Best American Express Credit Cards in Canada For October 2025
The American Express Cobalt Card is the best American Express credit card in Canada and has also been the best overall credit card for the past eight years. Amex is known for its high rate of rewards and valuable perks, so the Cobalt isn’t the only great Amex option.
Since the best credit card for you is the one that matches your spending style, needs, and budget, the American Express Cobalt Card may not necessarily be the right choice. Here, we’ll highlight the best card for your situation, whether you’re in the market for a no fee card, travel card, cash back card, or another type entirely.
Key Takeaways
- The best Amex card in Canada is the American Express Cobalt Card, followed by the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.
- American Express credit cards boast superb perks and earning power but they aren’t accepted by every business in Canada.
- American Express benefits include discount offers, airport lounge access, early access to event tickets, and more.
- The best Amex credit card for you is the one that best rewards your existing spending habits.
The eight best American Express credit cards in Canada
American Express (the bank) specializes in rewards and travel credit cards – but it has a decent selection of specialty products. To make comparison easier, we’ve converted each card’s earning power into a simple return rate.
Rewards earned in $CAD / money spent in $CAD x 100 = return rate in %
A credit card with a 5% return rate returns $5 in cash or points to your pocket for every $100 you spend. Most cards average 1 – 2%, but the eight best Amex credit cards in Canada don’t earn less than 2%.
| Category | Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome bonus | Highest earning categories | Average return rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best in Canada | American Express Cobalt Card | $155.88 | Up to 15,000 bonus points (terms) | * Groceries and restaurants | 4.50% |
| Best Aeroplan | American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card | $599 | Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms) | * Air Canada | 2.79% |
| Best cash back | SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express | $119.88 | 10% cash back for the first 3 months + $50 (terms) | * Gas and groceries | 2.55% |
| Best business | The Business Platinum Card from American Express | $799 | Up to 120,000 bonus points (terms) | * Flat rate across all categories | 2.50% |
| Best premium | American Express Platinum Card | $799 | Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms) | * Restaurants and travel | 2.25% |
| Best for hotels | Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card | $120 | 50,000 bonus points (terms) | * Marriott properties | 2.09% |
| Best no fee | American Express Green Card | $0 | 10,000 bonus points (terms) | * Flat rate across all categories | 2.00% |
| Best low interest | American Express Essential Credit Card | $25 | None | * N/A | N/A |
1. Best American Express credit card in Canada
×8 Award winner Transfer points to Aeroplan and 7 other travel partners with Canada's #1 credit card.*
8x Award winner Transfer points to Aeroplan and 7 other travel partners with Canada's #1 credit card.*
Rewards:
- 5 points per $1 spent on eligible groceries and restaurants
- 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming services
- 2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit, and ride share purchases
- 1 point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Average return rate: 4.50%
There’s little we haven’t already said about the American Express Cobalt Card, but that won’t stop us from singing its praises again. The Cobalt Card isn’t just the best Amex card in Canada – it’s also the best overall credit card and our #1 pick for groceries, rewards, travel, and more.
The Cobalt owes its success to its ridiculously high return rate. Not only does it collect bonus points in six different spending categories, but Amex Membership Rewards points are also valuable. Transferring points to the Aeroplan program and redeeming them on a flight yields a maximum value of 2 cents per point (CPP).
Cost of reward in $CAD / cost of reward in points x 100 = value of reward in cents per point (CPP)
You can also use Amex’s flexible rewards program to redeem points for travel, merchandise, statement credits, and more.
Pros:
- 10 types of insurance included
- Amex Experiences, Offers, Front of the Line, and The Hotel Collection benefits
- No income requirements
Cons:
- Lower acceptance for American Express
- No airport lounge access included
2. Best American Express Aeroplan credit card
Rewards:
- 3 points per $1 spent on Air Canada
- 2 points per $1 spent on dining and food delivery purchases in Canada
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Average return rate: 2.79%
As an Aeroplan credit card, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card can take you into the air and every Maple Leaf Lounge in the country. You and up to eight travelling companions can enjoy a free checked bag and priority check-ins, baggage, and boarding – and complimentary eats and drinks before the flight – just by using your card to pay for an Air Canada or Star Alliance flight.
