Best American Express Business Credit Cards in Canada
American Express has a number of business credit cards in its roster, with varied offerings suitable for a diverse range of merchants. From budding freelancers to seasoned small business owners, there’s plenty to like in the Amex business card lineup.
Best Amex business cards in Canada
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoint for every dollar in purchases charged to the Card.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeNo pre-set credit limit and an extended interest-free period make this a flexible card option for small businesses. Where it falls short: a lacklustre base earn rate of 1x and no emergency medical coverage. Best for: Small business owners who want straightforward rewards on every dollar spent.
Pros
- No pre-set spending limit.
- 55-day interest-free period.
- Earn bonus rewards points when you meet quarterly spending thresholds.
Cons
- No lounge access, priority boarding or free checked bags.
- Additional cards for employees cost $50 annually.
Card details
Card details- Earn a welcome bonus of up to 70,000 Membership Rewards® points in your first year. Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $7,500 in purchases within the first three months of Cardmembership. Plus, earn an additional 20,000 points after spending $30,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership.
- That’s up to $700 in statement credits to reinvest in your business.
- Plus, earn 10,000 bonus points in each calendar quarter when you spend $20,000 or more. That could add up to $400 in value every year
- Earn points that you can redeem in a variety of ways.
- Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every dollar in purchases charged to the Card and get the most out of your business expenses.
- Enjoy an exceptional line-up of rewards redemption options for you and your business, including travel, dining, entertainment, gift cards, merchandise, and more with Membership Rewards program.
- Transfer points to frequent flyer and hotel programs, including one-to-one to Aeroplan®* and Avios.
- Unlock business possibilities with a full suite of business management tools that give you more control over your business - anytime and anywhere.
- Take advantage of purchasing power that grows with your business with no pre-set spending limit on purchases. With this Card, your purchasing power adjusts dynamically with your Card usage, and can grow over time, as long as you make your payments on time and maintain a good credit history.
- Maximize your cash flow with up to 55 interest free days so you can keep more cash on hand when you need it most.
- Pay for business expenses over time with Flexible Payment Option.
- This charge Card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances. All Due in Full balances must be paid each month. Interest rate of 30% applies to each delinquent Due in Full charge. This rate is effective from the day account is opened. The Preferred rate of 21.99% applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. If you have 2 separate Missed Payments in a 12 month period, the Flexible Payment Option rate for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate Missed Payments in a 12 month period, the Flexible Payment Option Rate will be 29.99%. These rates are effective from the day the Flexible Payment Option is first available on your account.
- Access comprehensive insurance coverage for your travel needs.
- Access Travel Emergency Assistance, and up to $100,000 Travel Accident Insurance when you fully charge your tickets to your Business Gold Rewards Card.
- Plus, access Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance, Flight Delay Insurance, and Baggage Delay Insurance when you fully charge your airline tickets to your Business Gold Rewards Card.
- Save money when travelling with complimentary Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance.
- Access coverage that can protect your business purchases when you charge the full price of eligible items to your Business Gold Rewards Card.
- Protect your eligible purchases against accidental physical damage and theft for up to 90 days with Purchase Protection® Plan.
- Double the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one additional year with Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan.
- Access to coverage for mobile devices purchased for business use.
- Access Mobile Device Insurance of up to $1,000 in the event of theft, loss or accidental damage, anywhere in the world, when you fully charge or finance the purchase price of an eligible mobile device on your Business Gold Rewards Card.
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations®*.
Points for every $1 spent on eligible hotels and car rentals.
points for every $1 spent on everything else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThe annual fee is no joke, but cardmembers have plenty of reasons to smile thanks to the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card’s strong earn rates, extensive travel benefits and overall convenience.
Pros
- Serious bonus point potential in the first six months.
- Relatively low interest rate.
- Strong earn rates on eligible Air Canada travel purchases, hotel bookings and car rentals, even after the 6-month even after the introductory period ends. Plus, premium travel perks and benefits, like airport lounge access and priority upgrades, to make sure your next trip goes smoothly.
Cons
- High annual fee.
- Earning the Annual Worldwide Companion Pass may not be possible for all businesses.
