American Express offers many benefits in Montreal for the Formula 1 (F1) Canadian Grand Prix, including many open to all Amex cardholders — and anyone who is even slightly serious about traveling should have at least one. Amex is the credit card issuer that’s THE most travel-focused and THE most premium-focused and therefore offers benefits for specific events like this.
I’ve already shared information about the most exclusive event, the Maison Amex exclusive VIP lounge, because that’s the best, for sure. It’s the only one that doesn’t require an F1 ticket, but does requires a premium card — and that was pressing in case some of you wanted to apply for one ASAP. It’s a completely separate benefit unrelated to the location of the actual F1 race.
But there are many other benefits if you have any American Express card and an F1 ticket.
Here are the details of the Amex benefits in Montreal for the F1 weekend.
Overview of the Amex benefits for the Montreal F1 Grand Prix
American Express is the official partner of Formula 1 in the Americas, which means they have plenty of benefits at the Grand Prix du Canada in Montreal this week.
Here are all the Amex benefits, which are all on a first-come, first-served basis:
- Maison Amex Montreal lounge on Crescent Street
- The only one that doesn’t require an F1 ticket
- The only one that requires a premium card
- This is a completely separate unrelated benefit
- Trackside Lounge
- VIP spot right at the finish line
- Fan Zone experience
- For “unforgettable experiences”
- Free “race day essentials”
- Pick up what you need to enjoy the race
- Free race radios
- So you don’t miss a thing
- 10% discount on Official F1 and CGV merchandise
- When you pay with your Amex card
So all benefits on the F1 site itself are available to all Amex cardholders. For example, if you’re a savvy traveler who has the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card (the only card in Canada that’s for every traveler, with no exceptions) or the Amex Cobalt Card (the best overall card in Canada, no debate possible), you’re eligible!
Here are all the Amex cards issued in Canada, so you can see if you have a card that allows you to take advantage of the F1 benefits in Montreal. International cards work for these benefits too, as long as they have the Amex logo.
| All American Express credit cards |
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best  Valuation (BONUS)(≈ 8.3% back on $9k)
Rewards: ≈ $900
Card fee: $156
Spend required:$9k in 12 mos.
Best for: Best overall card in Canada
 LUCRATIVE
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Valuation (BONUS) (≈ 7.8% back on $12k)
Rewards: ≈ $1180
Card fee: $250
Spend required:$12k in 12 mos.
Best for: Lucrative rewards and 4 passes for VIP airport lounges
LUCRATIVE
|
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Valuation (BONUS) (≈ 6.5% back on $10k)
Rewards: ≈ $1451
Card fee: $799
Spend required:$10k in 3 mos.
Best for: Unlimited access to VIP airport lounges and lucrative rewards
LUCRATIVE
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| Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information. |
| All American Express credit cards |
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION) |
Best for |
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|
best 
|
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $750/month for 12 months
|
Rewards: ≈ $900
Card fee: $156
|
Best overall
card
in Canada
|
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Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $1k/month for 12 months
|
Rewards: ≈ $1180
Card fee: $250
|
Lucrative rewards
and 4 passes
for VIP airport lounges
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Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $10k in 3 mos.
|
Rewards: ≈ $1451
Card fee: $799
|
Unlimited access to
VIP airport lounges
and lucrative rewards
|
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Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $3k in 3 mos. + $1k
|
Rewards: ≈ $540
Card fee: $120
|
Valuable Aeroplan pts
without min. income
and lower min. spend
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Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 3 mos.
|
Rewards: ≈ $1041
Card fee: $599
|
For Air Canada
lounge access
& other AC benefits
|
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Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $1.5k in 3 mos.
|
Rewards: ≈ $477
Card fee: $120
|
Very lucrative
hotel points
for specific hotels
|
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Card: no business required
Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 3 mos.
|
Rewards: ≈ $713
Card fee: $199
|
More valuable
Amex points
for Aeroplan or Avios
|
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Card: no business required
Min. spend (bonus): $15k in 3 mos.
|
Rewards: ≈ $1922
Card fee: $799
|
Big spenders
& luxury
travelers
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Card: no business required
Min. spend (bonus): $5k in 3 mos.
|
Rewards: ≈ $630
Card fee: $150
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For those
who already have
the one above
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Card: no business required
Min. spend (bonus): $10.5k in 3 mos.
|
Rewards: ≈ $1172
Card fee: $599
|
Frequent Air Canada
travel
& maximizing Aeroplan
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Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $1k in 3 mos.
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Rewards: ≈ $165
Card fee: $0
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No annual fee
lucrative rewards
& Amex benefits
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Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $2k in 3 mos.
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Rewards: $200
Card fee: $120
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Cashback
fans
who spend more
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Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $2k in 3 mos.