You can also pay for flights by redeeming the Aeroplan Points you earn on every purchase, or visit 1,500+ lounges in the Priority Pass network for $35 USD each time.
Pro Tip: The American Express Cobalt Card has more Aeroplan points-earning power but it doesn’t include airport lounge access or Air Canada travel perks.
Pros:
- 1,000 miles and one flight per $5,000 spent toward Aeroplan Elite membership status
- $100 annual NEXUS credit
- 15% off parking, complimentary valets, and priority security lanes at Toronto Pearson
- 11 types of insurance included
- One annual $99 companion voucher after spending $25,000
- American Express Experiences, Offers, and Front of the Line benefits
- Automatic President’s Club status in the AVIS loyalty program
- Complimentary Priority Pass
- First free checked bag and priority baggage, boarding, and check-ins on Air Canada flights for the cardholder and up to eight travelling companions
- No income requirements
- Premium metal credit card
Cons:
- $199 additional card fee (with Reserve benefits)
- Lower acceptance for American Express
3. Best American Express cash back credit card
Rewards:
- 4% cash back on gas and groceries
- 2% cash back on all other purchases
Average return rate: 2.55%
It’s rare for a cash back credit card to offer a return rate over 2% but the SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express makes it easy. You’ll earn bonus cash on gas and groceries and a flat rate everywhere else, which will be paid out once per year as a statement credit.
Pros:
- 10 types of insurance included, including mobile device insurance
- Amex Experiences, Offers, and Front of the Line benefits
Cons:
- $30,000 Annual cap on eligible spending on gas and groceries, after which rewards drop to 2%
4. Best American Express business credit card
Rewards:
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on all purchases
Average return rate: 2.50%
If you’re in the market for a business credit card, you’ve probably already heard about the The Business Platinum Card from American Express. Believe the hype: besides dining, travel, and NEXUS credits, cardholders enjoy up to $620 in discounts from Dell and Indeed and unlimited access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection. Make one visit to a Centurion lounge and we promise you’ll leave a believer.
Pros:
- $200 annual dining credit
- $200 annual travel credit
- $100 NEXUS credit every four years
- 55-day interest-free grace period
- 24/7 Platinum Concierge services
- Unlimited airport lounge access
- 15% off parking, complimentary valets, and priority security lanes at Toronto Pearson
- 12 types of insurance included, plus access to emergency travel assistance
- American Express Experiences, Offers, Fine Hotels + Resorts, Front of the Line, Global Dining Collection, and Hotel Collection benefits
- Automatic Gold Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs
- Automatic Five Star status in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program
- Preferential pricing and promotions on American Express Travel Online
- Premium metal card
Cons:
- $250 employee Platinum Card fee
- Lower acceptance for American Express
5. Best American Express premium credit card
Rewards:
- 2 points per $1 spent on restaurants and travel
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Average return rate: 2.25%
If you’re looking for a luxury travel credit card, you can hardly do better than the American Express Platinum Card. It’s sleek, it’s metal, and it’s packed with enough perks and benefits to make you forget its annual fee – including $500 worth of travel, NEXUS, and fine dining credits.
Pros:
- $200 annual dining credit
- $200 annual travel credit
- $100 NEXUS credit every four years
- 24/7 Platinum Concierge services
- 15% off parking, complimentary valets, and priority security lanes at Toronto Pearson
- 11 types of insurance included, plus access to emergency travel assistance
- Amex Experiences, Offers, Fine Hotels + Resorts, Front of the Line, Global Dining Collection, and Hotel Collection benefits
- Automatic Gold status in the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs
- Preferential pricing and promotions on American Express Travel Online
- Premium metal credit card
Cons:
- $250 additional card fee (for Platinum Cards)
- Lower acceptance for American Express
6. Best American Express hotel credit card
Rewards:
- 5 points per $1 spent at Marriott properties
- 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Average return rate: 2.09%
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is the perfect card for the weary traveller – not only do you earn Marriott Bonvoy points with every purchase, but you also get automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Enjoy 10% bonus points per stay, a 2:00 PM check-out, and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi at 30+ hotel chains, plus an annual certificate for one free night’s stay.
