Best American Express Credit Cards | 2023 | Milesopedia
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The Best American Express Credit Cards in Canada

The Best American Express Credit Cards in Canada

Below are American Express Canada’s best credit card offers:

Here is a table summarizing the different offers. For more details, read on or click on the name of a card.

American Express Credit Cards for Travel Rewards

American Express Cobalt® Card

The American Express Cobalt® Card is the best credit card from American Express, whether you want points for travel or cash back.

The welcome bonus is distributed monthly for the first 12 months. You earn 2,500 Membership Rewards points for every $500 in purchases charged to your card during the month (whether in the 1X, 2X, 3X or 5X category). That’s up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points.

You can easily use these points as statement credits for everyday or travel purchases. The value is the same for both: 1,000 points = $10.

Or, you can transfer your points to Aeroplan, Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors points. With the American Express Cobalt® Card, you can earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:

Category Points per dollar
Grocery stores (Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, etc.) 5
Food delivery 5
Restaurants and bars 5
Convenience stores 5
Streaming subscriptions 3
Gas station 2
Transportation 2
Travel 2
Other 1

This is a 1 to 5% return on all these purchases.

In addition, this card provides excellent insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage, flight delay, $250,000 travel accident, hotel or motel burglary, Mobile Device Insurance, Purchase Security, Purchase Protection Insurance.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

American Express® Gold Rewards Card

Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points with this welcome offer for the American Express® Gold Rewards Card. That’s a $600 value for travel or any purchase on the Card.

You can also transfer your points to airline partners (Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Flying Blue, etc.) and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).

With this Card, you get many benefits like:

  • $100 annual travel credit
  • Priority Pass membership and 4 complimentary Plaza Premium visits per year
  • $50 NEXUS credit

You earn 2 points per dollar for travel purchases, and at:

  • gas stations
  • grocery stores
  • drugstores

And 1 point per dollar everywhere else.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

American Express Platinum Card®

The Platinum Card® is the Best Premium Travel Card in Canada.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points with this welcome offer after you charge $7,500 in net purchases in the first 3 months.

With this card, you get:

  • 3 points per dollar on dining purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on travel purchases
  • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

You can use your Membership Rewards points in many ways:

  • Transfer your points to airline partners (Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Delta Skymiles, Flying Blue, etc.)
  • Transfer points to hotel programs (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy)
  • Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
  • Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases (1,000 points = $10)
  • And more!

With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:

  • $200 Annual Travel Credit
  • $100 NEXUS Card Statement Credit
  • Complimentary and unlimited access for you and one additional traveller to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide
  • Hilton Honors Gold Elite status (complimentary breakfast at all Hilton hotels)
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program

Finally, the Platinum Card® comes with premium insurance: Car Rental Theft and Damage, $500,000 Travel Accident, Emergency medical insurance (outside the province or country), Lost or Stolen Baggage, Flight delay insurance and misdirected baggage, Hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection® Plan, Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

American Express Credit Cards for Hotels

Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card for free hotel nights.

With this limited-time welcome offer, you can earn up to 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points:

  • 65,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after $3,000 in Card purchases within the first 3 months
  • 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.

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 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.

Finally, this Card comes with comprehensive insurance: baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage, $500,000 travel accident, flight delay, hotel or motel burglary, rental car theft and damage, Purchase Security, Purchase Protection.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

American Express Credit Cards for Aeroplan

American Express® Aeroplan®* Card

With this welcome offer for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card, you can earn up to 50,000 Aeroplan points.

Here’s how:

  • 35,000 Aeroplan points after $3,000 in Card purchases within the first 6 months
  • 2,500 Aeroplan points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in purchases on your Card for the first 6 months of Cardmembership. That could add up to 15,000 Aeroplan points

With this Card, you earn 2X the points on purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations.

And 1.5x the points on Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada. Anywhere else, you will earn 1X the points.

Enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

American Express®* Aeroplan® Reserve Card

With this limited-time welcome offer for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card, you can earn up to 115,000 Aeroplan points. Here’s how:

  • 45,000 Aeroplan points after $6,000 in Card purchases within the first 3 months
  • 7,500 Aeroplan Points per month, after $2,000 in Card purchases per month for the first 6 months; that’s up to 45,000 Aeroplan Points
  • 25,000 Aeroplan points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.

