
American Express Canada offers a range of credit cards that cater to different needs and preferences.
The Amex Cobalt Card is a popular choice, offering 5x points on dining, 3x points on streaming services, and a $120 annual travel credit.
If you're a small business owner, the Amex SimplyCash Preferred Card is a great option, providing 5% cash back on gas and 3% cash back on groceries.
The Amex Gold Rewards Card is another popular choice, offering 2x points on travel and 1x point on everything else, plus a $150 annual travel credit.
Credit Card Options
If you're looking for a cash back card, the SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express is a great option, offering cash back rewards.
There are also no-annual-fee cash back cards available, such as the SimplyCash Card from American Express.
If you're looking for a card with low interest, the American Express Essential Credit Card is worth considering.

For those who want to earn Aeroplan points, the American Express Aeroplan Card is a solid choice.
If you're looking for a card that offers everyday rewards, the American Express Cobalt Card is a good option.
Alternatively, if you're a frequent traveler, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card offers luxury hotel perks.
If you're a business owner, the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card is a great choice for rewards.
Here are some of the American Express credit card options available in Canada:
- SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express: Best Amex card for cash back
- SimplyCash Card from American Express: Best Amex card for no annual fee
- American Express Essential Credit Card: Best Amex card for low interest
- American Express Aeroplan Card: Best Amex card for Aeroplan points
- American Express Cobalt Card: Best Amex card for everyday rewards
- Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card: Best Amex card for luxury hotel perks
- American Express Business Gold Rewards Card: Best Amex business card for rewards
Travel and Rewards
The American Express credit cards in Canada offer a wide range of travel and rewards benefits. With the Amex Green Card, you can earn points on your purchases and redeem them towards your next trip.
You can choose from various cards that cater to different needs, such as the Amex Gold Card, which is a top choice for Canadian travellers, or the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, which offers a powerful combination of travel rewards and business benefits.

Some of the travel benefits and rewards you can expect from Amex credit cards include earning points on frequent flyer programs, such as Aeroplan, and hotel loyalty programs, like Marriott Bonvoy. You can also enjoy generous welcome bonuses, ranging from 500 to 85,000 bonus points or miles, depending on the card you choose and your annual fee.
Here are some of the premium travel cards offered by Amex, each with its unique benefits and rewards:
- American Express Aeroplan Card
- American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
- American Express AIR MILES Credit Card
- Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
Canada's Travel Programs Review
The American Express Green Card is a $0 annual fee travel rewards card for Canadians, offering a Flexible Memberships Rewards Program and accessible earning rates. This makes it an excellent choice for both frequent travellers and everyday spenders.
The Amex Gold Card is a powerhouse for Canadian travellers and everyday spenders, combining generous rewards with premium lifestyle and travel benefits. It's a top choice for Canadian travellers.
Eligible American Express Cardmembers can explore the benefits and rewards available to them, including travel benefits and insurance coverage. These benefits can help make the most of every moment.

The American Express Business Platinum Card is a premium choice for Canadian business owners, offering luxury travel and exceptional perks. It's worth considering if you value these benefits.
American Express offers a wide selection of Cards, including the Cobalt Card, which is a Top Pick for some users. You can explore their suite of products and find a Card that fits your lifestyle.
Luxury Hotel Perks
If you're looking for a credit card that offers luxury hotel perks, look no further than the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card.
This card offers a welcome offer of 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you charge $1,500 in purchases to your card in the first three months.
You can also earn a higher return on rewards when you make dining, gas, and transit purchases. The card's accelerated rewards program is a great way to maximize your points earnings.
One of the standout features of this card is its comprehensive benefits package, which includes travel medical, flight and baggage delay insurance, car rental coverage, and purchase protection.

