Best American Express credit cards in Canada

The best American Express credit card for you will depend on what type of benefits you want and how much you’re willing to pay. We’ve compared dozens of the best American Express credit cards in Canada by category — no annual fee, low interest, cash back, Aeroplan, Business Amex and more — to help you make the best choice.

Compare the pros and cons of the best American Express credit cards in Canada and learn more about our top picks below.

What are the best American Express credit cards in Canada?

• Best Amex for cash back: SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express
• Best Amex for no annual fee: SimplyCash Card from American Express
• Best Amex for everyday rewards: American Express Cobalt Card
• Best Amex for luxury hotel perks: Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
• Best Amex business card for rewards: American Express Business Gold Rewards Card

Welcome Offer	Rewards	Annual Fee
Best Amex for cash back
SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express	Up to $250 in bonus value	Up to 4% cash back	$119.88	Earn a bonus 10% cash back on all purchases for your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases). Plus, earn a $50 statement credit when you make a purchase in month 13. This could add up to $250 in bonus value in your first 13 months. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it The SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express offers a solid 4% cashback return on all purchases for a reasonable annual fee. You'll also get a generous 10% cashback welcome bonus when you sign up and you won't have to pay additional fees to add cards to your account. This card also comes with benefits such as purchase protection and comprehensive travel insurance. Pros & cons Pros Earn a bonus 10% cash back on all purchases for your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases). Plus, earn a $50 statement credit when you make a purchase in month 13. This could add up to $250 in bonus value in your first 13 months. Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada, 4% cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually), and 2% cash back on all other purchases. Access comprehensive travel insurance coverage Cons You'll have to pay $119.88 ($119 for Quebec residents) to maintain this card You'll pay a 2.5% foreign transaction fee if you spend overseas using this card
Best Amex for no annual fee
SimplyCash Card from American Express	Up to $100 in bonus cash back	Up to 2% cash back	$0	In your first 3 months, earn a bonus 5% cash back on all purchases on top of your everyday cash back earn rates (up to $2,000 in purchases). That’s up to $100 in bonus cash back. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it The SimplyCash Card from American Express is a basic no-fee card that lets you earn 1.25% cashback on all purchases (and $100 in your first three months). You'll also get basic insurance such as purchase protection, extended warranty coverage and common carrier insurance when you sign up. Pros & cons Pros $0 annual fee In your first 3 months, earn a bonus 5% cash back on all purchases on top of your everyday cash back earn rates (up to $2,000 in purchases). That’s up to $100 in bonus cash back. Earn 2% cash back on eligible gas purchases in Canada, 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually), and earn 1.25% cash back elsewhere. Cons You'll pay a 2.5% foreign transaction fee if you spend overseas using this card No travel benefits
Best Amex for everyday rewards
American Express Cobalt Card	15,000 points	Up to 5x points per $1 spent	$191.88	Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or shopping trip. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it The American Express Cobalt Card offers a generous return on points for everyday purchases. You can collect points for every dollar you spend on dining out plus 2 points for gas and transit purchases and 1 point for everything else. This card also comes with up to a 15,000 points welcome bonus if you spend a certain amount of money each month. You'll also get a full suite of travel insurance and purchase protection when you sign up. Pros & cons Pros Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or shopping trip. Earn 5x the points on eligible groceries, dining, drinks and food delivery in Canada (spend cap applies), 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions, 2x points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas, 1x point for every other dollar spent and 1 extra point per dollar spent on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via the American Express Travel website (conditions apply). Comprehensive travel insurance coverage and travel perks Cons You'll pay a $191.88 annual fee with this card You'll pay a 2.5% foreign transaction fee if you spend overseas using this card
Best Amex for luxury hotel perks
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card	Up to 70,000 points	Up to 5x points per $1 spent	$120	Earn up to 70,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card lets you earn accelerated rewards for staying at Marriott Bonvoy properties. You can also take advantage of a 70,000 points welcome bonus when you sign up and meet the spend requirements. As an added benefit, this card comes with hotel perks such as an annual free one night stay and a complimentary upgrade to Silver Elite status. You'll also get a full suite of travel insurance and purchase protection when you sign up. Pros & cons Pros Earn up to 70,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points. Earn 5 points per $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, and 2 points per $1 spent elsewhere. Travel perks and insurance coverage Cons You'll pay a $120 annual fee with this card You'll pay a 2.5% foreign transaction fee if you spend overseas using this card
Best Amex business card for rewards
American Express Business Gold Rewards Card	70,000 points	1 point per $1 spent	$199	Earn a welcome bonus of up to 70,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. That's up to $700 in statement credits to reinvest in your business. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it The American Express Business Gold Rewards Card is a card that gives you a high return on points. Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $1 spent on purchases. You can also take advantage of up to 55 days interest free when you pay off your balance in full each month. You'll earn even more with a sizable sign up bonus. You'll also get an extensive suite of travel insurance to sweeten the deal even further. Pros & cons Pros Earn a welcome bonus of up to 70,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. That's up to $700 in statement credits to reinvest in your business. Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $1 spent on purchases. Get employee coverage insurance and access to travel benefits Cons You'll pay a $199 annual fee with this card You'll have to pay $50 for every additional card you order, which can add up if you want to hand them out to multiple employees You'll pay a 2.5% foreign transaction fee if you spend overseas using this card