With this Card, you earn 3X the points on purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations. And 2x the points on Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada. 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.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

American Express Credit Cards for Cash Back

SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express

The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express is the only credit card in Canada to earn 2% cash back on all purchases. Plus, you can get:

  • 4% cash back on gas purchases
  • 4% cash back on grocery purchases

And with this welcome offer, you can earn a $40 statement credit for every $750 in purchases charged to your Card in your first 10 months (up to $400 in statement credits).

The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express Card is especially popular with those who have significant purchases to make: home improvement, furniture or appliance purchases since it offers 2% cash back at all stores.

This Card stands out for its numerous coverages offered: Theft and damage to rental cars, $100,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delay and misdirected baggage, hotel/motel burglary, Purchase Security, Purchase Protection.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

American Express Cobalt® Card

The American Express Cobalt® Card is the best credit card from American Express, whether you want points for travel or cash back.

The welcome bonus is distributed monthly for the first 12 months. You earn 2,500 Membership Rewards points for every $500 in purchases charged to your card during the month (whether in the 1X, 2X, 3X or 5X category). That’s up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points.

You can easily use these points as statement credits for everyday or travel purchases. The value is the same for both: 1,000 points = $10.

Or, you can transfer your points to Aeroplan, Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors points. With the American Express Cobalt® Card, you can earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:

Category Points per dollar
Grocery stores (Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, etc.) 5
Food delivery 5
Restaurants and bars 5
Convenience stores 5
Streaming subscriptions 3
Gas station 2
Transportation 2
Travel 2
Other 1

This is a 1 to 5% return on all these purchases.

In addition, this card provides excellent insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage, flight delay, $250,000 travel accident, hotel or motel burglary, Mobile Device Insurance, Purchase Security, Purchase Protection Insurance.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

American Express Credit Cards with No Annual Fee

SimplyCash® Card from American Express

Do you want a cash back credit card with no annual fee and a great earning rate for everyday purchases? Here’s an option for you: the SimplyCash® Card from American Express.

With this no-annual-fee credit card, you earn:

  • 2% cash back on gas purchases
  • 2% cash back on grocery purchases
  • 1.25% cash back on all other purchases

And with this welcome offer, you can earn a $10 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $300 in purchases on your Card in the first 10 months ( up to $100 in statement credits).

And you benefit from several coverages: $100,000 travel accident, Purchase Protection, and Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

American Express® Green Card

Do you want a cash back credit card with no annual fee that earns travel points? Here is an option for you: the American Express® Green Card.

By signing up for the American Express® Green Card, you can earn 10,000 Membership Rewards Welcome Bonus Points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your Card in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. This is a $100 value for travel or any purchase on the Card. You can also transfer your points to airline partners (Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Flying Blue, etc.) and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).

That’s a nice welcome bonus for a credit card with no annual fee.

You’ll also have access to online promotional offers to earn points or rebates on your purchases with this no annual fee credit card.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

American Express Credit Cards for Low-Interest Rate

American Express Essential™ Credit Card

With the American Express Essential™ Credit Card, you can take advantage of a 12.99% low-interest-rate, if you choose to carry a balance and make your minimum monthly payments on time. It is one of the best low-interest-rate credit cards in Canada.

In addition, this low-interest credit card allows you to take advantage of the American Express installment plan (Plan It) to pay a portion of your statement balance in monthly installments.

With the American Express Essential™ Credit Card, you are covered with a $100,000 Travel Accident Insurance, an additional year warranty with the Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan and a 90-day Purchase Protection Plan.

Finally, as an American Express Essential™ Credit Cardmember, you can take advantage of exclusive American Express offers for statement credits on select purchases and American Express online travel services.

American Express Credit Cards for Small Business

American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card

With this limited-time welcome offer for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card, you can earn up to 120,000 Aeroplan points.

