Best American Express Cards in Canada
Compare American Express credit cards
BACK TO TOPAmerican Express established itself by offering cards that were status symbols as much as payment methods. Since issuing its first Canadian card in 1958, American Express has expanded its lineup significantly, providing cards with generous rewards, valuable benefits, and appealing perks.
| Card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express® Aeroplan®* Card | APPLY NOW on American Express' website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on American Express' website | 4.4/5 | $120 | 1x-2x Points | Up to 45,000 Points | |
| American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card | APPLY NOW on American Express' website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on American Express' website | 5.0/5 | $599 | 1.25x-3x Points | Up to 85,000 Points | |
| American Express Cobalt® Card | APPLY NOW on American Express' website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on American Express' website | 5.0/5 | $191.88 | 1x-5x Points | Up to 15,000 Points | |
| American Express Essential™ Credit Card | APPLY NOW on American Express' website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on American Express' website | 4.1/5 | $25 | N/A | N/A | |
| American Express® Gold Rewards Card | APPLY NOW on American Express' website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on American Express' website | 4.6/5 | $250 | 1x-2x Points | Up to 60,000 Points | |
Best American Express credit cards in Canada
BACK TO TOP
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*.
Points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on everything else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThe American Express Aeroplan Card can help you rack up points at an impressive clip, especially if you make regular use of food delivery apps. No pre-set spending limit means freedom and flexibility — just remember to pay down that balance every month.
Pros
- Relatively low annual fee.
- Plenty of opportunities to score double points.
Cons
- As a charge card, unpaid balances are subject to a 30% annual interest rate.
- Perks may not be enough to scratch the “premium” itch for those used to other luxury cards.
Card details
Card details- New American Express® Aeroplan®* Cardmembers can earn up to 45,000 Aeroplan points:
- Earn 35,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 6 months.
- Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in month 13
- You could earn up to $1,550 in value within your first 13 months. When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $900 in value, your earn potential in accelerated and everyday spend earn rate categories with approximately $515 in value, and the $140 in value you get from exceptional benefits, you can earn up to $1,550 or more in value within your first 13 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 2X the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada vacations®*.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 1.5X the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 1X the points on everything else.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.
- Get 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $20,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card, up to 25,000 SQC
- As an American Express Aeroplan Cardmember, you can often book flight rewards for even fewer points with preferred pricing.
- Amex Experiences™: From music and movies, to specially curated dining and online shopping opportunities, stay connected with all that we have to offer from the comfort of your own home
- Enjoy an array of travel related insurance benefits such as Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance and up to $500,000 in Travel Accident Insurance.
- 24/7 Customer Service and Emergency Card Replacement.
- As part of our commitment to sustainability, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card has been made with 70% reclaimed plastic
- No pre-set spending limit on purchases gives you flexibility. Using a charge card is a great way to manage your finances as the balance must be paid in full each month.*
- 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, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations.
Points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on on everything else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis top-shelf Aeroplan card offers 3x points on purchases made with Air Canada — the highest Aeroplan earn rate on the market. Comprehensive insurance coverage, annual companion passes and priority airport services add to the luxe factor, but the hefty $599 annual fee may be more than some cardholders are willing to spend. Best for: Air Canada enthusiasts who want to maximize their Aeroplan point accumulation.
Pros
- Up to 3x points on eligible dollars spent.
- Free Maple Leaf Lounge access, plus a complimentary Priority Pass membership.
- Free checked bags.
- Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.
Cons
- Steep $599 annual fee.
- Priority airport services only apply to Air Canada itineraries.
- Pay-per use rates apply to Priority Pass lounges.
Card details
Card details- New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points.
- Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months
- Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13
- You could earn up to $4,400 in value within your first 13 months. When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $1,700 in value, your earn potential in accelerated and everyday spend earn rate categories with approximately $1,760 in value, and the $1,000 in value you get from exceptional benefits, you can earn up to $4,400 or more in value within your first 13 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
- Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwide
- Receive up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four years when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
- Highest Air Canada earn rate on an Aeroplan payment card in Canada: Earn 3X the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 2X the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada and earn 1.25X the points on everything else.
- Get through the airport quicker with Air Canada Priority Check-In, Air Canada Priority Boarding and Air Canada Priority Baggage Handling.
- 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)
- Enjoy access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges™* and Air Canada Café™ in North America for you and a guest, with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight.
- Enjoy your eligible first checked bag free for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada flights.
- 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
- Get access to more than 1,200 Priority Pass™ airport lounges and enjoy an oasis of comfort before your flight, regardless of your airline or cabin class.
- Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more
- Get more from your travel experience at Toronto Pearson International Airport with:
- Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane
- Complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park
- 15% discount on parking rates at the Express Park and Daily Park
- 15% discount on Car Care Services
- Insurance Coverage: whether you’re shopping nearby or travelling abroad, you can feel confident knowing you can be taken care of.
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is made from precision cut and engraved 13g metal – it’s the perfect companion on your next exceptional journey
- 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, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery.* Spend cap applies.
