American Express Platinum Card®

Flytrippers opinion: The best premium card, with unlimited free access to VIP airport lounges.
Flytrippers Valuation
of Welcome bonus (net value)

via Amex secure application link
≈ $ 652

Rewards: ≈ $1451

Card fee: $799

Card eligibility
no minimum income
required

Welcome bonus eligibility
must not have had
this specific card
ever before
Amex MR points (more lucrative) + $600 in credits
Bonus: 100k pts
Earn on min. spend: 10k pts (total: 110k pts)

• ≈ $2310 to UNLIMITED for premium flights
• ≈ $1650 to ≈ $2310 for specific economy flights
• ≈ $1650 to $2200 for flights (table)
• $1100 for any travel expense
How to unlock bonus
spend $10,000
in 3 months




Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Amex is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "Apply Now" to see most up-to-date information.

Flytrippers award won

Summary of Flytrippers' review

WHY GET THIS CARD

  • Great welcome bonus of ≈ $652
  • Unlimited access to airport lounges (for 2 people)
  • Gold Elite Status at Marriott and Hilton hotels
  • Plenty of other luxury travel benefits
  • Extremely valuable Amex points that offer outsized and unlimited value
  • Excellent earn rate on travel
  • Exceptional travel insurance coverage

WHO SHOULD GET THIS CARD

  • Those who travel a lot and want unlimited lounge access
  • Those who enjoy luxury travel
  • Those who can reach a minimum spend of $10,000 in 3 months

Scroll for all details OR check out our rational defense of the fee

Card details

Offer structure (2 separate bonuses)

  • 70,000 points Bonus after spending $10,000 (in a maximum of 3 months)
  • 30,000 points Bonus after renewing the card and making any purchase between months 14 and 17

100,000 points Total with the 2 parts of the bonus

Apply for the American Express Platinum Card

Total rewards by unlocking the welcome bonus

  • 100,000 points Welcome bonus (2 parts)
  • 10,000 points Minimum earn on the minimum spending requirement of $10,000 (at base earn rate of 1 pt/$)

110,000 points Welcome bonus + Earn on the minimum spending requirement to unlock it

Apply for the American Express Platinum Card

Net value (at our Flytrippers Valuation of ≈ 1.5¢/pt)

  • ≈ $1050 Bonus after min. spend of $10k (70,000 pts)
  • ≈ $150 Earn on min. spend of $10k (10,000 pts)
  • $200 Travel credit (Year 1) that you can cash out on Day 1 (fixed value)
  • ≈ $100 Dining credit (Year 1) at a conservative value ($200 value)
  • $200 Travel credit (Year 2) that you can cash out on Day 1 (fixed value)
  • ≈ $450 Bonus after renewal and 1 more purchase (30,000 pts)
  • ≈ $100 Dining credit (Year 2) at a conservative value ($200 value)
  • –$799 Card fee Year 1 (deducted from Valuation)
  • –$799 Card fee Year 2 (deducted from Valuation)

≈ $652 Total net value by unlocking the welcome bonus alone

‣ Details about our Flytrippers Valuation of welcome bonuses

Effective return rate

≈ 6.5% Return on the minimum spending requirement (≈ $652 on $10,000 in 3 months)

‣ Details about effective return rates (coming soon)

Rewards acquisition summary

≈ $1850 Rewards you get for $1198 in net fees paid (2 years at $599 per year; $799 minus the $200 credit you cash out)

Apply for the American Express Platinum Card

Value of redemption options (welcome bonus)

For each available redemption option, here is the value of the 110,000 Amex points you get by unlocking the welcome bonus (the credits are separate):

  • ≈ $2310 to UNLIMITED Specific flights in premium cabins with airline price charts
  • ≈ $1650 to ≈ $2310 Specific flights in economy class with airline price charts
  • ≈ $1650 to $2200 Any flights with the Amex price chart
  • ≈ $1210 Any Air Canada flights with the airline’s program
  • ≈ $1188 to UNLIMITED Specific hotels with hotel price charts
  • $1100 Any trips on any website
  • $1100 Any trips on the Amex website
  • $1100 Cash back as a statement credit

‣ Details of the best redemptions of Amex points

Value of redemption options (per point)

For each available redemption option, here is the value per Amex point to help you understand:

  • ≈ 2.1¢/pt to UNLIMITED Specific flights in premium cabins with airline price charts
  • ≈ 1.5¢/pt to ≈ 2.1¢/pt Specific flights in economy class with airline price charts
  • ≈ 1.5¢/pt to 2¢/pt Any flights with the Amex price chart
  • ≈ 1.1¢/pt Any Air Canada flights with the airline’s program
  • ≈ 1.08¢/pt to UNLIMITED Specific hotels with hotel price charts
  • 1¢/pt Any trips on any website
  • 1¢/pt Any trips on the Amex website
  • 1¢/pt Cash back as a statement credit

‣ Details of the value per point

Redemptions for flights in premium cabins

Flights in first class and business class are what can give you the best value. It’s a redemption of the more lucrative type. The value depends on the flight chosen. The amount of points required is not tied to the cash price of flights. On most airlines, the amount of points is fixed by the price chart (prices are limited so available seats are limited).

