Amex Platinum Canada Review

for the The Platinum Card

Card Details at a Glance

Welcome Bonus:

140000 Amex points

Card Type:

Credit Card

Product Type:

Personal Card

Material:

Metal Card

Category:

Travel Rewards

Points Currency:

Amex Membership Rewards

2 Amex points

per $1 spent on eligible restaurants and food delivery in Canada.

2 Amex points

per $1 spent on travel

1 Amex point

per $1 spent on everything else.

Annual Fee:

$799

Extra Card Fee:

$175 for The Platinum Card, $50 for The Gold Rewards Card

Purchase Interest:

n/a

Cash Advance:

n/a

Foreign Transfer Fee:

2.50%

Balance Transfer:

n/a

Residency & Age:

A Canadian resident who has reached the provincial age of majority.

Estimated Credit Score:

Good Credit, 675+

Income Requirement:

n/a

Apply Now for the The Platinum Card!

The Amex Platinum Card Canada Review & Benefits

The Platinum Card in Canada offers a number of elite travel benefits, and is Canada’s premiere travel rewards Card.

When it comes to travel rewards cards, the American Express Platinum Card Canada is at the top of the list, thanks to its exceptional travel benefits, points earning potential, and creative ways to redeem points for flights and hotels. As a frequent traveller, the annual fee of $799 may come as an initial shock, but even the occasional traveller can extract much more value out of this card with very little effort.

Let’s take a look at why the American Express Platinum Card in Canada is a must-have for any traveller, and anyone fascinated with getting the most benefits out of their travel rewards card.

Card Basics

Welcome Bonus: Amex Membership Reward points
Rewards Type: Fixed and flexible travel rewards
Card Type: Charge Card. (Your balance must be paid in full each month).
Card Style: Metal
Annual Fee: $799 (billed on your first statement)
Secondary/Supplement Card Annual Fee: $175.00 for each additional Platinum Card. $50 for each additional Gold Card.
Interest Rate: 30% annual
First Year Free?: No

Is it Hard to Get an Amex Platinum Card in Canada?

Here’s what you should have before applying for the Platinum Card:

• Be a Canadian resident.
• Have a Canadian credit report.
• Be the age of majority in your province/territory.
• A good credit score.

What Credit Score Do You Need for an Amex Platinum in Canada?

You should have a credit score of 700+ before applying.

Check your credit score for free with Credit Karma.

How To Earn Points with the Amex Platinum in Canada

1. Get the Welcome Bonus of 140000 Amex points Points

Signing up for a Card with a generous welcome bonus is the easiest and quickest way to travel on points. Here’s how to get to get the welcome bonus:

2. Earn 2x Points on Restaurants and Food Delivery

Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on restaurants and food delivery in Canada.

If you’re a foodie, take a look at the Cobalt Card to earn 5x the points.

3. Earn 2x Points on Travel

Earn 2 points for every $1 you charge to your Platinum Card on eligible flight, hotel or car rental bookings, as well as travel-related purchases.

4. Earn 1x Points on Everything Else

Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $1 you spend on purchases. You’ll want to put every purchase you can on your Amex Platinum Card so you can be earning points every chance you get.

See where Amex is accepted in Canada near you.

5. Refer and Earn up to 225,000 Points Each Year

Referring a friend for a Platinum Card is the easiest and quickest way to earn points, next to earning the welcome bonus of points. American Express has an extremely lucrative referral program that you can take advantage of once you sign up for your own Platinum Card.

For every approved person you refer to the Platinum Card, you could earn 15,000 points. There is a yearly maximum of 15 referrals, which works out to 225,000 Membership Rewards points.

All Platinum Cardmembers are eligible to refer friends and family for bonus points.

Amex Platinum Airport Lounge Access

Your Platinum Card will change the way you travel forever.

Airport lounge access is one of my favourite benefits of being a Platinum Cardholder.

Over 1,200 Airport Lounges with Your Included PriorityPass Membership

I used to think airport lounges were only reserved for the ultra-elite traveller paying 10s of thousands of dollars for a first-class plane ticket. Not if you’re a Platinum Cardholder.

You’ll receive a complimentary Prestige PriorityPass membership, valued at $429 USD. You and a guest will get to enjoy complimentary food and drinks (even alcoholic beverages), quiet spaces to relax, internet accessing, charging ports, and more at over 1,200 lounges worldwide. Some lounges even feature sleeping pods, spa services, and private washrooms with showers. I’d say that’s worth leaving for the airport early.

Access American Express Centurion Lounges

As a Canadian Platinum Cardholder, you’ll also have access to American Express Centurion Lounges. You and a guest will have access (even if they aren’t a Platinum Cardholder) to the lounge. Just present your Platinum Card and same-day boarding passes upon entry.

Here’s a look at the Miami Centurion Lounge, and the amenities you can expect before your flight as a Platinum Cardmember:

American Express Global Lounge Collection

With a same day boarding pass, and your Platinum Card, you’ll have access to these airport lounges:

• The Centurion Lounge
• International American Express Lounges
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• Delta Sky Club
• Airspace Lounges
• Escape Lounges
• Executive Lounges by Swissport
• Québec City ’s Jean Lesage International Airport VIP Lounge

Find Your Airport Lounge by Airport, City, or Country.