Pros:
- 15 Elite night credits per year
- One annual free night certificate
- Amex Experiences, Offers, and Front of the Line Benefits
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status after spending $30,000 OR staying 10+ nights in one year
- Automatic Silver Elite status with no spending requirement
Cons:
- Only 8 types of insurance
7. Best American Express no fee credit card
Rewards:
- 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases
Average return rate: 2.00%
You don’t need to worry about annual fees with the American Express Green Card. It’s a flat-rate travel credit card with just enough perks to keep things interesting, including exclusive benefits at certain stores through Amex Experiences, discounts and bonus point-earning opportunities through Amex Offers, and early access to in-demand tickets through Front of the Line.
Pros:
- Amex Experiences, Offers, and Front of the Line benefits
Cons:
- Only 2 types of insurance included
- Lower acceptance as an Amex
8. Best American Express low interest credit card
Rewards: None
Average return rate: N/A
The American Express Essential Credit Card delivers low interest rates with very few bells or whistles. You only have to pay 0.1299% and 0.1299% interest on cash advances and purchases, respectively, at the cost of being able to collect rewards or perform balance transfers.
Pros:
- 12.99% interest on cash advances
- 12.99% interest on purchases
- Amex Offers, Experiences, and Front of the Line benefits
Cons:
- Doesn't earn rewards
Compare all American Express credit cards
How we get our rankings
We found the eight best American Express credit cards in Canada by evaluating 126 credit card features in seven major categories:
- Rewards
- Fees
- Interest
- Insurance
- Perks
- Acceptance
- Approval
Because rewards matter the most to most Canadians, we put them first. The creditcardGenius algorithm calculated the earning power of each credit card based on $2,000 of monthly spending by the average Canadian, and we ranked the results from most to least rewarding.
Learn more about the Genius Rating methodology
Pros and cons of American Express credit cards
American Express may not be a major bank, but it’s an industry leader within the Canadian market. Amex credit cards are known for:
- 24/7 customer service and a 4.7-star banking app
- Generous welcome bonuses ranging up to $1,000+ for premium credit cards
- High-value insurance coverage averaging about $316 per card
- High-value perks and benefits averaging about $572 per card
- Incredibly flexible rewards
- Little to no income requirements
- Unbeatable rewards averaging 2% – 4.5% per dollar spent
But we wish American Express would work on improving weaknesses like:
- Limited options for low interest credit cards
- Limited options for no fee credit cards
- Limited travel insurance for cardholders over the age of 65
- No acceptance for Amex at certain major retailers and small businesses
The last point is especially important: You can’t earn amazing rewards or use included insurance if you don’t use your Amex at checkout. We recommend checking whether or not your favourite stores accept Amex before committing to a card.
How do American Express credit cards work?
American Express is both a payment network and a bank. It controls the digital network that transfers money between banks and merchants – and it’s the credit card issuer you have to repay after you borrow money using your card.
You can use an Amex card like any other credit card, whether you prefer to tap, swipe, insert, or load it onto your smartphone. Amex accepts bill payments by phone, online, and by ATM.
How do American Express benefits work?
Similar to World Elite Mastercard or Visa Infinite Privilege credit cards, American Express offers cardholders exclusive benefits. From least to most exclusive, your credit card’s perks may include:
- Access to special dining, rewards, and shopping offers through Amex Offers
- Exclusive access to curated dining, entertainment, shopping, and wellness benefits and events through American Express Experiences
- Early access to in-demand event tickets and reserved seating with Front Of The Line
- Exclusive deals on accommodations and car rentals through American Express Travel Online
- A $100 USD credit and complimentary room upgrade when you stay two or more nights at a property within The Hotel Collection
- A $100 USD credit, complimentary room upgrade, 12:00 PM check-in, daily breakfast for two, complimentary Wi-Fi, and 4:00 PM check-out at 2,600 hand-selected Fine Hotels + Resorts
Less exciting (but still appreciated) is the ability to pay your bills and monitor your balance from your smartphone with the 4.5-star Amex Canada app on Google Play. Amex cardholders can also request an emergency card replacement anywhere in the world through 24/7 customer service.
How does American Express Membership Rewards work?
With only a few exceptions, most American Express credit cards collect Amex Membership Rewards points. You can check your points balance using the Amex app or website.
