Basically, the sign-up bonus gives you enough points to get (3 free flights round-trip any where in north america or a nice return ticket to anywhere in Europe – includes 2 stopovers), $200 annual travel credit (can be used in 2016 and then in 2017 so this is $400 value), amazing lounge access across the globe, great benefits for insurance, and assorted AMEX perks.
This card has a hefty annual fee $699 – but when you consider the benefits that you get it is well worth it!
On our latest trip overseas, we had a long layover at SFO, San Francisco, which is a great airport in the US (even has a yoga studio). Whomever complains about long layovers cry me a river (2 kids, 11 hours on route to Auckland).
My daughters and I at the American Express Centurion Lounge – San Francisco (SFO)
All American Express Card Members with a valid American Express Credit or Charge Card are eligible to visit the Lounge. Any eligible American Express Card Member may purchase a one-day pass at the Lounge for $50, subject to capacity.
Gorgeous table – American Express Centurion Lounge – San Francisco (SFO)
If you are a Platinum Card or Centurion Member, access to The Centurion Lounge is complimentary as part of your Card Membership. This even works for Canadians so my family of 4 was in and it had so many amenities:
Shower Suite
Refresh in our shower suite. This space is complete with plush towels and L’Occitane products, all for your rejuvenation.
Kids and Parents Room
Area where kids can have fun and watch a movie or read or play! They had books even video games for older kids. It was a quiet place to relax and let the kids burn off energy. I kind of wish they had more books though – lots of comfy pillows.
Enjoying the kids room – American Express Centurion Lounge – San Francisco (SFO)
Premium Bar
Unwind with a signature cocktail crafted by their mixologist. Must be 21 or older to drink alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
The cocktails were incredible – even had a wine pairing to try!
Bar / Lounge- American Express Centurion Lounge – San Francisco (SFO)
Locally-Inspired Cusine
Indulge in freshly prepared seasonal fare designed by Executive Chef Christopher Kostow.
Gourmet treats – American Express Centurion Lounge – San Francisco (SFO)
We were there for 3 hours then left for a stroller nap and then returned to relax.
We enjoyed the fresh food and were able to relax before our 15 hour flight to Sydney.
I hope they add on of these lounges to Toronto or Vancouver!
Through September 30, 2015, transfers from American Express Canada Membership Rewards Points to British Airways Avios will be at a 1:1.25 ratio.
This means instead of transferring 25,000 Reward Points you will get 31,250 – quite a nice savings.
With flights starting at just 4.5K Avios in coach and 9K Avios for a lie-flat business seat there are some real steals with Avios.
The 25% bonus that means that a coach award will start at just 3,600 Membership Rewards Points and a Business award will start at 7,200 Membership Rewards Points.
This is great news for us Canadians as the US program has a 1000:800 ratio coming up in October.
Avios is the loyalty program for British Airways. This airline flies from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal to cities in Europe. Additionally, they have a code-share with WestJet that lets you earn Avios.
One major benefit of the Avios program is that you can combine Avios points from different Avios schemes (British Airways) into one family member’s accounts. This can make it easier to redeem your acquired points.
The Avios program works on distance, so you can find some great buys. A one-way flight between Toronto and New York can be had for only 4,500 Avios points (9,000 round trip), compared to 15,000 Aeroplan Miles for the same flight (round-trip).
Here are some good value redemptions with Avios:
Vancouver, BC (YVR) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX), 15,000 Avios
Toronto, ON (YYZ) to Miami, FL (MIA), 20,000 Avios
Victoria, BC (YYJ) to Seattle, WA (SEA), 9,000 Avios
Calgary, AB (YYC) to Dallas, TX (DFW) 20,000 Avios
Edmonton, AB (YEG) to Seattle, WA (SEA) 9,000 Avios
Even a trip to Hawaii from Seattle is only 25,000 Avios round-trip!
Positives:
No blackout dates for redemption.
Can create a Household Account that enables you to share your Avios with the other members of your household for free.
Fantastic redemptions with Avios on short-haul flights (Montreal or Toronto to New York or Chicago, Calgary or Edmonton to Seattle) using American Airlines or Alaska Airlines (9,000 round trip).
The taxes are next to nothing (except for standard airport fees).
Negatives:
No retail partners in Canada to earn extra Avios.
Charged for extra stopovers as an additional flight.
