Scotiabank Gold American Express® CardScotiabank Gold American Express® CardEarn up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points + no annual fee in your first year

Comparison: American Express Platinum Card vs. Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card

Comparison: American Express Platinum Card vs. Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card
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American Express Canada and Scotiabank offer two cards for frequent travellers:

Annual fee
$799
Our valuation
$1,700
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

Terms of the offer

  • Unlock special experiences with the newly designed metal Platinum Card
  • New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 25,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points when you charge $2,000 in purchases to your Card in the first three months of Cardmembership
  • Earn 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
  • You will have access to a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit to use towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card and made on www.americanexpress.ca/travel or through Platinum Card® Travel Service
  • Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection which unlocks access to over 1200 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 complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,000 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 including security bypass, complimentary valet car service and discount car care and parking
  • You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts®, Radisson Hotel Group Hotels and Resorts, Hertz® and Avis®
  • As a Charge Card, the balance must always be paid in full each month. 30% annual interest rate applies to balances not paid in full. Payments must be received and processed by the date of the next monthly statement to avoid interest charges
  American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information and Terms and Conditions, click the Apply now link. Conditions Apply

The Platinum Card® is the best premium card in Canada for travellers.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points:

  • 70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 30,000 points when you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after your Cardmembership begins

With this Card, you get:

  • 2 points per $1 on eligible dining and delivery purchases in Canada
  • 2 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases charged to the Card
  • 1 point per $1 on all other purchases charged to the Card

You can use your Membership Rewards® points in many ways:

  • Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, etc.
  • Transfer points to hotel partners, including Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
  • Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
  • Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases (1,000 points = $10)
  • And more!

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards® points to a partner loyalty program, you could earn up to:

  • 100,000 Aeroplan points
  • 100,000 Avios
  • 100,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:

  • $200 Annual Travel Credit
  • An annual meal credit of $200
  • A $100 statement credit for NEXUS membership
  • Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
  • Hilton Honors Gold status
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program

Last but not least, The Platinum Card® offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$799
Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xTravel
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,482
2nd Year Value$470

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Flying BlueAirline
  • Hilton HonorsHotel
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Annual fee
$399
Our valuation
$1,000
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Total$1,000Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

Terms of the offer

  • Earn 30,000 bonus Scotia Rewards points upon first purchase◊
  • Earn 4x Scotia Rewards points for every $1 you spend at gas stations, grocery stores, on dining and entertainment
  • Earn one point on all other eligible everyday purchases
  • Complimentary membership to Priority Pass Airport Lounges Worldwide
  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2020. Subject to change.
   

For a limited time, by signing up for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card, you can earn up to 100,000 Scene+ points, worth up to $3,000 in value over the first 14 months (including about $1,000 in travel rewards from the bonus points).

With the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card, you earn 2 points per dollar spent on all purchases. These points can be used against any travel purchase (plane tickets, hotels, all-inclusives, and even Airbnb), and you can also use them for other rewards in the Scene+ program, like cash back.

Plus, with this card, you pay no foreign transaction fees, and you get 10 free accesses to VIP airport lounges (Priority Pass).

And you benefit from excellent insurance for your trips and purchases, premium concierge service, and exclusive American Express Invitations offers.

Annual fee

Primary card$399
Additional card$99

Annual income required

Individual$12,000
Household$12,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,141
2nd Year Value$481

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 10 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Their names are very similar, and yet, they are not the same! These cards both give us great advantages, but their characteristics differ. Let’s see which one is the best.

Welcome Bonus

The welcome bonus offered by each of these cards varies according to the promotions.

Here is how the current offer is structured:

Carte de Platine d’American Express

With this welcome offer from the American Express Platinum Card®, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points:

  • 70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in the first 3 months of Card membership
  • 30,000 additional points by making a purchase between the 15th and 17th month following membership

Based on our valuation of Membership Rewards points (1.7 cents per point), this welcome bonus corresponds to a value of $1,700.

Carte American Express Platine de la Banque Scotia

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card, you can earn up to 100,000 bonus Scene+ points:

  • 60,000 points after spending $5,000 on your Card within the first 3 months
  • 20,000 additional points after spending $10,000 within the first 6 months
  • 20,000 additional points by making at least one eligible purchase in the 14th month after account opening

Based on our valuation of Scene+ points (1 cent per point), this welcome bonus is worth approximately $1,000, as part of an offer that can reach $3,000 in savings and rewards over the first 14 months.

Advantage: American Express Platinum Card®.

