Etihad Guest Leaves Amex Membership Rewards

American Express Canada confirms the departure of Etihad Guest from the list of transfer partners for American Express Membership Rewards (Canada). The deadline falls on June 20, 2026. After this date, you will no longer be able to transfer your points directly to the Abu Dhabi airline’s loyalty program.

This decision follows a trend already observed in other markets, notably in the United States. However, the partnership remains one of the least used in Canada. The loss will therefore be minimal for the majority of Amex cardholders. For business class or first class enthusiasts on Etihad, the impact is more significant. For a full breakdown of earning, redeeming, and elite status, see our complete guide to the Etihad Guest program.

Why Etihad Guest Is Disappearing

American Express regularly adjusts its list of airline and hotel partners based on actual member usage. Etihad Guest was among the least popular options on the Canadian side. Few members transferred their points to this program, which justifies the removal.

Furthermore, the Etihad Guest program has a mixed reputation among seasoned travelers. Cancellation policies for award tickets are among the most restrictive in the airline industry. High fees, limited windows: few aspects encourage speculative transfers.

Remaining Options for Flying with Etihad

Good news: the end of the direct partnership does not completely close the door to Etihad flights with your Membership Rewards. Several workarounds still provide access to the airline’s network. Here are the main avenues.

Transfer via Marriott Bonvoy to AAdvantage

You can transfer your Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy, then convert those Bonvoy points to American AAdvantage. AAdvantage then allows you to book Etihad flights, particularly in business class and first class.

The cumulative ratio remains unfavorable, but the option exists for premium itineraries that are difficult to find elsewhere.

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Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card

American Express Marriott Bonvoy

Annual fee: $120
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $600
Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months: Up to 70,000 points

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

New Cardmembers can earn up to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points with the current offer:

Earn up to 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 10,000 points after you spend $500 on your Card in your 13th month of Cardmembership.

The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 70,000 point welcome offer is worth about $630, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

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Annual fee

Primary card$120

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,110

2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $500

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $500

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Transfer to Aeroplan

Air Canada Aeroplan lists Etihad among its airline partners. You can therefore transfer your Membership Rewards to Aeroplan and search for award seats on Etihad.

Availability remains rare, however. Etihad seats bookable with Aeroplan appear infrequently, especially on the most sought-after routes.

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American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Reserve Card

American Express Aeroplan

Annual fee: $599
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,200Total$1,200$500 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $1,200
Welcome offerAfter $7,500 in 3 months: Up to 85,000 points

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

Earn 60,000 points after you spend $7,500 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in the 13th month

The annual fee goes from $599 to $799 on January 12, 2027. Only fees charged on or after that date follow the new price. Sign up now and your first year is billed at $599. The Additional Card goes from $199 to $249, and the Additional Reserve No Fee Card becomes the Reserve Companion Card at $25.

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.

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Annual fee

Primary card$599

Additional card$199

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

3xAir Canada flights
2xRestaurants
1.25xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$238

2nd Year Value$430

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$400

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $1,000

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Transfer to Flying Blue

Flying Blue is a partner with Etihad for certain routes. You can therefore transfer your Membership Rewards to Flying Blue and search for award seats on Etihad. Especially since you can now transfer your Membership Rewards to Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio. And American Express occasionally offers transfer bonuses (the most recent being 25%).

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American Express Cobalt^® Card

American Express Amex Membership Rewards

Annual fee: $191.88
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $255
Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months: Up to 15,000 points

The American Express Cobalt^® Card is a versatile American Express card, whether you want points for travel or cash back.

American Express Cobalt^® Card welcome offer

The welcome bonus is paid out monthly over your first 12 months. You earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you charge $750 in net purchases to your card, in any category (1X, 2X, 3X or 5X). That adds up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points over the year, a welcome offer valued at $255.

Earning the full bonus means $9,000 in net purchases spread across 12 monthly billing periods. This offer rewards steady monthly spending rather than one large purchase.

You can use these points as statement credits on everyday or travel purchases, at the same rate either way: 1,000 points = $10.

