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Published February 13, 2024

Best American Express Business Credit Cards

Amex business cards in Canada offer numerous benefits and comprehensive insurance coverage. Earn Aeroplan and Membership Rewards points.

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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.

Compare Amex business cards

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards with a lower annual fee.

American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card®


$199

Varies

1x Point

Up to 110,000 Points
Our Take
Why we like it

No pre-set credit limit and an extended interest-free period make the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card a flexible card option for small businesses. It also earns American Express Membership Rewards points on every dollar spent with the opportunity to nab an extra 10,000 points each time you spend $20,000 in one calendar quarter.

Pros
  • No pre-set spending limit.
  • 55-day interest-free period.
  • Earn bonus rewards points when you meet quarterly spending thresholds.
  • Comprehensive insurance coverage.


Cons
  • Travel perks are limited to hotel credits and car rental discounts — no lounge access, priority boarding or free checked bags.
  • Additional cards for employees cost $50 annually.
Product Details
  • Earn up to 110,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points:
  • Earn a welcome bonus of 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 10,000 bonus points when you charge $20,000 in net purchases to your Card account each calendar quarter. This could add up to 40,000 points every year.
  • That’s up to $1,100 in statement credits that can be reinvested in your business.
  • 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 the account is opened. The Preferred rate of 20.99% 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 28.99%. 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.

Our pick for: Rewards on daily essentials.

American Express® Business Edge™ Card


$99

20.99% / 21.99%

1x-10x Points

Up to 67,000 Points
Our Take
Why we like it

There’s a lot of value packed into the American Express Business Edge Card: a manageable annual fee, impressive earn rates on common business purchases, and a wide range of perks and special offers, such as business and expense management tools and payment flexibility.

Pros
  • The generous welcome offer and 1,000-point monthly spend bonus should be attainable for many businesses.
  • A healthy earn rate on several everyday business purchases, like office supplies, electronics and gas.
  • Ability to add up to 99 supplementary cards — and up to $100,000 in coverage in case of employee misuse.


Cons
  • Not all retailers accept American Express.
  • Because of the relatively low spending limits associated with the 10x and 3x earn rates, the increased rewards may not be in effect for long for some businesses.
  • Limited insurance coverage included.
Product Details
  • Earn up to 67,000 welcome bonus Membership Rewards® points.
  • Earn 45,000 Welcome Bonus points when you charge $5,000 in purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 10x the points for every $1 spent on eligible business essentials including office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks within 6 months of Cardmembership, up to a maximum of 10,000.
  • You can earn an extra 1,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $3,000 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to 12,000 extra points in a year.
  • That’s $670 in statement credits that can be reinvested in your business.
  • Earn points that you can redeem in a variety of ways.
  • Earn 3x the points for Card purchases on eligible business essentials including office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks when your Welcome Offer ends. Caps and other conditions may apply.
  • Earn 1x the points on all other purchases charged to the Card.
  • Use points to offset business expenses. Membership Rewards® allows you to offset business expenses by covering the cost of purchases made on your Card, in full or in part. Redeem points for statement credits and to book flights, hotels, and car rentals.
  • Transfer points to frequent flyer and hotel programs, including one-to-one to Aeroplan®* and Avios.
  • 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.
  • Employee Card Misuse Protection is a benefit created specifically for business owners and it provides coverage of up to $100,000 per Basic Cardmember in the event an employee misuses their Supplementary Card for unauthorized charges.
  • Access coverage that can protect your business purchases when you charge the full price of eligible items to your American Express Business Edge™ 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.
  • 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.

Our pick for: Airline rewards.

American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card


$599

19.99% / 21.99%

1.25x-3x Points

Up to 90,000 Points
Our Take
Why we like it

The 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.
Product Details
  • Earn up to 90,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points.
  • Earn 65,000 Aeroplan points after spending $10,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months.
  • Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,500 in purchases 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.
  • Roll over any unallocated Aeroplan Elite™ Status Qualifying Miles and 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.
  • Earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card.
  • 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.

Our pick for: Travel perks.

Business Platinum Card® from American Express


$799

Varies

1.25x Points

Up to 120,000 Points
Our Take
Why we like it

Some smaller businesses might balk at the high annual fee, but you get what you pay for with the Business Platinum Card from American Express: a large welcome bonus, flexibility in how you cash in rewards and a bevy of exclusive travel perks.