Points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
Points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
Point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
Additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeA standout everyday earner with up to 5x points on a spectrum of everyday spending categories, including eats and drinks, streaming services, gas and more. Unusually robust travel insurance for a mid-tier card makes it a decent travel companion, too. Best for: Those who spend big on groceries, entertainment or transit and want a flexible rewards program.
Pros
- Includes 10 forms of insurance.
- Points can be transferred to other rewards programs, including Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy.
- Up to $60 in Instacart statement credits.
Cons
- No lounge access.
- The 5x earn rate is capped at $2,500 monthly — purchases above the cap drop to 1x.
Card details
Card details- In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.
- Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
- Earn 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
- Earn 2X the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
- Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online.
- Earn 1X point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
- Enjoy access to hotel bookings, a room upgrade (when available), 12pm check-in and late check-out (when available), and up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
- Access Front Of The Line® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™
- 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, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeA low-interest, low-fee card designed to help keep costs down while offering some practical perks, like travel accident insurance and access to Amex Experiences. You won’t earn any rewards, but the trade-off could be worth it for budget-conscious cardholders. Best for: Anyone who typically carries a credit card balance or is working to pay down their debt.
Pros
- Low $25 annual fee.
- Low 12.99% interest rate on purchases and cash advances.
Cons
- Doesn’t earn rewards.
Card details
Card details- Enjoy an annual interest rate of 12.99% on purchases and funds advances.
- With an annual interest rate of 12.99%, you can save on interest payments if you choose to carry a balance and make your minimum monthly payments on time.
- Access virtual events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™
- 24/7 Customer Services.
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information and Terms and Conditions, click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible travel purchases.
Points on eligible purchases at gas stations in Canada.
on eligible purchases at grocery stores in Canada.
on eligible purchases at drugstores in Canada.
Point on purchases everywhere else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis flexible, mid-tier travel card is outfitted in an eye-catching stainless steel, typically reserved for premium cards with $500+ annual fees. The Amex Gold Rewards boasts broad rewards earning categories for eligible dollars spent on travel, gas, groceries and drugstore purchases. Perks like a $100 annual travel credit and airport lounge access add tangible value but only help offset the $250 annual fee if they’re put to use. Best for: Travellers seeking occasional lounge access and flexible, everyday rewards.
Pros
- Four complimentary Plaza Premium lounge visits annually.
- $50 NEXUS statement credit.
- Comprehensive travel coverage.
Cons
- Limited airport lounge passes.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points:
- New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
- The Card is now available in your choice of Gold or Rose Gold metal options.
- Receive a $50 CAD statement credit when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card.
- You have access to an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your American Express Gold Rewards Card. Use the credit once annually towards any single travel booking of $100 or more charged to your Gold Rewards Card through American Express Travel Online.
- As a Gold Rewards Cardmember, you can receive complimentary membership in Priority PassTM – one of the world’s largest independent airport lounge programs. Escape the chaos of airports and relax in an oasis of calm and simply enjoy the fact that the travel experience has begun before your plane has even left the ground. Enrollment is required and entry fees apply.
- Enjoy four (4) complimentary visits per Calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges across Canada. Entry fees apply once complimentary visits have been used.
- Charge any eligible purchase to your credit Card then log in to redeem your earned points for a statement credit.
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
- 1 Free Additional Gold Rewards Card (a $50 value) to help you earn points faster.
- Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99% and/or 29.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining of monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
- To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Methodology
BACK TO TOPHow to choose an American Express card in Canada
BACK TO TOPSelecting the right American Express card involves considering your personal spending habits and preferences. Here’s what to consider:
American Express cards offer multiple types of rewards:
Membership Rewards points: Redeemable for travel bookings, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more.
Aeroplan points: Air Canada’s loyalty program allows you to redeem points for flights, cabin upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, vacation packages, and merchandise through a global network of partners.
Marriott Bonvoy points: Ideal for frequent hotel guests, this program offers points redeemable for free hotel stays, room upgrades, and unique hotel experiences across the extensive Marriott hotel network.
Cash back: Earned as statement credits directly reducing your monthly bill.
Amex cards typically have two types of earn rates:
Base earn rate: The standard rate you earn for everyday spending — for example, 1 point per $1 spent. “Flat-rate rewards” cards only offer the base rate.
Accelerated earn rates: Increased rewards for spending in specific categories like restaurants, groceries, gas stations, or travel — for example, 5 points per $1 spent at eligible restaurants.
Annual fees for American Express cards in Canada range significantly, from $0 up to $799. Evaluate each card against this cost to see if the annual fee is worth it.
For example, if you frequently travel and a card charges a $200 annual fee but includes airport lounge access worth approximately $500 per year — and you’ll actually visit the lounges — the benefits outweigh the fee, making it a valuable choice.
Most American Express cards feature attractive welcome bonuses, often worth a few hundred dollars.
However, don’t expect to receive a welcome bonus just for signing up. New cardholders usually must meet certain spending thresholds within a specified period after opening the account to unlock the offer.
