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Best American Express Credit Cards in Canada

Best American Express credit cards in Canada 2024

Hannah Logan
Author: Scott Birke

By Hannah Logan & Scott Birke

Fact Checked: Cory Santos

🗓️

Updated: December 13, 2024

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Amex offers some of the very best card options in Canada and is known for big rewards and even bigger welcome bonuses.

American Express has one of the top credit card rewards programs in Canada and best of all, they've made their cards more and more accessible to a wider range of consumers with reduced minimum income requirements, lower annual fees and interest rates. 

The higher interchange fees that Amex charges have historically resulted in Amex cards being declined by some merchants, but they are now more widely accepted in Canada than you might expect. Nonetheless we recommend that Canadians supplement one of the below cards with one of the best Visa credit cards  or best Mastercards in Canada to ensure that all their bases are covered.

See the top Amex Canada cards to find the best one for your lifestyle (and after, check out our best credit cards Canada 2024 list):

  • Why you can trust Money.ca's best Amex credit cards in Canada list

    +

    Money.ca rates all credit cards on a numeric scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest rating, respectively. Money.ca’s proprietary scoring formulas break down the confusing language, complex points, rewards and earn rates to give you the real data that caters to your needs first, not ours.

    Our partnerships have no impact on our ratings, which are solely determined by the merits of each card. To learn more about how we researched and ranked these cards, read our full credit card review methodology.

Summary of picks

Best American Express Credit Card by category

Best Amex credit cards Fast facts Get started
American Express Cobalt® Card ◦ Best for: Overall
◦ Annual fee: $155.88 ($12.99/month)

Apply now
SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express ◦ Best for: cash back
◦ Annual fee: $119.88 ($9.99 per month. Additional cards are free.) 		Apply now
Scotiabank Gold American Express® card ◦ Best for: travel rewards
◦ Annual fee: $120 		Apply now
Scotiabank American Express® Card ◦ Best for: No annual fee rewards card
◦ Annual fee: $0 		Apply now
SimplyCash® Card from American Express ◦ Best for: No annual fee cash back Amex
◦ Annual fee: $0 		Apply now
The Platinum Card® ◦ Best for: Premium travel
◦ Annual fee: $799 		Apply now
American Express® Business EdgeTM Card ◦ Best for: Business
◦ Annual fee: $99 		Apply now

¹ Conditions Apply.

Best overall

Best American Express rewards credit card overall

American Express Cobalt® Card

Apply now

4.9

up to 15k pts

Welcome offer

Fair

Suggested credit score

Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.

Apply now

Pros

  • High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)

  • Flexible month-by-month fee structure

  • Free supplementary cards

  • 1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs

Cons

  • Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)

  • Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard

  • Slightly higher than average annual fee

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

Pros

  • High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)

  • Flexible month-by-month fee structure

  • Free supplementary cards

  • 1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs

Cons

  • Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)

  • Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard

  • Slightly higher than average annual fee

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada

5x

the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada

3x

the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada

2x

the points on everything else

1x

additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel

1

Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room

$100 USD

Variable APR

21.99% - 30%

Cash Advance APR

21.99% - 1%

Annual Fee

$155.88

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

The American Express Cobalt® Card isn't just a good credit card. In fact, the Amex Cobalt is our winner for Best Credit Card in Canada for 2024 and it's easy to see why.

The American Express Cobalt Credit Card is a great rewards credit card if you enjoy spending money on food and streaming subscriptions. Love eating out or ordering in? Maximize the value of each dollar spent with the Amex Cobalt® Card. The American Express Cobalt® Card accrues a massive 5 points per $1 spent on eligible food and drinks in Canada, including grocery stores and food delivery services (spend cap applies); 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming services; 2 points per $1 spent on ride shares, transit and gas in Canada; and 1 point per $1 on everything else. Each point is worth about $0.01, and they’re redeemable for travel, gift cards, Amazon, and for general statement credits.

Cardholders can also take advantage of a very lucrative introductory deal, which runs for the first year of card membership and pays out consecutive bonuses for reaching spending goals. Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.* That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets. Conditions apply.

The card costs a relatively low $155.88 ($12.99/month) annual fee, which can be more than covered in rewards points by those high-octane urbanites that dine out regularly.

