Credit card concierge is a very convenient and valuable credit card perk, offering help with secure restaurant reservations, finding medical care at a travel destination, shopping for items you need, and much more. They are similar to typical concierge programs, but specifically offered to eligible credit card holders.
While the concierge service itself is free, you're still responsible for the cost of anything purchased or booked on your behalf.
This article explains how credit card concierge services work, what they offer, and which are the best cards to offer this feature.
Key Takeaways
- Credit card concierge services can help you with tasks like making travel or restaurant reservations, finding medical care when travelling, making certain purchases, and more.
- This perk is only offered by certain credit cards, and they're usually more premium products.
- Although you can ask the concierge to make purchases for you, you’re required to pay for the items or services.
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What is concierge service on a credit card?
Credit card concierge services work the same way as hotel concierge services, helping customers by booking restaurant reservations and spa appointments or providing recommendations for city hot spots.
These are some of the tasks credit card concierge services can help with:
- Booking travel
- Making reservations
- Shopping for special purchases
- Booking entertainment
- Finding 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 its concierge staff is at your service for everything from small favours to extravagant entertainment. Mastercard World Elite says its service allows cardholders to enjoy assistance with reservations, locating items, and coordinating business plans, while Visa describes its Visa Infinite Concierge Service as able to help you execute any request.
How to use credit card concierge service
Using a credit card concierge service is simple. You can either:
- Log in to your online account to access concierge services through chat (if available)
- 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
Some credit card issuers now allow users to access a concierge service via their apps. For instance, download the Mastercard Concierge mobile app to see what services their concierges provide.
Keep in mind that although the concierge service is free, you'll still have to pay for any goods or services you order.
How to contact credit card concierge services
You're more likely to use your card's concierge service if you can quickly reach a concierge agent. These contact numbers should help:
| Company | Phone number |
|---|---|
| Visa Infinite Concierge | 1-888-853-4458 or 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 or use the app |
| American Express Concierge | 1-800-263-1616 |
| Scotiabank Gold & Platinum American Express Concierge | 1-866-800-5160 |
| National Bank World & World Elite Concierge | Call the number on the back of your World Elite Mastercard or use the app |
| BMO Concierge Service | See the specific number on the back of your eligible card |
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 fulfill your requests. For instance, if you want to send flowers to a friend, perhaps just share your budget and delivery address, and let the agent choose the bouquet type.
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.
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 a unique item is important, you might be better off doing that research 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 you can call your credit card concierge to rebook parts of your trip. Delays are stressful enough, and letting someone else handle your last-minute travel arrangements offers a wonderful reprieve.
Best cards that include credit card concierge service
Concierge comes standard with all World and World Elite Mastercards, as well as Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Privilege cards. It's also included with premium Amex cards.
These are the best cards in Canada that offer free concierge services:
| Card name | Welcome bonus | Annual fee | Rewards | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ Card |  $100 GeniusCash + 15% cash back for the first 3 months, first year free (terms) | $120 | * 4% cash back on groceries and recurring bill payments * 2% cash back on gas, transit, rideshares, and food delivery * 1% cash back on all other purchases | Learn more |
| BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard | $175 GeniusCash + Up to 115,000 bonus points, first year free (terms) | $150 | * 5 points per $1 spent on travel * 3 points per $1 spent on dining, entertainment, and recurring bills * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | Learn more |
| The Platinum Card | Up to 170,000 bonus points (terms) | $799 | * 2 points per $1 spent on restaurants and travel * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | Learn more |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express Card | $75 GeniusCash + Up to 45,000 bonus points, first year free (terms) | $120 | * 6 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and more * 5 Scene+ points per $1 spent on groceries, dining, and entertainment * 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent on gas, select streaming services, and transit * 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases * 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on all other purchases | Learn more |
| National Bank World Elite Mastercard | Up to 30,000 bonus points (terms) | $150 | * 5 points per $1 spent on groceries and restaurants, up to $2,500 in total spend per month (2 points after) * 2 points per $1 spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, recurring bills, and travel booked through À La Carte Rewards * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | Learn more |
| TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card | $40 GeniusCash + Up to 146,000 bonus points (terms) | $139 | * 8 points per $1 spent on travel booked online through Expedia For TD * 6 points per $1 spent on groceries, restaurants, and public transit * 4 points per $1 spent on recurring bill payments, streaming, digital gaming, and media * 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | Learn more |
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ Card
×2 Award winner 
GC: $100
2x Award winner Rewards:
- 4% cash back on groceries and recurring bill payments
- 2% cash back on gas, transit, rideshares, and food delivery
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ Card stands out for its generous welcome bonus. Enjoy 15% 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 – and it's waived every year if you also hold a Scotiabank Unlimited Package chequing account.