Redeem your 110,000 Amex points for one-way flights (roundtrips are simply twice the price):

  • 60,000 pts Up to 4000 miles from Eastern Canada to Europe on partners
  • 70,000 pts Up to 6000 miles from Eastern Canada to Europe on partners
  • 87,500 pts Up to 11000 miles from Eastern Canada to Asia on partners

‣ Details of the best redemptions of Amex points

Redemptions for flights in economy

Exactly the same principle and works the same, but in economy so prices in the price chart are lower.

Redeem your 110,000 Amex points for one-way flights (roundtrips are simply twice the price):

  • 6,000 pts Up to 500 miles from Canada to the USA on partners
  • 10,000 pts Up to 1500 miles from Canada to the USA on partners
  • 12,500 pts Up to 2750 miles from Canada to the USA, the Caribbean, or Mexico on partners
  • 35,000 pts Up to 4000 miles from Eastern Canada to Europe on partners
  • 40,000 pts Up to 6000 miles from Eastern Canada to Europe on partners
  • 60,000 pts Up to 11000 miles from Eastern Canada to Asia on partners
  • 7,500 pts Up to 1000 miles within Europe, Africa, and the Middle East on partners
  • 8,000 pts Up to 1000 miles within Asia and Oceania on partners
  • 10,000 pts Up to 1600 miles within South America on partners

‣ Details of the best redemptions of Amex points

Redemptions for flights on Air Canada

If you want it to be less complicated, on Air Canada it’s a redemption of the more simple type. The value doesn’t vary too much depending on the flight chosen and the amount of points required is mostly tied to the cash price of the flight. But all seats are available.

Redeem your 110,000 Aeroplan points for:

  • 10,000 pts Discount of ≈ $110 on Air Canada flights
  • 25,000 pts Discount of ≈ $275 on Air Canada flights
  • 50,000 pts Discount of ≈ $550 on Air Canada flights
  • 110,000 pts Discount of ≈ $1210 on Air Canada flights

‣ Details of the best redemptions of Aeroplan points

Redemptions for travel (any website)

A reward redemption option of the more simple type, with a fixed value. When using them this way, Amex points are really as simple as points can be, as you can use them to simply erase any travel expense booked on any site.

Redeem your 110,000 Amex points for:

  • 1,000 pts Discount of $10 on travel booked on any website
  • 10,000 pts Discount of $100 on travel booked on any website
  • 25,000 pts Discount of $250 on travel booked on any website
  • 100,000 pts Discount of $1000 on travel booked on any website
  • 110,000 pts Discount of $1100 on travel booked on any website

‣ Details of the best redemptions of Amex points

Redemptions for anything other than travel

Should always be avoided, as with (almost) all rewards!

‣ Details about why you should always use your rewards for travel

American Express Lounge Collection
You get unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges around the world, for you and 1 guest. All Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Centurion Lounges, and a few others.

Learn more about the American Express Platinum lounge benefit 

$200 annual travel credit
The credit can be applied to any booking made with Amex Travel (flights, hotels, cars) or can even be cashed out with a pro tip.

‣Learn more about the Amex Platinum annual travel credit (coming soon)

$200 annual dining credit
The dining credit gives you $200 to use at a list of the best restaurants in Canada. Credit covers tips and taxes too, but must be used in 1 transaction.

Learn more about the Amex Platinum annual dining credit

$100 NEXUS credit
A credit will appear if you charge a NEXUS fee to your card — and you should really have NEXUS if you don’t already.

‣Learn more about the Amex NEXUS credit (coming soon)

Hotel elite status benefits
You get Gold elite status with Marriott Bonvoy (9000+ hotels) and Hilton Honors (7000+ hotels).

Learn more about the Amex Platinum elite status benefits (guide coming soon)

Car rental elite status benefits
You get elite status with Hertz.

Learn more about the Amex Platinum elite status benefits (guide coming soon)

The Fine Hotels + Resorts program
Amazing benefits at very luxurious and expensive hotels, exclusively for Platinum Cardmembers. The average value of the benefits is $600 per stay.

‣Learn more about the Fine Hotels + Resorts program (coming soon)

The Hotel Collection program
Benefits at top luxury hotels, such as a US$100 credit to use at the hotel and a free room upgrade.

