07
There are several types of American Express Canada cards, each designed for a specific clientele: individuals, sole proprietorships (self-employed and SMEs) and large corporations. You don’t have to be incorporated to apply for an Amex business card. In this guide, we explain the advantages and conditions for obtaining this type of card. Then, the steps to take to apply for a business/SME card.
First, there are three types of credit cards issued by American Express Canada:
As a result, business cards have a much wider audience than large corporation credit cards (which are limited to large companies).
Whether you’re self-employed or own a small business, you can sign up for an Amex business card as soon as you generate business income and expenses. You don’t have to be incorporated to be approved for this type of card. This is very convenient for sole proprietors.
The online application process for an Amex Business Card is simple. It consists of 3 steps:
Here’s more information on each of these steps.
In the first step of your online application, you must enter your personal information, including the information that will appear on your card.
In the second step of your online application, you must enter your contact information:
This information is required so that American Express can contact you and send you your Amex Business Card. If you are self-employed or own a small business, then this is your personal information.
If you work from home, indicate that your work address is the same as your home address by checking the appropriate box.
In the third and final stage of your online application, you must enter details of your personal income and professional activity. This is the most important step in the application process. You have the option of indicating your social insurance number and whether you are already an American Express cardholder.
If you operate a sole proprietorship (self-employed or small business), you can enter your name in the “Legal business name” box. If your company’s sector of activity is not indicated, choose the one closest to your professional activity.
Be as honest as possible in your application. American Express may call you within a few hours to make sure all the information is correct. This is a simple formality and you will not be asked to provide any proof or supporting documents.
If you’re self-employed or own a small business, you can take out an Amex business card.
Yes, you can have multiple American Express business cards. However, space your applications at least 6 months apart and maintain activity on each of your cards. Why would American Express give you a new business card if there are no recent transactions on your current card?
There’s no minimum salary for an Amex Business Card. In fact, this is the case for all American Express Canada Credit Cards.
Now that you know how to apply for an Amex business card, find out which cards are best for you.
American Express offers business cards in 3 loyalty programs:
American Express Membership Rewards cards are the best-known American Express business cards:
Each of these American Express business cards has its own advantages.
What unites the two cards above is the fact that they are both payment cards. So there are no pre-set limits, which can be handy for a company with lots of expenses. It’s also possible tp optimize your company’s cash flow management thanks to an interest-free period of up to 55 days.
Earn up to 40,000 Membership Rewards points with this limited-time welcome offer for the American Express Gold Rewards Card for small businesses:
With this Card, you earn 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar on your purchases.
You can then use your points in many ways:
For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards points to a partner loyalty program, you would have the choice of earning up to:
Alternatively, 40,000 Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for $400 worth of travel or any other Card purchase.
Also, as a cardmember, you get many advantages such as up to 55 interest-free days to maximize your cash flow.
Finally, you are covered with reliable insurance for your travels and purchases.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card is the only corporate credit card in Canada to offer benefits and points for hotel stays.
We recommend this card for entrepreneurs and self-employed members of the Marriott Bonvoy program who already have the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card for their personal needs. For example, with these two American Express credit cards, you can earn two free night certificates every year!
The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card is the best credit card for travelling self-employed professionals and small business owners.
With this welcome offer, you can earn 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points by spending $5,000 in the first 3 months after joining.
It’s a Card we recommend keeping because each year at renewal, you get an Annual Free Night Award (for up to 35,000 points at hotels worldwide) and 15 Elite Night Credits per year, counting towards your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.
With this Card, you earn 5 points per dollar on all purchases at Marriott Bonvoy properties. And you can earn 3 points per dollar for:
And 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card is the best corporate credit card in Canada to offer benefits for your flights with Air Canada.
We recommend this card for entrepreneurs who are members of the Aeroplan program and who wish, for example, to have unlimited access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges and earn 3 points per dollar on purchases with Air Canada or Air Canada Vacations.
With this welcome offer for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card, you can earn up to 90,000 Aeroplan points.
Here’s how:
With this Card, you earn 3X the points on purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations. And 2X the points on hotels and car rentals. Everywhere else, you will earn 1.25X the points.
With this Card, you receive many Air Canada travel benefits, such as access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America for you and one guest, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling.
Enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.
In short, you don’t have to run a large business to get an American Express Business Card. In fact, you can sign up for an Amex Business Card as soon as you generate business income and expenses, whether you’re self-employed or own a small business.
Savings are here:
