American Express offers four business cards in Canada: two charge cards with no preset spending limit, and two credit cards. Annual fees run from $150 to $799. Your choice comes down to three questions: do you pay your balance in full every month, do you travel for work, and how much goes on the card in a year?
The four American Express business cards in Canada. Welcome offers are not listed here because they change: they appear in the card modules below, always current.
Card
Annual fee
Employee card
Type
Base earn rate
Who it suits
Marriott Bonvoy Business
$150
$50
Credit
5 points at Marriott, 3 points on gas, travel and restaurants, 2 points elsewhere
You stay at Marriott hotels
Business Gold Rewards
$199
$50
Charge
1 point per dollar everywhere
You want a flexible limit without paying much
Aeroplan Business Reserve
$599
$199
Credit
3 points on Air Canada, 2 points on travel, 1.25 points elsewhere
You fly Air Canada
Business Platinum
$799
$250
Charge
1.25 points per dollar everywhere
You travel often and want lounge access
American Express Card for Businesses
American Express business cards differ from “Corporate” cards reserved for large corporations. They are primarily aimed at the following customer segments:
Self-employed workers
Professionals
Small businesses (SMEs)
Quite often, self-employed individuals tend to use their personal credit cards for their business expenses. At the end of the year, it becomes difficult to keep track and separate business expenses from personal expenses.
To learn more about the benefits of American Express business credit cards, consult this guide:
Criteria for Subscribing to an Amex Business Card
To apply for an American Express business card, it is advisable to have a registered business. That being said, having a registered business is not a decisive criterion when applying. Indeed, it is entirely possible to register your own name instead of the business name.
Additionally, if you need help filling out your first American Express business card application, consult the following guide:
Types of American Express Business Cards
American Express cards for Business offer financial flexibility, particularly through credit card and charge card options. The main difference concerns the associated spending limits and repayment terms:
Credit cards: a fixed spending limit; the balance can be carried over
Charge cards: no pre-set limit; the balance must be paid in full each month
Here is more information on each type of card…
American Express Payment Cards for Business
A charge card is a card that must be paid in full each month. Its advantage is having no pre-established limit. Moreover, these cards allow you to maximize the cash flow over 55 days, which is convenient.
A credit card is a card whose balance can be carried over from month to month against interest payments (not recommended) and which has a pre-established credit limit. You can, if needed, obtain a limit increase. If a limit increase is offered by American Express, there will be no impact on your credit file.
Additionally, you can transfer unused credit from your personal American Express credit cards (such as the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card) to your American Express business card.
Now that you know the target businesses and types of business cards, discover the best cards based on your business needs. Moreover, American Express offers business cards in 3 loyalty programs:
2 points for your accommodation and car rental purchases
1.25 points for all other purchases
In addition, you enjoy access to Maple Leaf lounges in North America, a first checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions, an annual companion pass, and several exclusive benefits with Air Canada. If your employees travel for the business, pair the card with the free Air Canada Embarq program, which gives them 50% more Aeroplan points on eligible business flights until December 30, 2026.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,300Total$1,300$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.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
With this welcome offer for the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card, you can earn up to 90,000 Aeroplan points:
Earn 65,000 Aeroplan points after making $10,500 in purchases in the first three months.
Earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,500 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 Employee Card goes from $199 to $249, and the Employee No Fee Card becomes the Employee Expense Card at $25.
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 benefit from 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.
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$599
Additional card$199
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
3xAir Canada flights
2xTravel
1.25xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$46
2nd Year Value$426
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
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: Annual Free Night
The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card has an annual fee of $150. As heavy users of the Marriott Bonvoy program, we renew this card year after year to benefit from an attractive advantage: the annual certificate for a free hotel night (worth 35,000 points). We generally use this certificate in major cities abroad to get the best possible return. It is not uncommon for a hotel night to cost 300 euros, which easily justifies the annual fee of the card.
Among its other benefits, it offers 5 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. It is also useful for small businesses with significant gas or restaurant purchases, as it offers 3 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar in these categories.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$700Total$700$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.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card is designed for the self-employed, professionals and small business owners who travel.