Here are some key details about the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card:
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is a great choice for anyone who wants to earn points and enjoy luxury hotel perks.
Find Nearby Merchants Using Maps
Traveling to Canada and need to find merchants who accept American Express cards? You're in luck! American Express cards are widely accepted at thousands of places in Canada.
Amazon, Canada Post, and Walmart Canada are just a few examples of merchants who accept American Express cards. You can also use your card at grocery stores and gas stations.
Hudson's Bay Company, Indigo Books & Music, and Tim Hortons are other popular places that accept American Express cards. National Bank Financial Group and Royal Bank of Canada also accept these cards.
You can even use American Express maps to find merchants near you, making it even easier to shop and travel with your card.
Aeroplan Cards

Aeroplan Cards are a great option for Canadians who want to earn points for travel. The American Express Aeroplan Card, for example, offers a high return on Aeroplan Points, earning between 2 and 1 Aeroplan Points for every dollar spent.
The American Express Aeroplan Card has a comprehensive benefits package, including flight and baggage delay insurance, car rental coverage, and purchase protection. This card also offers a welcome offer of up to 40,000 Aeroplan Points, plus a bonus companion pass when you spend a certain amount on your card.
One of the key benefits of the American Express Aeroplan Card is its ability to earn points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada vacations, as well as on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada. You can earn 2x the points on these purchases, making it easier to rack up points for travel.
Here are some key features of the American Express Aeroplan Card:
Overall, the American Express Aeroplan Card is a great choice for Canadians who want to earn points for travel and enjoy a range of benefits and rewards.
Cash Back and Rewards

You can earn up to 4% cash back on all purchases with the SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express. This card also offers a welcome offer of up to $250 in bonus value in your first 13 months.
The SimplyCash Card from American Express has a lower cash back return of 1.25% on all purchases, but it has a $0 annual fee.
There are no limits on cash back with either the SimplyCash or SimplyCash Preferred Card, except for welcome bonus rates.
The SimplyCash Preferred Card offers comprehensive benefits like travel medical, flight and baggage delay insurance, car rental coverage, and purchase protection.
Here's a comparison of the cash back returns on different types of purchases with the SimplyCash and SimplyCash Preferred Cards:
The American Express Cobalt Card offers accelerated rewards of up to 5x the points on eligible groceries, dining, drinks, and food delivery in Canada, with a spend cap applying.
Membership and Benefits

The American Express Membership Rewards program is a powerful tool for earning points on your purchases and redeeming them for travel, statement credits, or other rewards. You can earn points on purchases with various American Express cards, including the American Express Cobalt Card, The Platinum Card from American Express, and American Express Green Card.
These cards offer accelerated rewards for making purchases in specific categories, such as dining, gas, transit, or travel. For example, the American Express Cobalt Card offers accelerated rewards for dining purchases.
Some American Express cards also come with welcome bonuses, which can be worth up to 15,000 bonus points. These bonuses can be a great way to boost your points balance quickly. For instance, the American Express Cobalt Card offers a welcome bonus worth 30,000 points.
In addition to earning points, American Express cards also offer comprehensive travel benefits, such as travel medical insurance, baggage insurance, and car rental insurance. These benefits can provide peace of mind when traveling and help protect you against unexpected expenses. For example, the American Express Platinum Card offers comprehensive travel benefits, including travel medical insurance and baggage insurance.
Here are some of the benefits you can expect from American Express cards:
- Accelerated rewards for specific purchase categories
- Welcome bonuses worth up to 15,000 points
- Comprehensive travel benefits, including travel medical insurance and baggage insurance
Membership Program

The Membership Program is a fantastic way to earn rewards on your everyday purchases. With American Express, you can earn Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, statement credits, and more.
You can earn points on purchases with various American Express cards, each with unique advantages that can help you earn lots of points. For example, the American Express Cobalt Card, The Platinum Card from American Express, and the American Express Green Card offer accelerated rewards, large welcome bonuses, and comprehensive travel benefits.
Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for flights on many airlines or hotels in many areas of the world. You can choose from hundreds of combinations to suit your travel plans.
To give you a better idea of which cards offer Membership Rewards, here's a breakdown:
These cards offer a range of benefits, including travel insurance, car rental insurance, and Global Assist Hotline services.
What Can Concierge Do?