Main features:

  • Annual fee: $155.88 ($12.99/month)
  • Welcome bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.
  • Enhanced earn rates: Earn 5x points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.; 3x points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada; 2x points on eligible rideshares, transit and gas in Canada
  • Regular earn rate: 1x point on all other purchases
  • Special feature: 5,000 bonus points for referring friends to the card, up to a maximum annual referral bonus of 75,000 points

Disclosures

  • Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best cash back

Best American Express cash back credit card

SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express

Apply now

4.6

up to 10% back

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).

Apply now

Pros

  • Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more

  • Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually

  • Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage

  • Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases

Cons

  • $9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)

  • Cash back redeemed annually in September

  • Not all benefits may be relevant to all users

  • Limited to American Express acceptance

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Pros

  • Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more

  • Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually

  • Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage

  • Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases

Cons

  • $9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)

  • Cash back redeemed annually in September

  • Not all benefits may be relevant to all users

  • Limited to American Express acceptance

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

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)

4%

cash back on all other purchases

2%

Purchase APR

21.99%

Cash Advance APR

21.99%

Annual Fee

$119.88

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

If you're looking for a great cash back credit card with a low annual fee, the SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express can fit your needs. New cardholders will appreciate the Welcome Offer. IEarn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).. This could add up to bonus 10% cash back in the first 10 months. Conditions apply. 

With this card, you can 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) and 2% cash back on all other purchases. The card’s annual fee is worthwhile looking at these earn rates. Moreover, it wouldn’t be an Amex without a suite of great travel protections like emergency medical and travel accident insurance, or the inclusion access to events and special offers curated for card members with American Express® ExperiencesTM.

Main features:

  • Annual fee: $119.88 ($9.99 per month. Additional cards are free.)
  • Earn rate: Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada; Earn 4% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada, up to $1,200 cash back annually; Earn 2% cash back on everything else.

Disclosures

  • Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Best travel

Best American Express travel rewards card

Scotiabank Gold American Express®

Apply now

4.8

up to 45K pts

Welcome offer

Very Good

Suggested credit score

Earn up to $950* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived.

Expires

Jan 3, 2025

Apply now

Pros

  • Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses

  • Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets

  • Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad

  • Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel

Cons

  • Relatively low-value welcome bonus

  • $120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially

  • Scene points redeem poorly for travel

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Pros

  • Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses

  • Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets

  • Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad

  • Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel

Cons

  • Relatively low-value welcome bonus

  • $120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially

  • Scene points redeem poorly for travel

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more

6x

Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.

5x

Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.

5x

Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more

3x

Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services

3x

Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases

1x

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$120

Foreign Transaction Fee

0%

American Express is generally one of the best credit card processors for travellers, and the most globetrotter-friendly card they offer might be the Scotiabank Gold American Express® card. It helps cardholders earn points quickly on their most common expenses, and then enjoy them on future adventures. You’ll receive 6X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spend at eligible grocers like Sobeys, Safeway, and more eligible grocers¹, 5X for every $1 CAD spent on other eligible groceries, dining and entertainment; 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend at eligible gas stations, on daily transit, and on streaming services and a single point on everything else. The points can be spent with superior flexibility.

Earn up to $950* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived.. There are few other Canadian credit cards that offer the same level of travel benefits for this price point—$120 per year—as the card includes access to airport lounges worldwide, and a solid travel insurance package. If you don’t want to bend to the stricter limitations on point redemption and travel choices that define other cards, you should give the Scotiabank Gold American Express® card a close look.

Main features:

  • Annual fee: $120
  • Sign-up bonus: Earn up to $950* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived.
  • Enhanced earn rates: Earn 6x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more; 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery, food subscriptions and other eligible grocery stores, 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
  • Regular earn rate: 1 Scene+ point¹ on all other purchases

Disclosures

  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card to learn more.

    *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

Best no fee

Best no annual fee American Express rewards card

Scotiabank American Express®

Apply now

3.8

up to 5K pts

Welcome offer

Good

Suggested credit score

Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $50 towards travel).

Expires

Jul 2, 2025

Apply now

Pros

  • Earn 5,000 welcome bonus rewards points.

  • Earn up to three Scene+ points on everyday spending.

  • Earn points across five different categories, including food, travel, entertainment and streaming.

  • No annual fee.

Cons

  • The welcome bonus is lower compared to other rewards cards.

