Pointshogger reader JPT asks: “There seems to be platinum, world elite, infinite, world travel, etc. What are the ‘levels’ in Canadian credit cards, and how useful are they?”

Good question JPT. Each credit card company (American Express, MasterCard and Visa) names their higher level credit cards a little differently. At this point in time, there appears to be so little information documented on this topic, so I thought I would give it a try.

Types of Credit Card Levels

Below is a list of the different levels of each credit card company in Canada.

It is worth noting that as we move up the levels of credit cards, expect to have all the perks and benefits of the credit cards below, and then some. In my description below, as I explain one type of credit card to the next, I am primarily focusing on the additional benefits.

American Express

For the Gold card, expect to see a fair amount of insurance protection (especially for travel) and extended warranties.

Onto the Platinum cards, expect to receive some luxury access, like lounge access to hotels and airports. There is also more extensive insurance coverages.

Then there are the Reserve cards that offer concierge service. Concierge service is what really sets apart the top tier credit cards from the rest. Also expect to see more luxury perks.

The Black card is the most secretive card that is by invitation only. No doubt they have the most benefits and perks. It does not appear that MasterCard and Visa has any equivalent in Canada at the moment.

MasterCard

With World cards, you should expect to find some decent travel insurance and warranty protection.

While the World Elite cards offer personally tailored recommendations such as expert staff and concierge service. They offer luxury perks like lounge access, free upgrades and special access to exclusive things.

Visa

For Gold cards, expect to see some auto rental insurance, emergency cash, travel protection and emergency services.

In terms of the Platinum cards, they offer mostly the same benefits as gold cards, along with better insurance and extended warranty protection.

For the Infinite cards, they offer higher credit limits and no pre-set spending limit. Also expect to find lounge access, free checked bags for travel cards, essentially a taste of luxury perks.

UPDATE- Thanks to Gurpreet in the comment section below! Note that Infinite cards now have concierge service as well. 

Lastly, the Infinite Privilege cards offer concierge service and other luxury perks like free upgrades.

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