Best American Express Credit Cards In Canada – December 2024

Updated Dec 14, 2024

Discover the top American Express credit cards available in Canada, offering exceptional rewards, travel benefits, and exclusive perks. Whether you seek cashback, travel points, or premium services, our comprehensive guide will help you choose the perfect card for your financial needs.

American Express

American Express Credit Cards for Travel Rewards

American Express Platinum Card®

The Platinum Card is the best high-end card in Canada for travelers.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 140,000 Membership Rewards points:

  • 100,000 points when you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card within the first 3 months of membership
  • 40,000 points if you make a purchase in the 14 to 17 months following your membership

With this Card, you get :

  • 2 points per dollar for 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 points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Delta Skymiles, 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!

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 :

  • 140,000 Aeroplan points
  • 140,000 Avios
  • 105,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 168,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

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

  • $200 Annual Travel Credit
  • $200 Annual Dining Credit
  • $100 NEXUS Card Statement Credit
  • Free, unlimited access for you and one additional traveller to over 1,200 airport lounges in more than 130 countries
  • Hilton Honors Gold Elite status (complimentary breakfast at all Hilton hotels)
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Access to the Fine Hotels and Resorts program

Finally, the Platinum Cardᴹᴰ stands out for the many insurances it offers: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out of province or country), lost or stolen luggage, flight delay and misdirected luggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

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’ll earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for every $750 in purchases charged to your card during the month (whether in the 1X, 2X, 3X or 5X category). That’s up to 15,000 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 them into Aeroplan points, Avios (British Airways/Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors.

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:

  • 15,000 Aeroplan points
  • 15,000 Avios points
  • 11,250 Flying Blue Miles
  • 18,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With the American Express Cobalt® Card, you can earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:

Category Points per dollar
Grocery (Métro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, etc.) 5
Home food delivery 5
Restaurants and bars 5
Convenience stores 5
Streaming services 3
Gas station 2
Transport 2
Travel 1
Other 1

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

For example, if you spend $1,000 per month on groceries and/or restaurants and/or food delivery, you’ll earn $50 cash back per month, or $600 cash back per year with this card for this category of purchases!

And if you decide to transfer your points to other programs like Aeroplan, you could get even more value!

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 such as Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).

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:

  • 60,000 Aeroplan points
  • 60,000 Avios points
  • 45,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 72,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this Card, you get many benefits like:

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 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 welcome offer, you can earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points by spending $1,500 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 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® Reserve Card

With this welcome offer for the American Express®* Aeroplan® Reserve Card, you can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Here’s how:

  • 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

With this Amex Aeroplan 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 Amex Aeroplan Premium 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. It’s the best Amex Aeroplan Card for frequent Air Canada flyers.

With this American Express Aeroplan Card, 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®* Card

With this welcome offer for the Aeroplan American Express Card, you can earn up to 40,000 Aeroplan points. Here’s how:

  • Earn 30,000 Aeroplan points after charging $3,000 to your Card in the first 3 months.
  • Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Aeroplan Points when you spend $1,000 in the 13th month.

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 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. In addition, you get :

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

With this welcome offer, you can earn 10% cash back on all purchases (up to $2,000) for the first 3 months, or up to $200. Plus, receive a $50 statement credit after making a purchase in the 13th month.

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 is stands out by the many insurances it offers : rental car theft and damage, $100,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delay and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

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’ll earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for every $750 in purchases charged to your card during the month (whether in the 1X, 2X, 3X or 5X category). That’s up to 15,000 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 them into Aeroplan points, Avios (British Airways/Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors.

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:

  • 15,000 Aeroplan points
  • 15,000 Avios points
  • 11,250 Flying Blue Miles
  • 18,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With the American Express Cobalt® Card, you can earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:

Category Points per dollar
Grocery (Métro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, etc.) 5
Home food delivery 5
Restaurants and bars 5
Convenience stores 5
Streaming services 3
Gas station 2
Transport 2
Travel 1
Other 1

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

For example, if you spend $1,000 per month on groceries and/or restaurants and/or food delivery, you’ll earn $50 cash back per month, or $600 cash back per year with this card for this category of purchases!

And if you decide to transfer your points to other programs like Aeroplan, you could get even more value!

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

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).