  • American Express isn’t accepted everywhere.

  • Limited insurance coverage.

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Pros

  • Earn 5,000 welcome bonus rewards points.

  • Earn up to three Scene+ points on everyday spending.

  • Earn points across five different categories, including food, travel, entertainment and streaming.

  • No annual fee.

Cons

  • The welcome bonus is lower compared to other rewards cards.

  • American Express isn’t accepted everywhere.

  • Limited insurance coverage.

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshcoand more

3x

Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.

2x

Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.

2x

Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes ride shares, buses, subway, taxis and more

2x

Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible select streaming services

2x

Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases

1x

Purchase APR

19.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$0

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

If you want to take advantage of Amex perks without paying an annual fee, check out the Scotiabank American Express® card. 

Cardholders can accrue points via their natural spending inclinations and use them later to save on trips.

  • Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $50 towards travel).
  • Earn 3 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more.
  • Earn 2 Scene+ points1 for every $1 you spend on restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments, and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
  • Earn 2 Scene+ points1 for every $1 you spend on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subway, and more.
  • Earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.

Like other Amex travel cards, points are redeemable via retroactive statement credits—just make a purchase with the card and pay for it with points later. You can also spend them on merchandise and other special offers.

Main features:

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Sign-up bonus: Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $50 towards travel).
  • Base earn rate: Earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
  • Special feature: New mobile device insurance

Disclosures

  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank American Express® Card to learn more. *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

Best rewards with no fee

Best no annual fee American Express cash back card

SimplyCash® Card from American Express

Apply now

3.8

bonus 5% back

Welcome offer

Good

Suggested credit score

Earn a bonus 5% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).

Apply now

Pros

  • No annual fee for primary or additional cardholders

  • Solid regular cash back rate on all eligible purchases - up to 2% cash back on all eligible purchases

  • No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn at the base rate

Cons

  • Cash back is only applied as a statement credit once a year

  • Amex cards aren’t accepted by every merchant

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$45.87

Pros

  • No annual fee for primary or additional cardholders

  • Solid regular cash back rate on all eligible purchases - up to 2% cash back on all eligible purchases

  • No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn at the base rate

Cons

  • Cash back is only applied as a statement credit once a year

  • Amex cards aren’t accepted by every merchant

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$45.87

cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada

2%

cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually)

2%

cash back on all other purchases

1.25%

Variable APR

21.99% - 34.56%

Balance Transfer Rate

45%

Cash Advance APR

21.99% - 89.98%

Annual Fee

$0

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

The SimplyCash Card from American Express helps you earn cash back without paying an annual fee. The card earns rates of: Earn 2% cash back on eligible gas purchases in Canada, 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to 2), and 1.25% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Referring a friend earns the cardholder $50 per approval, up to a maximum of $750 annually.

There is an impressive variety of additional perks that make the SimplyCash® Card from American Express more valuable, like the inclusion of automatic coverage for rental cars, travel accidents, new purchases and more. As a part of the American Express family, the card also includes access events and special offers curated for card members with American Express® Experiences. In other words, it lends a helping hand to those who are struggling financially, but will also grant them access to perks normally enjoyed by higher-tier cards—and all without an annual fee.

Main features:

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Welcome bonus: Earn a bonus 5% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases)..
  • Earn rates: Earn 2% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada; 2% back on eligible groceries in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually); 1.25% back on everything else

Disclosures

  • Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best everyday
Best luxury

Best premium American Express card

The Platinum Card®

Apply now

3.6

up to 140k pts

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,400 in value.

Apply now

Pros

  • Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service

  • Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide

  • Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit

  • Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.

  • Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).

Cons

  • High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards

  • The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points

  • Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Pros

  • Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service

  • Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide

  • Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit

  • Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.

  • Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).

Cons

  • High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards

  • The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points

  • Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada

2x

points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel

2x

point for every $1 in all other Card purchases

1x

additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings

1

Variable APR

21.99% - 28.99%

Annual Fee

$799

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

The Platinum Card® is geared towards those who travel quite often and spend enough to justify its $799 annual fee, which is obviously quite pricey, but worthwhile considering what the card gives back in return.

Earn up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,400 in value.

  • Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points* after spending $10,000 on your Card within your first 3 months as a new Platinum® Cardmember.* That’s $1,000 towards your next flight.