Pros:
- 11 types of insurance
- Visa Infinite benefits
- Fee waiver with the Scotiabank Unlimited Package
- Discounts on fuel at Shell stations
Cons:
- Rewards only paid out once per year
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
GC: $175
Rewards:
- 5 points per $1 spent on travel
- 3 points per $1 spent on dining, entertainment, and recurring bills
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Especially if you're a BMO Rewards points collector, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is an excellent choice. You enjoy a huge welcome bonus and, in addition to concierge service, you'll earn flexible rewards points on every purchase that you can redeem for travel, investments, experiences, gift cards and merchandise, or statement credits.
Pros:
- Welcome bonus worth up to $770.5
- 4 lounge passes via Mastercard Travel Pass
- Extensive travel insurance
- Valuable balance transfer offer
Cons:
- Low point value
The Platinum Card
Rewards:
- 2 points per $1 spent on restaurants and travel
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
If you want a premium card that doesn't require a high annual income, The Platinum Card is a solid choice. This card includes unlimited free access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, a comprehensive insurance package, a $200 annual travel credit, a $200 annual dining credit, and much more.
Pros:
- Earns valuable Amex Membership Rewards
- 11 types of insurance
- Incredible list of perks and benefits
- Unlimited airport lounge access at 1,500+ lounges
Cons:
- Very high annual fee
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
×3 Award winner GC: $75
3x Award winner Rewards:
- 6 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and more
- 5 Scene+ points per $1 spent on groceries, dining, and entertainment
- 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent on gas, select streaming services, and transit
- 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases
- 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on all other purchases
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is relatively easy to qualify for and has a surprisingly reasonable $120 annual fee. The welcome bonus of up to 60000, 20000, 35000 Scene+ points, and with a 2.45% average earn rate, the return on spending is impressive. And, of course, you'll also get free credit card concierge service.
Pros:
- No foreign exchange fees
- 12 types of insurance
- Discounts on fuel at Shell stations
- Low eligibility requirements
Cons:
- Limited travel perks
National Bank World Elite Mastercard
Rewards:
- 5 points per $1 spent on groceries and restaurants, up to $2,500 in total spend per month (2 points after)
- 2 points per $1 spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, recurring bills, and travel booked through À La Carte Rewards
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard offers fantastic travel insurance, including extensive coverage for seniors. This card has an annual fee of $150, but this is easily offset by the potential $150 in travel expense reimbursements. Factor in the free concierge service, a lengthy extended warranty, and generous purchase protection, and this card's value soars.
Pros:
- Up to $150 in travel fee reimbursements
- Unlimited access to the National Bank lounge at YUL
- Generous travel insurance
- Excellent grocery and restaurant earn rates
Cons:
- Spending caps on high-earning categories
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
GC: $40
Rewards:
- 8 points per $1 spent on travel booked online through Expedia For TD
- 6 points per $1 spent on groceries, restaurants, and public transit
- 4 points per $1 spent on recurring bill payments, streaming, digital gaming, and media
- 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card can earn you up to 8 points per $1 spent, which provide excellent value when used to book travel through Expedia For TD. There's also a $100 travel credit provided when you make an eligible Expedia For TD booking, 12 types of insurance, bonus TD Rewards on your birthday, and a Visa Airport Companion membership – with 4 free lounge passes.
Pros:
- 4 free airport lounge passes
- Annual $100 travel credit
- Bonus points on your birthday
- First-year-free rebate
Cons:
- Low point value
FAQ
What is credit card concierge?
Credit card concierge is a credit card perk provided by many premium cards. The concierge service can help by making travel bookings for you, arrange your trip itinerary, purchase gifts, make restaurant reservations, and even find emergency medical care for you.
Which credit card gives concierge service?
The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ Card, BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, and The Platinum Card are a few examples of credit cards that provide free concierge services. All major credit card networks – Visa, Amex, and Mastercard – offer cards that include this perk.
What is TD Visa Concierge?
TD Visa Infinite Concierge is included with mid-level Visa Infinite credit cards that are issued by TD. As TD says, concierge service is there to help you with any request, big or small, to help you get the most out of life.
How does Visa Infinite Concierge work?
As with most credit card concierge programs, Visa Infinite Concierge requires you to contact the service either online, via an app, or by calling the number on the back of your credit card. You can then make your request and the concierge will work on your behalf.
How does Amex Concierge work?
Eligible Amex cardfholders can contact Amex concierge services for assistance in finding travel opportunities, hotel accommodations, medical care, shopping assistance, and even lifestyle assistance. With the latter, the concierge will run errands for you, so life runs a little smoother for you.
Is concierge service free?
Yes, if your credit card includes concierge service, it's generally free to use. That said, just because you can ask the concierge to book reservations, run errands, and make purchases for you doesn't mean those purchases and services themselves are free.
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