Major Changes Coming to the Amex Platinum Card: What Canadian Cardholders Need to Know

American Express Canada has officially announced a major change to one of its most iconic cards — the American Express Platinum Card. Starting January 1, 2027, unlimited airport lounge access will no longer be the standard perk it once was.

If you’re a Platinum or Business Platinum cardholder, here’s a full breakdown of what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and whether it’s still worth keeping this premium travel card in your wallet.

By the way…

I made a video on this exact subject. If you’d prefer to watch the video instead of reading the blog, see below. Otherwise, continue onwards!

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What’s Changing in 2027

Beginning January 1, 2027, both personal and business Platinum cardholders will see new limits on their complimentary airport lounge access:

• 6 Plaza Premium Lounge visits per year
• 6 Priority Pass visits per year

Supplementary Platinum cardholders get 2 complimentary visits per year, and supplementary Gold cardholders get none.

Each entry counts per person — so if you bring a guest, that’s two visits deducted. Once you’ve used up your six visits, you can still enter lounges by paying the regular entry fee (usually around $50+ CAD per person per visit).

These visits reset every January 1st, but they do not roll over into the next year.

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What’s Staying the Same (For Now)

Until December 31, 2026, absolutely nothing changes. You’ll continue to enjoy:

• Unlimited access to Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounges
• Unlimited access to Centurion Lounges, Escape Lounges, and other partner airline lounges
• The same guest policies you’re used to

Even after 2027, Centurion Lounges, Escape Lounges, and airline-operated lounges under the Global Lounge Collection will remain completely unlimited.

So, if you typically use those lounges over Plaza Premium or Priority Pass locations, these changes may not hit you as hard.

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How to Unlock Unlimited Lounge Access Again

American Express is introducing a $20,000 annual spending threshold.

If you spend at least $20,000 CAD in eligible purchases on your Platinum or Business Platinum account in a calendar year, you’ll re-unlock unlimited lounge access for the rest of that year and the following one — for both the primary and supplementary Platinum cardholders.

For example, if you hit $20,000 in May 2027, your unlimited access lasts until December 31, 2028.

Eligible purchases include most regular transactions, but annual fees, cash advances, and refunds don’t count.

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My Honest Take

Let’s be real — this change stings. The simplicity of the Platinum Card has always been part of its appeal: Pay a hefty $799 annual fee, get unlimited lounge access, and enjoy premium perks.

Now, there’s math involved. You’ll need to track visits, consider guest entries, and decide if hitting that $20,000 threshold makes sense for your spending habits.

That said, overcrowding in lounges has become a genuine issue — particularly in Canada, where Plaza Premium Lounges at major airports like Toronto Pearson often resemble busy food courts more than quiet retreats.

From Amex’s perspective, limiting access may improve the experience for those who qualify for unlimited access again.

Still, Canadian cardholders have reason to be frustrated. The U.S. version of the Platinum Card has seen major benefit upgrades, while Canadian members are instead facing benefit reductions — without equivalent new perks to balance them out.

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The $20K Spending Threshold Dilemma

Hitting $20,000 in annual spending may sound manageable, but it complicates optimal credit card strategy.

The American Express Cobalt^® and RBC ION+ cards offer significantly better earn rates in specific categories (like groceries and dining). Shifting that spend to the Platinum just to unlock lounge access could mean earning fewer rewards overall.

For frequent travellers and business owners, $20K might come naturally through travel bookings and work expenses. For others, it could require a full rethink of how and where they spend.

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Alternatives Worth Considering

If these new rules have you rethinking your loyalty to Amex, several competitor cards may better match your travel style:

✈️ Aeroplan Premium Cards ($599/year)

• Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America
• Priority check-in, free checked bag, and solid earn rates on Air Canada purchases
• Best for: Frequent Air Canada flyers within North America

TD^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card

CIBC^® Aeroplan^® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

American Express^®* Aeroplan^® Reserve Card

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💸 Scotiabank^®* Platinum American Express^® Card ($399/year)

• 10 free lounge visits per year
• No foreign exchange fees
• Best for: Occasional travelers who want lounge access at a lower cost

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🌍 Mid-Tier Options

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite: 4 lounge passes per year, first-year fee rebate (limited-time offer – otherwise, $139/year)

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite: 6 lounge passes per year, no FX fees, $150 annual fee

These are best for travellers who want lounge access without premium fees

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Should You Keep Your Amex Platinum?

My take: Yes — for now.

I’m planning to keep my Platinum Card through at least 2026 (and possibly into 2027), since:

• I can meet the $20K threshold without much effort
• I value the global lounge network more than regional ones
• The travel insurance and other perks still offer strong value

However, this is ultimately a personal decision. If you travel mostly within North America and fly Air Canada often, an Aeroplan premium card might now offer better value.

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The Silver Lining

If fewer people retain unlimited access, lounges could actually become less crowded and more enjoyable again — restoring the premium feel that made the Platinum Card so attractive in the first place.

Plus, there’s still hope. Amex Canada may yet introduce new perks, credits, or partnerships before 2027 to balance these changes.

Until then, Platinum cardholders can enjoy 15 more months of unlimited access — plenty of time to make the most of those travel benefits and plan your next getaway.

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Bottom line:
Change is never easy — especially when it means losing a premium benefit. But staying informed and strategic about your travel cards will ensure you continue to get the best value for your lifestyle.