    Plus, earn 40,000 points* when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.* That’s $400 towards dinner out with friends.

    *Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.

    Offer ends January 28, 2025.

Sign-up bonus aside, many other elite travel features and upper echelon benefits are included with The Platinum Card®. Cardholders will have access to complimentary entry into hundreds of airport lounges around the world. Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge CollectionTM which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience

Amex’s standard earn rate for earning Membership Rewards points applies to all spending at 1 point per $1 spent, accelerated to 2 points per $1 spent on eligible travel, and 2 points per $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada. Points are redeemable on travel, hotels, merchandise and statement credits.

Main features:

  • Annual fee: $799
  • Welcome bonus: Earn up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,400 in value. Conditions apply.
  • Earn rates: Earn 2X points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada and 1X point on everything else.
  • Special feature: Access a ; Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $600 USD at over 1,500 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts; You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands

Disclosures

  • Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best business

Best American Express business card

American Express® Business Edge™

Apply now

3.9

up to 67K pts

Welcome offer

Good

Suggested credit score

Earn up to 67,000 points*

Apply now

Pros

  • Generous welcome offer: Up to 67,000 Membership Rewards points available

  • High earn rate: 3x points on select business expenses like office supplies and dining

  • Free additional cards: Supplementary cards provided at no extra cost

  • Valuable insurance coverage: Includes purchase protection and car rental damage insurance

  • Points flexibility: Transfer points to Aeroplan and Avios, enhancing travel options

  • Business tools: Access to management tools for financial oversight

  • Payment flexibility: Offers balance carrying option, unlike traditional charge cards

Cons

  • Annual fee: Costs $99 per year

  • Limited acceptance: American Express not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard

  • Capped bonus categories: 3x points category limited to $25,000 in purchases yearly

  • Specific spend categories: High earn rates apply to certain business-related expenses only

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Pros

  • Generous welcome offer: Up to 67,000 Membership Rewards points available

  • High earn rate: 3x points on select business expenses like office supplies and dining

  • Free additional cards: Supplementary cards provided at no extra cost

  • Valuable insurance coverage: Includes purchase protection and car rental damage insurance

  • Points flexibility: Transfer points to Aeroplan and Avios, enhancing travel options

  • Business tools: Access to management tools for financial oversight

  • Payment flexibility: Offers balance carrying option, unlike traditional charge cards

Cons

  • Annual fee: Costs $99 per year

  • Limited acceptance: American Express not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard

  • Capped bonus categories: 3x points category limited to $25,000 in purchases yearly

  • Specific spend categories: High earn rates apply to certain business-related expenses only

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Earn 3x points for every $1 spent on eligible office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks (up to a maximum of 75,000 Membership Rewards points, 1x point thereafter)

3x

Earn 1 points for every $1 spent on everything else

1x

Welcome offer lets you earn 10X the points for every $1 spent on eligible office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks in your first 6 months up to 10,000 points

10X

Purchase APR

21.99%

Cash Advance APR

21.99%

Annual Fee

$99

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

Business owners commonly rack up expenses in gas and transit, office supplies, and of course food and drink (for themselves and employees). The American Express® Business EdgeTM Card is a great way to earn back on these purchases, earning Membership Rewards® points at a steady 3X the points per $1 rate in the categories above after the Welcome Offer ends, and 1X point per $1 elsewhere. Caps and other conditions may apply. These accumulated points can then be converted into statement credits and to book flights, hotels and car rentals. You can redeem points for flight purchases on AirCanada.com and even transfer to frequent flier and hotel programs, including one-to-one to Aeroplan®* and Avios.

Main features:

  • Annual fee: $99
  • Welcome bonus: Earn up to 67,000 points*. Terms and conditions apply.
  • Enhanced earn rate: Earn 3x the points for card purchases on eligible business essentials including office supplies and electronics, rides and gas, eats and drinks when your welcome offer ends. Caps and other conditions may apply.
  • Regular earn rate: Earn 1x the points on all other purchases charged to the card.

You can learn more about the card by reading our complete American Express® Business EdgeTM Card review.