Major fuel surcharges charges.
One of easiest ways to earn Membership Reward Points with very little cost is the Gold Rewards Card (comes with 25,000 free bonus miles after spending $500 the first 3 months).
AskingCanadians is an online research community dedicated to providing our members with an opportunity to make their voices heard.
Your opinions and time are valuable so they’ll reward you for every survey you complete. You’ll automatically earn Aeroplan® Miles.
5. Buy something at UPS store.
Earn 1 Aeroplan Mile for every $1 you spend in store with The UPS Store in Canada—up to 1,000 miles daily.
Plus, when you first sign up for the Get More card with The UPS Store, you’ll earn an additional bonus of 500 bonus miles and then earn miles even faster—up to 1.5 miles for every $1 you spend. What’s more, get 10% off every time you shop in store.
10. Get a first year no annual fee Aeroplan affiliated credit card.
To really earn miles, get the American Express Gold Rewards Card and earn 25,000 American Express Membership Rewards points that you can convert to 25,000 Aeroplan Miles for spending $500 the first 3 months.
That’s enough for a round-trip flight almost anywhere in North America!
American Express Platinum Cardmembers are invited to an advance screening of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, starring Jennifer Lawrence.
The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of Commander Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage.
Toronto:
SilverCity Yonge & Eglinton, 2300 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
Three hundred and seventy (370) complimentary tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit of two (2) tickets per Basic Platinum Cardmember
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, 259 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON
Three hundred and sixty (360) complimentary tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit of two (2) tickets per Basic Platinum Cardmember
Calgary:
Cineplex Odeon Westhills Calgary, 165 Stewart Green SW Calgary, AB
One hundred and sixty (160) complimentary tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit of two (2) tickets per Basic Platinum Cardmember
Vancouver:
Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver, 900 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
One hundred and seventy (170) complimentary tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit of two (2) tickets per Basic Platinum Cardmember
Edmonton:
Cineplex Odeon South Edmonton Cinemas, 1525-99th Street NW, Edmonton, AB
One hundred and fifty (150) complimentary tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit of two (2) tickets per Basic Platinum Cardmember
Due to the high demand for access to this event, American Express asks that Platinum Cardmembers adhere to the following guidelines:
Reservations for movie screenings can only be made through the Concierge team by phone. Email reservations will not be accepted.
Tickets and seats in the theatre are allocated to Platinum members on a first-come, first-served basis.
Platinum members and guests will be asked to provide photo ID when picking up the movie tickets.
TO BOOK THESE TICKETS, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PLATINUM CONCIERGE AT 1-866-323-6979. TICKETS ARE VERY LIMITED AND ARE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
I received a snail mail letter from the President of the AMEX Bank of Canada (why not just send an email!), informing me of some new benefits for us American Express Platinum members (here is my detailed review of this card).
I wanted to give all our readers a summary of the new benefits.
I still like this card but I think the American Express Gold Rewards card is a better value (25,000 Membership Rewards Points and first year free and great benefits).
Here is a summary of the new changes:
Redeem your $200 travel credit online.
Now, get the added convenience of redeeming your annual $200 travel credit online when you book your travel at americanexpress.ca/travel.
New Centurion Lounges.
Enjoy complimentary access to The CenturionSM Lounges, where you’ll experience world-class service chef-crafted fare, premium wines and specialty cocktails in a luxurious, contemporary setting.
Newly Opened
New York LaGuardia (LGA) Lounge:
Located in Terminal B on the third level, pre-security.
Hours: 6:00am – 8:00pm
Existing Lounges
Las Vegas (LAS) Lounge:
Located in Concourse D opposite Gate D1.
Hours: 5:00am – 12:00am
Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Lounge:
Located in Concourse D opposite Gate D17 on the upper level.
Hours: 5:00am – 10:00pm
Simply present your Platinum Card, and upon request, your same-day boarding pass on any carrier and government issued ID.
Future lounge locations are expected to open at San Francisco International Airport by the end of 2014, and Miami International Airport in early 2015.
Enjoy complimentary access to Plaza Premium Lounges all over the world offering exceptional airport lounge experiences.
