Frequently
Asked Questions
Your American Express® Gold Rewards Card is getting some exciting new benefits.
Find out more here.
Questions?
We’ve got answers!
Please refer to the questions and answers below to learn about the changes coming to your Gold Rewards Card.
What are the changes coming to my American Express® Gold Rewards Card?
Your American Express Gold Rewards Card will have added enhanced benefits, in addition to all of the great benefits that you enjoy today.
What should I expect during the transition?
- You can continue to use your existing American Express® Gold Rewards Card as you do today with your current benefits until October 18, 2021.
- On October 18, your NEW benefits will come into effect with the Card you currently have in your wallet (unless otherwise indicated)
- Upon your next Card renewal date, you will automatically receive your NEW Gold metal Card.
Want to learn more about your NEW Card benefits? Make sure we have your email address on file and you are opted-in to receive emails, so we can keep you informed. Click here to opt-in to receive marketing notifications from American Express.1
Why is my fee increasing?
We are constantly looking for ways to add value and enhance your Card benefits in ways that allow you to do more of what you love. With all of the new great benefits that are coming to your Card soon, we hope that you see the possibilities of where your Card can take you.
Can I try out my new Card benefits first before the fee goes up?
You can enjoy the same fee you’re currently paying for the first year. Your annual fee will be increasing to $250 on your next Cardmembership anniversary date on or after October 18, 2021. We want you to experience all that your new Card has to offer for the same fee you currently pay by issuing you a statement credit after your annual fee of $250 is billed. This means for the first year, you will enjoy the updated American Express Gold Rewards Card for the same fee as today.
Are there any changes to my current Card earn rates?
You can continue to enjoy the same great earn rates that exist on your Card today.
2x
Earn 2 points for every $1 on eligible travel purchases.1
2x
Earn 2 points for every $1 on eligible gas, grocery and drugstore purchases in Canada.1
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 on eligible purchases everywhere else.1
- Earn 1 additional point for every $1 on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel at americanexpress.ca/travel.2
At your next renewal date after October 18, 2021, you will receive your NEW Gold metal Card. Until you receive your new Card, you can continue to use your existing Card to access the new benefits, effective October 18, 2021 (unless otherwise indicated).
We know you’re excited for the new Rose Gold metal - so are we! We expect the Rose Gold metal to be in extremely high demand, so we are phasing the roll-out in stages. We are treating this initial period of availability as a small pilot for new Cardmembers and will be extending the rollout more broadly in early 2022 to include existing Gold Rewards Cardmembers.
If you are an existing Gold Rewards Cardmember stay tuned for more from us about how you will be able to get access to the new Rose Gold metal in early 2022. You will still be able to access all of the exciting new benefits coming to your Card you have in your wallet currently. Plus, you can enjoy these new benefits at no additional cost for the first year – please refer to the letter previously mailed to you for full details.
Once your current Card expires, you will automatically be issued a new metal Card in Gold. You can continue to use your current Card until you receive a new one. Once you receive your new Card, you will be able to activate and start spending on your Card immediately.
Additional Cardmembers will continue to receive the same Gold plastic Card that they do today.
Your Membership Rewards points balance will not be affected and will never expire as long as your Card is in good standing, so you’re free to continue to use them whenever you’d like.
If you have an Additional Gold Rewards Card on your account, it will have the same NEW Trip Cancellation insurance3† as your Basic American Express Gold Rewards Card. You can continue to enjoy all the other same great benefits that exist today. Upon renewal, your Additional Card will continue to receive the same Gold plastic Card that it does today.
All points earned by Additional Cardmembers will also continue to be accumulated in the Basic Cardmember’s account.
Benefit Changes
What new benefits are coming to my Gold Rewards Card?