The American Express Platinum Card® offer provides more points and a higher point value, even though Scotiabank’s enhanced offer (up to 100,000 points and up to $3,000 in savings and rewards) narrows the gap.

Minimum Income

Carte de Platine d’American Express

American Express Platinum Card® requires no minimum income.

Carte American Express Platine de la Banque Scotia

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card requires a minimum annual income of $12,000.

Advantage: American Express Platinum Card®.

Like the vast majority of American Express cards, American Express Platinum Card® requires no minimum income.

It should be noted, however, that Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is also very accessible with its low annual income requirement.

If you’re looking for travel benefits, but don’t have a very high income, either of these cards may be right for you.

Annual Fee

Carte de Platine d’American Express

The American Express Platinum Card® has an annual fee of $799.

Carte American Express Platine de la Banque Scotia

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card has an annual fee of $399.

Advantage: Draw

In theory, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is much less expensive in terms of annual fees than the American Express Platinum Card®.

However, the American Express Platinum Card® comes with an annual travel credit of $200 and a $200 annual credit for select restaurants, bringing the net annual fee to $399.

If these credits are used correctly, both cards are equal in this category.

Earning Points

The American Express Platinum Card® and the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card offer different point accumulations.

Carte de Platine d’American Express

With the American Express Platinum Card®, you earn:

  • 2 points per dollar (value of 3.4 cents) on restaurant and bar purchases, food delivery, travel (air, rail, hotel, travel agency, cruise, etc.) and Amex Travel Services purchases (accommodation and car rental);
  • 1 point per dollar (1.7 cent value) for the rest.
Carte American Express Platine de la Banque Scotia

Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is very simple: you earn 2 points per dollar (2-cent value) spent on everything!

Advantage: Draw

For simplicity, and if there’s a large portion of the budget related to groceries, recurring bills or subscriptions, pharmacy, gas, entertainment, etc., the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is best. It gives 2 points per dollar on everything!

On the other hand, the person who is often away from home will benefit from taking the American Express Platinum Card®.

For a restaurant or travel purchase, it would be better to take the American Express Platinum Card®, as it is more valuable.

Redeeming Points

Both cards are made for travellers.

However, their loyalty programs are completely different:

As a result, the way points are used is different.

For Travel

Carte de Platine d’American Express

With the American Express Platinum Card®, you can apply its Membership Rewards points to reimburse any travel purchase charged to the card (airline tickets, hotels, Airbnb, car rentals, etc.), where 1,000 points = $10 in reimbursement.

You can also use the American Express fixed rate chart for specific flights.

The usage rate is 1,000 points = $20.

Carte American Express Platine de la Banque Scotia

Scene+ points and travel:

You can apply them to travel purchases in two ways, thanks to the fixed redemption rate where 10,000 points = $100 credit:

  • Redeem points directly when booking travel with Scene+ Travel, administered by Expedia.
  • Make your own travel purchase as you wish and use your points to pay off the card balance.
Advantage: Draw

The two ways of using points for travel are relatively similar for the 2 cards.

For Everyday Shopping

Carte de Platine d’American Express

With the American Express Platinum Card®, you can apply Membership Rewards points to everyday purchases charged to the card.

The usage rate is 1,000 points = $10.

A minimum of 1,000 points (minimum $10) must be applied.

Carte American Express Platine de la Banque Scotia

You can redeem 1,000 Scene+ points for a $10 discount at the IGA/Sobeys checkout.

Points can also be used to purchase gift cards on the Scotiabank/Scene+ website, from 1,000 to 1,400 points for a $10 discount.

Scene+ points can also be redeemed for:

  • 500 points for a $5 discount at selected restaurants (Harvey’s, Swiss Chalet, etc.);
  • 100 points for $1 off movie tickets at Cineplex;
  • 500 points for $5 off food and beverages at Cineplex, Rec Room and tokens for Playdium ;
  • At least 14,500 points for a $100 statement credit on any card expense.
Advantage: American Express Platinum Card

With the American Express Platinum Card®, whether you want to use your points for travel or everyday purchases, you’ll get the same value: 1,000 points = $10 less to pay out of pocket.

This is not the case if you want to use Scene+ points for a statement credit on anything, where using your Scene+ points is not advantageous at all.

Transfers to Other Programs

Carte de Platine d’American Express

With the American Express Platinum Card® you can transfer your points to other rewards programs:

Carte American Express Platine de la Banque Scotia

You cannot transfer your Scene+ points to other programs.

