Choosing a business credit card is essential for effectively managing your professional finances. Whether it’s for earning cash back, taking advantage of a grace period, or separating your expenses, these cards offer unique benefits. Discover how they work, their advantages, and their limitations, to find the solution that best suits your business’s needs.
Benefits of a Business Credit Card
A business credit card allows you to earn rewards tailored to professional needs. You can get cash back on your business purchases, travel points, or exclusive benefits. Some offers, such as Visa Infinite Business, include useful insurance and privileges reserved for professionals. These rewards, when used effectively, help reduce costs and maximize the value of your spending.
Benefits include:
Better management of business expenses;
Commercial credit history;
Employee expense monitoring;
Short-term cash flow flexibility;
Rewards or cash back;
Welcome offers;
Simplified tax filing with a business credit card;
Fraud protection.
Effectively Manage Your Business Expenses
A business credit card allows you to track your purchases by category, project, or department, which simplifies daily financial management. By separating personal and professional expenses, you gain better visibility into your cash flow.
You can generate detailed reports to analyze your spending habits and identify potential savings. Some online tools even allow you to automate these reports.
This organization simplifies accounting, helps with budget planning, and makes preparing financial statements much faster and more accurate.
Build a Commercial Credit History
Regular and responsible use of a business credit card helps build a strong commercial credit history. Good commercial credit facilitates access to loans, lines of credit, and more favorable financing terms.
Financial institutions assess a company’s creditworthiness by examining payment history and credit utilization. Maintaining timely payments and respecting credit limits improves your company’s financial reputation.
This history can also be an asset during negotiations with suppliers or partners who require proof of financial stability.
Track and Control Employee Expenses
Some cards allow you to add multiple users and set individual limits for each employee.
You can receive real-time alerts for each transaction, which facilitates expense monitoring and control. This reduces the risk of errors or unauthorized purchases and allows for better management of internal budgets. Furthermore, precise expense tracking simplifies accounting and the preparation of financial reports.
By combining these features with detailed card statements, you get a complete and instant view of all your team’s business expenses.
$819ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$670Annual fee rebated$149Total$819Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$670Annual fee rebated$149Total$819Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="welcome_offer" text="Welcome Offer" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]The BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®* is one of the best Business Mastercard credit cards with travel points in Canada.
You can earn a welcome bonus of 35,000 points after $5,000 in purchases, which is a $235 value for travel. In addition, the $120 annual fee is waived in the first year![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="a_bmo_rewards_loyalty_program_card" text="A BMO Rewards loyalty program card" google_fonts=""][vc_custom_heading el_id="earn_bmo_rewards_points" text="Earn BMO Rewards points" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]With the BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®*,you get 3 points for every dollar you spend on:
Gas
office supplies
cell phone/internet payments
And 1.5 points for every dollar you spend, Costco included![/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="accepted_at_costco" text="Accepted at Costco" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]You can earn 1.5 points for every dollar you spend at Costco with the BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®*.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="other_bmo_rewards_credit_cards" text="Other BMO Rewards credit cards" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Finally, you can combine the points you get with the two other BMO Rewards cards to save even more on your travels![/vc_column_text][miles_sc_id_card ids="22494,22492" max="2" template="compare" mc_public="0" mc_issuer="0" mc_best_of="0"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="redeeming_bmo_rewards_points" text="Redeeming BMO Rewards points" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]You can redeem BMO Rewards points in 5 different ways:
However, travel is the best redemption of BMO Rewards points.[/vc_column_text][vc_message]
BMO Rewards
Check out our ultimate guide to BMO Rewards to learn how to use your BMO Rewards points.[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="insurance" text="Insurance" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]The BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®* offers a number of insurance benefits for:
your trips
your purchases
[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="insurance_for_your_trips" text="Insurance for your trips" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]The BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®* offers a wide range of insurance coverage for your travels:
Insurance when renting a vehicle
Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance
Baggage insurance in case of delay
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Trip Interruption/Trip Delay
Departure flight delay insurance
Common Carrier Insurance
[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="insurance_when_renting_a_vehicle" text="Insurance when renting a vehicle" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]The full cost, or a portion of the rental cost, must be charged to the BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®* Account or paid through loyalty points earned under the Mastercard rewards program.