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• How we chose the best American Express credit cards

  We’ve chosen the cards on this page based on the those available through Finder. These cards are not representative of the entire market. We’ve narrowed down our top picks by considering rewards points, cash back, annual fees, interest rates, balance transfer offers and additional card benefits like signup bonuses.

  No single credit card will be the best choice for everyone, so compare your options before picking your new card.

How do I choose the best American Express credit card?

Compare the following features to find the best card for your needs:

• Return on points or cash back. Find out what kind of return you’ll get on cash back or points when you spend money on your Amex card (and in which categories).
• Welcome offers. Compare the bonus offers for several American Express credit cards as these can sometimes give you a year’s worth of points or more.
• Perks and benefits. Figure out which benefits and perks you think you’ll actually use and get the card that aligns best with your lifestyle.
• Interest rates. Decide whether you will likely carry an outstanding balance on your card and aim for the lowest interest rate possible if this is the case.
• Annual fee. Do the math to figure out if paying an annual fee is worth the higher return you’ll get on points and benefits.

Types of American Express credit cards

American Express Canada offers a large selection of rewards cards such as Amex Rewards Points cards and frequent flyer cards. It also offers a selection of cash back cards.

Amex cash back cards

Amex offers two main cash back cards: the SimplyCash and the SimplyCash Preferred Card. The SimplyCash Card may be a good fit for you if you don’t want to pay an annual fee and you don’t mind getting a lower cash back return and fewer benefits. Consider the SimplyCash Preferred Card if you would prefer comprehensive travel benefits and you can live with the $119.88 per year price tag.

Amex membership rewards cards

American Express offers a wide variety of membership rewards credit cards that let you earn Amex Points for every dollar you spend. The only Amex rewards card that comes with no annual fee is the American Express Green Card. The other three cards come with a comprehensive suite of benefits and an annual fee that varies between $191.88 and $799.

Amex travel cards (frequent flyer and hotels)

American Express offers a wide selection of frequent flyer and hotel credit cards that will help you travel for less. It primarily offers basic and premium Aeroplan for frequent flyers. Amex also partners with Marriott Bonvoy to offer a premium card that rewards travellers who stay regularly with its luxury-brand hotels. Most premium travel cards also come with a wide array of travel benefits and a decent return on points.

Amex no annual fee cards

You can sign up for a limited range of fee-free American Express credit cards. These cards tend to come with fewer benefits and a lower return on rewards in return for no annual fee. Amex offers a selection of cash back, membership rewards and low interest credit cards with no annual fee.