You can also transfer them to Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways and Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. With the full welcome bonus, that is a choice between:

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

American Express Cobalt^® Card benefits

Here is what the card gives you, starting with the benefits cardholders use most.

5X points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada: groceries, restaurants and bars, and home food delivery. A spend cap applies.
3X points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
2X points on eligible gas, public transit and ride sharing purchases in Canada.
1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel Online.
1X point per dollar on everything else, with no category restrictions.
Points that hold the same value either way: 1,000 points = $10 as a statement credit, or a 1:1 transfer to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
No minimum income requirement, as with every American Express Canada card.
Additional cards at no extra cost: the first and every other supplementary card is $0.
The Hotel Collection: a room upgrade when available, 12pm check-in and late check-out when available, and up to $100 USD in hotel credit on amenities charged to the room for a stay of two or more consecutive nights, booked through American Express Travel.
Front Of The Line^® presale and reserved tickets for concerts and theatre performances, plus offers and events curated for cardmembers through Amex Experiences.
A soft credit check before you apply: you can see whether you will be approved with no impact to your credit score. This applies to American Express personal card applications.

The 5X categories and where they apply

The 5X rate is the reason most people carry this card. In Canada it covers three kinds of merchants:

Groceries: Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, Safeway, Whole Foods.
Restaurants and bars: sit-down meals, takeout and drinks.
Home food delivery.
Convenience stores (Couche-Tard, 7-Eleven): not part of 5X, 1 point per dollar.

The 2X rate covers gas stations such as Esso, Shell and Petro-Canada, along with public transit and ride sharing.

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

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

That works out to a 1 to 5% return on those purchases. For example, if you spend $1,000 per month across groceries, restaurants and food delivery, you earn $50 back per month, or $600 per year from that category alone. Transfer the points to a program such as Aeroplan instead and the return can be higher.

You can also stack these categories with the hundreds of stores that offer 5x points.

American Express Cobalt^® Card insurance coverage

The card comes with a broad insurance package. The amounts below are the coverage limits; conditions, age limits and exclusions are set out in the certificate of insurance linked in the Insurance section above.

Travel insurance

Emergency medical: up to $5,000,000 for the first 15 days of a trip.
Travel accident: accidental death and dismemberment of up to $250,000 for you, your spouse and dependent children under age 23 when travelling on a common carrier (plane, train, bus or ship) and the tickets are charged to your card. Supplementary cardholders and their families are covered too.
Flight delay: up to $500 for necessary hotel, meal and sundry expenses bought within 48 hours when you are delayed or denied boarding for four hours or more and no other transportation is available. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and delayed baggage coverage.
Delayed baggage: up to $500 for essential clothing and sundries bought within four days when your outbound luggage is delayed six hours or more. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and flight delay coverage.
Lost or stolen baggage: up to $500 per occurrence for all insured persons combined, for checked or carry-on baggage and personal effects in transit, when the airline tickets are charged to your card. Within that limit, jewellery is capped at $300 per occurrence and golf clubs, including golf bags, at $250 per occurrence.
Hotel and motel burglary: up to $500 against the loss of most personal items if your hotel or motel is burglarized, when the stay is charged to your card.

Rental car insurance

Theft and damage coverage is included for a rental car with an MSRP, for its model year, of up to $85,000 excluding all taxes, for rentals of up to 48 days. To use it, decline the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or any similar option from the rental company and charge the full rental to your card. There is no cost for this coverage, and it replaces the daily insurance the rental company charges, usually $16 to $23 per day.

Mobile device insurance

Your device is covered for up to $1,000 per occurrence when it is charged to the card, for up to two years from the date of purchase. The payout is based on the depreciated value of the device, which falls by 2% of the purchase price for every completed month, less a 10% deductible. Theft and accidental damage coverage starts on the 91st day after purchase, because the first 90 days are covered by purchase protection.

Purchase protection and extended warranty

Eligible items charged to your card are insured against accidental physical damage or theft for 90 days from the purchase date, up to $1,000 per occurrence for all items combined. The card also extends the original manufacturer’s warranty by up to one additional year on eligible items, with indemnification limited to $10,000 per insured item and $25,000 per Cardmember per policy year for all items combined.