With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points:
Earn 70,000 points after you spend $5,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 10,000 points when you spend $1,000 on your Card in your 13th month of Cardmembership.
Each year at renewal, you’ll get an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points, plus 15 Elite nights per year, counting towards your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.
With this Card, you earn 5 points per dollar for all your spending at Marriott Bonvoy establishments, and you can earn 3 points per dollar for :
Gas
Dining
Travel
And 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$150
Additional card$50
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
3xTravel
3xGas
3xRestaurants
2xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,138
2nd Year Value$347
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
Business Platinum Card from American Express: VIP Lounges and Insurances
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has an annual fee of $799. It is the most expensive card among those offering Membership Rewards Points. However, in exchange for the high annual fee, it offers numerous benefits:
1.25 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent with no annual limit
Free and unlimited access for you and an additional traveler to airport lounges
Furthermore, it is with its free and unlimited access to airport lounges that the American Express Business PlatinumMD Card stands out. The cardholder gets free and unlimited access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection for themselves and an additional traveler.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,360Total$1,360$680 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.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Earn up to 120,000 points with this welcome offer for the American Express Business Platinum Card:
80,000 Membership Rewards points for $15,000 net purchases within the first 3 months of membership
40,000 additional points if you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after enrollment
You can use your Membership Rewards points in many ways:
Transfer your points to airline partners: Aeroplan Avios (British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair, Iberia), Flying Blue, Delta Skymiles, etc.
Transfer your points to hotel programs (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy)
Redeem your points for statement credits to offset any eligible purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
And more!
120,000 points have a minimum value of $1,200 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 :
120,000 Aeroplan points
120,000 Avios
120,000 Flying Blue Miles
144,000 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:
Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to over 1,400 airport lounges in over 130 countries
$200 Annual travel credit
$100 Card Statement Credit for Nexus
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Hilton Honors Gold Elite 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.
Last but not least, Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
Legal
*Terms and conditions apply.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of the information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$799
Additional card$250
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
1.25xAll spending
Value
2nd Year Value$311
Transfer partners
AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Marriott BonvoyHotel
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
American Express Business Gold Rewards Card: Quarterly Bonus
The American ExpressMD Business Gold Rewards Card for SMEs is often the first card small businesses apply for. It has an annual fee of $199. Among other things, it allows you to earn a quarterly bonus of 10,000 points when you charge $20,000 in net purchases to your Card account during each calendar quarter. This represents up to $400 in statement credits each year.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,190Total$1,190Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Earn a welcome bonus of up to 70,000 Membership Rewards® points with the American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card®
50,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $7,500 in purchases within the first three months of Cardmembership.
20,000 additional points after spending $30,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 10,000 bonus points in each calendar quarter when you spend $20,000 or more.
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:
70,000 points Aeroplan
70,000 Avios
70,000 Flying Blue Miles
84,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
Alternatively, 70,000 Membership Rewards points can also represent a value of $700 for travel or for any purchase charged to the Card.
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.
Legal
*Terms and conditions apply. American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information 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$199
Additional card$50
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$148
2nd Year Value$209
Transfer partners
AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel
Travel insurance
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $100,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Let’s take the example of a quarterly billing period that starts on April 1st and ends on June 30th. You must therefore have made $20,000 in purchases on your card during this period to benefit from the 10,000 point bonus. Please note: purchases must be posted to your account before the deadline. If they are “pending”, you will not receive your bonus.
Who these cards are not for
These four cards pay for themselves quickly once your business spending runs through them. Four situations tip the balance the other way, and you want to check them before you pay the annual fee.
Four situations where an American Express business card is not the right fit
Your situation
What it changes
What we suggest
Your largest suppliers do not accept American Express
Your biggest invoices earn nothing at all
Keep a business Visa or Mastercard as your main card, and save the Amex for the categories it boosts
You buy heavily in foreign currencies
All four cards charge a 2.5% conversion fee, which is $750 on $30,000 of purchases in US dollars
Look at a business card with no foreign transaction fee before paying an Amex annual fee
You need cards for several employees
An additional card costs between $50 and $250 a year, depending on the card
Add the employee cards to the main card's fee before you decide
You are 65 or older and counting on the insurance
The emergency medical travel insurance on the Business Platinum Card covers 15 consecutive days if you are 64 or younger on your departure date, and nothing beyond that
Buy travel insurance separately, then pick your card on earning rather than on coverage
Settle the acceptance question first. List your five largest recurring invoices, commercial rent, subcontractors and local suppliers included, then check them one by one. If two of them turn American Express down, the card will never work on the bulk of your volume, and the annual fee takes far longer to pay for itself.
