National Bank World Elite® Mastercard®
Banque Nationale
- Annual fee
- $1501st year free
- Foreign fee
- 2.5%
- Annual fee
- $150 $0
- Base Rewards Rate
- 1x
- Welcome bonus
- —
BNC Rewards
Applications are submitted to Banque Nationale
National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® vs American Express Platinum Card®
A field-by-field comparison of National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® and American Express Platinum Card®, built from the same card data that powers our comparison tools. Every figure below traces back to a data field — nothing here is an editorial estimate.
American Express Platinum Card®
American Express Canada
- Annual fee
- $799
- Foreign fee
- 2.5%
- Annual fee
- $799
- Base Rewards Rate
- 1x
- Welcome bonus
- 100,000 points
Amex Membership Rewards
(Up to)
Applications are submitted to American Express Canada
Key features at a glance
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Banque Nationale | American Express Canada |
| Network | ||
| Program | BNC Rewards | Amex Membership Rewards |
| Point default value | 0.9¢/point | 1.7¢/point |
| Annual fee | $0 | $799 |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| Min. annual income | $80,000+ | $0 |
| All purchases | 1x | 1xBetter on this row |
| Groceries | 5xBetter on this row | 1x |
| Gas | 2xBetter on this row | 1x |
| Purchase interest rate | 20.99% | — |
The short answer
- Year oneNational Bank World Elite® Mastercard® wins 5 of 6 profiles, American Express Platinum Card® wins 1, and 0 are too close to call.Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
- Every year afterNational Bank World Elite® Mastercard® wins 0 of 6 profiles, American Express Platinum Card® wins 6, and 0 are too close to call.The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
- National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® costs $150 a year — $649 less than American Express Platinum Card® at $799.
- National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® opens DragonPass and national-bank-lounge; American Express Platinum Card® grants no lounge access.
- Groceries: National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® earns 5x (4.5% back per dollar), against 1x (1.7% back per dollar) on American Express Platinum Card®.The ceilingThat rate runs to $30,000 of spending a year. Past the ceiling, National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® earns 2x — 1.8% back per dollar.
Where each card wins
National Bank World Elite® Mastercard®
In its favour
- National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® costs $150 a year — $649 less than American Express Platinum Card® at $799.
- National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® opens DragonPass and national-bank-lounge; American Express Platinum Card® grants no lounge access.
- Groceries: National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® earns 5x (4.5% back per dollar), against 1x (1.7% back per dollar) on American Express Platinum Card®.The ceilingThat rate runs to $30,000 of spending a year. Past the ceiling, National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® earns 2x — 1.8% back per dollar.
- National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® waives its $150 annual fee for the first year.
- Restaurants: National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® earns 5x (4.5% back per dollar), against 2x (3.4% back per dollar) on American Express Platinum Card®.The ceilingThat rate runs to $30,000 of spending a year. Past the ceiling, National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® earns 2x (1.8% back per dollar) and American Express Platinum Card® pulls ahead.
- National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® includes Mobile device, which American Express Platinum Card® does not.
Against it
No material difference in this card's favour was found in the data we compare.
American Express Platinum Card®
In its favour
- American Express Platinum Card® opens American Express Global Lounge Collection; National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® grants no lounge access.
- Travel: American Express Platinum Card® earns 2x (3.4% back per dollar), against 2x (1.8% back per dollar) on National Bank World Elite® Mastercard®.
- American Express Platinum Card® carries a welcome offer of 100,000 points; National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® has none right now.
- American Express Platinum Card® earns 1x (1.7% back per dollar) on everything, against 1x (0.9% back per dollar) on National Bank World Elite® Mastercard®.
- American Express Platinum Card® includes Hotel burglary, which National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® does not.
Against it
No material difference in this card's favour was found in the data we compare.