Amex Membership Rewards points don’t have a fixed value – how much value you get out of each point depends on how you use them:
- Convert points to airline rewards programs (2 CPP)
- Use the fixed points travel program (1.75 CPP)
- Convert points to hotel rewards partners (1.16 CPP)
- Statement credits (1.00 CPP)
- Charitable donations (1.00 CPP)
- Gift cards (0.77 CPP)
- Merchandise (0.68 CPP)
Based on our research, the most valuable way to use your Amex Membership Rewards points is to transfer them to the Aeroplan Rewards program. If you prefer to stay at home, look for a cash back credit card instead.
Divide the cost of a gift card or merchandise reward in $CAD by its cost in Amex Points to reveal the value of your points in $CAD. Don’t accept anything less than 1 cent per point!
Which Amex card tier is right for you?
American Express has various card levels with varying benefits. Typically, these cards will differ in their earn rates, fees, and benefits. Here are all American Express tiers and what you can expect from each one:
| Card type | Features | Great for… | Card options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | * Low or no annual fees * Modest welcome offers * Low earning potential | People who want basic cashback rewards without an annual fee | * American Express Green Card * SimplyCash Card from American Express |
| Mid-market | * Higher earn rate * Additional perks like event access and travel insurance | People who spend a lot on dining and travel. | * American Express Cobalt Card * American Express Aeroplan Card * Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card |
| Premium | * Additional benefits like airport lounge access and concierge service * Higher fees ($250-$399) | Frequent travellers and high spenders | * American Express Gold Rewards Card |
| Ultra-premium | * Better perks, although the earn rate is typically similar to premium cards | People who want the best customer service and perks | * American Express Platinum Card * American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card |
| Business | * Rewards on business-related expenses * Includes expense management tools | Business owners | * The Business Platinum Card from American Express |
The tier that’s best for you will depend on your spending habits, preferences, and what you need from the card.
How to choose the right American Express credit card
There are plenty of Amex cards to choose from, but you can narrow the list with three simple questions:
- How high of an annual fee can I afford? Compare the annual cost to the value of the rewards you expect to earn to help you decide.
- What rewards do I want? Choose between cash back, Amex Membership Rewards points, or Marriott Bonvoy points.
- Where do I spend the most money? Maximize your earnings by picking a card that rewards your biggest spending categories.
Don’t get us wrong, credit score, income requirements, and all that other stuff still matter. A comprehensive questionnaire like the creditcardGenius quiz can walk you through the finer points of choosing a credit card.
How to apply for an American Express credit card
There are four steps to applying for an American Express credit card:
- Check the eligibility requirements to avoid rejection and unnecessary hard credit score checks.
- Gather your required documents, including your contact information and proof of your identity, income, and residence.
- Submit your application over the phone or online.
- Wait up to several weeks for approval for your new credit card.
American Express usually contacts applicants quickly to let them know if they’ve been approved. Good luck!
FAQ
Is it hard to get an Amex credit card?
With few to no income requirements, it’s easier to get approved for an American Express credit card than most other credit cards. That said, you’ll still have to meet credit score requirements to qualify for one.
What is so special about an Amex?
Across the board, American Express offers the highest-earning rewards credit cards in Canada. This means you’ll enjoy flexible redemption options, personalized offers for merchandise and services, exclusive access to restaurants and experiences, and excellent insurance coverage.
What stores accept American Express credit cards?
Amex is accepted at 90,000+ businesses across Canada, including major retailers like Walmart, Metro, Canadian Tire, Rexall, The Home Depot, and Home Hardware. Unfortunately, you still can’t use an Amex at Costco or Loblaws stores, such as Shoppers or the Real Canadian Superstore.
Why do some stores not accept Amex?
Businesses have to pay a fee to credit card companies whenever a card is used at their store. Amex’s fees are noticeably higher than other companies, so many small businesses and other merchants don’t accept Amex cards to maintain better profit margins and stay afloat.
Is it worth getting an American Express card?
It’s worth getting an American Express credit card if your favourite stores accept it; Amex offers unbeatable return rates and competitive perks and partnerships. Plus, Amex is a good option if you’re struggling to qualify for another credit card.
Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone. No bank, credit card issuer, rewards program, or other entity has reviewed, approved, or endorsed this content. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website. Our credit card scores and rankings are based on our Rating Methodology that takes into account 126+ features for each of 229 Canadian credit cards.