When your Scene+ points are in your Scene+ account, you have no other way out: you can only use them in the Scene+ program.

Advantage: American Express Platinum Card

American Express Platinum Card® Membership Rewards points are highly flexible and can be transferred elsewhere for great savings.

It’s a flexibility that the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card doesn’t have.

The Benefits

Access to Airport Lounges

Carte de Platine d’American Express

With the American Express Platinum Card® you and a guest have unlimited free access to many airport lounges around the world:

Carte American Express Platine de la Banque Scotia

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card gives you 10 complimentary airport lounge visits per year, from the date you join the program. The card is linked to the DragonPass and Plaza Premium networks.

Once all 10 accesses have been used, the cost is USD 32 per person for entering alounge.

Secondary cardholders enjoy 4 free visits per year.

Advantage: American Express Platinum Card®.

If you travel regularly, it’s easy: the American Express Platinum Card® will open the doors of numerous lounges around the world for you and one guest (or up to two children, depending on the lounge), as well as in Canada in the Plaza Premium lounges, Air France Lounge, National Bank Lounge or the WestJet Elevation Lounge.

If you travel less often, you’ll get 10 annual visits to airport lounges with the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card.

Other Benefits

Carte de Platine d’American Express

With the American Express Platinum Card®, you enjoy the following benefits:

  • $200 Annual Travel Credit
  • $200 Annual Dining Credit for certain restaurants
  • $100 NEXUS membership credit
  • Pearson Priority Security Control
  • Access to over 1,300 airport lounges (including American Express Centurion)
  • Free access to Priority Pass lounges for cardholder and one guest
  • Hilton Honors Gold status
  • Marriott Bonvoy Elite Gold Status
  • Fine Hotels Resorts Program
Carte American Express Platine de la Banque Scotia

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card offers you the following benefits:

  • No foreign currency transaction fees (0%)
  • 10 annual visits to airport lounges
Advantage: American Express Platinum Card®.

The American Express Platinum Card® is aimed at all frequent travelers, making life at the airport easier for them as well as for those who stay in hotels and frequent the best restaurants.

Insurance

InsuranceNew Platinum CardScotiabank®* Platinum American Express Card®
Trip Cancellation InsuranceUp to $5,000Up to $2,500
Trip Interruption InsuranceUp to $6,000Up to $5,000
Out-of-Province/Country Emergency Medical InsuranceUp to $5,000,000
15 days
Up to $2,000,000
31 days
Flight delay insuranceUp to $1,000
after 4 hours
Up to $1,000
after 4 hours
Misdirected Baggage InsuranceUp to $1,000
after 6 hours
Up to $1,000
after 4 hours
Lost or stolen luggage insuranceUp to $1,000Up to $1,000
Hotel Burglary InsuranceUp to $1,000Up to $1,000
Car Rental Theft and Damage InsuranceUp to $85,000Up to $65,000
Travel Accident Insurance$500,000$500,000
Purchase Protection Plan1 additional year1 additional year
Buyer’s Assurance Protection PlanUp to $1,000
120 days
Up to $1,000
120 days
Standby medical concierge serviceIncluded
Mobile Device InsuranceUp to $1,000
Advantage: American Express Platinum Card®.

The insurances offered by the two cards are similar on several coverages, but the American Express Platinum Card® is slightly superior.

However, Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card also offers practical mobile device insurance.

Conclusion

So? Which Card is the winner?

Carte de Platine d’American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express is the best because:

  • Its attractive welcome offer;
  • Its flexible points allow a multitude of possibilities;
  • Its multiple annual credits;
  • It has a wide range of airline and hotel partners for the transfer of points;
  • Its excellent insurance benefits;
  • A wide choice of airport lounges for free, endless access.

For all the details on the current welcome bonus, see our full American Express Platinum Card profile.

Carte American Express Platine de la Banque Scotia

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is a good compromise and stands out from the crowd:

  • No foreign currency transaction fees (0%)
  • 10 annual visits to airport lounges
Annual fee
$799
Our valuation
$1,700
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

Terms of the offer

  • Unlock special experiences with the newly designed metal Platinum Card
  • New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 25,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points when you charge $2,000 in purchases to your Card in the first three months of Cardmembership
  • Earn 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
  • You will have access to a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit to use towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card and made on www.americanexpress.ca/travel or through Platinum Card® Travel Service
  • Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection which unlocks access to over 1200 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 complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,000 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 including security bypass, complimentary valet car service and discount car care and parking
  • You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts®, Radisson Hotel Group Hotels and Resorts, Hertz® and Avis®
  • As a Charge Card, the balance must always be paid in full each month. 30% annual interest rate applies to balances not paid in full. Payments must be received and processed by the date of the next monthly statement to avoid interest charges
  American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information and Terms and Conditions, click the Apply now link. Conditions Apply