Welcome offer
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome bonusNot comparable in the same units | — | Up to 100,000 points |
| Our valuationDepends on how you spend | $300 | $1,690 |
Income required
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Min. annual income | $80,000+ | $0 |
| Min. household income | $150,000+ | $0 |
Earning rewards
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | 5xBetter on this row | 1x |
| Restaurants | 5xBetter on this row | 2x |
| Food delivery | 1x | 2xBetter on this row |
| Gas | 2xBetter on this row | 1x |
| Local transit | 1x | 1xBetter on this row |
| Travel | 2x | 2xBetter on this row |
| Pharmacies | 1x | 1xBetter on this row |
| Convenience stores | 1x | 1xBetter on this row |
| Streaming | 1x | 1xBetter on this row |
| Telecom | 1x | 1xBetter on this row |
| Entertainment | 1x | 1xBetter on this row |
| Recurring payments | 2xBetter on this row | 1x |
| Online purchases | 1x | 1xBetter on this row |
| Office supplies | 1x | 1xBetter on this row |
| All purchases | 1x | 1xBetter on this row |
Benefits
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Airport lounge access | DragonPassMembership onlyNational Bank Lounge (Montréal-Trudeau)Unlimited | American Express Global Lounge CollectionUnlimited (Unlimited access to Centurion, Sidecar, Escape (US), Plaza Premium, Priority Pass, Executive Lounges by Swissport (Canada) and additional partner lounges. The complimentary guest allowance depends on the program: 2 companions at Centurion Lounges, 1 companion at Plaza Premium and Priority Pass, spouse plus 2 children under 21 or 1 companion at Swissport, and NO complimentary guest at Delta Sky Club on the consumer card. Supplementary Gold Cards on a Platinum account get no access. Priority Pass membership must be enrolled separately. Present at each visit: valid Card, same-day boarding pass and government-issued photo ID. UPCOMING: Lufthansa lounge access ends October 1, 2026; effective January 1, 2027, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium move to 6 visits per calendar year (2 for supplementary Cardmembers), with unlimited access reserved for accounts reaching $20,000 in eligible spend per calendar year.) |
| Priority boarding | — | — |
| Wi-Fi access | — | — |
| NEXUS | ✗ | $100Better on this row |
Annual fee and rates
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $799 |
| Additional card | $50 | $250 |
| First year free | ✓ | ✗ |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| Purchase interest rate | 20.99% | — |
| Purchase rate (Quebec) | 20.99% | — |
| Cash advance rate | 22.49% | — |
Insurance
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Travel accident | ✓ | $500,000Better on this row |
| Travel medical | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
Card details
Which one wins, by spending profile
Grocery-heavy household
A family basket weighted towards groceries and everyday spending.
Assumes $54,000 of card spending a year
Year one
Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
American Express Platinum Card® comes out ahead
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $1,252.80 | $1,025.10 |
| Lost to spending caps | −$223.20 | $0 |
| Annual fee | $0 | −$799 |
| Welcome bonus | $0 | $1,190 |
| Net value | $1,029.60 | $1,416.10 |
Every year after
The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
American Express Platinum Card® comes out ahead
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $1,252.80 | $1,025.10 |
| Lost to spending caps | −$223.20 | $0 |
| Annual fee | −$150 | −$799 |
| Recurring credits | $0 | $910 |
| Net value | $879.60 | $1,136.10 |
- Capped at $30,000 of spending a year
Show the per-category math
| Category | Spending | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | Value | Rate | Value | ||
| Groceries | $13,800 | 5x | $621 | 1xbase rate | $234.60 |
| Gas & EV | $4,200 | 2x | $75.60 | 1xbase rate | $71.40 |
| Transit | $2,700 | 1xbase rate | $24.30 | 1xbase rate | $45.90 |
| Restaurants | $4,800 | 5x | $216 | 2x | $163.20 |
| Pharmacy | $900 | 1xbase rate | $8.10 | 1xbase rate | $15.30 |
| Travel | $1,500 | 2x | $27 | 2x | $51 |
| Bills & recurring payments | $5,100 | 2x | $91.80 | 1xbase rate | $86.70 |
| Telecom | $4,800 | 1xbase rate | $43.20 | 1xbase rate | $81.60 |
| Entertainment & streaming | $4,200 | 1xbase rate | $37.80 | 1xbase rate | $71.40 |
| Office supplies | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Online advertising | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Other | $12,000 | 1xbase rate | $108 | 1xbase rate | $204 |
Light spender
A modest basket where an annual fee weighs heavily.
Assumes $21,000 of card spending a year
Year one
Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® comes out ahead
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $477.90 | $402.90 |
| Annual fee | $0 | −$799 |
| Net value | $477.90 | −$396.10 |
Every year after
The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
American Express Platinum Card® comes out ahead
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $477.90 | $402.90 |
| Annual fee | −$150 | −$799 |
| Recurring credits | $0 | $910 |
| Net value | $327.90 | $513.90 |
Show the per-category math
| Category | Spending | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | Value | Rate | Value | ||
| Groceries | $4,800 | 5x | $216 | 1xbase rate | $81.60 |
| Gas & EV | $1,800 | 2x | $32.40 | 1xbase rate | $30.60 |
| Transit | $900 | 1xbase rate | $8.10 | 1xbase rate | $15.30 |
| Restaurants | $2,100 | 5x | $94.50 | 2x | $71.40 |
| Pharmacy | $600 | 1xbase rate | $5.40 | 1xbase rate | $10.20 |
| Travel | $600 | 2x | $10.80 | 2x | $20.40 |
| Bills & recurring payments | $2,100 | 2x | $37.80 | 1xbase rate | $35.70 |
| Telecom | $2,400 | 1xbase rate | $21.60 | 1xbase rate | $40.80 |
| Entertainment & streaming | $1,500 | 1xbase rate | $13.50 | 1xbase rate | $25.50 |
| Office supplies | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Online advertising | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Other | $4,200 | 1xbase rate | $37.80 | 1xbase rate | $71.40 |
Everyday couple
A balanced two-person basket across groceries, dining and bills.