American Express Cobalt^® Card fees

Card fee: $15.99 per month, which equals $191.88 per year, for residents outside Quebec. Quebec residents are billed $191.88 per year.
Additional cards: $0.
Purchase interest rate: 21.99%.
Cash advance interest rate: 21.99%.
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%.
Minimum income required: none.

Because the fee is billed monthly rather than in one annual charge, you can stop and restart the cost in step with how much you are actually using the card.

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Annual fee

Primary card$191.88

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

5xRestaurants
5xGroceries
3xStreaming
2xTransit
2xGas
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,675

2nd Year Value$799

Transfer partners

AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $500

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $500

Travel AccidentUp to $250,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionUp to $1,000 / 90 days

Extended Warranty+1 years

Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Fixed Points for Travel and « Any Travel » Option

American Express offers two internal tools: Fixed Points for Travel and Any Travel at Any Time. Both allow you to book an Etihad ticket at the cash fare, paying all or part with your Membership Rewards. The value per point remains modest, but the flexibility compensates for occasional travelers.

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American Express^® Gold Rewards Card

American Express Amex Membership Rewards

Annual fee: $250
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,020Total$1,020Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $1,020
Welcome offerAfter $12,000 in 12 months: Up to 60,000 points

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

5,000 Membership Rewards points per month when you charge $1,000 in net purchases to your Card, for 12 months (a total of 60,000 points in the first year).

You can also transfer your points to airline partners such as Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair), 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
60,000 Flying Blue Miles
72,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

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.

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American Express is not responsible for maintaining or controlling the accuracy of the information published on this website. For full and up-to-date product information, click on the Apply now link. Terms and conditions apply.

Annual fee

Primary card$250

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

2xPharmacy
2xGas
2xTravel
2xGroceries
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,555

2nd Year Value$589

Transfer partners

AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$160

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $500

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $500

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

What to Do Before June 20, 2026

If travel with Etihad is on your radar, first check the availability of award seats before transferring. The transfer remains irreversible: once Membership Rewards are converted, they become Etihad Guest miles and stay there. However, never transfer without having confirmed a bookable seat.

For holders of the American Express Cobalt Card, rapid point accumulation allows you to keep several options open. Our AMEX Tutorial: How to Transfer American Express Membership Rewards details the transfer procedure to airline partners step by step.

Compare with Other Bank Points Programs

The departure of Etihad Guest underscores the importance of choosing your bank points ecosystem carefully. Canadian programs each have their strengths. Our comparison RBC Avion Rewards vs. American Express Membership Rewards details the differences between the two main ecosystems in the market.

As a reminder, Amex Membership Rewards transfer to Aeroplan, British Airways Club, Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, ALL Accor, and several other partners. This diversity remains a major asset. Thus, losing a less-used partner does not significantly weaken the program.

Furthermore, the transfer ratio to Flying Blue recently changed to 1:1. Read our article Amex Membership Rewards: New 1:1 Ratio to Flying Blue Starting January 2026 for details on this improvement.

Which Card to Choose for Membership Rewards

To maximize Membership Rewards accumulation, several Amex cards stand out in Canada. The Cobalt Card offers 5 points per dollar on groceries and restaurants. The Platinum Card targets frequent travelers with its premium benefits.

Our guide American Express: Which Is the Best Membership Rewards Credit Card for You? compares eligible cards in detail according to your spending profile. For an overview, also consult the best American Express Membership Rewards credit cards.

