American Express continues to be one of the best credit card and charge card issuers in Canada, offering lucrative welcome bonuses and phenomenal perks across their financial product lineup.
Each member of the Frugal Flyer team holds at least one American Express card in their wallet to take advantage of the strong category-specific earning rates as well as being able to improve the quality of their vacations through travel benefits, including complimentary airport lounge access for example. If you are new to the world of miles and points, check out our miles and points beginner guide.
Let’s take a look at the best American Express credit card offers on the Canadian market currently. The list below contains only cards that we would consider signing up for and is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all American Express cards.
Best American Express Membership Rewards Credit Cards
All of the cards listed below earn Membership Rewards points, American Express’ in-house points currency. Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for statement credit, fixed travel, or transferred to other hotel and airline loyalty programs for even more aspirational redemptions.
American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum card continues to be one of the best cards in Canada, positioning itself as a premium product with benefits and an annual fee to match.
The American Express Platinum card earns Membership Rewards and offers cardholders a variety of benefits including an annual $200 travel credit, complimentary airport lounge access, an annual $200 dining credit, and instant elite status with many hotel loyalty programs.
In 2024, we awarded this card as the Best Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access.
100,000 Membership Rewards
$10,000
$1,401+
$799
Yes
–
The current welcome bonus of up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points is structured as follows:
- Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards points when you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your card in the first 3 months
- Earn 30,000 Membership Rewards points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of card membership
This offer currently does not have an end date.
Of note, it does have one of the highest annual fees in Canada, but the benefits plus the welcome bonus make it well worth it. Most notable is the $200 travel credit, which is available each cardholder year. This can be used on the American Express Travel portal for any travel bookings. This card also offers an annual $200 dining credit.
If you are a hotel loyalty program aficionado, the American Express Platinum card also offers complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, and Radisson Rewards Gold status. Most notable is Hilton Honors Gold Status, as it provides the member and a guest with complimentary breakfast at eligible Hilton properties worldwide
This is my favorite card when it comes to complimentary airport lounge access, thanks to the widespread American Express Global Lounge Collection including Centurion Lounge access. Daniel also identified this card as one of the best credit cards for airport lounge access in Canada, and I know many of our readers would agree with that sentiment.
American Express Business Platinum Card
The American Express Business Platinum card is the business equivalent of the premium Platinum card, available to small business owners and sole proprietors.
The American Express Business Platinum card earns Membership Rewards points and offers cardholders benefits including complimentary access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, a $100 NEXUS membership credit, an annual $200 travel credit, and more.
120,000 Membership Rewards
$15,000
$1,841+
$799
Yes
–
The current welcome bonus of up to 120,000 Membership Rewards points is structured as follows:
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points when you charge $15,000 in net purchases to your card in the first 3 months
- Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of card membership
This offer currently does not have an end date.
This card has the same annual fee as the Platinum card but still comes with some excellent perks. Cardholders will receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and Hilton Honors Gold status. Not to mention, you can access Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts and all of the perks that come with booking hotels through that platform.
Cardholders can enroll and access up to $500 in business statement credits on qualifying purchases with Dell and Indeed. They can also enroll and receive up to $120 in wireless credits per year, split out as a $10 per month credit to be used towards phone bills or other qualifying purchases.
Similar to the Platinum card, the American Express Business Platinum card offers a $200 annual travel credit for each year of card membership. Cardholders can also access a $100 CAD credit for NEXUS every 4 years which can be used to apply for or renew a NEXUS membership.
Cardholders will receive American Express Global Lounge collection access, including American Express Centurion Lounge access for themselves and two additional guests. If you are new to the idea of Centurion lounges, check out Daniel’s Denver Centurion Lounge review or Las Vegas Centurion Lounge review to see what you can expect.
If you have friends or family members who are interested in American Express credit cards, this is the best card to refer others from as you will earn 20,000 Membership Rewards points per referral up to a maximum of 225,000 Membership Rewards points per calendar year. This referral bonus can be quite lucrative if you have others who are interested in American Express cards. Learn more in our Ultimate Guide to Credit Card Referrals.
