I hope this is the right place to ask this and I've tried reading all the pages but wanted clarity on the most recent promos.
I just got an Aeroplan Amex Platinum after much thought for the last few months. If I self refer, or refer to a friend, I can only refer them to another Aeroplan card. Is it worth it to self refer for the 40k possible points for the Amex Aerogold?

https://www.americanexpress.com/cana...anPlatinumCard

I was going to get the Amex Gold to have more flexibility with points and free year but it seems that the referral offer for that is gone? What is the best offer for that now? I see so many on different pages and websites that it's overwhelming.

Is it worth it to pay the $120 for the Aerogold AMEX for the 40K (provided I get the 15K for self referring. I know there's a lot of talk about self referring but I know 2 people who it's worked for so I thought I'd try it but if there's a better guaranteed offer, I'd rather do that).

I already have a CIBC Infinite Visa, Mastercard World Elite, RBC US Dollar Visa, RBC Visa and Amex Aeroplat. I think I have too many cards!! I want to get rid of one and think the RBC regular old Visa is the one but it was my first card and the one I built my credit with so I have a soft spot for it. I never use it though so guess it should go. I love the perks of my Visa but now with the Amex Aeroplat, I'm doubling up on some perks and think I should ditch it but I'm iffy. The Mastercard World Elite Aventura isn't offered anymore with CIBC and I got it when it first came out. I have Aventura points, which I hate, so I either have to use them or transfer them before cancelling.
I travel and shop online in US fund hence the RBC US Visa. I have a US savings too and this card gives the best benefits of any US funds Visa I could find in Canada.

I really need help to maintain my credit and a clear picture of what I'm doing.

Also, off topic but please, if you can help me. Now that IHG points can't be transferred into Airmiles, can I use a combo of IHG and Airmiles for a stay? Does IHG transfer to anything else?? I have a little over 8k IHG points left and don't really ever stay at their hotels anymore but should I do a couple of stays to bring up my points and then use them up? What can I do?

I wanted the Amex Gold because we're planning a trip to Europe next year and I wanted flexibility with the kind of points and ability to use with or transfer to whatever airline we go with and that has the best deal. I assume this works for hotels too.


Finally, as I'm BRAND NEW to Amex Platinum and see that there are many perks and benefits, is there a concise list or thread on here somewhere? Am I right that I cannot access United lounges even I'm flying a United flight? What if I'm in business class?
I see lots of benefit to the lounge access perks (if I can figure it out) but I already have a couple of maple leaf lounge passes that I haven't used yet cause for YYZ to YVR (my main flights) I fly business. My Visa will give me another pass in February. What do you guys do with extra passes? Gift them to friends? I see a lot for sale on craigslist but that's not my thing.

If I am flying with a friend YYZ to MCO, can she come into the Maple Leaf Lounge with me in YYZ? Is there a different lounge we should use? Is there a lounge in MCO?

In YVR, I've only used the MLL and is that the one I continue to use with my Amex?

What about airports that have a MLL and Priority Pass Lounge? If I'm alone I go to MLL and if I have guests Priority Pass cause they're free with me?

Lastly, and I apologize and will write this somewhere else or please, just point me in the right direction, I can't find info on how to actually use priority check in or priority boarding. Do I just show my card at the counter? I get the benefit with my Aeroplan Infinite Visa too but only AC flights and I think only those bought with Aeroplan miles. I can't recall.

Do we get to go through security faster too is that only when I'm in business class?

As for the Fairmont perks, they sound great and I stay at Fairmonts. However, I book with my Visa Infinite cause I get perks with that too but it doesn't fast track me to status like the Amex Plat. All my stays don't count this year because I paid with my Visa, right? I must book and pay with the Amex to get those perks at Fairmont? Well, there's always next year esp with Fairmont discount offers.


Thank you everyone for your patience and kindness and I really appreciate your help as a newbie.