How American Express Front Of the Line Works in Canada

American Express is one of several credit card network providers in Canada. One thing that sets it apart from Visa and Mastercard, aside from the fact that it issues cards directly to consumers, is a program known as American Express Front Of The Line.

Front Of The Line is an exciting perk that’s only available to American Express cardholders, and is particularly appealing for people who enjoy concerts and other ticketed events.

What is Front Of The Line by American Express?

American Express Front Of The Line allows cardholders to buy presale and reserved tickets for some of the hottest entertainment events across the country and internationally. This perk is different than points or airline miles you might earn through a rewards credit card, which have to be earned through spending and then redeemed.

Quite often, Front Of The Line tickets are available for presale, so you can lock in your purchases before they become available to the general public. But don’t worry if you miss the presale offering – some entertainment venues also offer reserved tickets from a block of seats exclusively to American Express cardholders during the public sale period.

Ticket access

If you’re a cardholder, American Express Front Of The Line may give you ticket access to some of the most sought-after events in Canada, including live music, stand-up comedy, theatre, sporting events and more.

Examples of Front Of The Line events include:

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Kevin Hart.
& Juliet.
Post Malone.
Manifesto Festival.
AP Dhillon.
CKay.
Jean Dawson.
TWO LANES.

Event benefits

Another perk of American Express Front Of The Line is various onsite benefits known as event extras. Cardholders can show their cards at select entertainment venues and get additional perks such as dedicated entrances, special concessions offers and more.

» MORE: How to maximize your credit card points

How to Get Front Of The Line access

Front Of The Line access is available to anyone with an active American Express credit card. If you’re signed up for promotional emails from American Express, you’ll be alerted whenever a new offer is available.

Securing your Front Of The Line offers will depend on the event. There’s usually a specific link or code for ticket presales. You would then go to the website selling the tickets to make your purchases.

For example, The Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto has a dedicated page for American Express Front Of The Line tickets, both presale and reserved. If you click the “Front Of The Line Presale” button, you can see what presales are currently available. You’d select your event and enter the code before purchasing your tickets.

Let’s say you have an American Express Cobalt card and you’re interested in a concert where tickets are available to the general public via a global provider like Ticketmaster. Assuming the concert is partnered with American Express, you may be able to choose “Front Of The Line Presale American Express” tickets when selecting your ticket type. This could potentially give you access to tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

Regardless of whether you’re buying presale or reserved tickets, you’ll need to pay for your tickets with your American Express credit card to access the offer.

What are American Express Experiences?

Front Of The Line is just one aspect of a larger cardholder perk known as The American Express Experiences program. American Experiences gives you access to special entertainment, dining and retail offers, as well as a chance to buy advance tickets for popular events through Front Of The Line.

Virtual experiences

To give everyone access to unique events, regardless of their physical location, American Express allows cardholders to purchase virtual experiences that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home.

Example events include:

Cooking classes.
Wine tastings.
Fitness sessions and beauty masterclasses.
Movie packages.
Recorded live theatre productions.
Discussions and speaking series with athletes, artists and others.

Retail packages

Another exciting perk that comes with American Express Experiences is the shopping packages. These are specially curated packages or experiences that have limited availability and often sell out quickly.

Some packages that have been available in the past include:

Craft beer.
Gourmet coffee kit.
Gnocchi-making class.
Father’s Day gift box.

Exclusive invites

American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders can also access “By Invitation Only” perks through the Experiences program. These packages, which must be bought using an eligible card, are designed for premium American Express cardholders and offer a variety of items, such as:

Shopping credits with luxury retailers.
Concert tickets with dinner and drinks included.
Dining experiences with celebrity chefs.

» MORE: How stacking credit card rewards can save you big

American Express Essential™ Credit Card

Annual Fee

$0
Interest Rates

12.99%

12.99% on purchases and cash advances.
Rewards Rate

N/A
Intro Offer

N/A

Apply Now

Why we like it

No annual fee and a 12.99% interest rate make the American Express Essential™ Credit Card a solid option if you might carry a balance.

Pros

The 12.99% interest rate also applies to cash advances. Plus, it’s permanent, provided you make a minimum payment every month.
Up to $100,000 of travel accident insurance.

Cons

You won’t earn cash back or points on purchases, since this is not a rewards card.
There’s no intro offer.

Enjoy an annual rate of 12.99% interest rate on purchases.
With an annual interest rate of 12.99%, you can save on interest payment if you choose to carry a balance and make your minimum monthly payments on time If you take advantage of this offer and do not repay your entire balance (including the balance transfer amount) in full by the payment due date then interest will be charged on your Card purchases at the applicable rate for purchases and not this special Optional Balance Transfer Offer rate • Optional Balance Transfer Offer – Enjoy a 1.99% interest in first 6 months of Cardmembership if you choose to transfer your other credit card balances to this American Express card.*
Balance Transfer option is only available at time of online application. There is no balance transfer fee at time of application.*
Access to memorable experiences with American Express Invites™.
Cover your shopping purchases with Purchase Protection® Plan and Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan.
24/7 Customer Services *American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information and Terms and Conditions, click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.

SimplyCash® Card from American Express

Annual Fee

$0
Interest Rates

20.99% / 21.99%

20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances.
Rewards Rate

1.25%-2%

Earn 2% cash back on eligible gas purchases in Canada, 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually), and 1.25% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Intro Offer

Up to $100

In your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a $10 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $300 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to $100 in statement credits in the first 10 months.

Apply Now

Why we like it

Take advantage of an accelerated earn rate of 2% cash back on gas and groceries, then enjoy a flat rewards rate of 1.25%, which makes it easy to earn cash back on every purchase.