Unless otherwise indicated, effective October 18, 2021, as a Gold Rewards Cardmember you can now enjoy enhanced value that will be added to your Card with the following NEW rewards and benefits:
NEW enhanced travel benefits, so Gold can take you further:
$100 Annual Travel Credit4
Use this Annual Travel Credit towards any single travel booking made through Amex Travel Online of $100 or more charged to your Card, including flights, car rentals, hotels, and more. The Annual Travel Credit renews every year on your Card’s anniversary date. To use your Annual Travel Credit, you can book online at americanexpress.ca/travel.
Priority PassTM5 Membership + four (4) complimentary Plaza Premium6 visits per year
As an American Express Gold Rewards Cardmember, you can receive complimentary membership in Priority Pass.5 This allows you to relax before your flight in one of the 1,200 Priority Pass lounges around the world for a usage fee at the prevailing rate.
On top of this, you can enjoy four complimentary visits per year to Plaza Premium Lounges6 across Canada. After your four complimentary visits have been used for the year, you may continue to visit the Plaza Premium Lounges for a usage fee at the prevailing rate.
A $50 NEXUS◊ Card Statement Credit7
Receive a $50 CAD statement credit when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card.
Trip Cancellation Insurance3†
Effective September 21, travel with confidence. You can be reimbursed for the non-refundable and non-transferable portion of your travel arrangements when charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card before your departure date should you cancel your trip for a covered reason.
You can be covered for up to $1,500 per insured person, per trip, up to a maximum of $3,000 for all insured persons combined.
Other NEW exciting Card benefits:
Enjoy Payment Flexibility
Flexible Payment Option is a new feature built into your American Express Card. It will enable you to carry a portion of your Card balance so you can pay over time, starting with the first billing cycle after October 13, 2021. Pay the minimum balance due, the full balance, or any amount in between – the choice is yours. If you continue to pay the balance in full, you will not be billed interest.8 If you pay any amount in between your Minimum Amount Due and the full New Balance, the remaining balance will be subject to an annual interest rate of 20.99%.9 Visit www.amex.ca/MoreFlexibility to learn more.
Redeeming your annual travel credit is easy! Simply follow the below steps or click here for full information on your travel credit.4
- Log in to your American Express account. If eligible & unused, your available Annual Travel Credit amount is in the top right corner of the page along with the Terms and Conditions and Policies.
- Begin your travel search through the American Express Travel Online website. Your available payment options will be displayed in the results.
- On the checkout page, redeem your Travel Credit by selecting the ‘$100 Annual Travel Credit’ button on the checkout page. Your credit can only be used in one single booking. Minimum spend required. Terms apply.
- Book your trip using a combination of your Annual Travel Credit, American Express Membership Rewards points, and your American Express Card.
Your $100 Annual Travel Credit will become available to you upon your first Card anniversary date on or after October 18, 2021 and will renew every year on the same date.4 You will then have one year to use your Annual Travel Credit on americanexpress.com/ca/travel.
After October 18, 2021, you can log on to your American Express online account to monitor the expiry date for your Annual Travel Credit.
Your Gold Rewards Card will soon give you access to more than 1,200 airport lounges around the globe.5 That means an oasis of comfort before your flight – regardless of your choice of airline or cabin class. Explore all the places you can rest and recharge by creating an account and logging into prioritypass.com/en.
Upon enrolment, the $99 USD annual Priority Pass membership fee will be waived for Cardmembers and each lounge visit will be subject to a usage fee at the prevailing rate.
Enjoy four complimentary visits per calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges6 across Canada. After your four complimentary visits have been used for the year, you may continue to visit the lounges for a usage fee at the prevailing rate. Check out all of the Canadian lounge locations at plazapremiumlounge.com.
Yes, Cardmembers can apply complimentary visits towards accompanying guest visits, as long as your 4 visits have not been exceeded.
No. Your 4 (four) Plaza Premium Lounge6 passes can only be used at Plaza Premium lounge locations indicated on www.plazapremiumlounge.com.
Effective October 18, 2021, you will be eligible to receive a $50 statement credit once every four years when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card.7
You will receive a fixed $50 CAD statement credit every four years when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card, after October 18, 2021.7
No need to do anything to access most of these new benefits. You will be able to enjoy your new benefits as of October 18, 2021 (unless otherwise indicated) with your current Gold Rewards Card.