American Express Cobalt Card
The American Express Cobalt card is one of the best credit cards for food, drink, and grocery purchases in Canada.
The American Express Cobalt card earns Membership Rewards points and gives cardholders the opportunity to earn 5x Membership Rewards on eligible restaurant, food delivery, and grocery store purchases. In 2024, we selected this card to receive the award Best Credit Card for Grocery Purchases.
Check out our American Express Cobalt card review for more details.
15,000 Membership Rewards
$9,000
$174+
$156
Yes
–
This card offers a welcome bonus of 15,000 Membership Rewards points, earned as 1,250 Membership Rewards upon spending $750 monthly for the first cardholder year. This offer currently does not have an end date.
Cardholders can earn 5x Membership Rewards points on all food and drink purchases, making it one of the best credit cards to use for groceries in Canada. Later this year, effective August 15, 2023, cardholders will be eligible to earn 5x on up to $2,500 in purchases per month, up to a total of $30,000 annually.
While this card doesn’t have any other benefits, it should absolutely be your go-to credit card for any restaurant or dining purchases if you want to maximize your points and miles earned.
Best American Express Aeroplan Credit Cards
All of the cards listed below earn Aeroplan points, the currency available within Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program. Aeroplan points can be redeemed for flights on Air Canada and partner Star Alliance airlines, making Aeroplan your ticket to unlocking the world on points.
American Express Aeroplan Card
The American Express Aeroplan card is the base-level co-branded Aeroplan credit card and would be a great fit if you are interested in starting to explore the Aeroplan loyalty program.
The American Express Aeroplan card earns Aeroplan points and offers cardholders a free first checked bag on Air Canada flights.
50,000 Aeroplan
$4,000
$930+
$120
Yes
–
This card currently offers a welcome bonus of up to 50,000 Aeroplan points split into two chunks of points:
- Earn 30,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- Plus, earn an additional 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in month 13
This offer currently does not have an end date.
Cardholders can expect to receive one minor perk on Air Canada flights which is being able to check their first bag for free (for the cardholder and up to eight guests on their itinerary). This perk, while minor, is a great way to reduce Air Canada baggage fees.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve card is a premium credit card and is a great fit for those who often fly with Air Canada or are more invested in the Aeroplan program.
The Amex Aeroplan Reserve card earns Aeroplan points and offers cardholders various Air Canada benefits including priority boarding, free checked baggage, and Maple Leaf lounge access. In 2024, we awarded this card as the Best Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card.
Check out our American Express Aeroplan Reserve card review for more details.
85,000 Aeroplan
$10,000
$1,186+
$599
Yes
–
This card currently offers a welcome bonus of 85,000 Aeroplan points split into three chunks of points:
- Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your card within the first 3 months.
- Earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13.
This offer currently does not have an end date.
For many travelers, complimentary access to all Maple Leaf Lounges in the network for the cardholder themselves is a major perk. This has become even more meaningful in recent times since you now need to hold Aeroplan 50k status, Star Alliance Gold status, or be flying business class to gain access to Maple Leaf Lounges otherwise.
Cardholders can also expect to receive priority check-in, priority zone 2 boarding, priority baggage handling, and a first free checked bag for themselves and up to eight guests in their itinerary.
This card also offers a $100 NEXUS program credit. As someone who has recently gone through the NEXUS process, the benefits are well worth joining, especially when you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket. Being able to fly through security lines means more time in lounges and less time to get home once you arrive back in Canada.
Finally, if you have earned eUpgrade credits, simply by holding this card you can roll them over to the next calendar year. This can be a strong perk if you were able to take advantage of them all during the current year.
American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve card is an Aeroplan premium credit card available for small business owners and sole proprietors.
The Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve card earns Aeroplan points and offers cardholders various Air Canada benefits including priority boarding, free checked baggage, and Maple Leaf lounge access.
90,000 Aeroplan
$14,000
$1,291+
$599
Yes
–
This card currently offers a welcome bonus of 90,000 Aeroplan points split into three chunks of points:
- Earn 65,000 Aeroplan points after spending $10,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months
- Earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,500 in purchases in month 13
This offer currently does not have an end date.