‣Learn more about The Hotel Collection program (coming soon)

24/7 concierge service
You have access to a concierge service that can make restaurant reservations, organize deliveries for flowers or other things, and complete various research tasks for you.

‣Learn more about the Amex Platinum concierge service (coming soon)

Amex Offers benefit
Access to discounts, credits, and special offers throughout the year. This card comes with better offers than all others, valued at over $200, depending on your buying habits.

Learn more about the Amex Offers benefit

Amex ExperiencesTM
Access to exclusive virtual and in-person experiences and pre-sale tickets to lots of events.

‣Learn more about Amex ExperiencesTM (coming soon)

Exclusive Platinum events
Similar, but with many additional events that are exclusive to Platinum Cardmembers. I love going to the free Amex Platinum lounge on the beach during Art Basel in Miami every year.

‣Learn more about the American Express Experiences program (coming soon)

Metal card weighing 18 grams
The luxurious and heavy card is internationally recognized as a status symbol, if you care about those kinds of things.

‣Learn more about the Amex Platinum design (coming soon)

Insurance included

Medical travel insurance 15 days (64 years and under)
Flight delay insurance ($1,000, 4h minimum)
Rental car insurance
Baggage & personal effects insurance
Trip cancellation insurance
Trip interruption insurance
Travel accident insurance
Hotel burglary insurance
Purchase insurance
Extended warranty

‣Learn more about the American Express Platinum Card®‘s insurance coverage (coming soon)

Insurance not included

Mobile device insurance

‣Learn more about the different types of insurance coverage (coming soon)

Earn rates (and effective return at our Flytrippers Valuation)

2 points per $ (≈ 3%):

1 point per $ (≈ 1.5%):

  • Everywhere else

‣ Details about credit card earn rates (coming soon)

Pooling (with additional cards)
You can pool Amex points with additional cards (“joint” cards) added to this account. Additional cards without travel benefits are free (first 2 cards; then $50 per card). Additional cards with travel benefits (including lounge access) are $250.

‣ Details about pooling rewards with additional cards (coming soon)

Pooling (with separate cards that earn Amex points)
You can pool points across your separate cards that earn Amex points.

‣ Details about pooling Amex points from separate cards (coming soon)

Pooling (with travel companions)
You can pool Amex points with travel companions easily and for free via Aeroplan (temporarily suspended, but will be back).

‣ Details about pooling Amex points with travel companions (coming soon)

Expiration (if you have the card)
Amex points never expire as long as you have the American Express Card!

‣ Details about Amex points expiration (coming soon)

Expiration (if you don’t have the card)
You have 2 options to easily keep your Amex points from expiring even without the card:

‣ Details about reward expiration policies (coming soon)

How to get started

  • Apply for the American Express Platinum Card
  • Spend $10,000 (in a maximum of 3 months) to unlock 1st part of bonus
  • Renew card and make any purchase between months 14 and 17 to unlock 2nd part of bonus

‣ Details about the steps to follow when applying for a new card in Flytrippers’ free checklist

How to use/manage rewards

  • Create an Amex online account in a few clicks
  • Use/manage your Amex points on the Amex website

‣ Learn more about how to use/manage Amex points (coming soon)

Card eligibility
Minimum personal/household income: $0
Age: Majority in your province
Estimated credit score: Good or Excellent
Credit bureau: TransUnion

Learn more about credit card eligibility requirements (coming soon)

Welcome bonus eligibility
You must not have had the American Express Platinum Card® before.

Learn more about credit card welcome bonus eligibility rules (coming soon)

Offer end date
Offer subject to change at any time

Sign up for Flytrippers’ free travel rewards newsletter to get all card updates

Card details
Issuer: American Express
Network: American Express
Card Type: Card with no pre-set spending limit
Product Type: Personal card

‣Learn more about credit card types (coming soon)

Fees and rates
Card fee: $799/year
Fee for additional card (with benefits): $250
Fee for additional card (without benefits): $0 (first 2 cards, then $50)
FX fee: 2.5%
Purchases annual interest rate: N/A
Funds advances annual interest rate: N/A
Balance transfer fee: N/A

Learn more about why Flytrippers recommends ignoring fees and rates (coming soon)

  • Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®
  • Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points – that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away
  • New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership
  • Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
  • Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service
  • Enjoy a $200 Annual Dining Credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants
  • Unlock $200 or more in additional value with Member extras. You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands
  • Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge CollectionTM which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience
  • Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program
  • Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
  • Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $600 USD at over 1,500 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
  • Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities
  • Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport
  • You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hertz and Avis
  • Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement
  • American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment

Start earning rewards today

And make sure to download our free checklist for when you get a new card—it includes very important mistakes to avoid
(it will open in a separate tab, or you can click here)

via Amex secure application

Questions?
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