Amex Platinum Metal Card Canada: Original 2019 Unboxing

Originally published in February 2019, this article documents the original Canadian launch of the metal American Express Platinum Card. The Platinum Card’s welcome bonus, fees, benefits and earning rates have changed since this unboxing was published.

For current card details, read our Amex Platinum Card review, Amex Platinum airport lounge access guide, and Platinum Canada Refresh Rumours.

The new American Express Platinum Card had just arrived in Canada when we originally published this article in February 2019. Let’s dive into the original metal Platinum Card launch, what the new card looked like, and what it was like to receive one as an existing Platinum Cardmember.

Unboxing the Amex Platinum Card Canada (Metal Edition)

Ok, admittedly my expectations might have been a little skewed going into this. I’ve been pretty excited to get my hands on this card for a while now. What can I say? I’m easily amused by frills such as this. Metal credit cards are much more common in the United States, but for now, owning a metal card in Canada is a milestone.

I had visions of this card arriving in an expensive box with a bow, pretty much exactly like the wedding invitation scene in Bridesmaids. It would have been nice if Amex was thoughtful and included a butterfly that flew out of the box upon opening it, with the metal card safely in tow. I also envisioned this moment of unboxing the metal card while I plane spotted, and sipped fine wine at the Vancouver Airport Gold Lounge.

Wedding Invitation Scene from the movie Bridesmaids. How I envisioned unboxing the new Amex Metal Platinum Card for Canada:

Ok, so it wasn’t quite as dramatic as that. There was no horse-drawn carriage to deliver this card, and there was no box either. We received the card in a FedEx envelope at home on a snowy Canadian winter’s night in February.

The envelope contained all the standard booklets covering the card details, travel benefits, and insurance coverage. I was a little sad to see it come in a standard envelope. I thought there would have been more of an impactful delivery.

The previous version of the Platinum card came in a faux leather case with several brochures documenting the card benefits, travel insurance coverage, and card terms and conditions. Admittedly, the case itself wasn’t fancy by any means, but I remember receiving it in the mail and it definitely stood out above the normal envelope you’d receive with other credit cards.

It’s obvious American Express Canada is making a push to get more millennials interested in this travel rewards card, but their marketing strategy is still playing catch up. In 2018, Pentagram, the world’s largest independent design consultancy, refreshed the American Express brand, which we can see some of their work on the card itself.

How Existing Platinum Cardmembers Received the Metal Card in 2019

When the metal Platinum Card launched in Canada in February 2019, existing Platinum Cardmembers were set to receive the new metal version upon renewal, but could also request a replacement card early through Platinum Card Services.

We ordered ours over the BC Family Day long weekend, and it arrived the following Wednesday, for a two-business-day turnaround time, which was very impressive!

How Much Does the American Express Metal Edition Platinum Card Canada Weigh?

The American Express Metal Edition Platinum Card for Canada weighs a hefty 18 grams, triple the weight of the previous plastic version, weighing in at 6 grams. The new Metal Platinum Card height and width dimensions are identical to the previous Platinum Card.

The difference is certainly noticeable, and as you would expect, makes a nice “clink!” when dropped on the table. I’m pretty sure you could use this card as a throwing star, if you ever found yourself in a ninja, or should I say…gladiator fight? You might even consider carrying the card in your chest pocket, like one Calgary man did when his titanium American Express Centurion card stopped a bullet from a targeted attack, back in 2017.

Amex Express Metal Platinum Card Canada Design Changes

The new card features the same ornate border as the previous one, and the “American Express Platinum” has changed to black to match the rest of the card design.

The Roman gladiator featured on the card’s design and branding received a subtle refresh. Previously, it looked like a first draft trace attempt in Adobe Illustrator, but Pentagram removed the unnecessary lines and cleaned up the edges for a more polished look.

The security chip appears slightly bigger, with plenty of room below it, since the card number and expiration date have moved to the back of the card.

The cardmember’s name has been nicely etched into the bottom left corner, as well as the “member since” two digit year, and security pin.

The American Express boxed logo is on the back, although I’m not sure why the gradient version was still used, as it’s already outdated.

In the brand refresh, the gradient background was replaced with a flat blue and a cleaner letterform, with the most notable changes to the “R”. Although the changes are subtle, the goal was to refine the logo and streamline its appearance across all mediums. The cropped Amex logo works great for smaller screens and print takes a minimalist approach to only focus the eye on “Amex”, as the American Express brand is so widely known, it’s not necessary to spell out the whole name.

The black and metal colour scheme look exceptionally sleek. I’m curious to see how the etching will stand up in the long-run. With other plastic cards, it doesn’t take long for the raised letters wear off.

Overall I really like the clean look of this card, except for the fact the word “Platinum” still awkwardly overlaps the Roman gladiator insignia.

