Your guide to Priority Pass lounges
Updated: January 22, 2025
Waiting at the airport without lounge access is like being stuck in the nosebleed section at a concert — a lousy experience with no perks. With a Priority Pass membership, you have access to the best airport lounges across the world. So, you can easily relax in a comfortable space if you happen to be an airport early bird or are simply waiting for your connecting flight.
3 best Priority Pass cards
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card
Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points.
Scotiabank Gold American Express®
Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points.
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
Earn up to 85,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points
What's a Priority Pass?
Priority Pass is an extensive network of airport lounges, minisuites and restaurants with over 1,500 locations across 600 cities and 145 countries. You can find Priority Pass lounges in Canada at major international airports in Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Québec, Toronto and Vancouver. This means that being a part of Priority Pass guarantees you’ll always find a great lounge while travelling.
How does the Priority Pass membership work?
You can get access to Priority Pass by signing up for a membership. If you have a complimentary Priority Pass membership through your credit card, activate it online to receive your membership number. Once you have an active membership, you can log into the Priority Pass app and see which lounges are at your airport terminal. You don’t need to carry the physical membership card - simply having a digital version on your phone is enough.
Priority Pass lounges have free Wi-Fi, food and drinks, washrooms and a rest area, allowing you to refresh and recharge before you jump on the plane. Lounge food changes depending on the time of day, so you can expect to see breakfast/lunch/dinner options depending on when you enter the lounge. Best of all, you won’t be spending money at airport restaurants and food kiosks, as the lounge will have all you need to beat any hangry emotions. We’ve all seen the dreaded lines at airport restaurants, which can be highly stressful if your boarding time is less than an hour.
Some Priority Pass lounges go above and beyond, offering amenities that can make your travel experience even more enjoyable. For instance, lounges with standing showers may be perfect for freshening up after a long journey. And if you’re really lucky, you might stumble upon lounges that offer pre-flight spa treatments. It’s these little extras that make the Priority Pass membership truly special.
Priority Pass membership plans
Priority Pass has three membership tiers, offering you with flexible options. See which one is the best for you and your travel habits.
| Tier | Annual fee | Who’s it best for? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $99 ($8.25 monthly) | For someone who travels occasionally. The price you see is only for the membership. You will need to pay $35/per person for entry. |
| Standard Plus | $329 ($27.40 monthly) | For someone who travels a few times a year. Comes with 10 passes. Additional entries will cost you $35/per person. |
| Prestige | $469 ($39.08 monthly) | For the frequent traveller, this tier comes with unlimited passes. |
The Standard Plus membership is a good deal for someone who travels alone or with a travel partner several times a year. If you travel often for work or leisure, getting the Prestige membership is the best option, as you can get unlimited passes for the price of 13 visits. This means you can easily bring guests along, too.
How to enter a lounge using Priority Pass
To enter a Priority Pass lounge, you must show proof of membership through a physical/digital membership card or a credit card with Priority Pass access. You will also need to show evidence of same-day travel in the form of a boarding pass.
Where are Priority Pass lounges located?
Priority Pass’s extensive network allows you to access over 1,500 airport lounges in 145 countries. This includes airline lounges such as the Emirates and British Airways lounges, as well as all Plaza Premium lounges. You can use the Priority Pass lounge locator to find a lounge at your departure terminal.
Pros and cons of having a Priority Pass membership
Pros
-
Comfort: Lounge access allows you to unwind comfortably before your flight, which is particularly beneficial if you're anxious about flying or drained because of jet lag.
-
Family-friendly: When travelling with family, especially young children, the amenities of a lounge provide a peaceful space to relax and prepare for the flight, avoiding the chaos.
-
Complimentary refreshments: Lounges typically offer snacks, beverages and buffet options, allowing you to save on food expenses during your wait.
-
Workspace enabled: With amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets and designated workspaces, you can conveniently catch up on emails and tasks while waiting to board.
Cons
-
Long wait times: During a busy travel season, you can expect to wait more than an hour for a lounge, which can be frustrating, especially if you’re tired or are travelling with family members.
-
Crowded with people and “lounge lizards”: Some lounges may be super crowded, taking away the peace and relaxation you are looking for. Lounge lizards, people who choose to stay for a long period of time, may also pose a problem, causing you to wait angrily for a comfortable dining or seating area.
-
Time limit: Sometimes a lounge may have time limits. So, if your flight is delayed or you are currently in between a long layover, you may not be able to stay for longer.
-
Mediocre food: The free lounge food is typically average at best, so you can’t always count on it being delicious.