Amex small business cards

Amex offers a competitive selection of business credit cards with an impressive range of benefits and rewards. It offers its business cards as either charge cards or credit cards. Many cards offer accelerated rewards for business expenses and the more expensive cards tend to come with a wide array of travel perks.

American Express credit cards with travel insurance

Typical features and benefits of an American Express card:

• American Express offers a number of products and services with its cards. These are branded as Amex benefits and apply to most credit cards across the board.
• Front of the line. Get pre-sale access and pick from reserved Amex seats for certain ticketed events (usually advertised on Amex website).
• Amex offers. Choose offers from brands you love and earn statement credits or bonus points for qualifying purchases.
• Hotel Collection. Stay two or more consecutive nights with participating properties and receive up to a US$100 hotel credit (only available with some credit cards).
• Fraud protection guarantee. Enjoy no-fault protection in case of fraudulent purchases made on your credit card.
• Emergency card replacement. Get a new card sent out to you as soon as you report your card missing or stolen, even if you’re travelling.
• 24/7 customer service. Call Amex at any time of day or night to get dedicated support with your account.

American Express rewards program

Amex offers membership rewards (also called Amex Points) as well as cash back. It also works with frequent flyer programs and hotels to let you earn points with specific loyalty programs. This table highlights which American Express credit cards let you earn specific types of rewards.

How does American Express concierge work?

American Express’ concierge service is a type of live personal assistant you gain access to when you become an eligible card-member. You have access to this service day or night from wherever you are in the world. By calling the concierge number or emailing the Amex concierge email address, you can ask your concierge assistant to perform a variety of tasks. And these services are always free of charge.

What kinds of things can Amex concierge in Canada do?

While Amex’s concierge service is separated into five different options when you call them up, they’re quite flexible within these categories. Here are a few examples of what Amex concierge can whip up for you:

• Event and dining booking. A rather traditional use of concierge services, you can request Amex nab a seating at your favorite restaurant or purchase concert tickets, even if the event is happening the same day.
• Gifts. Need some surprise flowers delivered? Or need an idea on what chocolates are hottest in town? Ask your concierge service and they can find a suitable gift for the recipient.
• Travel. If you need some flights booked for your next business trip, Amex concierge can help you find the perfect flight based on your specifications and preferences. This extends to other travel plans, including hotels and transportation needs. In fact, your concierge service can book your entire itinerary.
• Recommendations. One of the most useful parts of the Amex concierge service is the time and research they can perform on your behalf. Whether it’s a cheap flight. a great place for birdwatching, or finding a local doctor, you can assign your needs out to the concierge service like homework (thought you might want to double check their work before jumping in).

How to use American Express concierge service

1. Call 800-525-3355 or international call collect number 617-622-6756.
2. Depending on your needs, use:
   • Event tickets. Option 1
   • Dining. Option 2
   • Gifts. Option 3
   • Travel. Option 4
   • Card services. Option 5
3. Make your request.

Note: If you have previously used the service, you can make your request at platinumrequests@concierge.americanexpress.com or call the number on the back of your card and say, Concierge.

Does American Express have car rental insurance?

Most American Express credit cards in Canada offer car rental theft and damage insurance.

You’ll typically find $85,000 in maximum coverage toward the value of the rental vehicle This means the actual cost, wholesale book value or purchase invoice price -- whichever is least -- and not including salvage and depreciation costs. .

It also covers some additional charges, including loss of use and appraisal fees. Policies from some other providers don’t cover loss of use Loss of use is what the car rental company might have made by renting out a car that's currently out for repairs. , so it’s a nice inclusion with Amex’s policy.

How long does Amex car rental insurance cover me for?

Amex car rental insurance covers you for 48 days or less after you enter into a rental agreement.

What does Amex car rental insurance not cover?