Disclosures

  •  Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Amex comparison

American Express card levels: Comparison chart

Highlights SimplyCash® Card from American Express (Entry Level) American Express Cobalt® Card (Mid-Tier) The Platinum Card® (Premium)
Annual fee $0 $155.88 ($12.99/month) $799
Highest standard earn rate Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases 5 pts / $1 2 pts / $1
Travel insurance Minimal Good Excellent
Additional benefits Minimal Amex Invites; transfer points to other programs Hotel status upgrades; unlimited lounge access; Amex Invites; transfer points to other programs
Amex levels explained

What is the highest level American Express card?

American Express card levels explained

Unlike Visa and Mastercard, American Express doesn’t have a formal tiered system (with exceptions). However, if you are looking for ways to better categorize American Express cards, you can take our approach.

We’ve divided the cards into four different levels based on annual fees and requirements. As a general rule, normally the higher the level of card, the better the benefits and perks (as you will see in our comparison later).

Entry-Level American Express Cards

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Credit score requirement: Fair/Good 670-739

Mid-Tier American Express Cards

  • Annual fee: $0 to $250
  • Credit score requirement: Fair/Good 670-739

Premium American Express Cards

  • Annual fee: $250 to $799
  • Credit score requirement: Excellent 740-900

The American Express Centurion Card

The Amex Centurion (or Amex Black) is the highest level American Express card, but it has a very elite, invite-only membership and Amex does not officially publish its information. 

The highest level American Express card is the Centurion card, which is also known as the ‘black card.’ However, it’s available only by invitation from American Express, meaning you can’t just apply for it as you would the other cards mentioned in this article.

So, how do you get invited? It seems many invitees are chosen from existing American Express cardholders, particularly Platinum cardholders. Cardholders generally need to charge a very high amount to their cards (perhaps above $100K) to be invited.

Those invited to become Centurion cardholders will need to pay a very significant annual fee (estimated at $2,500) in addition to a one-time initiation fee of around $7,500.

But reports of the card’s benefits indicate that those sky-high fees might be worth it. Centurion cardholders have access to a personal travel concierge; flight upgrades; companion tickets; free hotel nights; highest-level airport lounge access; and are exempt from foreign transaction fees, among numerous other rumoured benefits.

Conclusion

Bottom line on American Express Card levels

When choosing an American Express card, it is important to consider your individual needs and financial standing. Some important factors to consider include your annual income, any annual fees or other costs associated with the card, and your credit score health. There are a variety of cards available with varying levels of benefits and features, so it is important to carefully evaluate each option before deciding which card is right for you.

With some careful consideration and research, you can find the best Amex card that will help you achieve your financial goals while providing you with all the benefits and perks that come along with being an Amex customer.

Recommended read: American Express Cobalt® vs Scotiabank Gold American Express

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

FAQs

FAQs about American Express Canadian credit cards

  • Is it hard to qualify for an Amex card in Canada?

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    Getting approved for an American Express credit card in Canada is not difficult if you have a good credit score (700 and above) as well as steady income.

  • Are American Express credit cards accepted in Canada?

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    American Express cards are accepted by thousands of retailers in Canada. Some of the few retailers that do not currently accept Amex cards include Costco and Loblaws. Learn more about where your Amex card is accepted in Canada.

  • Can I use a US Amex credit card in Canada?

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    Yes, American Express credit cards are accepted globally, including at an increasing number of Canadian retailers. This means you can use your American Express card from abroad in Canada. However, be aware that you might incur a foreign transaction fee, also known as a currency conversion fee, since the transactions are not in USD.

  • What's the most exclusive Amex credit card?

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    The most exclusive American Express credit card in the world isn't really a credit card. The fabled American Express Centurion® Card is actually a charge card, meaning you cannot carry a balance with the card. Despite that, the Centurion Card packs a huge wallop before you even factor in the $5,000 CAD annual fee (and $10,000 one-time enrollment fee).

    Cardholders have used it to buy jets, a Bentley, a $170 million Modigliani painting at Christie’s auction and pretty much anything else that money can buy—as long as the balance is paid in full at the end of the month. Extra-large charges are approved on a case-by-case basis, so don’t forget to give Amex a call before you buy your Modigliani.

Hannah Logan Freelance Contributor

Hannah Logan is a Canadian freelancer writer and blogger who specializes in personal finance and travel. You can follow her adventures on her travel blog EatSleepBreatheTravel.com or find her on Instagram @hannahlogan21.

Scott Birke Finance editor, Money.ca

Scott Birke is a finance editor at Money.ca.

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