Canadian credit cards with Priority Pass lounge access
Here are the Canadian credit cards that offer you a complimentary Priority Pass membership.
With free passes
This card comes with both a complimentary Priority Pass membership and 10 free annual passes.
up to $2500 in value
Welcome Bonus
$2,133
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points.
Get this card if you...
-
travel often and want premium travel perks like lounge access
-
want to avoid paying foreign exchange fees
-
value a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$399
Annual Fee
9.99%
Purchase
9.99%
Cash Advance
9.99%
Balance Transfer
-
Our Take
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated earn rates on all eligible purchases, with additional benefits such as complimentary airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance. It charges no foreign transaction fees and provides access to exclusive events.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card ReviewEligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
-
Pros
-
The card offers a competitive low interest rate on purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers
-
Comprehensive insurance coverage
-
Complimentary Airport lounge access
-
No foreign transaction fees
-
Ideal for travelers as it has no foreign transaction fees
-
Offers a substantial welcome bonus that includes up to 80,000 Scene+ points
-
Enjoy premium perks like Hertz #1 Club Gold membership and concierge services.
Cons
-
High annual fee: At $399, the annual fee is steep, which could offset the rewards and benefits for some cardholders
-
Below average rewards rate: Lower compared to other cards with similar or lower annual fees
-
Limited American Express acceptance: Especially outside major cities
-
Rewards potential: The net rewards potential is relatively low when considering the high annual fee
-
Non-transferable points: Scene+ points cannot be transferred to other rewards programs
-
-
Annual Interest Rates
9.99%
Purchase
9.99%
Cash Advance
9.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$399
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
-
Rewards Scene+
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
0%
No foreign transaction fees
10
Complimentary airport lounge passes per year
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$10
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
-
To qualify for this Offer make sure to open a new Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card account (“Account”) opened between January 3, 2025 and October 31, 2025.
To qualify for the 80,000 bonus Scene+ points:
4. Earn 60,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
5. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $10,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 14 months.
Once you qualify, we’ll credit your account in 2 instalments:
4. 60,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after the qualifying $3,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
5. An additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after you have met the $10,000 spend threshold in your Account within the first 14 months of Account opening.
Note: For joint Accounts, the applicable bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower that completed the last transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases in the case of the 60,000 Point Bonus and the Additional 20,000 Point Bonus.
Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for this offer.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Our Take
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated earn rates on all eligible purchases, with additional benefits such as complimentary airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance. It charges no foreign transaction fees and provides access to exclusive events.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card ReviewEligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
The card offers a competitive low interest rate on purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers
-
Comprehensive insurance coverage
-
Complimentary Airport lounge access
-
No foreign transaction fees
-
Ideal for travelers as it has no foreign transaction fees
-
Offers a substantial welcome bonus that includes up to 80,000 Scene+ points
-
Enjoy premium perks like Hertz #1 Club Gold membership and concierge services.
Cons
-
High annual fee: At $399, the annual fee is steep, which could offset the rewards and benefits for some cardholders
-
Below average rewards rate: Lower compared to other cards with similar or lower annual fees
-
Limited American Express acceptance: Especially outside major cities
-
Rewards potential: The net rewards potential is relatively low when considering the high annual fee
-
Non-transferable points: Scene+ points cannot be transferred to other rewards programs
Annual Interest Rates
9.99%
Purchase
9.99%
Cash Advance
9.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$399
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards Scene+
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
0%
No foreign transaction fees
10
Complimentary airport lounge passes per year
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$10
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
To qualify for this Offer make sure to open a new Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card account (“Account”) opened between January 3, 2025 and October 31, 2025. |
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
With paid entry membership
These cards comes with a complimentary Priority Pass membership but you still have to pay for individual passes.
up to $780 in value
Welcome Bonus
$1,382
First Year Value
$602
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points
Get this card if you...
-
want exclusive travel benefits like no foreign exchange fees
-
need comprehensive travel insurance benefits
-
want to access exclusive Amex offers
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
-
Our Take
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a rewards credit card that offers accelerated earn rates on categories such as groceries, dining, and entertainment. It also provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance, making it suitable for both everyday spending and international use.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® ReviewEligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
-
Pros
-
Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
-
Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
-
Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
-
Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
-
Relatively low-value welcome bonus
-
$120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
-
Scene points redeem poorly for travel
-
-
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction
-
Rewards Scene+
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
-
Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points.
To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card account (“Account”) opened between January 3, 2025 and July 1, 2025
To qualify for the 40,000 bonus Scene+ points offer:
1. Earn 20,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $2,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
2. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $7,500 in everyday eligible purchases in your first year.
