I recently received my American Express Platinum Card. I got 60,000 Membership Rewards Points, which is equal to C$600.00, but more if you transfer your points to Aeroplan or Avios. The referrer also gets between 10k-15k Points, depending on the card he or she has. The card also comes with complimentary membership to Priority Pass Lounges.
At C$ 699 per year, this is a pretty expensive investment from my point of view but it has already been profitable in the first year. I hope it will yield similar results in the years ahead as well.
How to Earn Membership Points Using American Express Platinum Card
- 1.25 Membership Rewards Points for every dollar spent on the card.
- The points can be transferred 1:1 to Aeroplan or Avios.
- The points can also be transferred to other airline loyalty programs, such as Alitalia and Etihad but at lesser values.
- The points can also be transferred to various hotel loyalty programs.
Here are some of the benefits of the American Express Platinum Card:
Airport Benefits:
- In Toronto, the $25 Valet Service fee will be waived at Pearson’s Terminals 1 & 3.
- 15-percent discount in parking at the Express Park in Terminal 1, and in Daily Park in Terminals 1 & 3.
- Inside the Terminals, the card and the boarding pass will give you access to Pearson Priority Lane.
Airport Lounge Access:
The card opens up access to hundreds of lounges across the world, including most in Canada.
In Canada
- Access to Plaza Premium Lounges, Servisair Executive Lounges and Jean Lesage de-Quebec VIP Lounge in Quebec City.
- Generally, access is for the cardholder, one guest/spouse and two children, or just the cardholder and the spouse/guest.
Outside of Canada
- Access includes Plaza Premium Lounges, Servisair Lounges, Priority Pass Lounges, as well as OneWorld Alliance and American Express Lounges
Other Flying Benefits:
- If an ‘eligible’ first or business class ticket has been purchased using the card in participating airlines, travelling companion will receive a complimentary or discounted ticket.
- If available, complimentary upgrades to first class from business class.
Hotels
- Platinum Card members have privileges of Gold Preferred membership in the Starwood Preferred Guest Program.
- At Fairmont Hotels group, you will receive Fairmont President’s Club Platinum Membership, after five nights, instead of 30 nights or ten stays.
- Platinum Card members will be upgraded to Gold Elite membership with Club Carlson group and to Platinum membership with Le Club Accorhotels group.
- If you are booking at the Fine Hotels and Resorts, let the Amex Platinum Member Services know, and you will be eligible for some of the above mentioned benefits as well as complimentary breakfasts.
Insurance
- The American Express Platinum comes with an extensive list of insurance coverage, but here are some interesting points:
- If the ticket was purchased through the card, coverage for flight delay, baggage delay and lost/stolen baggage.
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Other Benefits
- There are discounts and preferential treatment related to entertainment (this could mean getting you tickets to your favourite show which might be officially sold out), car rentals and more. Please visit the American Express Canada site for more information.
- Complimentary one year memberships to participating golf clubs and resorts
The Platinum Travel Service
You can call them up and set up your account, preferences when it comes to travelling and set up your accounts with partner programs.
Here is how I think the American Express will work for me:
First year so far:
- 60,000 Membership Rewards Points equals $600.00
- $200.00 annual travel credit, to be used when I book a travel through the card.
- Used Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport VIP Lounge twice. Saved $140.00 (for two people)
- Used Toronto Pearson Airport’s Plaza Premium Lounge. Saved $80.00
So far saved/earned: $1020.00
Going Forward
- $200.00 annual travel credit
- 1.25 Membership Reward Miles for every $1.00 spent
Keep tuned for updates
For more information on the American Express Platinum Card, or to sign up, visit the American Express site.
