American Express Platinum Card

The annual fee is among the highest in the market, although the Platinum Card offers a $200 travel credit once per anniversary year, and a $200 annual dining credit once per calendar year, reducing the effective annual cost.

At Prince of Travel, our favourite tool to use with minimum spending requirements is Chexy, a Canadian platform that allows you to pay a host of bills – including rent, tuition, utility bills, car lease payments, property taxes, and much more – with a credit card and earn points. The processing fee is offset by the value of the points earned from spending and welcome bonuses.

The 2x return on dining in Canada is competitive with other travel cards, although the American Express Cobalt Card offers 5 MR points per dollar spent on the same purchases.

The 2x return on travel is similarly competitive, though the Gold Rewards Card matches this benefit.

The 1x return on all other purchases isn't outstanding, but the card earns Membership Rewards points, which offer plenty of redemption options.

The Membership Rewards program offers outstanding redemption opportunities as a flexible, transferable rewards currency with access to airlines across all three major alliances.

You can redeem Membership Rewards points through transfer partners like Amex Fixed Points Travel for round-trip flights departing from Canada, or transfer to Aeroplan, British Airways Avios, or Air France KLM Flying Blue for broader redemption options. Direct redemption against travel purchases is available but typically offers lower value compared to transfer partner bookings.

What really sets the Platinum Card apart is the outstanding travel benefits that justify its annual fee.

Chief among these is the complimentary airport lounge access at over 1,300 lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection.

Priority Pass membership grants you (and one guest) access to more than 600 Priority Pass airport lounges worldwide. Most major airports have a Priority Pass lounge, meaning you'll rarely be without a relaxing space before your flight.

American Express' Centurion Lounges are exclusive lounges available only to holders of select American Express cards with a same-day boarding pass. They offer top-quality food and drink inspired by regional tastes, plus comfortable interiors showcasing local design principles. As a Platinum Card holder, you can bring two guests for free.

Beyond airport lounge access, you'll receive Marriott Gold Elite status and Hilton Gold status, each with valuable benefits when staying at their properties.

Another outstanding benefit is access to American Express's Fine Hotels & Resorts program, which offers special rates at select luxury hotels worldwide, including suite upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and property-specific benefits such as airport transfers or spa credits. The program often features third-night-free or fourth-night-free offers.

You'll also have access to Amex's International Airline Program, which offers discounted airfares on premium economy, business class, and first class tickets for you and your travel companions on participating airlines.

Additional benefits include priority security lane access at Toronto Pearson Airport, upgrades and discounts on car rentals through Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status and Avis Preferred status, a travel credit toward flights, hotels, car rentals, or vacation bookings through Amex's Platinum Travel Service, and an annual dining credit, which can be used at eligible restaurants in Canada.

The **Platinum Concierge** is a global team able to assist with any requests, such as difficult restaurant bookings or last-minute flower orders. While not miracle workers, they will proactively place you on waitlists or confirm spots for future dates.

If you enjoy concerts, theatre, or special events, your Platinum card grants access to presale and reserved tickets through Amex's Front Of The Line program and Amex

As a premium travel credit card, the Platinum Card offers top-tier insurance coverage to match.