To access your Priority Pass membership5, please enroll by calling Card Services at 1-800-668-2639 on or after October 18, 2021.
Insurance Updates
Are my other insurance benefits changing?
Effective September 21, 2021, you will have NEW Trip Cancellation Insurance.3† Plus, you can continue to enjoy the great other insurance coverages that currently come with your American Express Gold Rewards Card.
- Out of Province/Country Emergency Medical Insurance (For under age 65)3†
- Trip Interruption Insurance3†
- Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance3†
- Hotel Burglary Insurance3†
- Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance3†
- $500,000 Travel Accident Insurance10†
- Flight Delay Insurance3†
- Baggage Delay Insurance3†
- Purchase Protection® Plan3†
- Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan3†
Learn more about the coverages that currently come with your Gold Rewards Card and how to make a claim here.
You can be reimbursed for the non-refundable and non-transferable portion of your travel arrangements when charged to your Gold Rewards Card before your departure date should you cancel your trip for a covered reason. You can be covered for up to $1,500 per insured person, per trip, up to a maximum of $3,000 for all insured persons combined.
What other benefits can I continue to enjoy on my Card?
You can continue to enjoy the following benefits that are exclusively available to you from American Express:
Amex Offers10
If you have registered your Card in an offer(s) through Amex Offers, you will continue to be enrolled in the offer(s). If you have replaced your registered Card, your participation in that offer(s) will end and you will need to re-register for the offer(s).
American Express Experiences®11:
Enjoy access to highly coveted events in music, sports, entertainment, dining and more.
Front Of The Line®11
Get presale and reserved tickets to in-demand concerts, shows, virtual events and more.
Changes to your Account
You can continue to use your Card as you do today with your current benefits until October 18, 2021. Unless otherwise indicated, effective October 18, your new fee and benefits come into effect with the Card you currently have in your wallet. Upon your next Card renewal date, you will automatically receive your NEW Gold metal Card.
Want to make sure you stay informed about your new Card benefits? Make sure we have your email address on file and you are opted-in to receive marketing emails. Update your information and opt-in here.
You can also download the Amex App to access your account, benefits, and contact information at your fingertips. Don’t have an Online Services account? Create an account in the app.
The 15-digit number on the front of your Card will remain the same.
Since your Card number will remain the same, your recurring bills will continue to be charged to your Card.
Yes! Your new benefits start on the current Gold Rewards Card you have in your wallet on October 18, 2021 (unless otherwise indicated), even if you have yet to receive a new Card in the mail.
American Express offers a suite of Membership Rewards Cards that fit every lifestyle need. Continue to turn your points into rewards you love – from experiences to travel to everyday purchases.
- With our award-winning American Express Cobalt® Card, you can live life your way and get rewarded.
- Go for a Card that lets you enjoy the benefits of Membership Rewards without an annual fee, with the American Express® Green Card.
- Or, choose to elevate every experience with The Platinum Card®.
- You can also spend and earn cash back on every purchase with the American Express Simply CashTM or SimplyCash Preferred Card to maximize your cash back.
Learn more and discover a Card that fits your needs here.
Make sure we have your email address on file and you are opted-in to receive marketing emails on upcoming changes and information on your Card benefits. Update your information and opt-in here.
You can also download the American Express® App to access your account, benefits, and contact information at your fingertips. Don’t have an Online Services account? Create an account in the app.
Where can I go if I have additional questions?
Please call American Express at 1-800-668-2639 for additional assistance.
†: All insurance coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of their respective master policies. Certain limitations, exclusions and restrictions apply. Please read your Certificates of Insurance carefully.
◊ Official mark and/or trademark of Her Majesty as Represented by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, used under license.