Dinner With A View Launch Party for the Platinum Card

To celebrate the launch of the new metal Platinum card in Canada, American Express hosted a launch party on February 13, where guests enjoyed dinner in a dome, part of American Express’s “Dinner with a View” limited time dining event. Supermodel, Coco Rocha, and social media influencers were in attendance to experience the event.

Dinner With A View was a limited-time promotion held around the original 2019 Canadian metal Platinum Card launch and is no longer available.

New Platinum Benefits Introduced With the 2019 Metal Card

Along with introducing a new metal version of the Platinum Card on February 13, 2019, American Express also introduced new earning rates.

At the February 2019 launch, the new earning rates were:

• 3x the points for eligible dining purchases in Canada.
• 2x the points for all eligible travel purchases.
• 1x the points for all other purchases. Previously this category earned 1.25 membership reward points, however, the increase in points for the dining and travel categories make up for the devaluation here for a net win.

Further Reading: Are American Express Cards Worth It For Canadians?

Further Reading: The American Express Metal Platinum Card Review

American Express Travel Playing Cards

To our surprise, two days after receiving our Metal Platinum Card replacements, we received some more mail from American Express. Something tells me we were supposed to get this before the Cards arrived…

The box reads “Exciting Changes Are Coming. See Inside For Important Information”. Inside the box is a nicely presented brochure outlining all of the new changes with the Metal Platinum Card Canada, as well as some playing cards.

The playing cards feature the signature American Express branding with a charcoal grey and blue colour scheme, and a variety of millennial travelling hipsters.

Well all right then!

These playing cards will serve their purpose, as we often play blackjack, poker or crib during our travels, so they’ll be in good company. I’m a sucker for novelty items that aren’t easy to come by.

Being a Metal Platinum Cardmember in Canada is, for now, noteworthy, so I’m sure you’ll get some curious questions when you lay it down come bill time. You could earn 15,000 points for every person you refer to the Platinum Card (up to a maximum of 15 referrals, or 225,000 points annually), so for a card with such a generous referral program, that’s one of the best travel benefits I can think of.

The welcome kit also came with a brochure outlining the changes with the new Metal Platinum Card:

Historical note: The following copy is transcribed from the welcome kit American Express sent with the metal Platinum Card in 2019. It reflects the benefits and earning rates available at the time of the original launch and should not be treated as a list of current Platinum Card benefits. See our current Platinum Card review for today’s card details.

Here’s what the brochure reads:

It’s Enjoying The Journey As Much As The Destination.

Whether you’re flying across the pond or across the world, you can enjoy your travel experience from wheels up to touch down.

One of the travel benefits you can enjoy include The American Express Global Lounge Collection where you’ll have the opportunity to relax pre-flight with complimentary lounge access at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.

Note: enrolment may be required for some lounge programs.

It’s Personalized Service For A Personalized Trip.

Platinum offers Cardmembers access to a dedicated team of professionals to help you realize your dreams and plan once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

With the Global Dining Collection, you get access to specifically reserved tables and extraordinary experiences at participating restaurants all around the globe.

Platinum Concierge is available to you day and night, whether it’s booking hard-to-find tickets, or getting advice on selecting a restaurant.

Hassle-free travel with Platinum Card Travel Service experienced consultants are at your service to help make every detail of your travel a breeze.

It’s Special Treatment For An Extra Special Trip.

As a loyal Platinum Cardmember, you can enroll in Jade membership of Shangri-La’s Golden Circle without the usual prerequisite stays. When you stay at participating Shangri-La properties, you’ll enjoy privileges including:

• 11am early check-in and 4pm late checkout (subject to availability. Some locations excluded).
• Priority upgrade to the next available best room category, if the reserved room type is not available at checkin.
• Earn Golden Circle Award Points with a 25% bonus at all properties of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

Exploring the world has never been more rewarding. You can now earn 2 Membership Rewards points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel. Please refer to the enclosed Notice of Change letter for information on applicable earn rate for all other Card purchases.

Don’t forget: savour your restaurant experiences 3x more by earning 3 Membership Rewards points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining in Canada.

Booking with Shangri-La is now even more rewarding as you can earn 2 Membership Rewards points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, including hotel stays. It’s just another way American Express has your back.

Considering the Amex Platinum Card Today?

The Platinum Card has changed significantly since the original metal version launched in Canada in 2019.

For the current welcome bonus, annual fee, earning rates, travel credits, hotel benefits and other card details, read our Amex Platinum Card review.

If airport lounge access is one of the main reasons you’re considering the card, read our Amex Platinum Airport Lounge Access: Canada’s Guide, including the upcoming changes to Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounge access beginning in 2027.

Although the actual unboxing of the new metal Platinum Card Canada was a bit of a letdown, I can happily say, the metal card itself has a high impact, and this travel rewards card has changed the way I travel forever. I hope you’ll consider seeing what this card can do for you on your next flight, or at your next hotel stay!