The majority of Amex credit cards charge an interest rate of around 21.99% on purchases. Some Amex products are charge cards, which require the balance to be paid in full each month to avoid significantly higher interest charges.
Consider extra perks that align with your lifestyle. Common Amex card benefits include:
Mobile device insurance.
Free checked bags.
Purchase protection.
What to know about American Express cards
BACK TO TOPAmex issues many of its cards directly to consumers. Scotiabank also offers Amex cards:
Scotiabank American Express® card.
Card types
Unlike Visa and Mastercard, American Express does not have formal card tiers. However, the issuer offers two types of cards: charge cards and credit cards.
Charge cards have no pre-set credit limit; instead, your limit adjusts based on your credit and payment history. With a charge card, you must pay your balance in full monthly or you'll incur a steep 30% interest rate.
Credit cards allow you to borrow funds to make purchases up to a fixed credit limit. If you don’t pay your balance in full, you can carry it over to the next month, but unless it’s a 0% interest card, you’ll pay interest on the balance.
Amex also offers the Centurion Card, an invitation-only “black card” aimed at its top customers. The credit card is packed with many benefits and carries a high annual fee.
Borrowing features
Beyond your card’s credit limit, American Express cardholders may have access to additional funds through American Express Personal Loans, credit limit increases, and other lending options.
The Plan It® Installment Program lets cardholders split purchases and portions of statement balances over $100 into 3, 6, or 12-month installments. It charges a monthly fee instead of interest, and reduces your available credit. Plan It® is not available in Quebec, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and Prince Edward Island.
The American Express® Flexible Payment Option is available on some charge cards, which require you to pay your entire balance at once. This feature lets cardholders pay only a portion of their balance over time, making it easier to finance major purchases.
How to get an American Express card
Once you’ve found an American Express credit card you like, start the application process. Before you begin, review the card’s eligibility criteria to determine if you qualify.
Eligibility requirements
Unlike Visa and Mastercard, Amex doesn’t publicly specify income requirements for its cards.
Amex does list two formal requirements on its credit card pages:
You must be a Canadian resident.
You must be at least the age of majority in your province or territory.
Amex also doesn’t list minimum credit score requirements, but generally, the higher your credit score, the more likely you are to be approved.
Not sure if you'll be approved?
Soft credit check tools, like American Express® Canada’s Apply with Confidence feature, can tell you if you're eligible without dinging your credit.
Getting the most from your American Express card
BACK TO TOPLearn to maximize your Membership Rewards
If your Amex card earns Membership Rewards points, it’s important to become familiar with the program.
You can redeem 1,000 Membership Rewards points for $10 in statement credits.
Simply put, this is a value of 1 cent per point. However, with Amex’s Fixed Points Travel program, you can get up to 1.74 cents per point on some flights.
You can also redeem points for gift cards and merchandise.
You must have enough Membership Rewards points to fully cover your booking (including all the travellers in your party) for the Fixed Points Travel option to appear.
Know your point transfer partners
One benefit of American Express Membership Rewards is that you can transfer your points to various hotel and airline loyalty programs.
Transferring points could help you get more value from these programs.
» MORE: Read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card.
Familiarize yourself with popular American Express card benefits
Amex credit cards are popular in Canada because they come packed with benefits. Knowing your perks lets you use as many as possible.
One of the best perks for an Amex cardholder is the referral program. If friends or family apply through your referral link and get approved, you earn bonus points.
Amex Offers is a unique perk that’s available only to American Express cardholders. Throughout the year, you receive exclusive offers from various retailers.
To use Amex Offers, activate them online or through the app. If an Offer catches your eye, be sure to activate it properly — some are only available for a limited time.
With American Express Front of the Line access, cardholders can purchase tickets to entertainment events before the general public. Some Amex credit cards also grant entry to American Express Experiences, a collection of special dining, shopping, and wellness events.
If you miss the presale for an event, you may not be out of luck. Some shows offer exclusive seats to American Express cardholders until they sell out.
Purchase protection is included with most Amex cards. When you charge a purchase to your American Express card, it’s insured for 90 or 120 days (depending on the card) against theft, damage, or loss, up to $1,000 per occurrence.
A related protection program extends the manufacturer’s basic warranty on purchases by one or two years, depending on your card.
Existing Amex cardholders may be pre-approved for card upgrades. For example, you may be able to trade up from the American Express® Gold Rewards Card to The Platinum Card® from American Express.
If you’d like to upgrade but haven’t received a pre-approval offer, you can try to request one directly by contacting American Express.
Frequently asked questions
Does Square accept American Express?
Square, a payment processing platform used by small business owners, accepts American Express in Canada. If the merchant uses Square, you can use your American Express Card.
Where is American Express accepted in Canada?
Amex has a reputation for being less widely accepted than Visa and Mastercard, but it continues to add more merchants every year. If you’re unsure if American Express is accepted at a retailer, use the company’s online merchant map.
As of writing, popular online retailers that accept Amex include Amazon, Adidas, Best Buy, Dell, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Ikea, Lowes, Pottery Barn, Walmart, Wayfair, and more.
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