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
American Express Cobalt^® Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$191.88	Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months Up to 15,000 points Get 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months	Apply NowCompare
American Express^® Green Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$0	Welcome offerAfter $1,000 in 3 months 10,000 points After $1,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare
American Express^® Gold Rewards Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$250	Welcome offerAfter $12,000 in 12 months Up to 60,000 points After $12,000 in 12 months	Apply NowCompare
American Express^® Business Gold Rewards Card^® Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$199	Welcome offerAfter $30,000 in 12 months Up to 70,000 points After $30,000 in 12 months	Apply NowCompare
Business Platinum Card^® from American Express Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$799	Welcome offerAfter $15,000 in 3 months Up to 120,000 points After $15,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare
American Express Platinum Card^® Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$799	Welcome offerAfter $10,000 in 3 months Up to 100,000 points After $10,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare

Conclusion

The removal of Etihad Guest from American Express Canada’s transfer partners on June 20, 2026 does not represent a major blow for the majority of members. However, travelers targeting Etihad’s premium cabins must act before this date or fall back on alternative solutions: Aeroplan, Flying Blue, AAdvantage via Marriott Bonvoy, or Amex Travel options.

This news also reminds us of the importance of regularly monitoring changes to loyalty programs. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of devaluations, enhancements, and other adjustments affecting your points.

Etihad Guest American Express – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for transferring Membership Rewards to Etihad Guest?

The last day to make a direct transfer of American Express Canada Membership Rewards to Etihad Guest is June 20, 2026. After this date, the partnership officially ends.

Why is American Express removing Etihad Guest?

Etihad Guest was among the least-used transfer partners by Canadian members. Amex Canada is also following a trend already observed in other markets, where the partnership with Etihad has ended.

Can I still fly with Etihad using my Membership Rewards after June 2026?

Yes. You can transfer your points to Aeroplan to book certain Etihad flights, or go through Marriott Bonvoy then American AAdvantage. Amex’s Fixed Points for Travel and Any Travel at Any Time options also allow you to pay for an Etihad ticket.

Will the direct transfer ratio to Etihad Guest change before June 2026?

American Express has not announced any modification to the current ratio before closure. However, monitor official Amex communications for any last-minute promotions or adjustments.

What is the best alternative for flying with Etihad after the removal?

American AAdvantage remains the most commonly used option for Etihad flights in premium cabins. The workaround goes through Marriott Bonvoy from your Membership Rewards, but the cumulative ratio remains unfavorable. Compare each case based on availability.

Should I transfer my points now to secure them?

No. Only transfer your points if you have confirmed the availability of an Etihad award seat that interests you. A transfer remains irreversible and Etihad Guest miles have their own expiration rules.

Which Amex cards allow you to accumulate Membership Rewards in Canada?

Several cards accumulate Membership Rewards, including the American Express Cobalt Card, the American Express Gold Card, and the American Express Platinum Card. Each card targets a different spending profile.

For your next Hilton stay, see the Hilton Honors American Express^® Card available in Canada and the terms of its current offer.

Why Etihad Guest Is Disappearing

Remaining Options for Flying with Etihad

Transfer via Marriott Bonvoy to AAdvantage

The cumulative ratio remains unfavorable, but the option exists for premium itineraries that are difficult to find elsewhere.

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Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card

American Express Marriott Bonvoy

Annual fee: $120
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $600
Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months: Up to 70,000 points

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

New Cardmembers can earn up to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points with the current offer:

Earn up to 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 10,000 points after you spend $500 on your Card in your 13th month of Cardmembership.

The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

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Annual fee

Primary card$120

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,110

2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $500

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $500

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Transfer to Aeroplan

Air Canada Aeroplan lists Etihad among its airline partners. You can therefore transfer your Membership Rewards to Aeroplan and search for award seats on Etihad.

Availability remains rare, however. Etihad seats bookable with Aeroplan appear infrequently, especially on the most sought-after routes.

Compare

American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Reserve Card

American Express Aeroplan

Annual fee: $599
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,200Total$1,200$500 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $1,200
Welcome offerAfter $7,500 in 3 months: Up to 85,000 points

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

Earn 60,000 points after you spend $7,500 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in the 13th month

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.

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Annual fee

Primary card$599

Additional card$199

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

3xAir Canada flights
2xRestaurants
1.25xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$238

2nd Year Value$430

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$400

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $1,000

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Transfer to Flying Blue

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American Express Cobalt^® Card

American Express Amex Membership Rewards

Annual fee: $191.88
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $255
Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months: Up to 15,000 points

The American Express Cobalt^® Card is a versatile American Express card, whether you want points for travel or cash back.

