Which Platinum Card has the best welcome bonus?

The American Express Platinum Card® currently offers up to 170,000 Membership Rewards points (value of approximately $2,890). The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card offers up to 80,000 Scene+ points (value of approximately $800). The American Express Platinum Card® clearly wins on bonus value, primarily due to the flexibility of Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to several international airline partners at a 1:1 ratio.

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.