There are several instances in which Amex car rental insurance might not apply. These include, but aren’t limited to:

• Using the rental car in violation of the rental agreement.
• Engaging in illegal activity and driving while intoxicated.
• Driving certain types of vehicles, such as cargo vans, leased vehicles and limousines.
• Intentional damage to the car, manufacturing defects, theft or damage as a result of your failure to secure the vehicle and more.

How to use American Express car rental insurance

1. Before renting a vehicle, read your American Express car rental theft and damage insurance plan.
2. Pay for your entire rental with a valid Amex payment method This includes an Amex card, Membership Rewards points or Pay with Points. and decline the coverage from the car rental agency.
3. In the event of a theft, accident or act of vandalism, immediately notify law enforcement of the incident.
4. Call the Amex benefit administrator at 1-800-200-8959.
5. If necessary, fill out and return the claim form, along with the requested supporting information, within 60 days. Required details may include — but aren’t limited to — an itemized repair bill, photos of vehicle damage, proof of your personal insurance and proof you paid for your rental with an eligible Amex payment method.

How long will it take to receive payment?

If the Amex benefit administrator approves your claim, you’ll receive payment within 90 days after you submit the required information.

How to activate Amex Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

Here’s how activated coverage is defined:

• You decline the coverage from the rental car company or purchase a partial collision damage waiver.
• You or an authorized driver is on the rental agreement, and the vehicle comes into your possession.
• You pay for the entire rental with your Amex card. This includes any deposits you must make when you collect the vehicle.

American Express cash advances

If you own an American Express credit card, you can get cash from an ATM or a bank teller should you need it. But because the cash comes from the credit line of your card, it comes with hefty fees and interest. This makes it an expensive option, which you should use only in emergencies.

How to get an American Express cash advance

You must first have an American Express card to get an American Express cash advance. Once you have the card, here’s what to do:

1. Call 1-800-567-2639 and request a PIN if your card doesn’t have one.
2. Go to a participating ATM and use your card.
3. Enter the amount you want to withdraw.

Note that your card may have a cash advance limit and these limits can differ between cards. Look for your card’s cash advance limit on your billing statement. Also, be aware that you can’t earn points or rewards through cash advances.

American Express cash advance rates and fees

American Express credit cards charge a cash advance fee which varies by card and is separate to any ATM-related fees. You will also be charged a cash advance rate similar to most major credit cards, with the exception of the American Express Essential Card which charges one of the lowest cash advance rates in Canada at 12.99%.

Here are some popular American Express credit cards and their cash advance rates:

• American Express Cobalt Card 21.99%
• American Express AIR MILES Credit Card 21.99%
• Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card 21.99%
• American Express AIR MILES Platinum Credit Card 21.99%

American Express vs Mastercard

American Express and Mastercard are both credit card networks, but only American Express is a credit card issuer. Mastercard doesn’t issue its cards directly, instead issuing them through banks and credit unions. American Express does issue its cards directly. This difference plays a role in their product offerings and fees.

Another key difference is that American Express credit cards are generally geared towards people with higher credit scores and incomes while Mastercard offers cards at all levels, including student and credit builder cards.

Compare the standard benefits of American Express vs Mastercard credit cards

Check out the table below to see standard benefits. Though you might see a green check mark in a few spaces, you might not find the respective perk in your chosen card. Keep in mind that these features depend on the specific card and may not be included on every card.

Hover over the symbols to see details about each perk.

	American Express	Mastercard
Extended warranty Extends the manufacturer's original warranty on eligible items you buy with your card.
Purchase protection Eligible items you buy with your card are covered against accidental damage or theft.
Price protection Buy an eligible item with your card. If you find a lower price elsewhere, your provider will reimburse you the difference.
Car rental insurance Pay for an eligible car rental with your card and decline the insurance at the rental counter. Your rental may be covered if it's damaged or stolen.
Global Assist Hotline/Mastercard Global Service Get pre-trip information, as well as emergency assistance when you're traveling far from home.
24/7 Customer service Get support at any time, from anywhere in the world, in several languages.
Travel accident insurance Pay for an eligible trip with your card. You may receive coverage for events like accidental death or dismemberment.
Zero liability for unauthorized purchases You won't be held responsible for unauthorized transactions on your card account.