Once you qualify, your account will be credited in 2 instalments:
1. 20,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after the qualifying $2,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
2. An additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after you have met the $7,500 annual spend threshold in your Account in your first year.
Note: For joint Accounts, the applicable bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower that completed the last transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases in the case of the 20,000 Point Bonus and the Additional 20,000 Point Bonus.
Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for this offer.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Our Take
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a rewards credit card that offers accelerated earn rates on categories such as groceries, dining, and entertainment. It also provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance, making it suitable for both everyday spending and international use.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® ReviewEligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
-
Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
-
Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
-
Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
-
Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
-
Relatively low-value welcome bonus
-
$120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
-
Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points. To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card account (“Account”) opened between January 3, 2025 and July 1, 2025 |
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 3, 2025. Subject to change.
Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card to learn more. *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
up to 85k pts
Welcome Bonus
$3,011
First Year Value
$1,261
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 Aeroplan®* points* after spending $7,500 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*
Get this card if you...
-
fly with Air Canada and want priority boarding and lounge access
-
looking to earn Aeroplan points faster through higher earn rates
-
want comprehensive travel insurance to ensure peace of mind
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$599
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
-
Our Take
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated rewards on Air Canada purchases and dining, along with comprehensive travel benefits such as priority airport services and lounge access. Cardholders also enjoy extensive insurance coverage and an annual worldwide companion pass, enhancing both the value and convenience of their travel experiences.
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card ReviewEligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
-
Pros
-
Generous signup bonus where you can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points
-
High earn rates on Air Canada, dining, and food delivery
-
Extensive travel perks like priority check-in, boarding, and free first eligible checked bag on Air Canada flights
-
Complimentary access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges within North America
-
Toronto Pearson Airport benefits including priority security, complimentary valet parking, and discounts on parking and car care services
-
Annual worldwide companion pass at a fixed base fare between $99 and $599 CAD (plus taxes and fees)
-
$100 NEXUS statement credit every 4 years
-
Robust insurance coverage including emergency medical
-
Access to Amex Experiences such as movie premieres
-
No minimum income requirement
Cons
-
High annual fee of $599
-
Lower acceptance when compared to Visa and Mastercard
-
High spending to unlock signup bonus
-
Limited high-earning categories
-
2.5% foreign transaction fee
-
Priority perks limited to Air Canada flights
-
-
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
-
Rewards Aeroplan
3X
the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*
2X
the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
1.25X
the points on everything else
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
-
Earn 60,000 Aeroplan®* points* after spending $7,500 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*
Plus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan®* points* when you spend $2,500 in month 13.*
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated rewards on Air Canada purchases and dining, along with comprehensive travel benefits such as priority airport services and lounge access. Cardholders also enjoy extensive insurance coverage and an annual worldwide companion pass, enhancing both the value and convenience of their travel experiences.
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card ReviewEligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
Generous signup bonus where you can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points
-
High earn rates on Air Canada, dining, and food delivery
-
Extensive travel perks like priority check-in, boarding, and free first eligible checked bag on Air Canada flights
-
Complimentary access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges within North America
-
Toronto Pearson Airport benefits including priority security, complimentary valet parking, and discounts on parking and car care services
-
Annual worldwide companion pass at a fixed base fare between $99 and $599 CAD (plus taxes and fees)
-
$100 NEXUS statement credit every 4 years
-
Robust insurance coverage including emergency medical
-
Access to Amex Experiences such as movie premieres
-
No minimum income requirement
Cons
-
High annual fee of $599
-
Lower acceptance when compared to Visa and Mastercard
-
High spending to unlock signup bonus
-
Limited high-earning categories
-
2.5% foreign transaction fee
-
Priority perks limited to Air Canada flights
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Aeroplan
3X
the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*
2X
the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
1.25X
the points on everything else
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn 60,000 Aeroplan®* points* after spending $7,500 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*
Plus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan®* points* when you spend $2,500 in month 13.*
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
up to 60k pts
Welcome Bonus
$1,070
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 5,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000
Get this card if you...
-
are a frequent traveller who wants to earn flexible rewards
-
want a great welcome bonus and rewards on everyday spending
-
want great travel perks and comprehensive travel insurance
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$250
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
-
Our Take
The American Express® Gold Rewards Card is a travel credit card that allows cardholders to earn points on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates for categories such as gas, groceries, and travel. These points can be flexibly redeemed for travel bookings, merchandise, or transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering versatility for those seeking to maximize rewards on routine expenditures.