Pros
  • Make the most of your cash flow with no pre-set spending limit, flexible payment options, up to 55 interest-free days, and plenty of account management tools.
  • A full suite of insurance and premium travel perks, including airport lounge access, premium airport transfer services.
  • A referral program that could score cardmembers up to 225,000 bonus Membership Rewards points a year.


Cons
  • A high annual fee for both the primary card and any additional cards.
  • No introductory earn rate to help maximize rewards.
  • American Express may not be accepted by the suppliers and service providers your business works with.
Product Details
  • Redefine what you’ll experience and discover with Platinum.
  • 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 14 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 20.99% 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 28.99%. 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 1300 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.
  • 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 1,300 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.

» Read our full review of American Express Business Platinum Card.


Our pick for: Hotel rewards.

Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card


$150

20.99% / 21.99%

2x-5x Points

Up to 90,000 Points
Our Take
Why we like it

The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card gives business owners who are also frequent hotel guests plenty of opportunities to rack up — and cash in — some valuable rewards.

Pros
  • A nice introductory bonus that doesn’t require much spending.
  • Solid earn rates on purchases, even after the introductory period ends.
  • Bonus points are awarded when you refer a friend or transfer 60,000 points to one of many frequent flyer program.


Cons
  • Cardmembers can’t maximize rewards if they don’t stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties.
  • No travel perks like lounge access or free checked bags, but travel insurance is included.
Product Details
  • Earn up to 90,000 welcome bonus Marriott Bonvoy® points:
  • Earn 75,000 Welcome Bonus Marriott Bonvoy® points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn an additional 2 points for a total of 5 points on every $1 spent on eligible gas, dining and travel purchases in your first 6 months (up to 15,000 points).
  • Offer ends May 6, 2024.
  • Travel to new heights with the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card.
  • 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 to choose the best American Express business cards

NerdWallet 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.

    SUMMARY: THE BEST AMEX BUSINESS CARDS

    CATEGORYCARD NAMEANNUAL FEEINTRO OFFER
    Best for rewards on daily essentialsAmerican Express Business Edge Card$99Up to 67,000 Points
    Best for airline rewardsAmerican Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card$599Up to 90,000 Points
    Best for travel perksBusiness Platinum Card from American Express$799Up to 120,000 Points
    Best for hotel rewardsMarriott Bonvoy️ Business American Express️ Card$150Up to 90,000 Points
    Best for flat-rate rewards with a lower annual feeAmerican Express Business Gold Rewards Card$199Up to 110,000 Points

    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 around 20% 

    Purchase interest rates for most American Express business credit cards sit between 19.99% to 20.99%. But the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card only charges 16.99% interest on outstanding balances, as of this writing.   

    Annual fees of $99 to $599

    Not all Amex business cards charge annual fees. Those that do range from $99 to $599 annually, as of this writing.  

    Rewards programs vary

    All American Express business credit cards earn some type of reward. Rewards programs include:

    American Express Experiences come standard

    Signing up for an Amex business card means you can access American Express Experiences, a perks program exclusive to the Amex brand.

    Program benefits include:

    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:

    How to choose the best American Express business credit card

    There are numerous factors to consider before you select a business credit card:

    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. 

    The American Express Business Edge Card has a low annual fee and earns rewards points on everyday spending, making it a solid entry-level business card for self-employed contractors, freelancers and new business owners. 

    Amex also has some charge cards that may be worth a look, like the Business Platinum Card from American Express. It has a $499 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.

    1. Navigate to the webpage of your chosen credit card and select Apply Now.
    2. Review the card’s terms and conditions and select Agree and Begin to continue. 
    3. Enter your details, including your full name, date of birth, phone number, email address and residential address of your business.
    4. Tell American Express about your business, including its name, industry, annual revenue, and your role within the company.
    5. Choose a four-digit PIN.
    6. Review the information you’ve supplied and submit your application. 

    Frequently asked questions about American Express business cards

    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.

    DIVE EVEN DEEPER

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    Among the best Amex credit cards in Canada are options for travel, cash back, business and more. Cardholders can earn Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy and American Express Membership Rewards points.

    15 Best Business Credit Cards in Canada for March 2024

    15 Best Business Credit Cards in Canada for March 2024

    The right business credit card can help companies earn rewards, discounts and other benefits that reduce overall operational costs. Used wisely, they can help keep a business’s expenses organized and improve owners’ credit scores, too.

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