Get an Annual $200 Travel Credit

As a Platinum Cardmember, you’ll receive an annual $200 travel credit, which brings the annual fee on this card down to $499. Your $200 travel credit will get applied as a statement credit towards flights, hotels, or car rentals booked through American Express Travel. It also can be used towards hotels booked through American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, or The Hotel Collection.

Learn more: How to use your annual $200 Amex travel credit.

Get Elite Hotel Benefits with Your Amex Platinum

I love hotels. When I book a trip, I’ll purposely plan to stay at several properties just so I can hotel hop and experience something different at each one.

One of the first things you’ll want to do when you get your new Platinum Card is phone Platinum services and request to be automatically enrolled with these hotel loyalty programs so you can start getting the benefits you deserve:

Marriott Gold Elite

Room upgrade and 2pm late checkout.

Hilton Honors Gold Status

Room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, no resort fees on points stays.

Shangri-La Golden Circle Jade membership

Daily breakfast, room upgrade, 11am early check-in, 4pm late checkout.

Radisson Rewards Gold Status

Room upgrade, early and late check-in upon request, in-room welcome gift.

Just call Platinum services after signing up for your card, and ask them to enroll you in all of the above hotel loyalty programs and jump ahead to elite hotel loyalty status. Call 1-800-263-1616 and press 2.

You’ll need to book directly with each hotel to receive these loyalty benefits and earn points with each hotel loyalty program which go towards free night stays.

Some loyalty benefits may be subject to availability. Always check with the hotel at the time of booking to confirm eligibility.

Bonus: Amex Platinum to Caesars Diamond

Status matching is an unpublished Amex hack, but you can use your Amex Platinum to status match your way to hotel loyalty at other hotel chains like Wyndham Rewards, Caesars Entertainment, The Best Western and Choice Privileges.

Learn how to status match your Amex Platinum to Caesars Diamond.

Book Fine Hotels and Resorts and Receive Luxury Hotel Benefits & 5x Points

When you book with American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and pay with your Platinum Card, you’ll unlock these benefits at luxury hotels like The Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, the Shangri-La and more. You’ll also earn 5x the points for every $1 spent.

Room Upgrade When Available

I’ve received a room upgrade every single time booking with Fine Hotels and Resorts. This means going from a standard King room with a view of the alley, to a 1-bedroom suite with iconic city views, a dining table, and a shower that could comfortably fit 6 people, like at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver, BC.

Daily Breakfast for 2 People

This can be breakfast in bed room service, or a credit to use at the property’s restaurant depending on the hotel. Either way you’ll receive $80-$100 in value here.

Guaranteed 4pm Late Checkout

If you have a late flight or just want to enjoy the hotel, you can make a day of it and not have to checkout until 4 pm. I’ve even had success with requesting a 6pm checkout when I have a late flight. In fact, I purposely try to book late flights for this reason. It gives me time to enjoy the hotel before heading to the lounge at the airport. Definitely, a better way to travel!

12pm Early Check-in When Available

Not only do you get a guaranteed late checkout, but you’ll also receive an early check-in at noon when available. I’ve been lucky enough to receive this every time, so I’ve always got on average an extra 7 hours extra when I’ve stayed at the Fairmont, Rosewood, and Four Seasons properties. That’s exceptional value! And a real chance to enjoy the spa, pool, and other property amenities. Or just sleep in and be lazy.

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Most hotels already offer internet included in the room rate. But, if you’re staying at one that charges for it, this will come in handy.

Property Credit up to $100 USD

Your $100 property credit can generally be used towards dining, including room service, or the spa. Check Fine Hotels and Resorts to see what is listed as the Unique Experience Credit for the hotel.

If you receive a dining credit, don’t forget you’ll already be getting free breakfast, so my advice is to save your credit for dinner. Personally, I prefer the dining credit and would base my decision to stay at the hotel on that if given the option. A $100 spa credit sounds more like an invitation to spend money rather than keep me full.

The credit can’t be applied towards the room rate, taxes, tips, or resort fees.

Book The Hotel Collection and Receive a Property Credit, Room Upgrade & 5x Points

Booking through The Hotel Collection is similar to booking through Fine Hotels and Resorts. When you stay two or more consecutive nights, you’ll receive:

• A $100 property credit that can be used towards dining, the spa or resort activities.
• A room upgrade, if available.
• You’ll also earn 5x the points for every $1 spent.

Get Free Upgrades With Avis and Hertz Car Rentals

Avis Preferred

• Priority service at the counter
• Special discounts on rentals in North America and internationally
• One car class upgrade for groups C-E (Intermediate, Standard, and Full size)
• Learn more and enroll.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

• One car class upgrade (subject to availability) on rentals of 5 or more consecutive days
• Fee-waived for one additional driver (spouse/civil partner)
• Learn more and enroll.

