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The Best American Express Credit Cards in Canada

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American Express credit cards are renowned for offering incredible perks, including early access to entertainment events, travel rewards, and a flexible points system that allows you to purchase almost anything.

We’ve highlighted the best AMEX cards below that offer the most robust cash back options, points rewards, travel perks, and more. Compare the cards below to help you determine the top American Express cards for your lifestyle.

Best AMEX credit cards in Canada

American Express® Aeroplan® Reserve Card

American Express® Aeroplan® Reserve Card


  • Welcome Offer Up to 115,000 Aeroplan points
  • Annual Fee $599
  • Interest Rates Purchases: 20.99%, Cash Advances: 21.99%
  • Recommended Credit Score 760+
AMEX SimplyCash Preferred

SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express

Rewards
  • 4% Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases made in Canada.
  • 4% Earn 4% cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada — up to $1,200 annually.
  • 2% Earn 2% cash back on all other purchases with no limit.

Scotiabank Gold AMEX

Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

Rated 3.4/5 stars.

Our Review
Rewards
  • 6pt Earn 6 Scene+ points per dollar you spend in Canada at Sobeys, safeway, FreshCo, and more.
  • 5pt Earn 5 Scene+ points per dollar spent on entertainment, dining, and groceries.
  • 3pt Earn 3 Scene+ points for every dollar spent on gas, transit, and streaming services.
  • 1pt Earn 1 Scene+ point for all other purchases.

Platinum Card from American Express

Platinum Card from American Express


  • Welcome Offer Up to 100,000 rewards points
  • Annual Fee $799
  • Interest Rates Balance must be paid in full each month with this card. An interest rate of 30% applies to balances not paid in full.
  • Recommended Credit Score 760+
American Express Cobalt Credit Card

American Express Cobalt Credit Card

Rewards
  • 5pts Earn 5x the points on food and drinks, including restaurants and food delivery purchases.
  • 3pts Earn 3x the points on streaming subscriptions including Netflix, Disney+, and Crave.
  • 2pts Earn 2x the points on travel and transit including flights and public transportation.
  • 1pt Earn one point on all other purchases.

Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Business Platinum Card® from American Express


  • Welcome Offer Up to 90,000 points
  • Annual Fee $499
  • Interest Rates Due-in-Full Purchases: 30%, Flexible payment option balances: 20.99%
  • Recommended Credit Score 760+
American Express Gold Rewards card

American Express Gold Rewards Card


  • Welcome Offer Up to 67,000 points
  • Annual Fee $250
  • Interest Rates Purchases: 20.99%, Cash Advances: 21.99%
  • Recommended Credit Score 660+
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card

Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card


  • Welcome Offer 65,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
  • Annual Fee $120
  • Interest Rates Purchases: 20.99%, Cash Advances: 21.99%
  • Recommended Credit Score 660+

What are AMEX points worth?

AMEX Membership Points are worth different amounts depending on how you choose to redeem them.

For example, 10,000 Membership Points can be exchanged for $70 when shopping on sites like Amazon and Best Buy. Alternatively, 10,000 points can be redeemed for $100 off a flight booked through AMEX travel, or used to pay $60 off your AMEX bill. You can consult the AMEX Membership Points calculator to see all of your redemption options for your credit card rewards.

Do American Express Canada credit cards charge interest rates?

Generally, the top American Express cards are most beneficial for those who can pay off their entire balance each month. American Express interest rates are high but they offset those interest rates by offering a number of perks.

AMEX credit cards including Gold and Cobalt charge 20.99% interest on purchases, and 21.99% on cash advances. The best AMEX cards, like the Platinum card, are charge cards, which means the balance must be paid in full each month or you risk being hit with a steep interest rate.

However, AMEX generally offers a two-tier structure for its charged cards: 30% interest on Due-in-Full purchases, and 20.99% on flexible payment option balances.

AMEX also offers low-interest cards, including its Essential card, which charges only 12.99% on purchases and cash advances. If you think you’ll carry a low balance most of the time, this option could be good for you.

What are the income requirements for AMEX credit cards?

Unlike many other credit card providers, AMEX doesn’t require a minimum income for its credit cards.

However, AMEX’s Scotiabank cards (including the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card) require an annual income of at least $12,000. While there are no minimum income requirements, you will still need a strong credit score to be approved for the top American Express cards.

How to apply for an American Express credit card

You can apply for AMEX credit cards via AmericanExpress.com.

You will need your personal data on hand, including your full name and mailing address, your employment history, and your current salary.

You must be of the age of majority in your province or state to qualify for an AMEX card. Once you’ve selected the type of card you prefer, the application process should take a few minutes, and you will receive an approval or denial in under one minute. If approved, you will receive your new AMEX card in the mail shortly.

Frequently asked questions

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