American Express Platinum

The American Express Platinum card earns Membership Rewards and offers cardholders a variety of benefits including an annual $200 travel credit, complimentary airport lounge access, an annual $200 dining credit, and instant elite status with many hotel loyalty programs.

In 2024, we awarded this card as the Best Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access.

Rewards Rates

The American Express Platinum card earns Membership Rewards (MR) points for all eligible purchases made on the card:

  • 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible dining, food delivery purchases, and American Express Travel Online purchases.
  • 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible travel purchases including air, water, rail, or road transport, lodging, and tour operator sales.
  • 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Redeeming Membership Rewards

The best use for Membership Rewards is to transfer them to a variety of airline and hotel partners for your next redemption. Learn more about transfer partners with our Ultimate Guide to American Express Canada Transfer Partners.

Partners for American Express Canada include:

  • Transferrable at 1:1 ratio: Aeroplan Points, British Airways Avios, Hilton Honors
  • Transferrable at 1:0.75 ratio: Alitalia MilleMiglia, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, Delta Skymiles, Eithad Guest, Flying Blue
  • Transferrable at 1:1.2 ratio: Marriott Bonvoy

Click to learn everything you need to know about the American Express Membership Rewards program.

Benefits

American Express Platinum cardholders receive a $200 annual travel credit upon approval, and every anniversary year thereafter. This credit can be applied towards a single travel booking made through American Express Travel online. This travel credit can also be turned into a statement credit through the refundable hotel trick if you don’t have any travel bookings on the horizon.

The American Express Platinum card also includes a $200 annual dining credit. Cardholders will need to enroll in this benefit and will need to spend at least $200 in one purchase at an eligible restaurant as outlined by American Express.

Cardholders are eligible to receive a $100 statement credit towards membership in the NEXUS program. This credit is available upon approval, and every four years thereafter. This credit will cover the entire cost of the NEXUS application fee, making it a no-brainer to apply for the program.

By holding the American Express Platinum card, cardholders are able to apply for and receive hotel status at many hotel chains including Hilton Honors Gold status, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, and Radisson Rewards Gold status. Cardholders can apply these statuses to their respective hotel loyalty program account through the “Benefits” tab on the American Express website.

The American Express Platinum card grants the cardholder access to many airport lounge programs through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. This includes complimentary access to American Express Centurion lounges at specific airports for the cardholder and two guests

As a cardholder, you will gain access to the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts collection booking platform. If you are staying at a property that you booked through this tool, you will receive perks such as breakfast for two, early check-in (where possible), late check-out, room upgrades, and an additional benefit such as a property credit to be used on any purchase that can be charged to your room bill.

If you are located in YYZ or tend to fly through this airport often, by holding the American Express Platinum card you will be able to access the priority security lane which can be a great time-saver. Simply show your credit card to the individual at the Pearson Priority security lane at the Toronto Pearson International Airport in order to take advantage of this perk.

Finally, American Express Platinum cardholders have access to the American Express Platinum Concierge service. This complimentary service can assist the cardholder with various travel needs, such as booking restaurant reservations. When utilizing this service remember that while they will try to be helpful, they are not miracle workers. Try to keep the requests reasonable and I think you will be pleasantly surprised with how they can assist.

Insurance Coverage

The American Express Platinum card offers ten types of insurance coverage:

  • Emergency medical insurance
  • Trip cancellation coverage
  • Trip interruption coverage
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Rental car theft and damage coverage
  • Lost or stolen baggage insurance
  • Baggage and flight delay coverage
  • Hotel burglary insurance
  • Purchase protection
  • Buyers assurance protection

Refer to the American Express Platinum insurance certificate for additional details, including terms and conditions for eligibility.

Other Membership Rewards Cards You Might Consider

Credit Card Welcome Bonus Net Value
American Express Business Platinum 120,000 Membership Rewards $1,841 Apply
American Express Business Gold 70,000 Membership Rewards $1,341 Apply
American Express Gold 60,000 Membership Rewards $1,070 Apply
American Express Business Edge 45,000 Membership Rewards $891 Apply
American Express Green 10,000 Membership Rewards $220 Apply

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