Pros

An easy-to-understand rewards structure.
Cardholders enjoy exclusive access, special offers and events, and more through American Express Experiences and Front of the Line Reserved tickets and presales.

Cons

The accelerated 2% earn rate won’t earn you more than $300 in cash back annually.

In your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a $10 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $300 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to $100 in statement credits in the first 10 months.
Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases.
Earn 2% cash back on eligible gas purchases in Canada, 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually), and 1.25% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences.
Insurance coverage and 24/7 Customer Service.
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. Conditions apply.

American Express® Gold Rewards Card

Annual Fee

$250
Interest Rates

20.99% / 21.99%

20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances.
Rewards Rate

1x-2x Points

2x points on eligible travel purchases, 2x on eligible purchases at gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1x on purchases everywhere else.
Intro Offer

Up to 60,000 Points

New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 60,000 points in a year. That’s up to $600 towards your next vacation.

Apply Now

Why we like it

The American Express Gold Rewards Card should get the attention of travellers looking for comfort and flexibility. Points can be used for an impressive array of items and can be transferred to other rewards programs. The new rose gold design is an eye-catcher, too.

Pros

Travel in comfort: room and rental car upgrades, access to airport lounges and credits for hotel amenities like dining and spa treatments.
The 60,000-point intro offer is equivalent to $600 for shopping, travel and more.

Cons

Travellers 65 or older won’t be covered by the card’s emergency medical insurance.
If you travel often, you could burn through your four complimentary visits to Plaza Premium Lounges fairly quickly.

Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points:
New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card.
This could add up to 60,000 points in a year. That’s up to $600 towards your next vacation.
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
The Card is now available in your choice of Gold or Rose Gold metal options.
Receive a $50 CAD statement credit when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card.
You have access to an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your American Express Gold Rewards Card. Use the credit once annually towards any single travel booking of $100 or more charged to your Gold Rewards Card through American Express Travel Online.
As a Gold Rewards Cardmember, you can receive complimentary membership in Priority PassTM – one of the world’s largest independent airport lounge programs. Escape the chaos of airports and relax in an oasis of calm and simply enjoy the fact that the travel experience has begun before your plane has even left the ground. Enrollment is required and entry fees apply.
Enjoy four (4) complimentary visits per Calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges across Canada. Entry fees apply once complimentary visits have been used.
Charge any eligible purchase to your credit Card then log in to redeem your earned points for a statement credit.
Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
1 Free Additional Gold Rewards Card (a $50 value) to help you earn points faster.
Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 20.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 23.99% and/or 26.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining of monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

American Express Cobalt® Card

Annual Fee

$155.88

$12.99 monthly fee.
Interest Rates

20.99% / 21.99%

20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances.
Rewards Rate

1x-5x Points

5x on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery, 3x on on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada, 2x on eligible transit & gas purchases in Canada and eligible travel purchases, and 1x on purchases everywhere else.
Intro Offer

Up to 30,000 Points

In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 2,500 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in net purchases on your Card (up to 30,000 points).

Apply Now

Why we like it

The American Express Cobalt Card boasts high rewards rates on everyday spending, a generous welcome bonus, comprehensive travel insurance coverage, flexible point redemption and plenty of specialty perks to keep things interesting all year long.

Pros

Earn 150,000 points in the first year by spending up to $30,000 on eats, drinks and groceries. Combined with the 30,000 point intro offer, you could earn 180,000 points in your first year, which you could redeem for travel and more.
Easily transfer the points you earn to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy.

Cons

Airport lounge access isn’t provided, which may disappoint some frequent travellers.
No travel medical coverage for cardmembers over the age of 65.

In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 2,500 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 30,000 points in a year. That’s up to $300 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.
Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery.
Earn 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible transit & gas purchases in Canada and eligible travel purchases. That’s 2X the points on purchases that get you from point A to B.
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else. We won’t tell you where to spend, we’ll just reward you on your Card purchases.
Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
Cobalt Cardmembers receive regular Perks such as bonus reward offers and access to great events.
Access Front Of The Line® Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information and Terms and Conditions, click the Apply now link. Conditions Apply.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Annual Fee

$699
Interest Rates

Varies

This card also has a Flexible Payment Option (FPO), which lets you carry a portion of your balance with interest on eligible purchases. Card members must pay all charges not included in their FPO balance in full.
Rewards Rate

1x-3x Points

3x on eligible dining in Canada, 2x on eligible travel and 1x on everything else.
Intro Offer

80,000 Points

New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 80,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $7,500 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.

Apply Now

Why we like it

This precision-cut and engraved metal Platinum Card boasts a generous intro offer, strong earn rates on rewards, and an impressive array of premium benefits and perks.

Pros

From special reservations to insider tips, you can enhance your travel experiences with complimentary, personalized service from Platinum Concierge — available 24/7.
Benefit from a full suite of Platinum-level travel perks, such as worldwide airport lounge access, the Global Dining Collection, and more.

Cons

Unless you plan to travel a lot, it may be difficult to offset the high $699 annual fee.
No travel medical coverage for cardmembers over the age of 65.

Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points – that’s $800 towards a weekend away.
New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 80,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $7,500 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
Earn 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
You will have access to a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit to use towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card and made on www.americanexpress.ca/travel or through Platinum Card® Travel Service.
Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1300 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.
Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program.
Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,000 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts.
Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities.
Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport such as discount on parking.
You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group Americas, Hertz and Avis.
Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement.
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. Conditions apply.

About the Author

Barry Choi

Barry Choi is a personal finance and travel expert. His website moneywehave.com is one of Canada's most trusted sites when it comes to all things related to money and travel.

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