If you immediately think of hotels when you picture concierge services, you’re probably not alone. But major credit card issuers often offer credit card concierge services for platinum cards, which can help with securing restaurant reservations, shopping for a hard-to-find item, and even sourcing medical care in a travel destination.
While these are just some examples, most concierge agents will tell you that their job is to help in any way they can. We’re going to dive into what that help can look like and take a look at some of the best credit cards that offer credit card concierge service.
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What is credit card concierge service on a credit card?
In the same way that a hotel concierge helps customers by booking restaurant reservations and spa appointments or giving recommendations for city hot spots, credit card concierge service is there to help you:
- Book travel
- Make reservations
- Shop for special purchases
- Book entertainment
- Find emergency medical services
Think of the concierge as your very own personal assistant – someone you can call when you need something special done.
American Express says that their concierge staff is at your service for everything from small favours to extravagant entertainment. Mastercard World Elite says that their service allows cardholders to enjoy assistance with reservations, locating items, and coordinating business plans, while Visa describes their Visa Infinite Concierge Service as being able to help you execute any request.
How to use credit card concierge service
Using credit card concierge service is simple. You can either log into your online account to access concierge services through chat (if available) or call the number on the back of your card. Some issuers have a dedicated concierge number, while others ask you to select concierge from a menu of options.
Keep in mind that although credit card concierge service is free, you will have to pay for any goods or services you order through the concierge.
Best cards that include credit card concierge service
Now that you know all about credit card concierge service, you may be wondering which credit cards offer this premium perk.
Concierge comes standard on all World and World Elite Mastercards, as well as Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Privilege cards. It’s also included with Premium Amex cards. Let's take a look at a few of our favourites.
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card
$20 GeniusCash + 10% cash back on purchases for 3 months + 4% cash back on groceries.*
GC: $20
The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card stands out for its generous welcome bonus. Enjoy 10% cash back for the first 3 months, up to $2,000 in spend. Then, get up to 4% cash back on groceries and recurring bills, plus 2% back on gas and daily transit.
While there is a $120 annual fee, it’s waived for the first year.
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard
×1 Award winner GC: $150
1x Award winner If you’re an AIR MILES collector, this is the Best AIR MILES credit card by far. You get 25% off of an Air miles Reward flight every year and you’ll earn 1 mile for every $12 spent (triple miles at participating Air Miles partners). In addition to concierge service, you’ll enjoy automatic Onyx status, a nice Shell discount, and a hefty insurance package. Plus, the $120 annual fee is waived for your first year.
American Express Platinum Card
If an annual fee doesn’t scare you away and you want a premium card that doesn’t require a high annual income, the American Express Platinum Card is a great card. With an annual fee of $799, the card would only make sense if you spend at least $2,000 per month on your credit card.
Aside from great concierge service, the card includes lounge visits, a comprehensive insurance package, a sign-up bonus of 100,000 Amex Membership Points, and $200 travel + $200 dining credits each year.
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
×1 Award winner GC: $60
1x Award winner The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card has a lower annual fee of $120 and a minimum income requirement of only $12K. This card also has a great return on spending with 5 Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on groceries, restaurants, and entertainment. Of course, you’ll also get free credit card concierge service.
National Bank World Elite Mastercard
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard offers great travel insurance, including rare coverage for those over the age of 65. You’ll also get unlimited access to the National Bank VIP lounge at Montreal Trudeau Airport.
The card has an annual fee of $150 – but you’ll get up to $150 back in travel expense reimbursements. Factor in the free concierge service, a lengthy extended warranty, and generous purchase protection and you’ll see how useful this card can be.
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
GC: $25
The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card can earn you up to 4% back in TD Rewards, which you can make the best use of by booking travel through Expedia For TD. It includes a generous welcome bonus of 165,000 points to start you off and offers a $100 travel credit when you make an Expedia For TD booking of at least $500. There’s also the 12 types of insurance and, of course, the concierge service.
How to contact credit card concierge services
You’re more likely to use your card’s concierge service if you can get hold of a concierge agent quickly. These contact numbers should help.
| Company | Phone number |
|---|---|
| Visa Infinite Concierge | 1-888-853-4458 1-630-350-4545 (outside Canada or the U.S.) |
| Mastercard World Elite Concierge | Call the number on the back of your World Elite Mastercard |
| American Express Concierge | 1-866-323-6979 (toll-free in Canada or U.S.) (905) 474-9279 (collect call outside Canada/U.S.) |
| Scotiabank Gold & Platinum American Express Concierge | 1-800-665-2582 (905) 696-5088 (collect call outside Canada/U.S.) |
| National Bank World & World Elite Concierge | 1‑888‑296‑8881 |
| BMO Concierge Service | 1-800-741-6758 |
How to make the most of a credit card concierge
A credit card concierge can be a lifesaver – if you know how to use it. Here are a few tips and tricks for getting the most out of the service.
1. Use concierge for hard-to-score tickets or reservations
In many cases, it’s probably easier for you to buy tickets to a concert or show directly from the venue’s website – but if you’re trying to get tickets or reservations for a limited event or exclusive restaurant, go ahead and hand the task over to a concierge agent.
2. Be as specific as possible about what you need
If you’re asking a concierge agent to help you shop, choose a restaurant, or book an experience, provide as many details as possible. They’ll have an easier time finding exactly what you’re looking for if you can share things like your budget, preferences, and any restrictions.
On the other hand, if the specifics don’t matter to you, being flexible could make it easier for the concierge to fulfil your requests. For instance, if you want to send flowers to a friend, perhaps just share your budget and the delivery address and let the agent choose the type of bouquet.
3. Make your budget clear
Concierge agents will absolutely work within your budget – but they will assume that anything within your given range is acceptable.
If you’re a bargain hunter, using concierge service might not be for you. Most agents won’t be able to shop around to compare prices and ensure you’re getting the best deal. If finding the lowest price for a hotel room, show tickets, or unique item is important, you might be better off doing that digging yourself.
4. Reach out if you have travel problems
Trip delays and cancellations are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. If you get stranded or delayed, don’t forget that you can call your credit card concierge to re-book elements of your trip. Delays are stressful enough – let someone else take care of making last-minute travel arrangements for you!
FAQ
How much does Amex concierge cost?
Amex concierge service is free to use if it’s a perk that comes with your card, but you do have to pay for any items or services that the concierge books for you.
What cards qualify for Amex concierge?
Both of the Platinum American Express cards – one issued by Amex and the other by Scotiabank – include credit card concierge service.
Who is eligible for Visa concierge?
Anyone with a Visa Infinite, Visa Signature, or select Visa Platinum card can access the credit card concierge.
What does a Mastercard concierge do?
Mastercard concierge agents can help cardholders make dinner reservations, purchase tickets for events, shop for items, buy and deliver gifts, and assist in making business plans, among other things.
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