Why the American Express Platinum Card is Perfect for the Avid Canadian Traveller
I’ve been a user of the American Express Platinum Card for years now, and I’ve found that if I’m using it intentionally, the value far outweighs the annual fee. I have a few travel credit cards, but this card is my crown jewel.
I’ve used a lot of different credit cards along the way, but I’ve come to realize that there’s only one AMEX Platinum Card. Yes, the fee is higher than a lot of other cards, but in my humble opinion, there’s no card offering what the Platinum does, and I’ll aim to break down precisely why I feel that way in this article.
Especially compared to our neighbours to the south, we simply don’t have the offerings (or the competition) amongst our credit card providers, but American Express does a nice job of giving you the premium offerings that you’d be much more likely to find with US cards.
If you’re considering getting the AMEX Platinum, then this article is for you. It’s widely considered to be the best Canadian premium card for Canadian travellers.
*Please note that this article contains some affiliate links. Simply put, it means that we may receive a small commission for some of our recommendations at absolutely zero additional cost to you.
What Do You Need to Know About the AMEX Platinum Card for Canadians?
The metal grey card is the Platinum Card.
The Welcome Bonus
For starters, as it stands right now, when you sign up you get 80,000 welcome points (an $800 value), after you charge $7500 in net purchases to your card in the first three months.
If you use my referral link, then you can make that 90,000 points, as you’ll earn an additional 10,000 Membership Rewards points.
Details to Know Off the Bat
In terms of financial info, note that there’s no pre-set spending limit, a $175 annual fee for each additional Platinum Card, or $50 annual fee for an additional Gold Card.
The annual fee of $699 seems steep at first, but it’s very easy to amass rewards that make this annual fee look like bargain. In 3 months, between the Annual Travel Credit and Welcome Bonus, I had already amassed $1100 in points, not including the points I received for purchases in that first three month period. Many articles that talk about the Premium Card talk about how the rewards often equal around 3k per year.
For eligibility - you simply need to be a Canadian resident with a Canadian credit file, and be the age of majority in your province (typically 18 or 19).
You’ll also be getting a metal card that’s precision cut and engraved. I know it’s very surface level, but it does feel great to put this down on the table after a meal.
For points:
You earn 3x points on dining and food delivery purchases in Canada from eligible cafes and restaurants.
There are 2x points on travel on everything from flights to hotels, and you know that makes me happy. You get an additional point if you’re booking on Amex Travel online.
1X points on everything else. Note that the membership point system is nice and easy - 10,000 points equals $100 bucks.
You can earn statement credits for eligible purchases on your card, book new travel through American Express Travel Online using the Flexible Points Travel Program, book flights with the Fixed Points Travel Program, transfer points to various loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio, and redeem points for gift cards from upscale retailers like Holt Renfrew.
Do please make sure that this card is the right fit for you, and know that I’m speaking from genuine personal experience here on how this card has worked for me, but this isn’t financial advice. As I’ve travelled more, I’ve tried to be savvier in how to make travel work for me, and to be a frugal flyer.
The Annual Travel Credit
This is one of my favourite features of the card, since it feels like a free $200 just for existing.
You can apply this offer to any individual travel reservation worth $200 or more, booked through American Express Travel Online or the Platinum Card Travel Service.
A Platinum Card Means Platinum Travel Benefits
The American Express Platinum Card offers several travel-related benefits, including access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through the Global Lounge Collection.
Cardholders also receive a $100 CAD NEXUS Card Statement Credit for NEXUS application fees, and can enjoy Fine Hotels + Resorts perks, such as complimentary benefits at upscale hotels.
The benefits also include Hotel Status Benefit, providing elevated status in hotel loyalty programs like Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
Being based in Toronto, it’s been great to see that there are benefits at Toronto Pearson International Airport, such as priority security lane access and parking discounts.
Cardholders can access exclusive deals on American Express Travel Online for hotel and car rental bookings, some of which offer statement credits for eligible purchases.
Platinum Concierge
I never felt bad about the annual fee, because of the service. If I need something, I know they’re always a message away through the app (or phone call).
Platinum Concierge provides free assistance around the clock, no matter your location. Whether you require restaurant reservations or thoughtful gift ideas, simply call or message Concierge for help.