Here’s how:

  • 50,000 Aeroplan points after $9,000 in Card purchases within the first 3 months
  • Earn 7,500 Aeroplan points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $3,000 in net purchases on your Card for the first six months of Cardmembership. You could earn up to 45,000 Aeroplan points.
  • 25,000 Aeroplan points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.

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.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn 90,000 points with this welcome offer if you charge $10,000 in purchases to your Business Platinum Card® from American Express within the first three months of enrollment.

You can use your Membership Rewards points in many ways:

  • Transfer points to airline partners (Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Flying Blue, Delta Skymiles, etc.)
  • Transfer points to hotel programs (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy)
  • Redeem points for statement credits to offset any eligible purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
  • And more!

With this Card, you earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points per dollar on all purchases. In addition, you have travel benefits:

  • Complimentary and unlimited access for you and an additional traveller to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Hilton Honors Gold Status
  • Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program

With this Card you can maximize your cash flow with up to 55 interest free days. It is a card that is particularly appreciated by contractors when making large purchases in home improvement stores, for example.

Finally, the Business Platinum Card® from American Express comes with premium insurance: Car Rental Theft and Damage, $500,000 Travel Accident, Emergency medical insurance (outside the province or country), Lost or Stolen Baggage, Flight delay insurance and misdirected baggage, Hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection® Plan, Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

American Express Business Edge™ Card

The American Express Business Edge™ Card is a great small business credit card in Canada. The annual fee is only $99 and this American Express credit card offers up to 67,000 Membership Rewards points in the first year, a value of $670.

You can also transfer your points to airline partners (Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Flying Blue, etc.) and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).

With this Card, you can get 3x the points on purchases:

  • Office supplies (Staples, etc.)
  • Electronic (Apple, Dell, etc.)
  • Rides
  • Gas
  • Eats & Drinks

Besides, you can add up to 99 supplementary cards at no cost.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card

The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card is the best credit card for self-employed, professional and small business owners who travel.

With this limited-time welcome offer, you can earn up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points:

  • 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after $5,000 in Card purchases within the first 3 months
  • 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.

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 on:

  • Gas
  • Dining purchases
  • travel purchases

And 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card®

Earn up to 110,000 Membership Rewards points with this outstanding limited-time welcome offer for the American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card®:

  • 70,000 Membership Rewards points after $5,000 in Card purchases within the first 3 months
  • 10,000 bonus points when you charge $20,000 in net purchases to your Card account each calendar quarter (up to 40,000 Membership Rewards points)

With this Card, you earn 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar on your purchases.

You can then use your points in many ways:

  • Statement credit for travel purchases
  • Statement credit for all purchases
  • Transfer to partner programs (Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Delta Skymiles, Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, etc.)
  • Book your flight with American Express Travel at a special rate

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are frequently asked questions in the milesopedia community about credit cards in Canada.

What is the best Visa credit card in Canada?

There are more than 200 credit cards in Canada. There is not ONE best credit card!

Several credit cards can match your needs:

The best credit card for you is surely in our credit card comparison tool! You’ll get many bonus points!

What is the best American Express credit card for earning travel rewards and bonus points?

The best Amex credit card depends on the project you are pursuing. Milesopedia has a soft spot for the American Express Cobalt® Card which is often recognized as the best American Express credit card offering bonus points.

With this credit card, you earn bonus points for everyday purchases like groceries, restaurants and travel.

What is the best American Express credit card with travel benefits?

The best American Express credit card with travel benefits is the Platinum Card®. With this Card, you get many travel benefits: access to airport lounges, $200 annual credit, Elite Status with hotel brands, travel insurance, etc.

If you want to have travel benefits with Air Canada, we recommend that you choose the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card.

What is the best Amex travel credit card with no annual fee?

The best American Express travel credit card with no annual fee is the American Express® Green Card. Actually, with the American Express® Green Card, you can transfer your points to a number of travel partners – Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Air France Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, etc.

That makes the American Express® Green Card a good choice with no annual fee.

What is the best Amex credit card for me?

To find the best Amex credit card, you must first define your objective. What do you want to do with your points? Travel? Saving on groceries? Earning cash back? Get bonus points? First the goal, then the choice of the best credit card!

