AMEX Cuts Lounge Access for Canadian Cardholders

If you hold an American Express Platinum Card (personal or business), get your airport lounge visits in while you can.  AMEX plans to strip those Canadian cardholders of the unlimited lounge access perk starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Presently, one of the benefits of the Platinum card is unlimited visits to Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounges. Buried in the terms and conditions of the card, is the note that after Dec. 31, 2026 cardholders will have six complimentary visits at Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounges. Supplemental cardholders will have two visits. 

Additionally, guest access will no longer be complimentary for your first guest. Cardholders who wish to bring a guest in will need to use one of their allotted visits, or pay an entry fee.

Related: 5 Ways to Get Airport Lounge Access in 2025

If you want to hang on to the benefit, there is a way, but it will cost you. Cardholders who reach a minimum spend of $20,000 in a calendar year will have unlimited lounge access. 

Those who fly internationally may not feel the pinch as much as those who fly domestically. The limited lounge visits only apply to the Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounges, which make up the bulk of the lounge network in Canada. Other lounges, including Centurion Lounges in the U.S. will not be affected by the limit. 

So far the change only applies to Canadian cardholders, although the response from AMEX to an inquiry from Upgraded Points isn’t overtly reassuring: “Nothing to share on any changes for U.S. Card Members.”

Related: From North America to Europe and Asia, Best Airport Lounges Named

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