|
Rewards: $100
Card fee: $0
|
One of best
no-annual-fee
cashback cards
|
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Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): no welcome bonus
|
Rewards: $0
Card fee: $25
|
Low interest
rate
& Amex benefits
|
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| Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Scotia American Express credit cards |
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Valuation (BONUS) ( 8.7% back on $7.5k)
Rewards: $775
Card fee: $120
Spend required:$7.5k in 12 mos. (or $2k)
Best for: Very good travel insurance and earn rate
 SIMPLE
12k
ends July 1st
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Valuation (BONUS) ( 6.0% back on $10k)
Rewards: $1000
Card fee: $399
Spend required:$10k in 14 mos. (or $3k)
Best for: 10 airport lounge passes and no FX fees
SIMPLE
12k
ends October 31st
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Valuation (BONUS) ( 8% back on $1k)
Rewards: $80
Card fee: $0
Spend required:$1k in 3 mos. (or $250)
Best for: Access to Amex Offers benefit in multiples
SIMPLE
12k
ends July 1st
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| Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information. |
| Scotia American Express credit cards |
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION) |
Best for |
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|
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 12 mos. (or $2k for lower bonus)
|
Rewards: $775
Card fee: $120
|
Very good
travel insurance
and earn rate
|
ends July 1st
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Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $10k in 14 mos. (or $3k for lower bonus)
|
Rewards: $1000
Card fee: $399
|
10 airport
lounge passes
and no FX fees
|
ends October 31st
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Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $1k in 3 mos. (or $250 for lower bonus)
|
Rewards: $80
Card fee: $0
|
Access to
Amex Offers benefit
in multiples
|
ends July 1st
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| Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I’m almost tempted to buy an F1 ticket just to take advantage of these benefits, as I love to test things out for you. But if you already have F1 tickets, it’s a no-brainer to go to all the Amex locations and make the most of it.
Seeing more of these benefits offered is great. It also makes sense as the Amex brand is meant to unlock unique experiences, and Amex cards already give access to exclusive benefits such as pre-sales for so many entertainment tickets. There are now a record 5 F1 races in North America, so there’s potential for a lot of Amex benefits if you like to travel to attend a Grand Prix!
Here are the details for each benefit, but there isn’t much information available since this is the first time these pop-up benefits are taking place in Montreal.
Maison Amex exclusive VIP lounge — Montreal F1 Amex benefits
Amex pop-up lounges give you an experience like the VIP airport lounges but off-airport! This is the only benefit you can enjoy in downtown Montreal, so no F1 ticket is required.
But a premium Amex card is required. I’ll be there myself on Saturday.
Trackside lounge — Montreal F1 Amex benefits
This seems like the best benefit directly on the F1 site — an exclusive trackside viewing experience, completely free (for card members and 1 guest). Unfortunately, there are no further details on what’s included.
The location looks perfect, right on the finish line (near grandstand 1).
On one hand, since it’s open to all Amex cardholders (even those who only have no-annual-fee cards), you’d think it’s probably not as cool as the Maison Amex pop-up lounge or VIP airport lounges. But on the other hand, F1 tickets are pretty expensive and most people there will probably have the good Amex cards.
But it’s in a great spot for sure! Maybe the view is the only attraction. Or maybe there’s free food too. No matter what, it will almost surely be a unique experience for those who can get there.
Important if you want to take advantage of this fantastic benefit: you need to swing by the lounge to make a reservation in person during the race weekend to book a time slot for a session. I would go as soon as possible to get the most options.
Then, you’ll have to come back no later than 15 minutes after your reserved time slot, or they will cancel your reservation. You must also leave once your session in the trackside lounge is over.
A valid government ID is required to ensure the name matches the Amex card. There’s a limit of 1 time slot per cardholder per day, but you might be able to get more if you have more than 1 Amex card (like most travel rewards enthusiasts do, and rightly so).
Fan Zone experience — Montreal F1 Amex benefits
This particular activation kiosk promises “unforgettable experiences,” but these are not defined at all. This is the only benefit open to those without Amex cards, so it’s probably not that unforgettable.
It’s located in the official F1 Fan Zone during the 3 days of the race.
Capacity is limited to 125 people at a time, so there might be a wait to access this zone as it’s open to all.
The opening hours are:
- Friday: 8 AM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Free race day essentials — Montreal F1 Amex benefits
This is called the Pit Stop, and Amex is offering free “race day essentials”, which again, aren’t defined. However, this is probably pretty useful!
It’s located at the very end of the hairpin turn (turn 10), between grandstands 15 and 24.
Access is available to all Amex cardholders and 1 free guest. All you have to do is present your card. It also works on a first-come, first-served basis.
From what I’ve heard of these types of Amex events, I’m guessing there will be snacks or water bottles. There will probably be some branded goodies, like Amex bags or maybe earplugs, since it’s a race. This is just pure speculation, though.
The opening hours are:
- Friday: 8 AM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Free race radios — Montreal F1 Amex benefits
Amex is offering free race radios so you can access F1 TV’s live commentary and keep up with the latest developments during race weekend.
These radios are available at 4 locations around the circuit.
All Amex cardholders can obtain these race radios. Once again, all you need to do is to show your card. There’s a limit of 1 radio per card member but as we said before, you may be able to get more if you have more than 1 Amex card.
Finally, they say it’s “available while supplies last” but they also explicitly mention they might give some of these radios to non-Amex cardholders too, so I guess they have plenty of those.
Merchandise discount — Montreal F1 Amex benefits
Amex is offering a 10% discount on all in-stock merchandise purchases at participating F1 and Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve merch stores.
There is no map of the stores, but my guess is that all merch stores inside the Grand Prix site are participating stores. The discount is only valid during the Grand Prix weekend.
Everyone with an Amex card can take advantage of this discount (excluding Amex prepaid/gift cards of course, like for everything else above). The logistics aren’t detailed, but in case it’s not an automatic discount for all purchases made with Amex cards, I’d ask the salesperson about the Amex 10% discount before paying if you want to buy anything.
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Summary
American Express benefits for the F1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal are a great way to enhance your experience during one of the city’s liveliest weekends! Make sure not to miss these benefits if you’re at the race! It’s just another example of the unique benefits of Amex cards for travelers.
What would you like to know about Amex benefits for F1 weekend in Montreal? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Gilles-Villeneuve F1 circuit in Montreal (photo credit: F1 GP Canada)