Assumes $36,000 of card spending a year
Year one
Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® comes out ahead
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $837 | $693.60 |
| Lost to spending caps | −$56.70 | $0 |
| Annual fee | $0 | −$799 |
| Net value | $780.30 | −$105.40 |
Every year after
The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
American Express Platinum Card® comes out ahead
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $837 | $693.60 |
| Lost to spending caps | −$56.70 | $0 |
| Annual fee | −$150 | −$799 |
| Recurring credits | $0 | $910 |
| Net value | $630.30 | $804.60 |
- Capped at $30,000 of spending a year
Show the per-category math
| Category | Spending | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | Value | Rate | Value | ||
| Groceries | $9,000 | 5x | $405 | 1xbase rate | $153 |
| Gas & EV | $2,400 | 2x | $43.20 | 1xbase rate | $40.80 |
| Transit | $1,800 | 1xbase rate | $16.20 | 1xbase rate | $30.60 |
| Restaurants | $3,600 | 5x | $162 | 2x | $122.40 |
| Pharmacy | $600 | 1xbase rate | $5.40 | 1xbase rate | $10.20 |
| Travel | $1,200 | 2x | $21.60 | 2x | $40.80 |
| Bills & recurring payments | $3,000 | 2x | $54 | 1xbase rate | $51 |
| Telecom | $3,600 | 1xbase rate | $32.40 | 1xbase rate | $61.20 |
| Entertainment & streaming | $3,600 | 1xbase rate | $32.40 | 1xbase rate | $61.20 |
| Office supplies | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Online advertising | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Other | $7,200 | 1xbase rate | $64.80 | 1xbase rate | $122.40 |
Retiree
A basket tilted towards groceries, pharmacy and travel.
Assumes $27,000 of card spending a year
Year one
Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® comes out ahead
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $639.90 | $515.10 |
| Annual fee | $0 | −$799 |
| Net value | $639.90 | −$283.90 |
Every year after
The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
American Express Platinum Card® comes out ahead
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $639.90 | $515.10 |
| Annual fee | −$150 | −$799 |
| Recurring credits | $0 | $910 |
| Net value | $489.90 | $626.10 |
Show the per-category math
| Category | Spending | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | Value | Rate | Value | ||
| Groceries | $7,200 | 5x | $324 | 1xbase rate | $122.40 |
| Gas & EV | $2,100 | 2x | $37.80 | 1xbase rate | $35.70 |
| Transit | $1,200 | 1xbase rate | $10.80 | 1xbase rate | $20.40 |
| Restaurants | $2,400 | 5x | $108 | 2x | $81.60 |
| Pharmacy | $600 | 1xbase rate | $5.40 | 1xbase rate | $10.20 |
| Travel | $900 | 2x | $16.20 | 2x | $30.60 |
| Bills & recurring payments | $2,700 | 2x | $48.60 | 1xbase rate | $45.90 |
| Telecom | $2,700 | 1xbase rate | $24.30 | 1xbase rate | $45.90 |
| Entertainment & streaming | $2,100 | 1xbase rate | $18.90 | 1xbase rate | $35.70 |
| Office supplies | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Online advertising | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Other | $5,100 | 1xbase rate | $45.90 | 1xbase rate | $86.70 |
International traveller
A couple's basket with a quarter of the spending charged in another currency.