Welcome offers for American Express Business Cards
American Express business cards regularly feature welcome offers for new clients.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,300Total$1,300$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.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
With this welcome offer for the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card, you can earn up to 90,000 Aeroplan points:
Earn 65,000 Aeroplan points after making $10,500 in purchases in the first three months.
Earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,500 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 Employee Card goes from $199 to $249, and the Employee No Fee Card becomes the Employee Expense Card at $25.
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 benefit from 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.
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$599
Additional card$199
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
3xAir Canada flights
2xTravel
1.25xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$46
2nd Year Value$426
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
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$700Total$700$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.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card is designed for the self-employed, professionals and small business owners who travel.
With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points:
Earn 70,000 points after you spend $5,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 10,000 points when you spend $1,000 on your Card in your 13th month of Cardmembership.
Each year at renewal, you’ll get an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points, plus 15 Elite nights per year, counting towards your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.
With this Card, you earn 5 points per dollar for all your spending at Marriott Bonvoy establishments, and you can earn 3 points per dollar for :
Gas
Dining
Travel
And 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$150
Additional card$50
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
3xTravel
3xGas
3xRestaurants
2xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,138
2nd Year Value$347
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
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,360Total$1,360$680 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.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Earn up to 120,000 points with this welcome offer for the American Express Business Platinum Card:
80,000 Membership Rewards points for $15,000 net purchases within the first 3 months of membership
40,000 additional points if you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after enrollment
You can use your Membership Rewards points in many ways:
Transfer your points to airline partners: Aeroplan Avios (British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair, Iberia), Flying Blue, Delta Skymiles, etc.
Transfer your points to hotel programs (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy)
Redeem your points for statement credits to offset any eligible purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
And more!
120,000 points have a minimum value of $1,200 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 :
120,000 Aeroplan points
120,000 Avios
120,000 Flying Blue Miles
144,000 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:
Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to over 1,400 airport lounges in over 130 countries
$200 Annual travel credit
$100 Card Statement Credit for Nexus
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Hilton Honors Gold Elite 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.
Last but not least, Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
Legal
*Terms and conditions apply.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of the information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$799
Additional card$250
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
1.25xAll spending
Value
2nd Year Value$311
Transfer partners
AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Marriott BonvoyHotel
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
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,190Total$1,190Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Earn a welcome bonus of up to 70,000 Membership Rewards® points with the American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card®
50,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $7,500 in purchases within the first three months of Cardmembership.
20,000 additional points after spending $30,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 10,000 bonus points in each calendar quarter when you spend $20,000 or more.
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:
70,000 points Aeroplan
70,000 Avios
70,000 Flying Blue Miles
84,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
Alternatively, 70,000 Membership Rewards points can also represent a value of $700 for travel or for any purchase charged to the Card.
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.
Legal
*Terms and conditions apply. American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information 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$199
Additional card$50
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$148
2nd Year Value$209
Transfer partners
AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Flying BlueAirline
Hilton HonorsHotel
Marriott BonvoyHotel
Travel insurance
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $100,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
In October, our guide to Small Business Month in Canada gives you the BDC Small Business Week dates, the federal loans available to small businesses and our pick of 3 business cards.
Bottom Line
In summary, you do not need to be the owner of a large business to obtain an American Express business card. Indeed, self-employed individuals and SME owners can apply for an Amex business card. Furthermore, using an American Express business credit card draws a clean line between your business and your personal spending, and turns every purchase into reward points. It also opens the door to Amex online offers and travel benefits.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,360Total$1,360$680 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.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Earn up to 120,000 points with this welcome offer for the American Express Business Platinum Card:
80,000 Membership Rewards points for $15,000 net purchases within the first 3 months of membership
40,000 additional points if you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after enrollment
You can use your Membership Rewards points in many ways:
Transfer your points to airline partners: Aeroplan Avios (British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair, Iberia), Flying Blue, Delta Skymiles, etc.
