Getting Started with the American Express Platinum Card

Updated May 31, 2024
Fact checked by
Alexandrine Bertrand
Alexandrine Bertrand

Alexandrine Bertrand

Alexandrine Bertrand
An avid solo traveller, Alexandrine is an expert on loyalty programmes such as Aeroplan, Avios, AIR MILES, Flying Blue and Marriott Bonvoy. With a budget-conscious approach, she helps travellers make the most of their points and miles to experience affordable, off-the-beaten-path getaways. She also shares a love of gastronomy and enjoys exploring local flavours and culinary traditions.
All posts by Alexandrine Bertrand
To the point Whether you've just signed up for the American Express Platinum Card or are hesitant to take the plunge, here's what you need to know about this credit card

Have you just signed up for the Carte de PlatineMD from American Express? Find out how to get started by signing up for the various benefits!

Since this article, a new offer exists with new advantages.

Getting Started with the American Express Platinum Card

Receiving the Platinum Card

The Platinum Card comes with a unique packaging, hand-delivered by Purolator, 2 days after the subscription.

At the opening, you will discover your card as well as a guide presenting all the benefits to which you are entitled. There are many of these!

The traveler’s profile and the known signature sheet

This document is important. You will enter all the information related to:

  • your loyalty program membership numbers
  • your travel preferences (seat in the plane, type of hotel…)
  • who you authorize to communicate with American Express

All this because you have a free concierge service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With this information, he will be able to help you with your travels, restaurant reservations and any other request that seems impossible.

If you don’t have certain loyalty program accounts, we recommend opening them on your own (not letting American Express do it). If not, it will be difficult to get the membership number back!

Access to benefits registration

Once you have activated your card and set up your online account, you will need to sign up for the many benefits.

Go to the“Platinum Service” tab

amex platinum barthen“Benefits Directory“.

platinum serviceOnce in the Benefits Directory, click on“Start Your Enrollment“.

start your registration

The benefits of the Platinum Card

Platinum Card benefits include elevated status in select hotel and car rental loyalty programs, as well as access to the highest level of Priority Pass(airport lounges).

Gold status in the Hilton Honors Program

All Platinum Card holders have access to this high status at Hilton hotels. When you are a Hilton guest, this allows you to have complimentary breakfasts at select hotels, arrival upgrades, free Wi-Fi, and late check-out (usually 4pm instead of 12pm).

gold hilton platinum status

Marriott Bonvoy Gold status

Here, too, you’ll earn Gold status with the Marriott Bonvoy program, which entitles you to extra points, a late checkout, a possible upgrade and free Wi-Fi.

platinum benefits

Gold status in the Radisson Rewards program

There are few Radisson establishments in Canada. However, there are many hotels of the group in Europe, Asia and the United States. Again, you’ll be eligible for upgrades, a welcome gift, extra points, and early arrival and late departure.

Avis Preferred status and Hertz Five Star Level

If you are used to booking with these rental companies, it could be useful to get an upgrade, extra points and faster access to your car, for example!

status notice hertz platinum

Priority Pass Membership

This is, in my opinion, the best benefit offered by the Platinum Card. Once you have registered, you will receive your Priority Pass membership card within ten days. You will then have access to many airport lounges with a free guest (which is quite rare). Additional guests will be charged $32 USD to enter.

priority pass platinumThanks to Priority Pass, I frequently use the National Bank lounge at Montreal-Trudeau Airport.

National Bank YUL Lounge

And in addition to Priority Pass lounges, your Platinum Card gives you access to other lounges (American Express International Lounges, Delta Skyclub, Plaza Premium, Centurion, Airspace and Escape Lounges).

Bottom line

As you can see, the benefits of the American Express Platinum Card are numerous in terms of hotel status, car rental and airport lounge access. It’s important to register for these programs and benefits so you can take advantage of them on future trips!

There are many other benefits listed on this page, such as the $200 annual travel credit, concierge service, access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program. Thanks to this map, you can have many shortcuts to make your trips remarkable!

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien, President and Founder of Milesopedia, is a recognized expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel in Canada and France. Approaching forty and a father of two, he has travelled to over 100 countries, half of them with his children and his wife, Audrey. Specializing in top loyalty programs like Aeroplan, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, he guides travellers to maximize their benefits across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine

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