The Amex concierge service is a game-changer for members. They can book events and dining reservations, including same-day bookings.
Need a gift idea or want to surprise someone with flowers or chocolates? Your concierge service can help with that. They can even find the hottest chocolates in town.
Travel planning is also a breeze with Amex concierge. They can book flights, hotels, and transportation for you, and even create an entire itinerary.
Your concierge service is like having a personal researcher at your fingertips. They can find the cheapest flights, recommend great places for birdwatching, and even help you find a local doctor.
Car Rental Insurance Usage
To use American Express car rental insurance, you'll want to read your plan carefully before renting a vehicle. This will give you a clear understanding of what's covered and what's not.
Pay for your entire rental with a valid Amex payment method to take advantage of the insurance. Decline the coverage from the car rental agency to ensure you're protected by American Express.

If something goes wrong, such as theft, an accident, or vandalism, notify law enforcement right away. This is crucial in case you need to file a claim.
Call the Amex benefit administrator at 1-800-200-8959 to report the incident and start the claims process. Be sure to have all the necessary details ready.
To file a claim, you'll need to fill out and return the claim form within 60 days. You'll also need to provide supporting information, such as 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.
Required details may include, but aren't limited to, the above-mentioned items. Always check your plan for specific requirements.
Application and Eligibility
To apply for an American Express credit card in Canada, you must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian resident.
You can apply online, by phone, or in person at an American Express office.
To be eligible for a credit card, you'll need a good credit history, a steady income, and a valid Canadian address.
Eligibility Criteria

To apply for an American Express credit card in Canada, you'll need to meet some basic eligibility criteria. You must be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in your province or territory.
If you're planning to apply for a business credit card, you'll need to own a business. This is a pretty straightforward requirement.
To be eligible for an American Express credit card, you must be a Canadian resident with a Canadian credit file. This means you'll need to have a history of credit in Canada.
You'll need to submit some personal information as part of your application, including your full name, email address, phone number, and residential address. This is standard practice for most credit card applications.
In addition to personal information, you'll need to provide a valid form of government-issued ID, such as your driver's licence or a copy of your passport. This helps verify your identity.

You may also be asked to provide financial and employment information, such as tax documents, pay stubs, or employment letters. This helps American Express assess your financial situation and determine whether you can make your repayments on time.
Here are the specific documents you'll need to submit:
- Personal information (full name, email address, phone number, and residential address)
- Valid government-issued ID (driver's licence or passport)
- Financial and employment information (tax documents, pay stubs, or employment letters)
Activate Account
Activate your Amex card online, and you're good to go! American Express cards don't require you to enrol in an Amex online banking service before activation.
To activate your card, visit the American Express card portal. Enter your 4-digit card ID and 15-digit credit card number, as shown in the steps provided on the portal. Make sure to verify your ID and confirm the information to complete the activation process.
If you're planning to earn a welcome bonus, don't forget to act fast! The AMEX Business Platinum Card offer ends January 28, 2025, and you won't want to miss out on earning 150,000 points.
Security and Information

American Express takes the security of your credit card information very seriously. It encrypts any sensitive information you send online to protect it from unauthorized access.
If you're inactive on your account for a certain period of time, American Express will automatically log you out to prevent others from accessing your information. This is a great feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your account.
Fraud protection is also available on Amex credit cards, which can send you notifications about irregular or suspicious transactions on your account.
Car Rental Insurance
If you're an American Express cardholder in Canada, you're in luck - most American Express credit cards offer car rental theft and damage insurance. This coverage can provide up to $85,000 in maximum coverage toward the value of the rental vehicle.
To use this insurance, you'll need to pay for your entire rental with a valid Amex payment method and decline the coverage from the car rental agency. It's essential to read your American Express car rental theft and damage insurance plan before renting a vehicle.

In the event of a theft, accident, or act of vandalism, immediately notify law enforcement of the incident. You'll then need to call the Amex benefit administrator at 1-800-200-8959.
To file a claim, you'll need to fill out and return the claim form, along with the requested supporting information, within 60 days. This may include 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.
Here's a step-by-step guide to using American Express car rental insurance:
- Read your American Express car rental theft and damage insurance plan.
- Pay for your entire rental with a valid Amex payment method and decline the coverage from the car rental agency.
- Notify law enforcement of the incident if you experience theft, an accident, or vandalism.
- Call the Amex benefit administrator at 1-800-200-8959.
- Fill out and return the claim form, along with the requested supporting information, within 60 days.
Securing My Information
American Express protects your personal and financial information with physical and technical features.
It encrypts any sensitive information you send online, which is reassuring when making online purchases.
Fraud protection is also available, and Amex will send you notifications about irregular or suspicious transactions on your account.
This means you'll stay informed about any potential issues with your account.
American Express will also verify your identity before allowing you to make a purchase, which adds an extra layer of security.
This helps ensure that you're the one using the card, and not someone else trying to make unauthorized transactions.
Where Is Not Accepted in Canada