London Heathrow (LHR) Lounge in Terminal 2:
Located in Terminal 2 – The Queen’s Terminal, Lounge A3
Hours: 9:00am – 11:00pm
Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Al Reem Lounge:
Ground level, Terminal 1, International Departures
Open 24 hours daily
Simply present your Platinum Card, and upon request, your same-day ticket on any carrier and government issued ID.
As a Platinum Cardmember you have access to more than 600 airport lounges in 83 countries.
Explore the offers below, and when you’re ready to reserve, call Platinum Card Travel Service at 1-800-668-9147. Your resort credit will be applied to your hotel account at the time of your stay. Experiences must be booked between August 1, 2014 and January 31, 2015, for stays from August 1, 2014, to February 3, 2015. You can book up to three rooms under this promotion. Blackout dates may apply.2
Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford (Napa Valley) CA, USA
Receive a $200 USD credit applicable for premium wine/champagne not included in the rate when you book select room categories.3
Twin Farms, Barnard VT, USA
Receive a $200 USD credit applicable for premium wine/champagne not included in the all-inclusive rate.4
Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, Vancouver, Canada
Receive a $100 CAD Food and Beverage credit applicable at Bacchus Restaurant and Lounge with a minimum two-night stay. Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, room service and gratuities. Blackout dates apply.5
Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City, Canada
Receive a $100 CAD Food and Beverage credit applicable at Panache Restaurant or Café Bard Artefact with a minimum two night stay.6
The Point, Upper Saranac Lake NY, USA
Receive a $280 USD credit applicable to spa services, excluding spa retail use. Blackout dates apply.7
The Weekapaug Inn, Westerly RI, USA
Receive a $200 USD Resort credit applicable to spa services, food and beverage and activities with a minimum two night stay. Blackout dates apply.8
Ocean House, Watch Hill RI, USA
Receive a $200 USD Resort credit applicable to spa services, food and beverage and activities with a minimum two night stay. Blackout dates apply.9
The Inn of the Five Graces, Santa Fe NM, USA
Receive a $200 USD credit applicable to spa services, excluding spa retail use when you book the select room categories. Blackout dates apply.10
Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Receive a $200 USD credit applicable to spa services inclusive of value added tax, excluding spa retail use. (Closed for the month of September.)11
Kensington Riverside Inn, Calgary, Canada
Receive a $200 CAD Resort credit with a minimum two night stay. Credit will be applied at checkout.
Nothing earth shattering but it is nice to use the travel credit only instead of phoning an agent.
Great offer to get $100 statement credit with a $500 Fairmont purchase on your AMEX Canada.
This offer is only available to Canadian American Express Basic and Supplementary Consumer and Small Business Cardmembers. The American Express Card registered must be the same Card used when making the qualifying purchase. Maximum of one (1) $100 (CAD) statement credit per registered Card during the offer period.
To be eligible for this offer:
– Your account must be in good standing
– You must register your eligible Card in the American Express Registered Card program between September 9, 2014 and December 30, 2014 at amexnetwork.ca/fairmontoffer. Registration Period starts at 12:00:01 a.m. ET on September 9, 2014 and ends on December 30, 2014 11:59:59 p.m. ET.
– Use your Registered Card at a participating Fairmont Hotels & Resorts property during the offer period between September 9, 2014 and December 31, 2014
– A purchase made during the offer period prior to registration of your eligible Card in this Program is not considered a qualifying purchase
I am currently an American Express Platinum card owner (especially with the current sign-up bonus of 60,000 Membership reward points = $600 of free travel or 60,000 Aeroplan or Avios miles). They even give you a $200 annual travel credit.
Free night at Fairmont properties with your AMEX card.
They have teamed up with Fairmont to have a nice promotion.
Stay an extra night, based on a minimum night stay, at any of the featured Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, compliments of American Express.
The Fairmont properties featured are also part of the FINE HOTELS & RESORTS program. As a Platinum Card member you can enjoy special program privileges7 such as:
Daily breakfast for two people
Room upgrade*
An additional special benefit unique to each property, such as a food & beverage credit or massage for two people**
Whether you’re making a quick stop-over or are planning a long-overdue vacation, there is nothing quite like arriving at one of Fairmont’s luxurious Hotels & Resorts. And now, for a limited time, you can enjoy a complimentary night stay at any of these featured Fairmont properties when you book with your Platinum Card. Minimum stay requirements vary based on location – see below for details.
COMPLIMENTARY 4th NIGHT
The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, London | United Kingdom
Where old fashioned glamour sparkles with a new lustre.