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 obtaining..:

  • 10,000 Aeroplan points
  • 10,000 Avios points
  • 7,500 Flying Blue Miles
  • 12,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

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.

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 5% cash back on all purchases (up to $2,000 in purchases) for the first 3 months (up to $100 in Statement credit).

You benefit from several types of insurance : $100,000 travel accident, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

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 enjoy a low interest rate of 12.99% if you decide 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 benefit from $100,000 in travel accident insurance, an additional year of Purchase Protection and a 90-day Purchase Security Guarantee.

Finally, as an American Express Essential Credit Card holder, you can take advantage of exclusive American Express offers for statement credit on selected purchases and American Express online travel services.

American Express Credit Cards for Small Business

Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Earn up to 150,000 points with this welcome offer for Business Platinum Card® from American Express:

  • 110,000 Membership Rewards points after charging $15,000 in net purchases to your Card in the first 3 months of membership
  • 40,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership

You can use your Membership Rewards points in many ways:

  • Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), 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!

150,000 points have a minimum value of $1,500 for a Statement credit, and much more if you transfer your points to a partner.

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:

  • 150,000 Aeroplan points
  • 150,000 Avios
  • 112,500 Flying Blue Miles
  • 180,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this Card, you earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points per dollar on all purchases. What’s more, you’ll enjoy a host of travel and business benefits:

  • Free, unlimited access for you and one additional traveller to over 1,400 airport lounges in more than 130 countries.
  • $200 Annual travel credit
  • $100 Card Statement Credit for Nexus
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Hilton Honors Gold Status
  • Access to the Fine Hotels and Resorts program
  • Up to $120 in eligible Wireless Credits each year

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 Cardᴹᴰ from American Express stands out for the many insurances it offers: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out of province or country), lost or stolen luggage, flight delay and misdirected luggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

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

American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card®

Earn up to 40,000 Membership Rewards points with this limited-time welcome offer for the American Express Gold Rewards Card for small businesses:

  • 40,000 Membership Rewards points after $7,500 in purchases in 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

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:

  • 40,000 Aeroplan points
  • 40,000 Avios points
  • 30,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 48,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

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.

American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card

With this welcome offer for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card, you can earn up to 90,000 Aeroplan points.

Here’s how:

  • 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.

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.

Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card

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:

  • 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.

Awards earned

Here are the awards received in the Milesopedia’s 2024 Credit Card Awards:

Best Premium Credit Card

HautDeGamme-MeilleureCarteDeCredit-Milesopedia-2024

The American Express Platinum Card® is the best premium credit card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

  • Complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
  • Elite Status with several hotel loyalty programs
  • Cardmembers benefits at renowned hotels and restaurants
  • Flexible Rewards
  • Travel Partners (American Express Membership Rewards program)
  • Full travel insurance
  • No minimum income required

Best Credit Card For Frequent Flyers

Voyageurs-Frequents-MeilleureCarteDeCredit-Milesopedia-2024

The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is the Best Credit Card For Frequent Flyers in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

  • Air Canada benefits such as Maple Leaf Lounge access
  • Benefits for Aeroplan Elite Status
  • Highest earning rate for Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases
  • Travel insurance

Best Credit Card For Drugstores

Pharmacies-MeilleureCarteDeCredit-Milesopedia-2024

The American Express® Gold Rewards Card is the Best Credit Card For Drugstores in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

  • 2 points per dollar on drugstore purchases
  • Flexible Rewards
  • Travel Partners (American Express Membership Rewards program)
  • No minimum income required

Best Credit Card For Dining

Restaurants-MeilleureCarteDeCredit-Milesopedia-2024

The American Express Cobalt® Card is the best credit card for restaurants in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

  • 5% cash back on dining and food delivery
  • The minimum cash back redemption amount is $10 (1,000 points)
  • No minimum income required

Best No-Fee Travel Credit Card

VoyageSansFraisAnnuels-MeilleureCarteDeCredit-Milesopedia-2024

The American Express Green Card is the Best No-Fee Travel Credit Card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

  • Ease of points redemption
  • Travel Partners (American Express Membership Rewards program)
  • Flexible Rewards
  • No minimum income required

Best Hotel Credit Card

Hotel-MeilleureCarteDeCredit-Milesopedia-2024

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the Best Hotel Credit Card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