Get Cruise Onboard Credits and Benefits

If you’re a fan of cruises, you’re going to love the exciting benefits you’ll get onboard, just by being a Platinum Cardmember with the Cruise Privileges Program from American Express Canada. Benefits and onboard credits are available with these cruise lines:

• Crystal Cruises
• Cunard
• Holland America
• Paul Gauguin
• Silversea Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• The Yachts of Seabourn
• Windstar
• Royal Caribbean International® Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Uniworld

Amex Platinum Canada Travel Insurance

As a Platinum Cardmember under 65 years of age, you’ll receive a number of travel insurance benefits including:

• Emergency Medical Insurance, out of province/country
• Trip Cancellation
• Trip Interruption
• Travel Accident
• Travel Emergency Assistance
• Flight Delays
• Baggage Delays
• Lost or Stolen Baggage
• Hotel/Motel Burglary
• Car Rental Theft and Damage
• Standby Travel Medical Concierge

You’ll want to make sure you completely understand your coverage before you leave for your trip. Check out our article about credit card travel insurance in Canada to learn more about what’s covered.

Car rental insurance can really add up, but with your Platinum Card you may already covered without purchasing the add-ons.

On our recent trip to Maui, it would have cost an extra $35 per day for the week of car rental insurance, resulting in an extra $245 in fees. Luckily we were able to save those fees by charging our car rental to our Platinum Card. We had piece of mind, and were able to drive the beautiful and windy road to Hana without worry.

Access to Exclusive Cardmember Experiences

Part of being a Platinum Cardmember means having access to unique and unforgettable experiences.

American Express Invites

American Express often holds exclusive invite-only events for their Platinum Cardmembers across Canada. Make sure to watch your inbox for an invite to the next event. Dinner with a celebrity chef and a luxury hotel stay, advance movie screenings, and weekend getaway packages are just a few of the invites you can expect. You’ll generally need to act fast as tickets can be limited and go very fast.

Front of the Line Presales

Another reason your American Express is a necessary tool in your wallet is the advantage you’ll have at the box office. American Express frequently has Front of the Line presales. That means they reserve a block of seats at concerts, sports, and theatre events just for Amex Cardholders. You’ll have the chance to buy tickets ahead of the general public on Ticketmaster with Front of The Line presales. You can even pay for tickets on Ticketmaster.ca with your American Express points.

Global Dining Collection

Get special access to dining reservations and customized experiences with the American Express Global Dining Collection. Kitchen tours, custom made menu items just for you, and drinks on the house are just a few of the special benefits offered. The Global Dining Collection is a curated list of restaurants backed by world-renowned chefs. Just call Platinum Services (1-800-263-1616 and press 2) when you’re ready to book.

Marriott Bonvoy Moments

Make some memories with Marriott Bonvoy Moments and bid on the chance to attend ultra-exclusive events like the SuperBowl, watch a concert or a sporting event from a box suite, meet celebrity athletes, musicians and chefs, or just get away with a luxury vacation package. Marriott Moments offers Marriott members the chance to bid on experiences using their points. Just transfer your Amex Membership Rewards points to your Marriott account during a transfer bonus promotion and start bidding.

Is the Amex Platinum Canada Card Worth It?

The Platinum Card in Canada has a lot going for it, but there are here are some things you should consider first:

Where is Amex Accepted in Canada?

Amex is not accepted everywhere Visa and Mastercard is in Canada, but there are over 90,000 merchants that do. Just make sure your spending habits align with where Amex is accepted, and consider using an alternate travel rewards Card where Amex isn’t accepted.

All major gas stations in Canada accept American Express, but grocery stores can be tricky. No frill stores and small vendors probably won’t accept American Express because of the higher merchant fees.

Search by Postal Code: Where is Amex Accepted in Canada?

Amex is a Charge Card – Spend Wisely

The Amex Platinum Card is a charge card, meaning your balance must be paid in full each month. Paying 30% in interest charges defeats the purpose of owning a travel rewards card, so before you apply, make sure you can pay your balance in full each month.

Yes, the Annual Fee is $799

The $799 annual fee is admittedly, quite the pricetag. The good news is, even with the lowest redemption, you’ll still be ahead simply by redeeming your points for a cash statement credit and using your included $200 travel credit.

The $799 annual fee will be billed on your first statement, and unfortunately, does not count as an eligible purchase to earn points.

Do You Travel?

The Amex Platinum annual fee likely won’t be justifiable if you don’t travel. This is a premium travel rewards card in Canada, and all of the main benefits come from flying or staying in hotels. A $799 annual fee just won’t make sense for someone who doesn’t value airport lounges, travel hacking their way to business and first class flights, or receiving luxury hotel benefits.

Apply Now for the Amex Platinum Card Canada

It’s clear why the Amex Platinum is considered a premier choice for Canadian travellers. If you’ve yet to experience the travel benefits this card offers, you’re in for a treat.

Currently the Amex Platinum in Canada is offering up to which will jumpstart your new found hobby of travel hacking the globe.

With airport lounge access, a generous referral program, an annual $200 travel credit to elite status with hotels, exclusive Cardmember invites, and the flexibility to use your travel rewards the way you want, this card should be an obvious choice for you.

Welcome aboard your luxury travel hacking journey.

for the The Platinum Card