Dear Judges,

We have been advised by American Express (AMEX) that, effective January 1, 2027, they will introduce a new suite of AMEX card options and cease offering the corporate card that many amongst you currently hold.

For many years, the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs (FJA) collaborated with AMEX to provide a corporate card with customized benefits for federally appointed judges. In recent years, a key benefit, providing access to the Maple Leaf lounge, became a challenge for users when seeking access. You may recall that in response to this, I wrote to judges in April 2025 and brought about changes to the Travel Allowance to extend the option to judges to seek the credit card of their choice and as such opt for the benefits that best suits their needs.

The Office of the Commissioner did not enter into any consultations with AMEX in the development of the new suite of AMEX products being offered to cardholders. The decision to renew, opting for one of their new products or to apply for an alternate card with another issuer, is solely at the discretion of each judge.

The maximum reimbursable credit card fee under the Travel Allowance is unchanged at $599 for the first card and $150 for the second.

We have also been informed by AMEX that their products are consumer card products, which will require individual application and which will be subject to the applicable consumer card eligibility criteria, approval requirements, fees, and terms and conditions. Any questions related to the consumer products, the status of applications, card issuance, or service in general must be directed to AMEX customer service at 1-800-869-3016 or online: Contact Us.

AMEX will communicate with cardholders in the coming weeks as to these changes and necessary steps. In the interim, you may familiarize yourself with these new consumer offerings at American Express® Cards | Amex CA. Please note that FJA Financial Agents are not privy to any additional information.

Important Information from AMEX regarding the Corporate Program Cancellation

Please note the following information regarding the cancellation of the Program on January 1, 2027, and its impact on individuals holding Corporate Cards under the Program (the “Cardmembers”).

  • Card Cancellation: All Corporate Cards issued under the Program will be cancelled on the cancellation date. Cardmembers will no longer be able to use their Corporate Cards following cancellation date.
  • Membership Rewards® Points: Upon cancellation, if any Cardmembers are enrolled in the Membership Rewards® Program, they will have 30 days to redeem any unused Membership Rewards points. Failure to pay any outstanding balance will result in the forfeiture of accrued Membership Rewards points. If a Cardmember’s Corporate Card is cancelled and they have at least one other linked American Express card open in good standing, their points earned on their Corporate Card would not be forfeited if they are not redeemed within 30 days.
  • Priority Pass™: If any Cardmembers are enrolled in Priority Pass™ through their Corporate Card, their Priority Pass membership will be cancelled as of the cancellation date.
  • Card Benefits and Insurance: All benefits and insurance coverages associated with the Corporate Cards, including Maple Leaf Lounge access, applicable travel accident insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, baggage insurance protection, and travel assistance services, will be discontinued on the Cancellation Date. Termination or cancellation of insurance coverage will not prejudice any claim originating prior to cancellation, subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the applicable insurance policies.
  • Outstanding Balances: Cardmembers will remain responsible for paying any outstanding balances on their Corporate Card Accounts in accordance with their applicable cardmember agreements.

Marc A. Giroux
Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs
Ottawa ON K1A 1E3
T 613-947-1875