In Canada, nearly half a million Canadians stopped using their American Express cards due to the lack of acceptance at many major retailers.
Costco is one such retailer that doesn't accept American Express credit cards. They're devoted to Mastercard and won't accept any other cards, not even Visa.
General Information
The American Express Green Card is a $0 annual fee travel rewards card for Canadians. It's designed for those looking to maximize their travel rewards.
This card offers a Flexible Membership Rewards Program, which provides accessible earning rates. Whether you're a frequent traveler or an everyday spender, this card can help you earn rewards on your purchases.
The card is suitable for various spending activities, including booking flights, dining out, and shopping online.
Canada
In Canada, American Express cards are widely accepted at thousands of places.
You can find merchants near you using American Express Maps, which makes it easy to locate places that accept American Express Cards.

Some popular places in Canada that accept American Express include Amazon, Canada Post, and Hudson's Bay Company.
Grocery stores like Metro Plus, 7-Eleven, and Safeway also accept American Express.
You can even use your American Express card at gas stations like Petro Canada and restaurants like Tim Hortons.
Department stores like Walmart Canada and Hudson's Bay Company are also part of the American Express network.
If you're looking for more options, you can check out the list of large retailers that accept American Express, including Whole Foods Market and Sobeys.
Places to Use
You can use your American Express Card at major retailers in Canada, which are starting to accept it due to its global reputation for security and reliability.
American Express Cards are accepted at various businesses, so it's worth checking out those that participate in this program.
Major retailers in Canada are beginning to accept American Express, making it a convenient option for purchases.
Some examples of businesses that accept American Express Cards include those you might already be familiar with, but it's always a good idea to check beforehand.
Acceptance at Retailers

American Express is widely accepted at thousands of places in Canada, including grocery stores, gas stations, department stores, and restaurants. You can even use it at popular retailers like Amazon and Walmart Canada.
Costco is one of the major retailers that doesn't accept American Express, due to their long-standing agreement with MasterCard. They only accept Mastercard, not even Visa.
Some grocery stores in Canada that accept American Express are Metro Plus, 7-Eleven, Safeway, Longos, Whole Foods Market, and Sobeys. This makes it convenient to use your Amex card for everyday purchases.
Many major retailers in Canada have started accepting American Express due to its global reputation for security and reliability. This includes businesses like Canada Post, Hudson's Bay Company, and Tim Hortons.
Annual Fees and Offers
If you're looking for an American Express credit card in Canada, you might be wondering about the annual fees and offers. One good thing to know is that Amex offers a limited range of no annual fee credit cards, such as the SimplyCash Card from American Express, the American Express Green Card, and the American Express Essential Credit Card.

These cards come with some decent benefits, like basic insurance and a decent return on rewards. You can get a fee-free version of almost every type of card that Amex offers, except for its Aeroplan and hotel credit cards.
If you do end up getting an Amex card, you might be interested in their Amex Offers, which reward you with special discounts and perks on shopping, dining, travel, and more.
For Low Interest
If you're looking for a credit card with low interest, the American Express Essential Credit Card is a good option. It has a purchase APR of 12.99%, which is lower than many other credit cards on the market.
This card also comes with basic benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty, which can provide some peace of mind when making purchases. However, you won't earn any rewards or cash back with this card, so if that's something you're interested in, you might want to consider another option.