- You can earn 2 Membership Rewards points (“points”) for every $1 in eligible consumer purchases at American Express retail merchants as follows: (i) at stand-alone automobile gasoline stations in Canada, (ii) at stand-alone drugstores in Canada, (iii) at stand-alone grocery stores in Canada, and (iv) for travel services or travel bookings including air, water, rail and road transport, lodging and tour operator sales but not including local and commuter transportation. Purchases at merchants where gas, grocery, pharmacy and travel sales are not their primary business (including superstores, wholesale clubs, alcohol retailers and general merchandise retailers) do not qualify for the earn rate in this category. Merchants are typically assigned codes and categorized based on what they sell. Earn rate of 1 point for every $1 applies if the merchant code is not in an eligible category, or is not made directly from the provider of the good or service, e.g. through a third party or by using a mobile device (e.g. smart phone) with an attached card reader. Provided your account is in good standing, points can be earned on eligible purchases less returns and other credits Interest charges, annual fees, other charges and cash equivalent transactions are not purchases and do not qualify for Membership Rewards points.
- Basic Cardmembers can earn one additional bonus Membership Rewards point for every dollar charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card for eligible hotel and car rental bookings (less credits and adjustments) made through the American Express Travel website where American Express Travel (not the hotel or car rental company) is the merchant. Hotel bookings under The Hotel Collection program are not eligible for this bonus Membership Rewards points offer. The number of bonus Membership Rewards points is calculated by multiplying each eligible transaction by one subject to rounding. Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards Program apply. 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.
- Underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. You may contact the insurer at 1-888-877-1710 in Canada and the U.S. or visit www.rsagroup.ca.
- $100 CAD Annual Travel Credit - The $100 CAD Annual Travel Credit can only be redeemed at time of booking through American Express Travel Online at americanexpress.ca/travel. Travel booking must be charged to your American Express® Gold Rewards Card. Account must be in good standing. If you choose to use the Annual Travel Credit, it will be credited to your Card account within 2 business days. Basic Cardmember is entitled to one (1) Annual Travel Credit each year based on Card membership anniversary date, towards a single travel booking of $100 or more, and will appear on your billing statement as “$100 Annual Travel Credit”. Unused Annual Travel Credits expire and can not be used in future years. If you cancel your travel booking after redeeming the Annual Travel Credit, you will not be able to use it again in the same year. You can only use one Travel Credit per booking.
- Priority PassTM - These Terms and Conditions govern Basic American Express Gold Rewards Card participation in and use of the Priority Pass program. Priority Pass is an independent airport lounge access program. All lounge visits are subject to a usage fee at the prevailing rate, which is subject to change without prior notice. This fee applies to the Cardmember and his/her guests. Some lounges do not admit guests. By enroling in Priority Pass, you agree that you will be responsible for all visit costs and that American Express Gold Rewards Card will be automatically charged after you have signed for the visit and it has been reported to Priority Pass by the participating lounge. Additionally, American Express will verify your Card account number and provide updated Card account information to Priority Pass. Priority Pass will use this information to fulfill on the Priority Pass program. Once your enrolment has been processed, Priority Pass will send you a welcome package, Priority Pass card and a list of participating lounges. For details on how Priority Pass uses your personal information, please refer to their privacy policy at prioritypass.com. Once enroled, American Express Gold Rewards Cardmembers whose Card account is not cancelled may access participating Priority Pass lounges by presenting their Priority Pass card and airline boarding pass for same-day travel. In some lounges, Priority Pass member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Priority Pass members must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Amenities may vary among airport lounge locations. Conference rooms, where available, may be reserved for a nominal fee. Priority Pass lounge partners and locations are subject to change. All Priority Pass members must adhere to the Priority Pass Conditions of Use, which will be sent to you with your membership package and can be viewed at www.prioritypass.com. Upon receipt of your enrolment information, Priority Pass will send your Priority Pass card and membership package which you should receive within 10–14 business days. If you have not received the Priority Pass card after 14 business days, please contact Card Services using the number on the back of your American Express Gold Rewards Card. Please note, Supplementary American Express Gold Rewards Cardmembers are not eligible for membership. Priority Pass non-lounge airport experiences such as airport dining credits are only offered in a few select locations. Select locations are subject to change. For a complete listing of Priority Pass lounge and non-lounge airport experience locations, login to your account at www.prioritypass.com.