Maximum duration: 48 days.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="collision_damage_waiver" text="Collision Damage Waiver" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]With the BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®*, you are covered for the following risks associated with a Rental Vehicle with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the vehicle year not exceeding $65,000
damage to the Rental Vehicle;
theft of the Rental Vehicle, its parts or accessories;
charges levied by the rental agency as a result of valid loss of use while the Rental Vehicle is being repaired; and
the reasonable and customary costs of towing the Rental Vehicle to the nearest available facility
[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="rental_vehicle_accidental_death_and_dismemberment_insurance" text="Rental Vehicle Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Rental Vehicle Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance provides coverage to an Insured Person who suffers a "loss" as a result of an Accidental Bodily Injury while occupying an eligible Rental Vehicle.
The maximum benefit payable for any one accident is $300,000.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="insurance_of_personal_and_business_effects_when_renting_a_vehicle" text="Insurance of personal and business effects when renting a vehicle" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]This insurance covers theft of or damage to the Insured Person's Personal Effects or Business Property accompanying the Insured Person when such Personal Effects or Business Property are inside the Rental Car during a Trip while on an eligible rental period.
The benefit provided during an eligible rental period is the Actual Cash Value of Your Personal Effects and/or Business Property up to a maximum of $1,000 per Insured Person per loss. The total amount of benefits per rental period cannot exceed $2,000 per BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®* Account .[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="baggage_and_personal_effects_insurance" text="Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]This insurance covers the Actual Cash Value of Baggage and/or Business Property up to $1,000 in the aggregate per Insured Person for the following
The disappearance of, theft of, or damage to Baggage or Business Property that You have with You during the Trip. Coverage is limited to $500 per item.
The disappearance, theft, or damage of photographic equipment during the Trip. All photographic equipment is considered one item. Coverage is limited to $500 per item.
Loss, theft or damage to jewellery during the Trip. All the jewellery is considered as one item. Coverage is limited to $500 per item.
[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="baggage_insurance_in_case_of_delay" text="Baggage insurance in case of delay" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]You will be reimbursed for the purchase of basic necessities due to a delay of more than 6 hours of Your Checked Baggage by the Common Carrier, during the Trip to Your destination and before the return to Your point of departure. Purchases must be made within 36 hours of Your arrival at Your destination.
The benefit amount for Baggage Delay Coverage is $500 per Trip to a maximum of $2,000 per calendar year.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="trip_cancellation_insurance" text="Trip Cancellation Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Coverage applies only when you pay for all or part of the cost of your trip with the Cardmember's BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®* prior to your departure.
The portion of the prepaid trip that is non-refundable or cannot be rescheduled will be reimbursed to you, up to a maximum of $2,500 per Insured Person, to a maximum of $5,000 per Account.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="trip_interruption_trip_delay" text="Trip Interruption/Trip Delay" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Coverage applies only when you pay for all or part of the cost of your trip with the Cardmember's BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®* prior to your departure.
You will be reimbursed for the extra cost of a one-way economy airfare to your departure or destination and the non-refundable, unused portion of your ground transportation benefits, up to a maximum of $2,000 per Insured Person.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="departure_flight_delay_insurance" text="Departure flight delay insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Coverage applies only when you pay for all or part of the cost of your trip with the Cardmember's BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®* prior to your departure.
Flight delay coverage provides compensation if the arrival or departure of your scheduled flight is delayed by more than 4 hours. You will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $500 per Account per trip for reasonable additional expenses incurred for accommodation and travel.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="common_carrier_insurance" text="Common Carrier Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]The Amount of indemnity in respect of an Insured Person whose coverage has become effective shall not exceed $500,000.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="insurance_for_your_purchases" text="Insurance for your purchases" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_custom_heading el_id="purchase_insurance" text="Purchase insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Most items are automatically covered for 90 days from the date of purchase with the BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®*.
This insurance protects against theft or damage to an insured item anywhere in the around the world. The total throughmaximum coverage that can apply to Purchase Security and Extended Warranty is $60,000 per Account.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="extended_warranty_insurance" text="Extended Warranty Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]This insurance provides an extension of the original manufacturer's warranty for up to one year.
The total throughmaximum coverage that can apply to Purchase Security and Extended Warranty is $60,000 per Account.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Legal
*Conditions apply. BMO is not responsible for updating the content of this site. For the most up-to-date information, please click on the Online Application link.
The BMO Ascend World Elite Business Mastercard is one of the best travel points-based Business Mastercard® credit cards in Canada. You can earn up to 100,000 points as a welcome bonus:
20,000 points on your first purchase within 75 days of account opening;
8,000 points per month when you spend at least $3,000 per monthly period, from the 3rd to the 12th month following account opening (for a total of 80,000 points).