Amex vs Mastercard: Which should I choose?

Because these networks are so similar, it’s difficult to make a general verdict as one may fit your specific needs better than the other.

To make your own verdict, take a look at the specific contrasts that might stand out depending on your lifestyle, spending habits and tastes.

A few notables include:

• Intro APRs.
  Consider both networks for top-notch intro APRs.
• Airfare and hotel rewards.
  Both Amex and Mastercard offer strong rewards in these fields.
• Travel products.
  Amex is particularly strong in travel, offering a few attractive hotel cards.
• Acceptance.
  Mastercard has a significant lead in merchant acceptance, especially abroad.

How to apply for an American Express credit card in Canada

You can apply for an American Express credit card online in around 10 minutes. You’ll just need to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have all the relevant documents on hand.

Eligibility criteria

To apply for American Express credit cards in Canada, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in your province or territory.
• Be a Canadian resident with a Canadian credit file.
• Own a business if you plan to apply for a business credit card.
• Information you will need for your application

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

• Personal information. You’ll need to provide personal details including your full name, email address, phone number and residential address.
• Valid form of ID. You’ll need to supply a piece of government-issued ID such as your driver’s licence or a copy of your passport.
• Financial and employment information. You may be asked to provide tax documents, pay stubs or employment letters to show that you’re in a decent financial position and can make your repayments on time.
• Credit score. You could be required to submit to a credit check as a condition of getting approved for an American Express credit card.

Compare Amex credit cards and apply securely

American Express offers a variety of credit cards that cater to both individuals and business owners. Whether you are a frequent traveller, a small business owner or a big spender, there are credit cards to suit different lifestyles and spending habits. Be sure to compare your options before applying for a credit card, since there are so many different products on the market.

How do I activate my American Express card?

Once your American Express credit card arrives in the mail, your next step is to activate it. You can do this online, by phone or through the Amex mobile app. Whichever option you choose, the card activation process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. You can use your Amex card immediately after you activate it. To verify that your card has been activated, you can check the status of your Amex card in your online account or in the mobile app.

Activate your Amex card online

American Express cards don’t require you to enrol in an Amex online banking service before activation. To activate:

1. Visit the American Express card portal.
2. Enter your 4-digit card ID and 15-digit credit card number (as shown in the steps provided on the portal).
3. Enter any requested personal information to verify your ID and confirm.

Activate by phone

Activate your card by phone in two steps:

1. Call the number on the back of your card or 1-800-869-3016.
2. Provide the required credit card and your personal information.

Activate through the mobile app

Another option is to activate your American Express card using the Amex mobile app.

1. Download the Amex mobile app from the Google Play or Apple App Store. Or you can text MOBILE to 297687 to receive a link to download the Amex App on your phone.
2. Tap to register for a new Online services account.
3. Scan your card or enter the card’s information manually.
4. Verify your identity.

How does American Express keep my credit card information secure?

American Express protects your personal and financial information with physical and technical features. It encrypts any sensitive information you send online and will automatically log out of your account if it’s inactive for a certain period of time.

Fraud protection is also available and Amex will send you notifications about irregular or suspicious transactions on your account. It may also verify your identity before allowing you to make a purchase to confirm that you’re actually the one using the card.

Full list of Amex credit card reviews

Bottom line on Amex credit cards

American Express offers a number of different options for credit cards and charge cards. The best Amex card for you will depend on how much you want to spend, what benefits you want to get and whether you want to earn points or cash back. Find out more about which cards Amex offers and compare your options to find the best fit for you.