- Plaza Premium Lounges – Basic American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers are eligible for four (4) complimentary visits per calendar year to Canadian Plaza Premium Lounges. Cardmembers can apply complimentary visits towards accompanying guest visits . After your four (4) complimentary visits have been used, you may visit for a usage fee at the prevailing rate, which is subject to change without prior notice. To access a lounge, American Express Gold Rewards Cardmembers must show a valid, unexpired eligible American Express Gold Rewards Card, confirmed boarding pass for same-day travel and government-issued photo identification in the name of the American Express Gold Rewards Cardmember/guest(s). Maximum of 2-hour stay. House rules, terms and conditions apply. Lounge access is subject to availability. Unless otherwise stated, lounge access cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or benefit and is subject to change or cancellation at any time. Lounge locations may change from time to time. Supplementary Gold Rewards Cardmembers are not eligible for complimentary access, unless accompanying a Basic Gold Rewards Cardmember as one of their guests. For a complete listing of Canadian lounge locations, please visit plazapremiumlounge.com.
- Effective October 18, 2021, American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers are eligible to receive a $50 CAD statement credit every four (4) years for the application or renewal fee for the NEXUS program when charged to an eligible Card. Only one statement credit per account per four (4) year period may be issued, regardless of whether the NEXUS fee is charged on the Basic or Supplementary Card. American Express will not provide a statement credit for subsequent NEXUS application or renewal fees charged to the same eligible Card within the same four (4) year period even if the original application is rejected. For existing Cardmembers as of October 18, 2021, the first four (4) year period runs from October 18, 2021 until October 17, 2025. For new Cardmembers after October 18, 2021, the first four (4) year period runs from the initial Card anniversary date until the day before the fourth (4th) Card anniversary date. In either case, each subsequent four (4) year period follows the period that immediately preceded it. American Express has no control over the application and/or approval process for the NEXUS program and does not have access to any information provided to the government by the Cardmember or by the government to the Cardmember. American Express has no liability regarding the NEXUS program. American Express and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are separate and independent legal entities, neither of which is endorsing the other. The NEXUS program is run by CBSA and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection independently (without administration by American Express). For additional information on the NEXUS program, please visit www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/term-eng.html. The NEXUS program is subject to change, and American Express has no control over those changes.
Please allow up to 8 weeks after the qualifying NEXUS transaction is charged to the eligible Card account for the statement credit to be posted to the Card account. American Express relies on accurate transaction data to identify eligible NEXUS purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Cardmembers are responsible for payment of all application charges until the statement credit posts to the Card account. To be eligible for this benefit, Card account(s) must be active and not in default at the time of statement credit fulfillment.
- Interest will apply in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box and Disclosure Statement if you do not pay your total New Balance by the Payment Due Date.
- The Minimum Amount Due will include all Due in Full balances (i.e. amounts above the Flexible Payment Option Limit), plus all fees and funds advances. As long as you pay at least your Minimum Amount Due by the Payment Due Date, these Due In Full balances will not incur interest.
- Eligible cards will vary by offer and are subject to change. Select Canadian American Express Cards issued by Amex Bank of Canada or another participating American Express card issuer other than Amex Bank of Canada (as applicable) are eligible cards for the offer. The following cards are not eligible: American Express Corporate Cards, American Express® Gift Cards and Prepaid Cards. You are eligible to register for the offer if you receive an email invitation from American Express that displays the last 5 digits of the eligible Canadian American Express Card or if you receive the offer in other select channels, which may include American Express Online Services, American Express App, and American Express website. Other conditions apply.
- Purchase must be charged in full to an American Express Card. Subject to availability and to event and ticketing terms, restrictions, verification procedures and fees. Tickets and packages may not be transferable and should not be resold. No refunds and no exchanges subject to merchant's obligations under applicable law.
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®, TM: Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.