Enjoy American Express Advantages and experiences
The Platinum Card offers various exclusive experiences:
Front Of The Line Presales: Access pre-sale tickets for popular events, concerts, and special occasions before the general public.
Front Of The Line Reserved tickets: Enjoy priority access to great seats reserved exclusively for Cardmembers during public on-sale periods for major events.
Entertainment: Participate in unique events like advance movie screenings and theatre packages through American Express Experiences.
Dining: Discover curated dining events, food festivals, and access to top restaurants through American Express Experiences.
Retail: Access private shopping experiences and exclusive online offers to enhance your style.
Wellness: Benefit from special wellness-focused offers and experiences to prioritize self-care.
Onsite benefits: Enjoy perks like fast entry to entertainment venues, relaxation in exclusive lounges, and express services at theatres.
Impressive Travel Coverage
The Platinum Card offers comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including:
Up to $5 million for emergency medical expenses while traveling out of your Canadian province or territory for the first 15 days.
Reimbursement for non-refundable travel costs due to trip cancellation - up to $2,500 per person or $5,000 for all insured persons combined.
Coverage for unused travel costs due to trip interruption or delay - up to $2,500 per person or $6,000 for all insured persons combined.
Up to $1,000 coverage for accommodations and expenses during flight delays.
Up to $1,000 coverage for essential purchases in case of baggage delay.
Up to $1,000 coverage against loss in case of hotel burglary.
Coverage for lost or stolen baggage, up to $1,000 per trip for all insured persons.
$500,000 travel accident insurance for common carrier tickets.
Rental car theft and damage coverage for vehicles valued up to $85,000.
24/7 travel emergency assistance for medical and legal support.
These insurance benefits are available to eligible Cardmembers and provide extensive coverage for various travel-related situations. You’re always smart to understand your insurance inside and out, and you can find further information here.
Top notch Service
The Platinum Card offers various convenient services:
Platinum Card Website: Access a dedicated platform with information about benefits, partners, insurance, and special offers.
24/7 Customer Service: Available anytime, globally, for any assistance you need.
Fraud Protection Guarantee: You won't be held accountable for fraudulent charges if you've taken reasonable precautions.
Emergency Card Replacement: If your card is lost or stolen, replacement arrangements are quickly made.
American Express SafeKey: Enhanced security for online shopping.
Online Account Management: View statements, set alerts, and more through Online Services.
American Express Mobile App: Manage your account on the go, register for offers, use biometric login, book travel, and receive notifications.
Card Offers and Rewards: Easily register your card for offers and rewards.
These services offer ease and security in managing your Platinum Card account.
Big Shopper? How About Some Shopping Coverage?
The Platinum Card offers financial flexibility with no pre-set spending limit, allowing full utilization of points. The card also provides benefits like the Buyer’s Assurance Protection Plan, extending manufacturer warranties by a year for eligible items charged to the card.
Additionally, the Purchase Protection Plan insures eligible items against accidental damage or theft for 120 days after purchase, up to $1,000 per incident for all purchased items combined.
Exclusive Offers
This is actually one of my favourite parts of the AMEX Platinum Card - the rotating list of offers that provide discounts to things you might already be wanting to purchase.
Amex Offers: Enjoy personalized rewards for everyday purchases, including dining and shopping, accessed through the Amex App or Online Services. Regularly updated with new offers.
American Express Travel Online: Transform your travel plans with discounts on hotels and car rentals, and earn statement credits on eligible purchases, enhancing your travel experiences.
Why This American Express Card is the Top Choice in Travel
In sum, for Canadian travellers seeking an elevated and seamless travel experience, the American Express Platinum Card stands as an exceptional choice.
This premium card offers a comprehensive array of benefits tailored to meet the demands of frequent globetrotters. With access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through the Global Lounge Collection, a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit, and exclusive hotel and car rental deals, the Platinum Card prioritizes comfort and convenience.
The Card's diverse insurance coverages, including medical, trip cancellation, and baggage protection, ensure peace of mind throughout journeys. Moreover, the Platinum Card extends beyond travel, offering perks such as unique dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences through Amex Offers and American Express Experiences.
Ultimately, the American Express Platinum Card is more than a payment tool; it's a gateway to a world of extraordinary benefits designed to enhance every aspect of a Canadian traveler's journey.
You can learn more and see if this card is right for you right here.