Transfer your points to hotel programs (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy)
Redeem your points for statement credits to offset any eligible purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
And more!
120,000 points have a minimum value of $1,200 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 :
120,000 Aeroplan points
120,000 Avios
120,000 Flying Blue Miles
144,000 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:
Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to over 1,400 airport lounges in over 130 countries
$200 Annual travel credit
$100 Card Statement Credit for Nexus
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Hilton Honors Gold Elite 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.
Last but not least, Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
Legal
*Terms and conditions apply.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of the information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$799
Additional card$250
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
1.25xAll spending
Value
2nd Year Value$311
Transfer partners
AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Marriott BonvoyHotel
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
American Express business cards: frequently asked questions
Which American Express business card should you choose?
It depends on how you pay and how much you spend. If you pay your balance in full every month and want no preset spending limit, look at the two charge cards. If you would rather carry a balance or keep your annual fee low, look at the two credit cards. Above roughly $50,000 a year on the card, the premium cards start paying for their fee.
What is the difference between a business card and a corporate card?
A business card is meant for self-employed workers, professionals and small businesses, and the owner remains personally responsible for the account. A corporate card is issued to large organizations, with liability sitting on the company itself and a credit review of its financial statements. If you run a sole proprietorship or a small company, the business cards are the ones open to you.
What income do you need for an American Express business card?
American Express sets no minimum personal or business income on its Canadian business cards. The review looks at your credit file and your business activity rather than at a salary threshold. That makes these cards reachable in a first year of activity.
Do you need to be incorporated to apply?
No. A sole proprietorship is enough, and you can apply under your own name if you have no registered business name. What matters is that you actually generate business income and business expenses.
Should you take a credit card or a charge card?
A charge card has no preset spending limit and the balance must be paid in full each month, which suits a business with large or irregular purchases. A credit card has a fixed limit and lets you carry a balance against interest, which suits a steadier, smaller volume. Carrying a balance is expensive, so the charge card only works if your cash flow allows full payment.
How much do employee cards cost?
The cost depends on the card. Some of the four charge no fee for additional cards, others charge a set amount per card per year. Employee cards earn into the same rewards account and their purchases show on the same statement, which is what makes expense tracking simpler.
Is the annual fee tax deductible?
The annual fee on a card used for business is generally treated as a business expense in Canada. Interest on business purchases is usually deductible as well. Your own situation decides how it is reported, so confirm the treatment with your accountant.
Can you hold a personal and a business American Express card at the same time?
Yes, and many self-employed people do. The two accounts are separate, welcome offers are assessed separately for each card, and you can transfer unused credit from a personal American Express account to your business account when you need a higher limit.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,360Total$1,360$680 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.
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Earn up to 120,000 points with this welcome offer for the American Express Business Platinum Card:
80,000 Membership Rewards points for $15,000 net purchases within the first 3 months of membership
40,000 additional points if you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after enrollment
You can use your Membership Rewards points in many ways:
Transfer your points to airline partners: Aeroplan Avios (British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair, Iberia), Flying Blue, Delta Skymiles, etc.
Transfer your points to hotel programs (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy)
Redeem your points for statement credits to offset any eligible purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
And more!
120,000 points have a minimum value of $1,200 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 :
120,000 Aeroplan points
120,000 Avios
120,000 Flying Blue Miles
144,000 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:
Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to over 1,400 airport lounges in over 130 countries
$200 Annual travel credit
$100 Card Statement Credit for Nexus
Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
Hilton Honors Gold Elite 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.
Last but not least, Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
Legal
*Terms and conditions apply.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of the information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$799
Additional card$250
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
1.25xAll spending
Value
2nd Year Value$311
Transfer partners
AeroplanAirline
British Airways ClubAirline
Cathay Asia MilesAirline
Etihad GuestAirline
Marriott BonvoyHotel
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
Our editorial integrity
Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.