American Express Cobalt^® Card welcome offer

Earning the full bonus means $9,000 in net purchases spread across 12 monthly billing periods. This offer rewards steady monthly spending rather than one large purchase.

You can use these points as statement credits on everyday or travel purchases, at the same rate either way: 1,000 points = $10.

You can also transfer them to Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways and Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors. With the full welcome bonus, that is a choice between:

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

American Express Cobalt^® Card benefits

Here is what the card gives you, starting with the benefits cardholders use most.

5X points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada: groceries, restaurants and bars, and home food delivery. A spend cap applies.
3X points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
2X points on eligible gas, public transit and ride sharing purchases in Canada.
1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel Online.
1X point per dollar on everything else, with no category restrictions.
Points that hold the same value either way: 1,000 points = $10 as a statement credit, or a 1:1 transfer to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
No minimum income requirement, as with every American Express Canada card.
Additional cards at no extra cost: the first and every other supplementary card is $0.
The Hotel Collection: a room upgrade when available, 12pm check-in and late check-out when available, and up to $100 USD in hotel credit on amenities charged to the room for a stay of two or more consecutive nights, booked through American Express Travel.
Front Of The Line^® presale and reserved tickets for concerts and theatre performances, plus offers and events curated for cardmembers through Amex Experiences.
A soft credit check before you apply: you can see whether you will be approved with no impact to your credit score. This applies to American Express personal card applications.

The 5X categories and where they apply

The 5X rate is the reason most people carry this card. In Canada it covers three kinds of merchants:

Groceries: Metro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, Safeway, Whole Foods.
Restaurants and bars: sit-down meals, takeout and drinks.
Home food delivery.
Convenience stores (Couche-Tard, 7-Eleven): not part of 5X, 1 point per dollar.

The 2X rate covers gas stations such as Esso, Shell and Petro-Canada, along with public transit and ride sharing.

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

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

You can also stack these categories with the hundreds of stores that offer 5x points.

American Express Cobalt^® Card insurance coverage

Travel insurance

Emergency medical: up to $5,000,000 for the first 15 days of a trip.
Travel accident: accidental death and dismemberment of up to $250,000 for you, your spouse and dependent children under age 23 when travelling on a common carrier (plane, train, bus or ship) and the tickets are charged to your card. Supplementary cardholders and their families are covered too.
Flight delay: up to $500 for necessary hotel, meal and sundry expenses bought within 48 hours when you are delayed or denied boarding for four hours or more and no other transportation is available. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and delayed baggage coverage.
Delayed baggage: up to $500 for essential clothing and sundries bought within four days when your outbound luggage is delayed six hours or more. This $500 is an aggregate limit per occurrence, shared with missed connection and flight delay coverage.
Lost or stolen baggage: up to $500 per occurrence for all insured persons combined, for checked or carry-on baggage and personal effects in transit, when the airline tickets are charged to your card. Within that limit, jewellery is capped at $300 per occurrence and golf clubs, including golf bags, at $250 per occurrence.
Hotel and motel burglary: up to $500 against the loss of most personal items if your hotel or motel is burglarized, when the stay is charged to your card.

Rental car insurance

Mobile device insurance

Purchase protection and extended warranty

American Express Cobalt^® Card fees

Card fee: $15.99 per month, which equals $191.88 per year, for residents outside Quebec. Quebec residents are billed $191.88 per year.
Additional cards: $0.
Purchase interest rate: 21.99%.
Cash advance interest rate: 21.99%.
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%.
Minimum income required: none.

Because the fee is billed monthly rather than in one annual charge, you can stop and restart the cost in step with how much you are actually using the card.

Legal

Annual fee

Primary card$191.88

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

5xRestaurants
5xGroceries
3xStreaming
2xTransit
2xGas
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,675

2nd Year Value$799

Transfer partners

AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $500

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $500

Travel AccidentUp to $250,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionUp to $1,000 / 90 days

Extended Warranty+1 years

Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Fixed Points for Travel and « Any Travel » Option

Compare

American Express^® Gold Rewards Card

American Express Amex Membership Rewards

Annual fee: $250
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,020Total$1,020Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $1,020
Welcome offerAfter $12,000 in 12 months: Up to 60,000 points

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

5,000 Membership Rewards points per month when you charge $1,000 in net purchases to your Card, for 12 months (a total of 60,000 points in the first year).