One thing to note is that this card has a small annual fee of $25. However, if you're looking for a low-interest credit card, this fee might be worth paying. Here are some key details about the American Express Essential Credit Card:
Cash Advance Rates & Fees
American Express credit cards charge a cash advance fee, which varies by card, and is separate from any ATM-related fees. You'll also be charged a cash advance rate, similar to most major credit cards.
Some popular American Express credit cards and their cash advance rates include:
The American Express Essential Card charges one of the lowest cash advance rates in Canada at 12.99%. If you make a $500 ATM cash withdrawal using your Amex credit card, you'll pay a $25 cash advance fee as soon as you make the transaction. Some ATMs may charge an additional $3 fee.
What is Excluded
When dealing with the exclusions of Amex car rental insurance, it's essential to know what's not covered. Using the rental car in violation of the rental agreement is a big no-no.

Driving under the influence or engaging in illegal activity will also void your coverage. I've heard of people getting into trouble for driving while intoxicated, so it's crucial to be aware of this exclusion.
Driving certain types of vehicles, such as cargo vans, leased vehicles, and limousines, is also excluded from coverage. Make sure to review your rental agreement carefully to avoid any issues.
Intentional damage to the car, manufacturing defects, theft, or damage resulting from your failure to secure the vehicle are all excluded from coverage. It's always a good idea to double-check your vehicle before leaving it unattended.
Annual Fee
Annual fees on American Express credit cards can be a significant consideration for consumers, but it's essential to remember that having an annual fee doesn't necessarily mean the card isn't good.
The amount charged for the annual fee varies across different card levels, so it's crucial to consider the benefits you'll gain from paying the fee.
For instance, each Platinum card has its own annual fee based on basic criteria such as income and current status.
Offers

Amex Offers are a great way to get rewarded on your purchases. You can earn points or miles on shopping, dining, travel, and more.
Some Amex Offers come with generous welcome bonuses. You can earn between 500 and 85,000 bonus points or miles when you sign up for a card.
If you're a frequent flyer, you might be interested in Amex's frequent flyer credit cards. They offer decent returns on points with airlines like Aeroplan.
One of the perks of these cards is comprehensive travel insurance. Most premium travel cards come with this benefit.
Here are some Amex credit cards that offer travel benefits:
- American Express Aeroplan Card
- American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
- American Express AIR MILES Credit Card
- Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
Reviews and Bottom Line
American Express has been committed to providing industry-leading customer service for many years, and it shows in their consistently recognized best-in-class customer support among financial companies.
Their credit cards and services are designed to make life easier for Canadians, offering a range of options for everyday spenders and frequent travellers alike.
American Express is not just a name brand, but a promise of excellent service that customers expect and appreciate.
Review: Is Marriott Bonvoy Worth It for Canadians?
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is designed for Canadian travellers who love maximizing rewards, offering incredible value for those who want to earn free nights at luxurious Marriott brand hotels.
This card is perfect for savvy travellers who make everyday purchases, as it turns those purchases into extraordinary travel experiences.
With the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, you can earn free nights at luxurious Marriott brand hotels, making it a great option for Canadians who love to travel in style.
The card is designed to help you maximize rewards, making it a valuable addition to your wallet for any Canadian traveller.
The Bottom Line
American Express offers a range of credit cards and charge cards, each with its own set of benefits and rewards. The best Amex card for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Customer service is a top priority for American Express, with a reputation for being one of the best in the industry. In fact, American Express' customer service is consistently recognized as the best among financial companies.

You can earn up to 150,000 Membership Rewards points with the American Express Business Platinum Card, the highest welcome bonus on this card in over three years. This limited-time offer is only available until January 28, 2025.
The American Express Green Card is a budget-friendly option with a $0 annual fee, making it an excellent choice for Canadians who want to maximize their travel rewards. With its Flexible Memberships Rewards Program, you can earn rewards on a variety of purchases, from flights to dining out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Canadian Amex work in the US?
American Express cards issued in Canada are widely accepted in the US, just like in Canada. Find out more about using your Canadian Amex card abroad
Can I get an American credit card as a Canadian?
Yes, as a Canadian, you can apply for some U.S. credit cards without a U.S. credit history, using your Canadian credit history to qualify. Learn more about the application process and available options.
What bank is American Express in Canada?
American Express operates in Canada as Amex Canada Inc. and Amex Bank of Canada, serving Canadians with financial services.
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