Plus, there’s no annual fee for the first year! And you get 2 free annual visits to DragonPass airport lounges.
You can also benefit from a welcome interest rate of 0% on balance transfers for nine months (a 3% transfer fee applies).
With the BMO Ascend World Elite®* Business Mastercard, you earn 4 points for every dollar spent on:
gas purchases
office supplies
cell phone/internet payments
And 1.5 points for every dollar you spend, including at Costco or for significant purchases at home improvement stores.
You can use BMO Rewards points for all travel purchases made through the agency or website of your choice (plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, all-inclusive packages, Airbnb, etc.) or for rewards and gift cards on the BMO Rewards platform.
Additionally, you can combine the points earned with the two other BMO Rewards cards to save even more on your travel.
With the BMO Rewards® World Elite®* Business Mastercard® for Business, you benefit from various travel protections:
Collision Damage Waiver Insurance
Personal and Business Effects in a Rental Vehicle
Accidental Death or Dismemberment in a Rental Vehicle
Baggage and Personal Effects
Baggage insurance in case of delay
Flight Cancellation
Trip Interruption or Delay
Flight delay
Common Carrier Accident
And for your purchases :
Extended Warranty
Purchase Protection
Annual fee
Primary card$149
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
4xGas & EV
4xOffice
4xTelecom
1.5xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,120
2nd Year Value$231
Card benefits
Airport lounge access$80
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 $2,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
Optimize Short-Term Cash Flow
The grace period, often 21 days, allows you to defer payment for purchases without interest, offering valuable flexibility for managing your cash flow.
You can align payments with incoming funds, thus avoiding overdrafts or bank fees. This flexibility is particularly useful for businesses with irregular revenue cycles.
Some cards also allow temporary balance transfers at a reduced rate, which can help reorganize your short-term finances.
By combining these options, you maximize your ability to plan and manage your financial obligations.
Accumulate Rewards and Cash Back
Many cards offer travel points or cash back on your business purchases. These rewards can be used for business travel, equipment, or to reduce your current expenses.
Some cards offer bonuses in specific categories, such as office supplies or gas, allowing you to maximize your returns.
Effectively managing your expenses and choosing the card that best suits your professional habits allows you to get a real return on investment.
Take Advantage of Attractive Welcome Offers
Business credit cards often offer welcome bonuses, such as bonus points or discounts on initial purchases. These promotions can significantly increase the initial value of the card if used wisely.
Before applying for a card, compare the terms, the time frame to earn the bonus, and any potential restrictions. Some cards also offer additional benefits during the welcome period.
To find the best offers, consult the following articles:
Simplify Your Tax Filing with Your Card
A business credit card consolidates all your transactions on a single statement, which simplifies accounting and tax preparation. You can automatically categorize expenses according to eligible cost types, reducing the risk of errors or omissions.
This organization saves time when preparing financial statements and the annual tax return. Detailed statements are also useful for justifying certain business expenses to tax authorities and for preparing your records in case of an audit.
Benefit from Fraud Protection
Business credit cards generally offer protection against fraud and unauthorized transactions. Some include real-time alerts for each transaction, as well as quick refunds in case of suspicious activity. This security helps protect your funds and those of your employees, while ensuring business continuity.
This comprehensive protection builds confidence in daily card use and reduces financial risks for the business.
Disadvantages and Costs to Consider
Even though a business credit card offers many benefits, you must also consider annual fees, the interest rate, and credit limits. Balance transfers or cash advances can incur additional fees if misused. Comparing several cards allows you to choose the one that offers the best balance between costs and rewards. Disadvantages include:
Adequate creditworthiness required;
Debt accumulation;
Impact on personal credit score;
Business credit card interest charges.
Adequate solvency required
Getting a business credit card often requires a good credit score and stable financial health. Some financial institutions require a high score or personal guarantees. This condition can limit access for new businesses or startups.
Accumulation of debt
Easy access to business credit can lead to excessive use. Without rigorous management, balances accumulate and become difficult to repay. This can weaken the financial stability of your business.
Impact on personal credit score
In many cases, the owner’s personal liability is engaged. If the business fails to make its payments, personal credit can be affected, limiting potential financial projects.