Enjoy a complimentary 4th night with a minimum paid 3 night consecutive stay when you book by December 26, 2014 for stays ending by December 30, 2014.1† Terms & Conditions apply.
COMPLIMENTARY 4th NIGHT
The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui | Hawaii
Hawaii’s only all suite and villa luxury oceanfront resort.
Enjoy a complimentary 4th night with a minimum paid 3 night consecutive stay when you book by December 17, 2014 for stays ending by December 21, 2014.2† Terms & Conditions apply.
COMPLIMENTARY 4th NIGHT
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, Sonoma | California
Filled with natural mineral hot springs, in the heart of Wine Country.
Enjoy a complimentary 4th night with a minimum paid 3 night consecutive stay when you book by December 25, 2014 for stays ending by December 31, 2014.3† Terms & Conditions apply.
COMPLIMENTARY 3rd NIGHT
The Plaza, New York City | New York
A timeless urban resort with a contemporary spirit.
Enjoy a complimentary 3rd night with a minimum paid 2 night consecutive stay and a bonus $50 Food & Beverage credit when you book by November 16, 2014 for stays ending by November 19, 2014.4† Terms & Conditions apply.
COMPLIMENTARY 4th NIGHT
The Fairmont Orchid, Kohala Coast | Hawaii
Inspired by culture, well-being and genuine Aloha.
Enjoy a complimentary 4th night with a minimum paid 3 night consecutive stay when you book by December 16, 2014 for stays ending by December 20, 2014.5† Terms & Conditions apply.
This is the highest premium card in Canada (and a charge card). It charges $699 for an annual fee.
This sounds pricey but let me explain why this was a good deal.
Incredible travel benefits:
1. $200 Annual Travel Credit = $400 credit over 2 years.
The American Express Platinum Card comes with an annual $200 Travel Credit that can be used towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to the card through the Platinum Card Travel Service.
$200 Airline Credit American Express Travel.
So basically, you get $200 each year to use of credit so if you apply now, you will get $200 in 2014 and another $200 in 2015.
This is $400 in total credit that can be used!
2. Exclusive Toronto Pearson International Perks
The Platinum Card offers several benefits for travellers flying from or through Toronto Pearson:
Complimentary Valet Service at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The $25 Valet service fee is waived when you present your Platinum Card upon car pick up.
15% Discount on parking when you use the Platinum Card to pay for the parking at the Express Park in Terminal 1 and Daily Park in Terminals 1 and 3.
Access to the the Pearson Priority Lane when clearing security at Terminals 1 and 3.
Great little bonus for travellers connecting or living in the GTA.
3. Elite Statuses and Complimentary Memberships
American Express Platinum Card holders will be awarded the following Elite Statuses and memberships:
Starwood Hotels: Starwood Gold Preferred Guest
Carlson Hotels: Club Carlson Gold Elite Status
Accor Hotels: Le Club accorhotels Platinum
Fairmont Hotels: Accelerated earning of Fairmont Presidents Club Platinum (requires 5 stays to achieve)
Hertz: Hertz #1 Club Gold
Avis: Avis Preferred
Here is a nice summary table for the hotel elite statuses:
Remember once you get your status, you have the status for at least a year (unless you cancel before the 2nd year). I recommend trying to status match based on these high statuses in other programs like Hilton and Marriott.
4. Complimentary Lounge Access
Through the Canadian Platinum Lounge Benefit enjoy complimentary lounge access across most major Canadian cities regardless of airline or fare booked. When traveling with participating airlines in The Airport Club Program, enjoy complimentary airline club access across the US and Internationally. What’s more, as a Platinum member, you have complimentary access to the American Express Lounge – a private lounge reserved for our most valued Cardmembers. The American Express Lounge is located at Gate B, Domestic departures at Toronto’s Pearson Airport.
Premium Complimentary Lounge Access
Also, as a Platinum member you can receive Complimentary Membership in Priority Pass– one of the world’s largest independent airport lounge programs. For complimentary entry, simply present your Priority Pass membership card and a ticket valid for travel on that day on any airline, regardless of class of service.
If you’re travelling with a guest, he or she may accompany you free of charge. For each additional guest, a nominal fee of $27 USD per person per visit will be charged to your Platinum Card.