You can also transfer your points to airline partners such as Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair), 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
60,000 Flying Blue Miles
72,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

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.

Legal

Annual fee

Primary card$250

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

2xPharmacy
2xGas
2xTravel
2xGroceries
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,555

2nd Year Value$589

Transfer partners

AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$160

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $500

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $500

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

What to Do Before June 20, 2026

Compare with Other Bank Points Programs

Furthermore, the transfer ratio to Flying Blue recently changed to 1:1. Read our article Amex Membership Rewards: New 1:1 Ratio to Flying Blue Starting January 2026 for details on this improvement.

Which Card to Choose for Membership Rewards

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
American Express Cobalt^® Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$191.88	Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months Up to 15,000 points Get 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months	Apply NowCompare
American Express^® Green Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$0	Welcome offerAfter $1,000 in 3 months 10,000 points After $1,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare
American Express^® Gold Rewards Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$250	Welcome offerAfter $12,000 in 12 months Up to 60,000 points After $12,000 in 12 months	Apply NowCompare
American Express^® Business Gold Rewards Card^® Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$199	Welcome offerAfter $30,000 in 12 months Up to 70,000 points After $30,000 in 12 months	Apply NowCompare
Business Platinum Card^® from American Express Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$799	Welcome offerAfter $15,000 in 3 months Up to 120,000 points After $15,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare
American Express Platinum Card^® Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$799	Welcome offerAfter $10,000 in 3 months Up to 100,000 points After $10,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare

Conclusion

Etihad Guest American Express – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for transferring Membership Rewards to Etihad Guest?

The last day to make a direct transfer of American Express Canada Membership Rewards to Etihad Guest is June 20, 2026. After this date, the partnership officially ends.

Why is American Express removing Etihad Guest?

Etihad Guest was among the least-used transfer partners by Canadian members. Amex Canada is also following a trend already observed in other markets, where the partnership with Etihad has ended.

Can I still fly with Etihad using my Membership Rewards after June 2026?

Will the direct transfer ratio to Etihad Guest change before June 2026?

American Express has not announced any modification to the current ratio before closure. However, monitor official Amex communications for any last-minute promotions or adjustments.

What is the best alternative for flying with Etihad after the removal?

Should I transfer my points now to secure them?

Which Amex cards allow you to accumulate Membership Rewards in Canada?

For your next Hilton stay, see the Hilton Honors American Express^® Card available in Canada and the terms of its current offer.

Etihad Guest Leaves Amex Membership Rewards

Why Etihad Guest Is Disappearing

Remaining Options for Flying with Etihad

Transfer via Marriott Bonvoy to AAdvantage

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Transfer to Aeroplan

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Card benefits

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Transfer to Flying Blue

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Transfer partners

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Fixed Points for Travel and « Any Travel » Option

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Transfer partners

Card benefits

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

What to Do Before June 20, 2026

Compare with Other Bank Points Programs

Which Card to Choose for Membership Rewards

Conclusion

Etihad Guest American Express – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for transferring Membership Rewards to Etihad Guest?

Why is American Express removing Etihad Guest?

Can I still fly with Etihad using my Membership Rewards after June 2026?

Will the direct transfer ratio to Etihad Guest change before June 2026?

What is the best alternative for flying with Etihad after the removal?

Should I transfer my points now to secure them?

Which Amex cards allow you to accumulate Membership Rewards in Canada?

Our featured card

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Our editorial integrity

Comments from our members

Why Etihad Guest Is Disappearing

Remaining Options for Flying with Etihad

Transfer via Marriott Bonvoy to AAdvantage

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Travel insurance

Purchase protection

Transfer to Aeroplan

Annual fee

Annual income required

Conversion fees

Earning rate

Value

Card benefits

Travel insurance

Purchase protection