Amex cards FAQs

• How many American Express credit cards can you have in Canada?

  Officially, Amex Canada allows you to hold a maximum of four credit cards at a time. This limit applies to regular "lending" credit cards. The only rule is that you can't hold multiple of the same card. This limit includes your combined personal and business cards. If you have two personal cards and two business cards, for example, you have reached the cap.

  Charge cards — such as The Platinum Card from American Express — don't count toward the four-card limit. You can hold an unlimited number of charge cards at once, provided you don't have more than 1 of the same card at a time.

  You may increase your chances of increasing these maximums with an excellent credit score, high income and extensive history as an Amex customer.

• Will I have to pay fees for my American Express credit card?

  For some cards, yes. You can usually find out how much you'll have to pay in fees by visiting the American Express website to compare cards.

• What type of basic insurance will I get with most American Express credit cards?

  Most Amex cards offer a minimum of purchase protection, extended warranty and common carrier insurance. You'll typically get additional benefits such as travel insurance or car rental insurance added on if you pay an annual fee.

• How can I redeem my Amex rewards?

  You can check your Amex Points balance by visiting membershiprewards.ca and logging in to your account. You can then choose your rewards from top-brand merchandise, gift cards, travel and entertainment options. For frequent flyer programs, your points should be linked directly to your Aeroplan membership number so they'll accumulate automatically.

• Does Amex offer any low-interest credit cards?

  Yes, you can sign up for the American Express Essential Credit Card to get a low interest on purchases and cash advances. This card comes with no annual fee and is the only low interest card that Amex offers.

• What's the difference between an Amex charge card and an Amex credit card?

  An Amex charge card has to be paid off in full every month or you pay very high interest on the outstanding balance (around 30% in most cases). Amex credit cards are designed to hold an outstanding balance and come with rates that are usually around 19.99% for purchases and 21.99% for cash advances.

• Do any of American Express's Aeroplan cards come without a fee?

  Unfortunately, no. The cheapest American Express Aeroplan credit card on offer comes with a fee of $120. This card comes with a lower return on Aeroplan points and fewer travel benefits than Reserve cards. That said, it's a more affordable option if you can't manage the $599 annual price tag that comes with Amex Aeroplan Reserve and Business Reserve cards.

• Can I apply for an American Express Aeroplan credit card online?

  Yes. You can apply online for the American Express Aeroplan card using this secure link here.

• What if I forgot my American Express card PIN?

  Call 1-800-567-2639 and request to change your PIN.

• What is my American Express card cash advance limit?

  Check your billing statement to see your cash advance limit.

• Do cash advances earn reward points?

  No, you won't earn any rewards on cash advance transactions.

• Can I call the Amex concierge service whenever I want?

  Yes, Amex's credit card concierge services are available 24/7 wherever you are in the world.

• What cards does Amex concierge in Canada come with?

  Amex's concierge service is available with their premium Platinum and Centurion cards, such as The Platinum Card from American Express and the Business Platinum Card from American Express.

• Who gets to use American Express car rental insurance?

  You're eligible for American Express car rental insurance if you:

  • Are the primary cardholder or authorized user.
  • Signed the car rental agreement.
  • Have a permanent residence in Canada.
  • You've activated your car rental theft and damage insurance.

• What purchases does American Express consider to be a cash advance?

  American Express considers ATM transactions, gambling, gift cards, money orders, traveler's cheques and wire transfers to be cash advances.

Written by

Claire Horwood

Associate editor

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Claire Horwood was a writer at Finder, specializing in credit cards, loans and other financial products. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Victoria, and an Associate’s Degree in Science from Camosun College. Much of Claire’s coursework has focused on writing and statistics, with a healthy dose of social and cultural analysis mixed in for good measure. In her spare time, Claire enjoys rock climbing, travelling and drinking inordinate amounts of coffee. See full bio

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Claire has written 242 Finder guides across topics including:

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