What is the best no annual fee credit card from American Express?

There are several no annual fee credit cards from American Express. The two best-known Amex no annual fee credit cards are:

You can keep these credit cards with no annual fee from year to year.

Will my application for an American Express card be accepted with my good credit score?

American Express does not require a minimum annual income to accept applications. However, as with any lending company, it looks for customers with a good credit score.

Which credit bureau is verified by American Express?

American Express partners with Transunion to check your credit report.

How do I apply for an Amex credit card?

It’s always nice to apply through the Milesopedia affiliate links found on the site! Once you’ve found the best American Express credit card for you, the steps are easy to follow after clicking the Apply Now button.

Can I apply for an American Express Business Credit Card?

You can get an American Express Business credit card by being a professional, self-employed or small business owner. Check out this article for more details on applying for the best American Express credit card for your business.

Among the American Express Small Business credit cards, we recommend the Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Actually, with the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you earn many bonus points when you join and travel benefits.

For example, with the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you earn Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status.

Where are American Express credit cards accepted in Canada and Quebec?

Once you’ve chosen the best American Express credit card for you, you should know that American Express credit cards are accepted at many businesses in Canada and Quebec. Check out this article to find out where AMEX cards are accepted.

Can I make online retail purchases with an American Express credit card?

You can shop online with your American Express credit card just as you would with any other credit card.

Tip: You may be asked for a verification number from your credit card for online retail purchases. Unlike Visa and Mastercard credit cards, the code required for online retail purchases for an American Express card is located on the front of your card. This is the 4-digit number located on the front and right side of your American Express card.

Also, be aware that you are covered by your American Express credit card insurance for online retail purchases. However, if you buy products online from abroad, you may be charged foreign transaction fees.

How do I contact American Express Customer Service?

To contact American Express Canada Customer Service, you can call 1-800-869-3016.

Does American Express Canada have good customer service?

American Express Canada’s customer service is known to be excellent in both English and French.

Does American Express Canada offer a prepaid card?

American Express offers a prepaid card that you can usually purchase at stores that offer gift cards.

The American Express Prepaid Card has no monthly fees, no service fees, no replacement fees and no expiration date. The American Express Prepaid Card can be used at merchants in Canada, the United States and other countries. The American Express Prepaid Card is also more secure than cash because the funds on the Card are replaceable if the Card is lost or stolen.

The American Express Prepaid Card is available in denominations of: $25, $50, $100, $200, $500 and $1,000

Do American Express Canada credit cards charge interest rates?

American Express offers two types of cards:

  • Credit cards: these have interest rates
  • Payment cards: these must be paid each month

For American Express credit cards, the interest rate is generally 19.99% on purchases and 21.99% on cash advances.

To avoid paying interest, consider paying your American Express credit card balance in full each month.

What is the interest rate for American Express credit card purchases?

American Express credit cards have an interest rate of 19.99% on purchases.

What is the interest rate for cash advances on American Express credit cards?

American Express credit cards have a 21.99% interest rate on cash advances.

How can I avoid paying an interest rate with an American Express credit card?

To avoid paying an interest rate on your American Express credit card, it is advisable to pay your credit card balance in full on each due date.

This way, you will avoid paying 19.99% interest on your purchases and 21.99% interest on cash advances.

Do American Express payment cards have an interest rate for purchases?

Unlike American Express credit cards, American Express charge cards do not have an interest rate on purchases: the balance must always be paid in full each month. An annual interest rate of 30% applies to each outstanding transaction.

Do American Express credit cards have foreign transaction fees?

American Express credit cards have foreign transaction fees of 2.5%. This is in line with credit cards that charge foreign transaction fees.

If you want to avoid foreign transaction fees, look for a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees.

What does it mean to be an American Express Cardmember/Card membership?

American Express refers to its customers as Cardmembers. It’s a Card membership. With this Card Membership, as an American Express Cardmember, you enjoy many benefits that are exclusive to American Express Cardmembers, such as access to priority booking services, recognition at American Express Cardmember events, and more.

Your American Express card shows your Card membership anniversary year.