Platinum Card: $200 travel credit extension

All American ExpressPlatinum Card^® receive a $200 annual travel credit.

This credit is offered when the Card is purchased and renewed in the new billing year, i.e. when the annual fee is renewed.

Today, American Express announced to American ExpressPlatinum Card^® holders a gesture following the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, American ExpressPlatinum Card^® holders who were unable to use their credit between January and September 2020 will have their credit automatically replaced by American Express. This even applies to travel credits that would have expired since January.

No action is required and American Express will contact the Cardholders concerned.

Here is the email sent to the registrants:

For over 160 years, Amex has been committed to serving its Canadian customers. These are unprecedented times for us all, but nothing is more important than ensuring that our commitment to you remains strong, no matter what the context.

We know that the lives of Cardmembers, like ours, have changed dramatically over the past few weeks. We are looking at short-term changes we can make to ensure Platinum Card^® members continue to enjoy the benefits they value so highly.

First and foremost, we want to ensure that you continue to enjoy the many benefits of your Platinum Card. We realize that you may not have been able to use your C$200 annual travel credit1 before its expiry date. If your credit has expired or expires between January and September of this year, and you have not yet used it, we have taken the initiative to grant you a replacement credit. There is no action required on your part at this time and we will contact you with more information on how the replacement credit will be applied to your account.

We understand that in these difficult times you may need financial assistance. That’s why we will work with our grantees to find solutions that will help them get their finances under control. We can offer our cardholders short-term financial assistance tailored to their specific situation. If this pandemic has affected your finances, we encourage you to call us at the number on the back of your Card to speak with one of our Customer Service Specialists. And, as always, you can view your account information by logging into Online Services and the American Express^® application.

We hope these initial steps will help demonstrate our commitment to supporting you during this critical time. In the coming weeks, we will be sending you information about other programs designed to enhance the benefits of your Card. We will continue to support you so that together we emerge from this crisis stronger.

Lisa Kalhans - Présidente et chef de la direction - Banque Amex du Canada

This is a great first initiative by American Express for American ExpressPlatinum Card^® holders.

We are now hoping that a move will be made on the trigger for the welcome bonuses, knowing that it is difficult for many to spend the minimum amount in the time allotted.

In the U.S., for example, American Express has made it possible to extend this period by several months. Let’s wait and see if American Express Canada will offer the same thing.