American Express offers some of the best business credit cards available in Canada, with valuable welcome offers, top earn rates, reasonable fees, and more.
The article below explores several of the top Amex business cards. We look at their features, compare them with other non-Amex products, explain how you can apply for one, and more.
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Best American Express business cards
Here’s a quick rundown of the best American Express business cards and what they offer.
| Welcome bonus | Earn rates | Annual fee | Apply | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Business Platinum Card from American Express | Up to 120,000 bonus points (terms) | * 1.25 points per $1 spent on all purchases | $799 | Apply |
| American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card | Up to 90,000 bonus points (terms) | * 3 points per $1 spent on Air Canada * 2 points per $1 spent on hotels and car rentals * 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | $599 | Apply |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card | Up to 60,000 bonus points (terms) | * 5 points per $1 spent at Marriott properties * 3 points per $1 spent on gas, dining, and travel * 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | $150 | Apply |
| American Express Business Gold Rewards Card | Up to 40,000 bonus points (terms) | * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases * 10,000 bonus points every quarter you spend $20,000 | $199 | Apply |
American Express Business Platinum card
Let's start with the best of the best: the
When you use your Platinum business card, you’ll earn 1.25 points per $1 spent. You have lots of options to redeem your points, including transferring to a travel rewards program, booking Fixed Points Travel , getting a statement credit, shopping with Ticketmaster, donating them to charity, or using them for merchandise and gift cards.
The benefits are where this card really shines – especially if you travel a lot for business. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Airport lounge access
- Priority Pass membership
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- VIP benefits at Toronto Pearson Airport
- Discounts on participating airlines with the International Airline Program in premium economy, business, and first class
- Access to Fine Hotels and Resorts and the Hotel Collection for savings and benefits at select hotels
American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve card
If you frequently fly Air Canada when travelling for business, the
You’ll enjoy a welcome bonus of up to 90,000 Aeroplan points, plus the following travel benefits:
- Free first checked bag with Air Canada
- Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access
- Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling with Air Canada
- Annual companion pass when you spend $25,000 per year
- 11 types of insurance
American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business card
If you’re more interested in earning hotel stays than flight rewards, the
- 5 points per $1 spent at Marriott properties
- 3 points per $1 spent on gas, dining, and travel
- 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
You can use your rewards for free hotel stays at Marriott Bonvoy properties, vacation packages, and flights. Plus, the card gives you the flexibility to transfer your points to Aeroplan and 40 other airlines.
The Marriott Bonvoy Amex treats you on your card’s anniversary with a free night stay worth up to 35,000 points. This alone covers the cost to keep the card in your wallet – plus, you’ll get these great Marriott Bonvoy perks:
- Automatic Silver Elite status
- Upgrade to Gold Elite status after $30,000 spent annually
- 15 Elite night credits every year
American Express Business Gold Rewards
Our final American Express business card is the
You’ll earn 1 point per $1 spent and have the opportunity to earn 10,000 points each calendar quarter when you charge $20,000 or more to the card. Finally, the card includes 9 types of insurance.
Who are Amex business credit cards for?
If you own or manage a business, you’ll appreciate the unique benefits that come with an American Express business card.
For example, you’ll get up to 55 days before interest starts accruing on your purchases and enjoy having the flexible payment option that allows you to make payments over time instead of by the due date. Amex Express business cards also include business management tools that help you track expenses, generate reports, adjust spending limits, and protect against employee misuse.
Note that these cards are intended for small businesses, not corporations. Amex offers corporate credit cards specifically geared towards companies with high revenue, high spending, and (usually) 15+ cardholders.
How to get an American Express business card
You can apply for an Amex business credit card if you’re a resident of Canada, the age of majority in your province or territory, and have a Canadian credit history. While these cards don’t have income requirements, you must have a good credit score to qualify.
You’ll also need to have a business, of course. When you complete your application (which you can start through one of our apply links above), you’ll need to provide both personal and business details, such as the business address, phone number, and financial information.
While some decisions may take longer, you’ll typically find out whether you were approved for the card in about 60 seconds.
American Express business cards vs. other top cards
To see how a few of these Amex business cards compare to popular RBC and BMO business cards, take a look at the following table.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Average earn rate | Current welcome offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card | $599 | 2.68% | Up to 90,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card | $150 | 2.38% | Up to 60,000 bonus points (terms) |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business | $175 | 2.91% | 25,000 bonus points (terms) |
| BMO AIR MILES World Elite Business Mastercard | $149 | 1.17% | Up to 8,000 miles (terms) |
Amex annual fees tend to be on the higher end, though the card benefits are typically excellent and Membership Rewards are incredibly valuable and flexible. The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business offers the best average earn rate and Visa Infinite benefits, while the Air Miles card delivers the lowest annual fee (albeit barely) and World Elite Mastercard benefits.
When comparing business cards, consider whether you want to bank with your existing institution. If you already have a BMO business bank account, for example, perhaps you might be inclined to stick with the same brand.
The bottom line: At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong answer for everyone – look at the earn rate, benefits, annual fee, and extra perks and tools to determine which card works best for your business.
FAQ
Is it difficult to get an American Express business card?
As long as you have a good credit score and have reached the age of majority in your province, you stand a good chance of qualifying for an American Express business card. Note that Amex will consider your business finances in making its decision.
Are Amex business cards worth it?
Amex cards are known for having higher annual fees, but they come with valuable rewards and benefits. If you think your business will regularly use the perks and rewards that come with an Amex card, it can be a handy tool for getting a good return on your daily business expenses.
What is the minimum income for Amex business?
Amex does not provide minimum income requirements for its business cards.
Do Amex business cards have a credit limit?
The Marriott Bonvoy and Aeroplan business cards will come with a credit limit determined by your personal and business factors, but the Platinum and Gold Rewards cards have no preset spending limit.
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