Amex Platinum Card Review 2026: Is the $799 Fee Worth It?
The Amex Platinum costs $799/year — but comes with $400 in credits, lounge access, and elite status perks. We do the math on whether it's actually worth it.
The American Express Platinum Card Canada has a $799 annual fee — the highest of any personal credit card in the country. It's a status symbol and a travel tool, but whether it's financially worthwhile depends entirely on how many of its credits and perks you actually use.
What You Get for $799
$200 annual travel credit, $100 NEXUS/CLEAR credit, Centurion Lounge access + Priority Pass (unlimited visits), Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, Hilton Honors Gold status, Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits (daily breakfast, room upgrade, $100 property credit), 3x MR points on dining and travel, 2x on everything else, and comprehensive travel insurance.
The math
$200 travel credit + $100 NEXUS + Marriott Gold (worth ~$200 in upgrades/breakfast) + 2 Centurion lounge visits ($80) = $580 in hard value before points. Subtract the $799 fee and you're at -$219 before rewards earning.
Who Should Get the Amex Platinum
The Platinum makes financial sense if you: travel at least 4 times per year and use lounges ($30–$50 value each), actively use the $200 travel credit, have Marriott or Hilton stays where Gold status gets you free breakfast ($25–$40/night value), and value the comprehensive travel insurance over standalone policies. For a frequent traveller who maximizes all credits, the effective cost is closer to $200–$300, making the earn rate competitive.
Who Should Skip It
If you travel fewer than 3 times a year, don't stay at Marriott or Hilton, or primarily fly domestic — the Platinum's value erodes quickly. Consider the Amex Gold Rewards ($250/year) or Amex Cobalt ($155.88/year) instead. You'll earn fewer perks but still get excellent MR points earning without the steep fee.
Cards Mentioned in This Article
American Express Platinum Card
American Express · Amex
Earn 80,000 American Express Rewards
American Express Cobalt
American Express · Amex
Earn 1,250 Amex MR/month for 12 months (15,000 total)
American Express Gold Rewards Card
American Express · Amex
Earn 5,000 American Express Rewards/month for 12 months (60,000 total)
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