Interest rates on a business credit card are often high, especially for cash advances. Failure to pay the balance each month quickly leads to significant financial costs.
In this case, consider the Business Platinum Card® from American Express which allows you to maximize your cash flow with up to 55 interest-free days. It is very useful for large purchases, such as renovation purchases.
Carte de Platine entrepriseMD d’American Express
Obtenez jusqu’à 120 000 points avec cette offre de bienvenue pour la Carte de Platine entrepriseMD d’American Express :
80 000 points-privilèges après avoir porté 15 000 $ d’achats nets à votre Carte dans les 3 premiers mois suivant votre adhésion
40 000 points supplémentaires si vous effectuez un achat entre le 15e et le 17e mois suivant votre adhésion
Vous pouvez utiliser vos Points-Privilèges de multiples façons :
Transfert de points auprès de partenaires aériens : Aéroplan, Avios (British Airways, Qatar Airways, Finnair, Iberia), Flying Blue, Delta Skymiles, etc.
Transfert de points auprès de partenaires hôteliers (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy)
Échange des points contre des crédits au compte pour tous vos achats (1 000 points = 10 $)
Et plus!
120 000 points ont ainsi une valeur minimale de 1 200 $ pour un crédit au compte, et bien plus si vous transférez vos points auprès d’un partenaire.
Par exemple, avec cette offre de bienvenue, si vous décidez de transférer vos points-privilèges vers un programme de fidélité partenaire, vous auriez le choix d’obtenir jusqu’à :
120 000 points Aéroplan
120 000 Avios
120 000 Miles Flying Blue
144 000 points Marriott Bonvoy
Avec cette Carte, vous gagnez 1,25 point-privilège par dollar sur tous les achats. De plus, vous disposez d’avantages pour vos voyages et votre vie professionnelle :
Accès gratuit pour vous et un voyageur additionnel à plus de 1 400 salons d’Aéroport dans plus de 130 pays
Crédit annuel pour voyage de 200 $
Un crédit au compte de 100 $ pour adhésion au programme NEXUS
Statut Élite Gold Marriott Bonvoy
Statut Gold Hilton Honors
Accès au programme Fine Hotels & Resorts
Jusqu’à 120 $ par année en crédits au compte pour les services mobiles admissibles
Avec cette Carte, vous pouvez maximiser votre flux de trésorerie grâce à une période allant jusqu’à 55 jours sans intérêt. C’est une carte particulièrement appréciée par les entrepreneurs lors d’achats importants dans les magasins de rénovation par exemple.
Enfin, la Carte de Platine entrepriseMD d’American Express se distingue par les nombreuses assurances offertes : vol et dommages pour voitures de location, accident de voyage de 500 000 $, frais médicaux d’urgence (hors de la province ou du pays), perte ou vol de bagages, retard d’avion et bagages mal acheminés, cambriolage à l’hôtel ou au motel, Protection-Achat, Garantie-Achat.
Comme toutes les Cartes d’American Express Canada, aucun revenu minimum n’est exigé.
$2,040ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$2,040Total$2,040Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$2,040Total$2,040Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreⓘ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
1st Year Value$1,815
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
Best Business and SME Credit Cards
Choosing the best business credit card depends on several criteria, including your company’s size and spending habits. Here are some frequently recommended business credit cards:
Choosing the right card depends on your financial priorities. Compare annual fees, interest rates, and the grace period, often 21 days.
If you travel, prioritize cards offering comprehensive insurance and business travel benefits. To optimize your finances, also evaluate cash back, travel points, and balance transfer options.
Finally, consider liquidity needs: some cards offer convenient cash advances, but these can become costly if used frequently.
How to Apply for a Business Credit Card
Generally, it is relatively easy to obtain a business credit card. However, the process takes into account your creditworthiness and your company’s financial health. Some cards require a good or excellent credit score for approval.
Once you have found the ideal business credit card on our comparison tool, click « Apply » and follow the instructions on the financial institution’s website to complete your online application.
Bottom Line
The business credit card is more than just a payment tool: it facilitates expense management and can offer valuable rewards. However, it is important to evaluate fees, interest rates, and options such as balance transfers or cash advances. Compare several cards before choosing, including premium options like Visa Infinite Business and Amex Platinum, to maximize your benefits according to your professional needs.
$400ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$400Total$400Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$400Total$400Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
$990ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreⓘ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® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.
New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.
This offer ends on September 22, 2026. 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 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, 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$1,437
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
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.