Assumes $36,000 of card spending a year, of which 25% is charged in a foreign currency (a scenario assumption, not measured data)
Year one
Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® comes out ahead
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $837 | $693.60 |
| Lost to spending caps | −$56.70 | $0 |
| Foreign transaction fees | −$225 | −$225 |
| Annual fee | $0 | −$799 |
| Net value | $555.30 | −$330.40 |
Every year after
The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
American Express Platinum Card® comes out ahead
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $837 | $693.60 |
| Lost to spending caps | −$56.70 | $0 |
| Foreign transaction fees | −$225 | −$225 |
| Annual fee | −$150 | −$799 |
| Recurring credits | $0 | $910 |
| Net value | $405.30 | $579.60 |
- Capped at $30,000 of spending a year
Show the per-category math
| Category | Spending | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | Value | Rate | Value | ||
| Groceries | $9,000 | 5x | $405 | 1xbase rate | $153 |
| Gas & EV | $2,400 | 2x | $43.20 | 1xbase rate | $40.80 |
| Transit | $1,800 | 1xbase rate | $16.20 | 1xbase rate | $30.60 |
| Restaurants | $3,600 | 5x | $162 | 2x | $122.40 |
| Pharmacy | $600 | 1xbase rate | $5.40 | 1xbase rate | $10.20 |
| Travel | $1,200 | 2x | $21.60 | 2x | $40.80 |
| Bills & recurring payments | $3,000 | 2x | $54 | 1xbase rate | $51 |
| Telecom | $3,600 | 1xbase rate | $32.40 | 1xbase rate | $61.20 |
| Entertainment & streaming | $3,600 | 1xbase rate | $32.40 | 1xbase rate | $61.20 |
| Office supplies | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Online advertising | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Other | $7,200 | 1xbase rate | $64.80 | 1xbase rate | $122.40 |
Frequent foreign spender
A deliberately aggressive scenario: half of all spending charged in another currency.
Assumes $31,800 of card spending a year, of which 50% is charged in a foreign currency (a scenario assumption, not measured data)
Year one
Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® comes out ahead
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $707.40 | $627.30 |
| Lost to spending caps | −$15.59 | $0 |
| Foreign transaction fees | −$397.50 | −$397.50 |
| Annual fee | $0 | −$799 |
| Net value | $294.31 | −$569.20 |
Every year after
The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
American Express Platinum Card® comes out ahead
| Feature | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $707.40 | $627.30 |
| Lost to spending caps | −$15.59 | $0 |
| Foreign transaction fees | −$397.50 | −$397.50 |
| Annual fee | −$150 | −$799 |
| Recurring credits | $0 | $910 |
| Net value | $144.31 | $340.80 |
- Capped at $30,000 of spending a year
Show the per-category math
| Category | Spending | National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® | American Express Platinum Card® | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | Value | Rate | Value | ||
| Groceries | $6,000 | 5x | $270 | 1xbase rate | $102 |
| Gas & EV | $2,100 | 2x | $37.80 | 1xbase rate | $35.70 |
| Transit | $1,800 | 1xbase rate | $16.20 | 1xbase rate | $30.60 |
| Restaurants | $4,200 | 5x | $189 | 2x | $142.80 |
| Pharmacy | $600 | 1xbase rate | $5.40 | 1xbase rate | $10.20 |
| Travel | $900 | 2x | $16.20 | 2x | $30.60 |
| Bills & recurring payments | $3,000 | 2x | $54 | 1xbase rate | $51 |
| Telecom | $3,600 | 1xbase rate | $32.40 | 1xbase rate | $61.20 |
| Entertainment & streaming | $2,100 | 1xbase rate | $18.90 | 1xbase rate | $35.70 |
| Office supplies | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Online advertising | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Other | $7,500 | 1xbase rate | $67.50 | 1xbase rate | $127.50 |
Frequently asked questions
Which costs less per year, National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® or American Express Platinum Card®?
National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® charges $150 a year, against $799 for American Express Platinum Card®.
Which is better for spending in another currency, National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® or American Express Platinum Card®?
Both charge 2.5% on purchases in another currency.
Which card comes out ahead, National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® or American Express Platinum Card®?
It depends on how you spend. Across the 6 spending profiles on this page, National Bank World Elite® Mastercard® wins 5 in year one, American Express Platinum Card® wins 1, and 0 are too close to call.
Do these earn rates have spending caps?
Yes — where a card caps a category, the ceiling is stated next to the rate on this page, along with what the card earns beyond it.
How we compare
- Every figure on this page is read from the card data we maintain — annual fees, foreign transaction fees, earn rates, spending caps, welcome offers, insurance and lounge access.
- Points are valued at our published valuation for each card's loyalty program. Cash back is counted at face value.
- The spending profiles are standard baskets, not your spending. The share charged in a foreign currency is a stated scenario assumption.
- Year one and the years after are kept separate: the welcome bonus and any first-year fee waiver only count in year one.
- We may earn a commission when you apply through the links on this page. It never changes the figures above — they come from the same data for every card.
Ready to apply?
Applications are submitted on the issuer's own site. Nothing you read above changes if you apply from here.
- Annual fee
- $150 $0
- Base Rewards Rate
- 1x
- Welcome bonus
- —
BNC Rewards
Applications are submitted to Banque Nationale
- Annual fee
- $799
- Base Rewards Rate
- 1x
- Welcome bonus
- 100,000 points
Amex Membership Rewards
(Up to)
Applications are submitted to American Express Canada