What is the current welcome bonus on the American Express Platinum Card?

American Express is offering its best offer of the year on the American Express® Platinum Card: up to 170,000 Membership Rewards points, to be earned in three steps.- 90,000 points after $10,000 in purchases in the first 3 months; - 40,000 points after a total of $45,000 in purchases in the first 12 months; - 40,000 points after a purchase between the 15th and 17th month; At the minimum value of 1 cent per point, that's $1,700, but points often deliver much more value when transferred to Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, or British Airways Avios. The offer ends on July 28, 2026.

What are the annual fees and points multipliers?

The American Express® Platinum Card in Canada costs $799 per year. The multipliers are: - 2 points per dollar on eligible dining and delivery in Canada; - 2 points per dollar on eligible travel; - 1 point per dollar on other purchases; The fees are high, but for a frequent traveler, the integrated credits ( $200 travel + $200 dining + $200 or more via Cardmember Extras + $100 NEXUS) cover over $600 per year, even before counting lounge access and hotel statuses.

What lounge access and hotel statuses are included?

The American Express® Platinum Card offers the most comprehensive travel benefits among Canadian cards:- Access to over 1,550 lounges in more than 140 countries (Centurion, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Delta Sky Club); - Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (upgrade, late checkout); - Hilton Honors Gold status (complimentary breakfast, 80% bonus on points); - $100 credit for NEXUS membership (every 4 years); Note: effective January 1, 2027, unlimited access to Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounges will transition to a spend-based model ($20,000 in purchases per year to maintain unlimited access).

How many trips does it take for the American Express Platinum Card to become worthwhile?

The profitability equation for the American Express® Platinum Card at $799 depends on your profile:- 1 to 2 trips per year: integrated credits (over $600 per year) already cover most of the fees; - 3 to 5 trips per year: lounge access and hotel status add $500 to $800 in value, making the card fully worthwhile; - 6 or more trips per year: the value can exceed $2,000 in benefits (lounges, statuses, point accumulation); For an occasional traveler (fewer than 2 trips per year), a more modest card like the American Express Gold Card remains more appropriate.

How long is the 170,000 points offer valid?

The welcome offer of up to 170,000 Membership Rewards points on the American Express® Platinum Card ends on July 28, 2026. This is American Express's best offer of the year on this card. To take advantage of it, your application must be submitted and approved before this date. The spending conditions ($10,000 in 3 months, then $45,000 in 12 months) begin upon membership.

Is there a minimum income requirement for the American Express Platinum Card?

No. Like all American Express Canada cards, the American Express® Platinum Card has no minimum income requirement. American Express evaluates your application based on your overall credit history rather than a fixed income threshold. A good credit history is still recommended to maximize your chances of approval, especially for a premium card like this one.