- The purchase interest rate rockets to 24.99% if you miss a payment.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 90,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points.
- Earn 65,000 Aeroplan points after spending $10,500 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Cardmember.
- Plus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan®* points when you spend $3,500 in month 13.
- Earn Aeroplan points that you can redeem in a variety of ways.
- Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations®*, 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible hotels and car rentals.
- Earn 1.25 points for every $1 spent on everything else.
- Make the most out of a full suite of business management tools that give you more control over your business - anytime and anywhere.
- Leverage your cash flow with the option of carrying a balance or paying in full each month.
- Control employee expenses plus track and accumulate points on your account with Employee Cards, so you have an opportunity to maximize the points you earn.
- Unlock business travel possibilities to make every work trip one to look forward to.
- Access more than 1,200 Priority Pass™ airport lounges around the globe. That means an oasis of comfort before your flight—regardless of your choice of airline or cabin class.
- Enjoy access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges™ for you and a guest, and Air Canada Café™; in North America, with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance®* flight.
- Enjoy Priority Check-In, Priority Boarding, and Priority Baggage Handling when you fly with Air Canada, together with up to eight companions.
- Receive one Annual Worldwide Companion Pass when you spend $25,000 in net purchases prior to your Card anniversary date; your Pass entitles you to buy an accompanying Air Canada economy class ticket for a companion at a fixed base fare from $99 to a maximum of $599 CAD (plus taxes, fees, charges, and surcharges).
- Stay focused on getting where you need to go. Receive up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four years when NEXUS application or renewal fees are charged to your Aeroplan Business Reserve Card.
- Pay with your American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card and present your Aeroplan Membership Card at over 170 Aeroplan partner brands and 120 online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore to earn points twice.
- If you’re departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport, enjoy the benefits of being an American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Cardmember. Get more from your travel experience with access to Pearson Priority Security Lane, Complimentary Valet Service, 15% discount on parking rates, and 15% discount on Car Care Services.
- Get a 10% Head Start. Starting in 2027, eligible Basic Cardmembers with Aeroplan Elite™* Status will receive a 10% head start toward qualification, based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) accumulated the year before. Roll over any unallocated unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels.
- Enjoy priority access to the standby list and eUpgrades. Get prioritized on the standby waitlist for an Air Canada flight and higher priority when you request an eUpgrade.
- Get 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $5,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card, up to 25,000 SQC
- Book flight reward tickets for even fewer points with Air Canada. In addition to flights, you can also redeem for hotel stays, car rentals, vacation packages, merchandise and more.
- Unlock two-car-class rental upgrades, expedited service, dedicated phone line, and more with complimentary upgrade to Avis President’s Club.
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for virtually every $1 in purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeSmaller businesses might balk at the steep annual fee, but you get what you pay for with this top-tier business offering from Amex: comprehensive airport lounge access, up to $820 in annual statement credits and a bevy of exclusive airport perks. Best for: Businesses that travel often and don’t mind spending more for premium benefits.
Pros
- No pre-set spending limits.
- Complimentary access to numerous airport lounge programs, including the exclusive Centurion Lounge.
- A full suite of insurance.
Cons
- Hefty $799 annual fee.
- No accelerated rewards rates.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 120,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you charge $15,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
- Plus, earn 40,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
- That’s up to $1,200 in statement credit that can be reinvested in your business
- Earn points that you can redeem in a variety of ways.
- Earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points for virtually every $1 in purchases and get the most out of your business expenses.
- Enjoy an exceptional line-up of rewards redemption options for you and your business, including travel, dining, entertainment, gift cards, merchandise, and more with Membership Rewards program.
- Transfer points to frequent flyer and hotel programs, including one-to-one to Aeroplan®* and Avios.
- Bolster your business with up to $820 in annual business and travel statement credits.
- Enroll your eligible Card and earn up to $500 in business statement credits on qualifying purchases with Dell and Indeed.
- Enroll and earn up to $120 in eligible Wireless Credits each year.
- Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit each year of your Cardmembership.
