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Credit card concierge services

Best Canadian credit cards with concierge services

Sandra MacGregor

By Sandra MacGregor

🗓️

Updated: November 13, 2024

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Welcome bonuses, free travel insurance and airport lounge entry are just some of the juicy perks that Canadian credit card holders want. The concierge service, on the other hand, is one perk that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. While it’s a pretty common feature on most premium credit cards in Canada, it seems to be rarely used and poorly understood. Let’s take a look at this valuable yet sorely underused and under-appreciated perk.

What is concierge service?

Have you ever been to a nice hotel and noticed a person with a friendly smile tucked away behind a fancy desk off in the corner? Well, that’s the concierge. A concierge is a person with serious know-how about things like restaurants, attractions and much more about the area where you’re staying. A credit card concierge service is very much the same deal.

You can call the concierge service, usually available 24/7, to connect you with a professional know-it-all who can help you with a wide array of requests. They can do simple things like arrange a rental car, make a dinner reservation or secure theatre tickets. They can also perform more difficult tasks like order flowers to be delivered, direct you to the nearest English-speaking doctor in a foreign city or even help you devise your entire vacation itinerary.

A concierge service can be a bit like having your own personal assistant helping you out when you’re in a bind.

What can concierge service get you?

Each of Canada’s main credit card networks (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) have cards that feature a concierge service. Here's what they offer:

Visa

If you’re a Visa Infinite* or Visa Infinite Privilege* cardholder, you’ll have access to the Visa Infinite Concierge. The service includes:

  • Advice on the perfect travel itinerary
  • Restaurant recommendations or where to find that perfect birthday gift.
  • Hotel booking and attraction ticket reservation assistance
  • If you're looking to snag a reservation at the most sought-after restaurants, or if you're on the hunt for fresh and exciting dining and winery recommendations for your upcoming trip, Concierge service is there to help

Mastercard

Mastercard does not offer many specifics about its concierge service because it says that the financial institution that issues the card selects and provides specific benefits. It notes, however, that some general services provided include:

  • Planning a night out
  • Making travel arrangements
  • Ordering gifts
  • Providing tourist information

American Express

The American Express concierge service can coordinate requests big and small for cardmembers, including:

  • Restaurant suggestions
  • Ideas for memorable nights out
  • Recommendations for places to visit in a specific city when you’re travelling
  • Arranging for the purchase and delivery of an item that you saw while traveling, but didn’t have time to buy
  • Arranging for flowers or gifts to be sent to business clients in other countries
  • Finding meeting rooms or service apartments to rent for business trips
  • Helping to retrieve lost or forgotten items

An American Express representative told me that its concierge could even ship a wedding dress halfway across the world!

Is it free?

When concierge services are included with a credit card, they are free, meaning your annual fee covers it. It’s essential to note that while the service is free, any goods they purchase for you, like tickets or flowers, are at your own expense. You will have to pay for any physical goods you buy – make sure you specify your spending limits when you seek a concierge’s assistance.

Top credit cards for concierge service

Card Concierge service Welcome bonus Card type Annual fee
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card Comprehensive concierge services help like securing hard-to-find items Earn up to $1,300 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025. Travel Rewards $139
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge, like “having a personal assistant on-call" 50,000 points when you spend $6,000 in the first 3 months, plus 30,000 points when you spend at least $30,000 in the first 6 months. Receive an additional 40,000 points when you spend at least $75,000 in the first year. Rewards $499
The Platinum Card® Top tier concierge service, including access to VIP shows, luxury hotels and even sold-out events Earn up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,400 in value. Rewards $799

*Terms and conditions apply.

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Apply now

4.2

up to 40K pts

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn up to $1,300 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.

Expires

Jan 6, 2025

Apply now

Pros

  • The card has a high earn rate for Aeroplan Points, generating 1.5 points† per $1 spent on eligible purchases.

  • Insurance offered includes coverage in the categories that travellers need, and is generally better than its Aeroplan peers at a similar annual fee level.

Cons

  • No airport lounge membership or free lounge access.

  • Aeroplan points can’t be redeemed for flights outside the Star Alliance network, nor can they be redeemed for cash credit. This makes them less flexible than some competing travel rewards programs.

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Pros

  • The card has a high earn rate for Aeroplan Points, generating 1.5 points† per $1 spent on eligible purchases.

  • Insurance offered includes coverage in the categories that travellers need, and is generally better than its Aeroplan peers at a similar annual fee level.

Cons

  • No airport lounge membership or free lounge access.

  • Aeroplan points can’t be redeemed for flights outside the Star Alliance network, nor can they be redeemed for cash credit. This makes them less flexible than some competing travel rewards programs.

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)

1.5 points†

Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases

1 point†

Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.

2x

Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account. Conditions apply.

50%

NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†

1

checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†

1st

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$139

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card comes with a great welcome offer and perks. Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®) made with your card and 1 Aeroplan point on all other purchases†. Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.†.