The Platinum Card® is the best premium card in Canada for travellers.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points:

  • 70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 30,000 points when you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after your Cardmembership begins

With this Card, you get:

  • 2 points per $1 on eligible dining and delivery purchases in Canada
  • 2 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases charged to the Card
  • 1 point per $1 on all other purchases charged to the Card

You can use your Membership Rewards® points in many ways:

  • Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, etc.
  • Transfer points to hotel partners, including Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
  • Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
  • Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases (1,000 points = $10)
  • And more!

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards® points to a partner loyalty program, you could earn up to:

  • 100,000 Aeroplan points
  • 100,000 Avios
  • 100,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:

  • $200 Annual Travel Credit
  • An annual meal credit of $200
  • A $100 statement credit for NEXUS membership
  • Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
  • Hilton Honors Gold status
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program

Last but not least, The Platinum Card® offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$799
Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xTravel
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,482
2nd Year Value$470

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Flying BlueAirline
  • Hilton HonorsHotel
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Annual fee
$399
Our valuation
$1,000
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Total$1,000Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

Terms of the offer

  • Earn 30,000 bonus Scotia Rewards points upon first purchase◊
  • Earn 4x Scotia Rewards points for every $1 you spend at gas stations, grocery stores, on dining and entertainment
  • Earn one point on all other eligible everyday purchases
  • Complimentary membership to Priority Pass Airport Lounges Worldwide
  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2020. Subject to change.
   

For a limited time, by signing up for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card, you can earn up to 100,000 Scene+ points, worth up to $3,000 in value over the first 14 months (including about $1,000 in travel rewards from the bonus points).

With the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card, you earn 2 points per dollar spent on all purchases. These points can be used against any travel purchase (plane tickets, hotels, all-inclusives, and even Airbnb), and you can also use them for other rewards in the Scene+ program, like cash back.

Plus, with this card, you pay no foreign transaction fees, and you get 10 free accesses to VIP airport lounges (Priority Pass).

And you benefit from excellent insurance for your trips and purchases, premium concierge service, and exclusive American Express Invitations offers.

Annual fee

Primary card$399
Additional card$99

Annual income required

Individual$12,000
Household$12,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,141
2nd Year Value$481

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 10 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Frequently Asked Questions about the American Express Platinum Card and the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

Here are frequently asked questions in the milesopedia community about this card.

Which Platinum Card has the best welcome bonus?

The Platinum Card® from American Express currently offers up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points (valued at approximately $1,700). The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card offers up to 100,000 Scene+ points (valued at approximately $1,000). The Platinum Card® from American Express maintains the advantage in terms of welcome bonus value, primarily due to the flexibility of Membership Rewards points being transferable to several airline partners at a 1:1 ratio, but the Scotiabank offer has closed the gap with up to 100,000 points and up to $3,000 in savings and rewards.

What are the annual fees and their offsetting credits?

The American Express Platinum Card® costs $799 per year, but it includes an annual $200 travel credit and an annual $200 dining credit, bringing the effective net cost down to approximately $399. The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card has an annual fee of $399 with no offsetting credit, so the same effective net cost as the American Express Platinum, but with more modest premium benefits.

What are the earn rates for both cards?

The American Express Platinum Card® earns 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on dining and travel, 1 point/$ elsewhere. The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card offers a flat rate of 2 Scene+ points per dollar on all purchases. For households that spend little on restaurants or travel, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® is simpler and more effective thanks to its flat rate of 2 points on absolutely all purchases.

Which card should you choose between the two Platinum cards?

For frequent international travellers, the American Express Platinum Card® dominates: unlimited access to Centurion and Priority Pass lounges worldwide, flexible point transfers to multiple airline programs, and automatic Hilton Honors Gold status. For everyday spenders who travel occasionally (fewer than 10 trips per year), the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® offers excellent value with its 10 complimentary lounge passes and flat rate of 2 points everywhere.

To Go Further with American Express Membership Rewards Points

To maximize your Membership Rewards points accumulation, consult our complete guide to the American Express Membership Rewards program as well as our ranking of the best American Express Membership Rewards credit cards, updated monthly by the Milesopedia team.

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