- Unlock spending power and payment flexibility with a full suite of business management tools that give you more control over your business - anytime and anywhere.
- Enjoy financial flexibility with no pre-set spending limit on purchases. With this Card, your purchasing power adjusts dynamically with your Card usage, and can grow over time, as long as you make your payments on time and maintain a good credit history.
- Maximize your cash flow with up to 55 interest free days so you can keep more cash on hand when you need it most.
- Pay for business expenses over time with Flexible Payment Option.
- This charge Card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances. All Due in Full balances must be paid each month. Interest rate of 30% applies to each delinquent Due in Full Charge. This rate is effective from the day the account is opened. The Preferred rate of 21.99% applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. If you have 2 separate Missed Payments in a 12 month period, the Flexible Payment Option rate for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate Missed Payments in a 12 month period, the Flexible Payment Option rate will be 29.99%. These rates are effective from the day the Flexible Payment Option is first available on your account.
- Extend payment solutions with Supplementary Cards for your employees.
- Enjoy special benefits for you and your business.
- Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection which unlocks access to over 1400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience. Terms and Conditions apply.
- Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport, including access to the Pearson Priority Security Lane and discount on parking.
- Get access to discounted base fares for you and your travel companions when you book through the International Airline Program.
- Enjoy access to specialty services and events, preferential treatment, and a dedicated Concierge team.
- Enjoy Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits at over 1,600 properties worldwide like guaranteed late check-out, complimentary breakfast for two, and more with Business Platinum.
- Access a $100 CAD credit for NEXUS every 4 years with your Cardmembership.
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels.
Points for every $1 on eligible gas purchases.
Points for every $1 on eligible dining purchases.
Points for every $1 on eligible travel purchases.
Points for every $1 on everything else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeBusiness owners who are Marriott regulars will appreciate the 5x points per $1 spent at participating hotels, one free stay a year, an extensive suite of travel coverage and the ability to transfer points to popular frequent flyer programs. But the conversion isn’t 1:1 — you need to transfer 3 Marriott Bonvoy points, to get just 1 Aeroplan point, for example. Best for: Businesses that spend big at hotels and are loyal to Marriott.
Pros
- High base rate of 2x points per $1 spent.
- Ability to transfer points to popular loyalty programs.
- Extensive travel insurance.
Cons
- Highest 5x earn rate is only for Marriott purchases.
- No airport or flight perks.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 110,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy® points
- New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy® Points– Earn 80,000 points after you spend $10,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership. Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase in your 15th month of Cardmembership. Offer ends April 7, 2026.
- Earn Marriott Bonvoy points that you can redeem in a variety of ways:
- Earn 5 points for every $1 in Card purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
- Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, dining and travel after your welcome offer ends, or the cap is reached.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on everything else.
- Redeem points for free nights with no blackout dates at over 7,000 of some of the world's most extraordinary hotels and resorts around the globe. Use your points for flights on some of the world's leading airlines.
- Make the most out of a full suite of business management tools that give you more control over your business - anytime and anywhere.
- Leverage your cash flow with the option of carrying a balance or paying in full each month.
- Control employee expenses plus track and accumulate points on your account with Supplementary Cards, so you have an opportunity to maximize the points you earn.
- Experience the exclusive benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card.
- Receive an Annual Free Night Award automatically each year after your anniversary.
- Enjoy an automatic upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status when you reach $30,000 in purchases on your Card each year.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card. These can be used towards attaining the next level of Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. Conditions Apply. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Methodology
BACK TO TOPNerdWallet Canada selects the best American Express business credit cards based on overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of businesses. Factors in our evaluation methodology include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as travel perks and business support services.
What to know about American Express business cards
American Express is one of the largest credit card issuers in the world with a broad selection of personal and business credit cards to offer. Its business cards earn rewards, carry insurance coverage, offer special perks and amenities and more.
Common features of American Express business cards
No two American Express business cards are the same, but many share common features geared especially toward small business owners.
Welcome offers are common
All of the best Amex business cards currently come with an introductory offer for new card members, though the availability and size of the offer differ by card. However, you don’t get points just for signing up. You need to spend a certain amount of money in a predetermined amount of time to unlock the card’s welcome offer.