  • Points can be used at over 8,000 hotels worldwide
  • Annual Free Night Award at Card renewal
  • Marriott Bonvoy Benefits (Elite status and Earning Rate)
  • No minimum income required

Best Business Credit Card

Entreprise-MeilleureCarteDeCredit-Milesopedia-2024

The Business Platinum CardMD from American Express is the best credit card for businesses in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

  • Complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
  • Travel Partners (American Express Membership Rewards program)
  • Cardmember benefits at select hotels and restaurants
  • Full travel insurance

Best American Express Credit Card

American-Express-MeilleureCarteDeCredit-Milesopedia-2024

The American Express Cobalt® Card is the best American Express credit card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

  • Earning categories
  • 5 points per dollar on dining and food delivery (= 5% in travel rewards)
  • Flexible Rewards
  • Travel Partners (American Express Membership Rewards program)
  • No minimum income required

What you need to know about American Express Cards in Canada

Which American Express credit card should I choose?

American Express offers a wide range of credit and charge cards, from no-annual-fee cash-back cards to high-end travel cards with high annual fees.

To choose the right American Express credit card, consider your annual spending habits and ensure that the rewards and benefits offered are worth the annual fee. Also, check that the merchants where you regularly make your purchases accept the American Express card, as it’s not accepted everywhere.

How to compare American Express Cards in Canada?

To choose the best American Express card in Canada, it is essential to compare several criteria:

  • Rewards: Determine the type of rewards you want to earn. Some American Express cards offer Membership Rewards points, Aeroplan points, cash back or Marriott Bonvoy points. Choose according to your preferences and how you want to use your rewards.
  • Welcome bonus: A generous welcome bonus may seem attractive, but ensure you can meet the necessary conditions to benefit from it. Some bonuses require significant spending in the first few months. Also, think about the card’s long-term benefits, not just the welcome bonus. The American Express Cobalt® Card, for example, is worth keeping year after year.
  • Annual fees: Annual fees for American Express cards range from $0 to several hundred dollars. The American Express® Green Card, for example, has no annual fee, while the Platinum Card® costs nearly $800. Choose a card with fees that fit your budget, and ensure you’ll use the benefits enough to offset those fees.
  • Other benefits: American Express Cards are known for their additional benefits, such as travel insurance, insurance on your purchases, access to airport lounges and exclusive events. Evaluate these benefits to determine the added value they can offer. For example, the American Express® Gold Rewards Card offers four Canadian airport lounge visits.

What are the advantages of American Express credit cards in Canada?

American Express credit cards offer various benefits depending on the type of card:

  • Rewards and bonuses: American Express cards allow you to earn points or cash back on your daily spending. Some cards also offer attractive welcome bonuses that can quickly increase your points balance. Others provide you multipliers on expenses like groceries (this is the case with the American Express Cobalt® Card).
  • Benefits for travelelrs: American Express credit cards, including premium cards like the American Express Platinum Card®, offer benefits for travellers, such as access to airport lounges, travel insurance and hotel discounts.
  • Exclusive events and offers: With American Express, you can benefit from exclusive events, such as concert ticket pre-sales (Front of the Line) and special offers with partner merchants (Amex Offers).

Why choose an American Express credit card in Canada?

Choosing an American Express credit card in Canada can benefit those seeking generous rewards and exclusive benefits. This is the case, for example, with the American Express Platinum Card®.

Whether you’re a frequent traveller or simply looking to earn cash back on your daily purchases, there’s an Amex card to suit your needs. However, checking card acceptance is essential, as well as choosing the one that suits your spending habits and lifestyle.

Where are American Express cards accepted in Canada?

American Express cards are accepted at many retailers in Canada, including major chains such as Walmart, Amazon, Metro, Best Buy and Tim Hortons. In addition, many Sobeys and IGA grocery stores have begun accepting American Express cards.

However, they are not accepted everywhere, such as at Costco and Loblaws. Before applying for a card, check to see if it’s accepted by the stores where you shop most often. See this article for more details on American Express card acceptance in Canada.

Which American Express cards have no annual fee in Canada?

There are several no-annual-fee American Express cards in Canada, such as the SimplyCash® Card from American Express and the American Express® Green Card. These cards are ideal for those who wish to benefit from Amex advantages without paying annual fees.

Frequently Asked Questions about American Express Cards

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

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