American Express® Gold Rewards Card ReviewEligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
-
Pros
-
Generous welcome bonus of up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points.
-
Convertibility of Member Rewards® points to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs (e.g. Aeroplan, Marriott).
-
Earn two points per dollar on travel, gas, grocery and drugstore purchases.
-
$100 annual travel credit when booking through American Express® Travel online.
-
Built-in travel medical insurance and trip coverage.
Cons
-
$250 annual fee.
-
2.5% foreign transaction fee.
-
Travel medical insurance only covers those under age 65.
-
-
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
30.00%
Penalty
Fees
$250
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
-
Rewards Membership Rewards
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more
1
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
1
Earn 1 additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge to your Gold Rewards Card on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
-
Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 5,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember.*
That’s up to $600 towards your next vacation.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express® Gold Rewards Card is a travel credit card that allows cardholders to earn points on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates for categories such as gas, groceries, and travel. These points can be flexibly redeemed for travel bookings, merchandise, or transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering versatility for those seeking to maximize rewards on routine expenditures.
American Express® Gold Rewards Card ReviewEligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
-
Generous welcome bonus of up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points.
-
Convertibility of Member Rewards® points to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs (e.g. Aeroplan, Marriott).
-
Earn two points per dollar on travel, gas, grocery and drugstore purchases.
-
$100 annual travel credit when booking through American Express® Travel online.
-
Built-in travel medical insurance and trip coverage.
Cons
-
$250 annual fee.
-
2.5% foreign transaction fee.
-
Travel medical insurance only covers those under age 65.
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
30.00%
Penalty
Fees
$250
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more
1
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
1
Earn 1 additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge to your Gold Rewards Card on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 5,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember.*
That’s up to $600 towards your next vacation.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Priority Pass compared
Priority Pass vs. Dragon Pass Mastercard Airport Experiences and Visa Airport Companion
If you’ve heard of Priority Pass, chances are you’ve also heard of Mastercard’s Airport Experience program and the Visa Airport Companion program. Both of these lounge networks are powered by Dragon Pass. You can access any of these programs through a great travel credit card such as the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite or the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard.
Here’s a quick comparison of the Dragon Pass and Priority Pass lounge networks.
| Lounge program | Priority Pass | Dragon Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Between $99-$469 annually, can also be paid monthly | Depends on your Visa or Mastercard’s annual fee |
| Benefits |
● Access 1,500+ lounges in 145 countries
● You can easily increase the amount of passes you get by upgrading your membership |
● Access over 1,300+ airport lounges in 140 countries
● Can come with additional credit card travel perks like priority boarding, free checked baggage |
| Drawbacks |
● Membership may seem costly for some
● Some lounges may not be a part of Priority Pass, like Air Canada’s Maple Leaf lounges |
● The amount of passes you get annually depend on your card issuer’s perks
● May not be able to access as many lounges as Priority Pass |
While both of these programs provide access to airport lounges worldwide, Priority Pass has more lounges under its network and flexible membership tiers. But it’s important to note that you can’t enter Air Canada lounges using Priority Pass, but any Dragon Pass membership will allow you to enter an Air Canada lounge.
Priority Pass vs. Amex Global Lounge Collection
The American Express Global Lounge membership is available to select, premium Amex cardholders such as Platinum cardholders and gives you access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide, including lounges such as the Amex Centurion, Priority Pass Select, Delta Sky Club and Plaza Premium lounges.
Every lounge under the Amex program comes with its entry requirements. The most premium lounges under this program are the Centurion lounges. These exclusive spaces offer travellers a lavish experience, with signature cocktails, gourmet food and premium amenities such as spa services, wine tastings and dedicated family areas. This dramatically contrasts Priority Pass lounges, which may only sometimes come equipped with fancy food and amenities.
Accessing the Amex Global Lounge collection can be worth it if you're a high-earning, frequent traveller. It may come with a high credit card annual fee, but for those who want to experience the best, why not? But if you're budget-conscious, choosing Priority Pass is the best option.
Is Priority Pass worth it?
If you're a frequent traveller or encounter long airport layovers when occasionally travelling, having lounge access through Priority Pass can be worth the investment. The extensive lounge network ensures access, allowing you to relax at busy airports whenever needed.
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Lubna Umar is an experienced writer in the field of personal finance, with over six years of expertise under her belt. Her portfolio features comprehensive guides on personal finance, mortgages, car insurance, and in-depth credit card reviews. Lubna has had the opportunity to work for several prominent brands in the finance sector, including RATESDOTCA, LowestRates, InsuranceHotline, and the Financial Post.
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