Purchase interest rates of 21.99%
Two American Express business credit cards — the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card and the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card — charge standard interest rates of 21.99% on purchases and cash advances, as of this writing.
The two other options — the Business Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card® — are charge cards, which means full balances must be paid each month. If not, expect to pay at least 30% in interest. However, both also come with Flexible Payment Options, with interest charged starting at 21.99%.
Annual fees of $150 to $799
Amex business cards charge annual fees, currently ranging from $150 to $799.
Rewards programs vary
All American Express business credit cards earn some type of reward. Rewards programs include:
American Express Membership Rewards Points.
Marriott Bonvoy points.
Amex Experiences™ come standard
Signing up for an Amex business card means you can access Amex Experiences™ a perks program exclusive to the Amex brand. Program benefits include:
Exclusive presale tickets to concerts, theatre productions and special events.
Advanced movie screening ticket offers.
Deals on weekend getaway packages.
Online and in-store shopping offers.
Dedicated American Express priority lines and lounges at popular event venues.
Cards come with employee misuse protection
American Express small business cards are equipped with card misuse protection. This program protects business owners if an employee misuses their employee card with up to $100,000 of coverage.
Practical business tools are included
Amex account management tools for small businesses include expense management reports, business and travel insurance services, dedicated customer service, supplementary cards and more.
Additional perks and rewards
Beyond welcome offers and rewards points, an Amex business card may offer any number of the following extras:
Insurance coverage.
24/7 customer service.
Free checked bags when you fly.
Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.
Airport lounge access.
Complimentary airport valet service.
Discounted airport parking rates.
Free airport transfers.
Complimentary dining and spa credits at select hotels.
Early check-in, late checkout and hotel room upgrades.
Car rental discounts and upgrades.
How to choose the best American Express business credit card
There are numerous factors to consider before you select a business credit card:
Annual fees. Fees for Amex business cards range quite a bit. A card with a steep annual fee may have enticing perks but is it worth the added cost?
Interest rate. A credit card’s interest rate is especially impactful for business owners who anticipate carrying a balance, as it will affect how much is owed on outstanding balances. Some Amex business cards offer extended interest-free periods — a perk that may be especially enticing for businesses that make large purchases.
Credit limit. Purchasing power varies by card. Some Amex business cards have no pre-set spending limits.
Supplementary card fees. Some Amex business cards offer supplementary employee cards for free, while others charge a flat fee per additional card.
Rewards. Rewards programs for American Express business cards span general, airline and hotel points programs.
Features. Some benefits, like Amex Experiences™, come standard on Amex cards. Others, like priority treatment when you fly, are only available on certain cards.
Who should consider an American Express business credit card?
An Amex business card could be a natural fit for small business owners, startups and self-employed individuals seeking to separate their personal and business spending.
Amex also has some charge cards that may be worth a look, like the Business Platinum Card® from American Express. It has a $799 fee but offers an impressive suite of travel perks, like airport lounge access, hotel credits and complimentary airport valet service.
An Amex business card can also be used to build business credit, so new business owners or those aiming to rehabilitate their business credit may benefit from exploring their American Express business card options.
6 steps to get an American Express business credit card
Once you’ve found an Amex business card you like, you can fill out an application from the American Express website.
Navigate to the webpage of your chosen credit card and select Apply Now.
Review the card’s terms and conditions and select Agree and Begin to continue.
Enter your details, including your full name, date of birth, phone number, email address and residential address of your business.
Tell American Express about your business, including its name, industry, annual revenue, and your role within the company.
Choose a four-digit PIN.
Review the information you’ve supplied and submit your application.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an American Express business credit card for personal use?
While it may not be illegal to put personal expenses on a business card, American Express may not permit this type of card activity and doing so may violate the terms and conditions of your card agreement.
Do American Express business cards build business credit?
Amex business cards can be used to build business credit if used strategically. The fundamental tenets of building and maintaining good personal credit also apply to business cards: try to pay your bill on time and avoid maxing out your card or using too much of your available credit.
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Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell
