Introduction
Two of the best travel rewards cards in Canada come from American Express: the Amex Gold Rewards Card and the Amex Platinum Card. But which one is right for you? If you’re spending big and chasing VIP travel perks, the Platinum might be calling your name. If you’re looking for value-packed rewards on everyday spending, the Gold is hard to beat.
Earn
up to 60,000 Amex points
Annual Fee:
Rewards:
Earn
2
points
for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada
Earn
up to 15000 Amex points
Annual Fee:
Rewards:
Earn
5x
points
on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
In just 10 easy steps, this guide will help you compare both cards and choose the best one. We’ll break down bonuses, benefits, travel perks, and hidden costs to help you decide which card works best for your travel goals. Plus, we’ll give you real-world spending examples and redemption scenarios, so you can see exactly what each card can do for you.
Earn
100,000 Amex points
Annual Fee:
Rewards:
Earn
2
Points
for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
1. Card Details: The Essentials
| Feature | Amex Gold | Amex Platinum |
| Card Type | Credit Card | Charge Card |
| Material | Metal (Gold or Rose Gold) | Metal |
| Category | Mid-Level | Premium |
| Annual Fee | $250 | $799 |
| Best For | Everyday earners | Luxury travellers |
The Amex Gold Rewards Card is a solid all-rounder, ideal for Canadians who spend heavily on groceries, gas, and travel but don’t want to pay a massive annual fee.
The Amex Platinum Card is built for frequent travellers who want premium perks, including unlimited airport lounge access, elite hotel status, and luxury travel benefits.
2. Welcome Bonuses: Which One Gets You More?
| Feature | Amex Gold | Amex Platinum |
| Welcome Bonus | 60,000 points | 100,000 points |
| Bonus Conditions | Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points: New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else | 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 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership |
| Estimated Value | $600 (at 1¢ per point) | $1,000 (at 1¢ per point) |
If you’re spending over $3,300 per month, the Amex Platinum delivers a huge bonus upfront. But if that’s too steep, the Amex Gold spreads out its bonus over a year, making it much easier to achieve for most people. These are the best welcome bonuses we’ve seen on these cards in 6+ years. So hurry and apply before August 18, 2025 before this offer ends!
Learn More: Want to compare their historical welcome offers? Here’s the full chart.
What Can These Points Get You?
- 60,000 Amex Points: Enough for a round-trip economy flight within North America on Aeroplan, such as Vancouver to Toronto or Calgary to Los Angeles. Alternatively, use the Fixed Points Travel Program for multiple short-haul round-trips in Canada or the U.S.
- 100,000 Amex Points: Book a one-way business class flight to Europe on Aeroplan, such as Toronto to London or Montreal to Rome. Or enjoy a multi-night stay at premium Marriott properties like the JW Marriott Venice or The Ritz-Carlton Montreal.
If you can hit the Platinum’s spending requirement, go for it. Otherwise, the Gold is a safer bet for steady rewards.
Bonus: Use your Marriott points to cover the cost of a 4-night stay and get the 5th night free.
Learn More: Explore More Posts about the Amex Platinum Card in Canada
Learn More: Explore More Posts about the Amex Gold Rewards Card in Canada
3. Card Fees: Is the Platinum Worth 3x the Price?
| Feature | Amex Gold | Amex Platinum |
| Annual Fee | $250 | $799 |
| Additional Cards | First additional free ($50 after) | $250 per additional Platinum, first 2 Gold cards free |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.5% | 2.5% |
$799 per year sounds steep, but you’re paying for luxury, exclusivity, and a seamless travel experience.
- Airport lounges alone can justify the cost—with unlimited access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium, you’ll always have a quiet place to relax before your flight.
- Hotel perks like Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Hilton Gold status get you room upgrades, late check-outs, and complimentary breakfast.
- Annual travel credits put $200 back in your pocket every year.
If you travel often and use these perks, the Platinum easily pays for itself. If you’re a more casual traveller, the Gold’s $250 fee is much more manageable while still offering great travel benefits.
Still Choosing Between Amex Cards?
If you’re unsure whether the jump to a premium annual fee makes sense, compare Gold and Platinum against every other Amex category in our full comparison guide. Research the Best Amex Cards in Canada (2026 Guide).
4. Travel Benefits: Where Platinum Leaves Gold in the Dust
| Feature | Amex Gold | Amex Platinum |
| Airport Lounge Access | 4 annual Plaza Premium lounge passes | Unlimited Priority Pass, Centurion, Plaza Premium, Delta Sky Club |
| Annual Travel Credit | $100 | $200 |
| Hotel Status | None | Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Gold |
| Concierge Service | No | Yes |
Platinum = VIP Travel Perks.
With unlimited airport lounge access, you’re skipping the chaos of crowded terminals and relaxing with complimentary food, premium drinks, and high-speed Wi-Fi before your flight.
If lounge access is a deciding factor, here’s the complete breakdown of what the Platinum Card gets you: Amex Platinum Lounge Access: Canada’s Guide.
Hotel status perks? Say hello to free upgrades, late checkouts, and welcome gifts at some of the world’s top hotels. And with Fine Hotels & Resorts, Platinum cardholders get exclusive benefits like $100 property credits, free breakfast, and guaranteed late checkouts.
Insurance Benefits
| Insurance Coverage | Amex Gold | Amex Platinum |
| Emergency Medical | $5M (15 days) | $5M (15 days) |
| Trip Cancellation | $1,500 per person | $2,500 per person |
| Trip Interruption | $1,500 per person | $2,500 per person |
| Baggage Delay | $500 | $1,000 |
| Flight Delay | $500 | $1,000 |
| Car Rental Insurance | Up to $85,000 | Up to $85,000 |
Both cards come with strong travel insurance and purchase protections, but the Amex Platinum offers higher coverage limits and more premium protections.
If you want comprehensive protection for your trips, the Platinum is the way to go.
5. Reward Rates
| Category | Amex Gold | Amex Platinum |
| Travel | 2x points | 2x points |
| Dining | 1x points | 2x points |
| Groceries, Gas & Drugstores | 2x points | 1x points |
| Everything Else | 1x points | 1x points |
The Amex Gold Rewards Card wins for most Canadians due to its higher everyday spending multipliers.
Spending Simulator
| Annual Spend | Amex Gold (Points Earned) | Amex Platinum (Points Earned) |
| $6,000 on travel | 12,000 | 12,000 |
| $4,000 on dining | 4,000 | 8,000 |
| $10,000 on groceries & gas | 20,000 | 10,000 |
| $5,000 on everything else | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Total Points Earned | 41,000 | 35,000 |
For everyday spending, Amex Gold is the clear winner. If groceries, gas, and travel make up a big chunk of your spending, you’ll earn more points with the Gold. If dining and travel perks matter more, the Platinum wins.
Earn
up to 60,000 Amex points
Annual Fee:
Rewards:
Earn
2
points
for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada
Earn
100,000 Amex points
Annual Fee:
Rewards:
Earn
2
Points
for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
6. Referral Bonuses
| Feature | Amex Gold | Amex Platinum |
| Referral Bonus | Up to 70,000 points per year | Up to 140,000 points per year |
| Referee Bonus | Up to 60,000 points | Up to 100,000 points |
Gold Card Referrals: Earn up to 70,000 points each year when you refer a friend. Your friend can receive up to 60,000 points when they meet the spending requirements.
Platinum Card Referrals: Earn up to 140,000 points per referral each year, while your referee can receive up to 100,000 points with their welcome offer.
Learn More: How to Earn the Amex Gold Referral Bonus in Canada
Learn More: How to Earn the Amex Platinum Referral Bonus in Canada
The Amex Platinum Canada Has the Best Referral Bonus
If you frequently refer friends, family, or business partners, the Amex Platinum’s referral program is the most lucrative in the Canadian travel credit card market.
Learn More: How to Earn the Amex Platinum Referral Bonus in Canada
7. Redemptions: What Do Your Points Get You?
| Redemption | Points Needed |
| Round-trip flight to Europe | 60,000 points (Aeroplan) |
| 4-Night Stay at Marriott Bonvoy | 60,000 points |
| Business Class Flight to Asia | 110,000 points |
Both Cards are Membership Rewards Cards that can be transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs equally. But if you’re flying with your Amex Platinum? Expect priority check-in, fast-tracked security, airport lounge access, and even champagne before takeoff. This is a game-changer if you love a premium travel experience, making long-haul flights less stressful and more enjoyable.
8. Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond the annual fees, there are a few costs to keep in mind:
- Foreign transaction fees: 2.5% on non-Canadian purchases.
- Additional cardholder fees: $250 for extra Platinum cards, $50 for additional Gold cards.
- Lounge guest fees: Some lounges charge for guests beyond your included access.
9. Approval Odds
| Feature | Amex Gold | Amex Platinum |
| Credit Score Required | Good (670+) | Very Good (740+) |
| Recommended Income | $50,000+ suggested | $80,000+ suggested |
If you have a strong credit history and high income, the Platinum is within reach. The Gold is easier to get approved for and a great first premium travel card.
10. Final Comparison: Which Card Should You Get?
The Amex Gold Rewards Card is perfect if you want big rewards on everyday spending without a sky-high annual fee. You’ll earn fast on groceries, gas, and travel, and still have access to great travel redemptions.
The Amex Platinum Card is built for luxury travellers who fly frequently. If you want VIP perks, unlimited lounge access, top-tier hotel benefits, and first-class travel experiences, this is the card for you.
If you’re leaning toward Amex Gold for budget-friendly travel, here’s a real example: I travelled Colombia without an Amex and tracked what Gold would’ve changed.
Still undecided? Ask yourself:
- Do you spend heavily on travel and dining? Platinum is your best bet.
- Do you want to maximize grocery and gas spending? Gold wins here.
- Do you travel often and want premium perks? Platinum all the way.
- Do you prefer a lower annual fee? Gold is the smart choice.
Whichever card you choose, you’re getting one of the best travel rewards cards in Canada.
Learn More: Full Review: Is the Amex Gold Card Canada’s Best Travel Rewards Card?
Learn More: Amex Platinum Card Canada Review 2025: Luxury Travel Benefits Worth $799?
Apply Now!
Apply for the Amex Gold Rewards Card!
Apply for the Amex Platinum Card!
And if you liked this article, be sure to check out our other comparisons:
Earn
100,000 Amex points
Annual Fee:
Rewards:
Earn
2
Points
for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