This is a nice perk and works great for travel hackers like myself that don’t have paid tickets and use miles!
5. Access to book Fine Hotels & Resorts
With a newly enhanced selection of over 700 locations around the world, Platinum members have even more Fine Hotels & Resorts to choose from than ever before. When a Platinum member is ready to book, they can simply let Platinum Card Travel Service know and enjoy enhanced value services such as a complimentary breakfast for two, a 12 noon check-in, a late check-out, and a room upgrade or a complimentary benefit such as a lunch for two or a spa credit (subject to availability). I can’t wait to use this service.
6. Car Rental Upgrades
When a Platinum member rents a car with Hertz, they are entitled to a Complimentary Car Upgrade (subject to availability), fast-track service, and up to 15% discount on the best available rental rates.
When a Platinum member rents with Avis, they enjoy faster rental and reservations and up to 25% discounts on rentals in North America and 20% discounts Internationally.
Remember that 60,000 Aeroplan miles is a return ticket to Europe (and includes a stopover), or 2 round trip-tickets anywhere in North America.
If you chose not to transfer, 60,000 American Express Membership Points is equal to $600 of travel booked on your card. How the points work is that once you earn points you simply use your outstanding points towards any travel purchases you may have. You simply do this online or call them.
Use a travel agency, tour operator or even an online travel website to book your travel. Charge last-minute flights, seat sales, car rentals, cruises, and more to your Card. Then call American Express to redeem your points to cover the charge – including fees and taxes too.
This is a great idea if you do not want to use Aeroplan, Avios or other great programs but just want to use them right away. This works for families that travel via ferry or take cruises or other types of holidays to help reduce the cost.
8. Rewards and Insurance Benefits
This card comes with Concierge service, American Express Front of the Line service and the same insurance benefits as before such as Trip Cancellation, Out of Province Medical, Flight Delay/Interruption and more.
9. International Airline Program
Anytime you purchase a qualifying Business or First Class ticket for international air travel with your eligible American Express Card on over 25 participating airlines*, you can enjoy savings on a ticket for a companion.
*Airline-imposed fuel and security surcharges and fees and government taxes and fees on international air transportation are the responsibility of the Card Member. See terms and conditions for details.
10. High Earning Ratio
On the earning side it offers 1.25 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent on the card. This is similar to the American Express Starwood Card (after the transfer bonus).
Earn 2,014 Bonus Membership Rewards® points when you charge $400 or more in one single transaction to an eligible Card on eligible± hotels and car rentals from December 19th, 2013 to February 13th, 20141.
Whether you plan to have a relaxing family holiday or a pampering weekend at a spa hotel, you’ll find a wide selection of flights, hotels, and car rentals.
What’s more, the 2,014 Bonus points are on top of the 1 additional point you can earn for every $1 you charge to an eligible on eligible± travel bookings2.
So why not get 2014 off to a perfect start and book your next adventure with American Express Travel?
Basic Cardmembers enrolled in the American Express Membership Rewards Program that book travel through the American Express Travel website are eligible. 2,014 Bonus Membership Rewards points offer available on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made from December 19th, 2013 to February 13th, 2014. A one time Bonus of 2,014 Membership Rewards points will be awarded per Membership Rewards account on purchases of $400 or more (after taxes and fees) charged to an eligible Card for eligible hotel and car rental bookings booked through americanexpress.ca/travel where American Express (not the hotel or car rental company) is the merchant. Purchase must be in a single transaction of at least $400 and cannot be cumulative purchases.
Use of Membership Rewards points and an eligible Card for payment qualifies for the Bonus provided at least $400 is charged to an eligible Card.
Eligible Cards include: The American Express® Card, American Express® Gold Rewards Card, Platinum Card®, Centurion Card®, Choice Card from American ExpressTM, ChoicePlus Card from American ExpressTM, Business Platinum CardTM from American Express, American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card, American Express® Corporate Card, American Express® Corporate Gold Card, American Express® Corporate Platinum Card, and the Platinum Credit Card. Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards Program apply.
±Hotel bookings under the Fine Hotels and Resorts program are not eligible for this Bonus Membership Rewards points offer.
In order to redeem points for any travel booking, the Membership Rewards Program account must be active and the Card must be in good standing.
Please allow up to 10 weeks for Bonus points to be credited to your account.