This card’s top-class concierge service† includes help like finding local restaurants offering takeout, ordering flowers and cakes to celebrate your loved one’s special day, and even finding virtual activities to help pass the time.

Key features:

  • Welcome Bonus:

    Earn up to $1,300 in value†, including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points†, no Annual Fee for the first year† and additional travel benefits. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.


    ·         Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card† 
    ·         Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening† 
    ·         Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening† 

    ·         Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate†

    ·         Plus, share free first checked bags with up to 8 travel companions†

    ·         Get an annual fee rebate for the first year†.

    To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders by January 6, 2025.

  • This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.  

    The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.

    †Terms and conditions apply.

BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

Apply now

4.1

Up to 90,000 points*

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

to receive the latest news, tips and offers by email

Apply now

Pros

  • Strong welcome bonus

  • High rewards earning rate*

  • Earn more when you add supplemental cards*

  • Annual lifestyle credit of $200*

  • Mobile device insurance*

  • Extensive travel insurance*

  • Extended warranty and purchase assurance*

  • Visa Airport Companion membership and 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year - over $250 USD* in value

  • Access to Visa Infinite Dining Series and Visa Infinite Wine Country*

Cons

  • High annual fee

  • High eligibility requirements

  • The welcome bonus is not awarded immediately

  • High rewards earning rate reduces after $50,000 spend

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$150,000

Required Annual Household Income

$200,000

Pros

  • Strong welcome bonus

  • High rewards earning rate*

  • Earn more when you add supplemental cards*

  • Annual lifestyle credit of $200*

  • Mobile device insurance*

  • Extensive travel insurance*

  • Extended warranty and purchase assurance*

  • Visa Airport Companion membership and 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year - over $250 USD* in value

  • Access to Visa Infinite Dining Series and Visa Infinite Wine Country*

Cons

  • High annual fee

  • High eligibility requirements

  • The welcome bonus is not awarded immediately

  • High rewards earning rate reduces after $50,000 spend

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$150,000

Required Annual Household Income

$200,000

Cardholders earn an impressive 5 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent in essential categories like travel, dining, gas, groceries, and pharmacy*. This bonus applies up to an annual threshold of $50,000.

5

You’ll earn 1 BMO Rewards point per $1 spent in these categories after that threshold as been met. Other purchases will earn 1 BMO Rewards point per $1 spent*.

1

Get a $200 anniversary lifestyle credit to use however you want.

$200

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

23.99%

Cash Advance APR

23.99%

Annual Fee

$499

BMO Rewards comes with a great welcome bonus and travel benefits. Earn 5 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent in essential categories like travel, dining, gas, groceries, and pharmacy*. This bonus applies up to an annual threshold of $50,000. Earn 1 BMO Rewards point per $1 spent in these categories after that threshold as been met. Other purchases will earn 1 BMO Rewards point per $1 spent*.

You’ll also have easy access to a Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge (which is a step up from the regular Visa Infinite Concierge). Visa describes it as akin to “having a personal assistant on-call. You name it. They’ll make it happen!”

Key features:

  • Welcome bonus: 50,000 points when you spend $6,000 in the first 3 months, plus 30,000 points when you spend at least $30,000 in the first 6 months. Receive an additional 40,000 points when you spend at least $75,000 in the first year.
  • Additional perks: Comprehensive travel insurance*, unique dining and wine events*, Visa Airport Companion membership and 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year – valued at more than $250 USD*
  • *Terms and conditions apply.

    BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

The Platinum Card®

Apply now

3.6

up to 140k pts

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,400 in value.

Apply now

Pros

  • Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service

  • Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide

  • Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit

  • Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.

  • Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).

Cons

  • High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards

  • The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points

  • Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Pros

  • Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service

  • Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide

  • Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit

  • Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.

  • Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).

Cons

  • High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards

  • The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points

  • Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada

2x

points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel

2x

point for every $1 in all other Card purchases

1x

additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings

1

Variable APR

21.99% - 28.99%

Annual Fee

$799

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

With a $799 annual fee, The Platinum Card® happens to be one of the most expensive charge cards in Canada. It offers lots of benefits like airport lounge access,  through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service. The card includes over-the-top concierge services. You can use the concierge to book theater tickets and avoid fees, book tickets to sold out shows, get help planning an event, search for specialists like a contractor, a pet groomer and even organic catering.

Those interested in lounge access can take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge CollectionTM which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience.

Key features:

  • Welcome bonus: Earn up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,400 in value.
  • Additional perks: $200 CAD annual travel credit, $200 CAD annual dining credit, lots of extras like travel insurance and airport lounge access
  • 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.

Summary

See what you’ve been missing? Concierge services are awesome. Give your concierge a call; they are there to help make your life a little easier. Remember, if you own a premium credit card, you are already paying for the service with your annual fee so be sure to take advantage of this under-appreciated benefit.

Sandra MacGregor Freelance Contributor

Sandra MacGregor has been writing about finance and travel for nearly a decade. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications like the New York Times, the UK Telegraph, the Washington Post, Forbes.com and the Toronto Star.

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