This card offers many of the same benefits as the American Express Aeroplan Reserve card, including complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge access, and various Air Canada priority perks. The main difference is the Business version of the card does not offer a NEXUS program credit.
Best American Express Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
All of the cards listed below earn Marriott Bonvoy points which is the best and easiest hotel loyalty program for Canadians to access. Marriott Bonvoy points can be redeemed for hotel stays worldwide, and members can receive the fifth night free when booking an award booking with five consecutive nights on points.
American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card
The American Express Marriott Bonvoy card is the quintessential hotel credit card for Canadians who are looking to save on their next hotel stay.
The American Express Marriott Bonvoy card earns Bonvoy points and offers cardholders benefits including an annual free night and 15 qualifying nights towards elite status.
Check out our American Express Marriott Bonvoy card review for more details.
80,000 Marriott Bonvoy
$3,000
$600+
$120
Yes
May 6, 2024
This card currently offers a welcome bonus of 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points:
- Earn 65,000 Marriott Bonvoy points upon spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Plus, earn an additional 3 points for a total of 5 points on every $1 spent on eligible travel and gas purchases in your first 6 months (up to 15,000 points).
This offer currently has an expiry date of May 6, 2024.
Simply by holding this card, cardholders will receive 15 Elite Qualifying Nights at the start of each calendar year. These nights give you a boost towards earning Marriott Bonvoy Elite status and can put you on the path to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status and access to Nightly Upgrade Awards.
Additionally, this card offers an annual free night certificate worth 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. This certificate can be topped up with an additional 15,000 Bonvoy points if needed in order to make a redemption. Daniel previously wrote about the 18 best hotels to redeem Marriott Bonvoy free night certificates at in North America if you are interested in considering some of the potential redemptions.
American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business Card
The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business card is very similar to the American Express Marriott Bonvoy card mentioned above but aimed towards small business owners and sole proprietors.
The American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business card earns Bonvoy points and offers cardholders benefits including an annual free night and 15 qualifying nights towards elite status.
90,000 Marriott Bonvoy
$6,000
$660+
$150
Yes
May 6, 2024
This card currently offers a welcome bonus of 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points:
- Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points upon spending $6,000 in the first 3 months
- Plus, earn an additional 2 points for a total of 5 points on every $1 spent on eligible gas, dining, and travel purchases in your first 6 months (up to 15,000 points)
This offer currently has an expiry date of May 6, 2024.
Similar to the personal version of the card, cardholders will receive 15 Elite Qualifying Nights per calendar year and a Marriott Bonvoy free night certificate worth 35,000 Bonvoy points per anniversary year.
Of note, holding both the personal and business versions of the Marriott Bonvoy credit cards does not mean you will earn 30 Elite Qualifying Nights, as you are only eligible to earn the 15 nights towards status once per calendar year with Canadian credit cards.
How Can I Pick The Best Card for My Wallet?
When it comes to determining how to pick the best American Express card to add to your wallet next, I always believe you should look at it in terms of net value. Not to mention, if you are interested in the welcome bonus on a new card, you should consider how you are going to meet the minimum spend requirement.
Consider the annual fee on the credit card and compare that against the welcome bonus, benefits, and earning rates you expect to be able to take advantage of on the card. For example, if you are a big traveler with many international trips during a year, the Platinum card makes complete sense for comprehensive access to the Amex Global Lounge collection.
On the other hand, maybe you travel domestically on Air Canada a lot so access to Maple Leaf Lounges is more important, and thus, perhaps the Aeroplan Reserve card is the best fit so you can also take advantage of other Air Canada related perks.
Or perhaps, you aren’t a big traveler but still want to maximize your purchases. The Cobalt card would be a great fit if you find yourself spending a lot on food and drink each month and want to earn an amazing 5% rate of return. Not to mention, you can cash out Membership Rewards as a statement credit at a rate of 1 cent per point if travel just isn’t in your immediate future.
Ultimately, look at what is important to you and your lifestyle, and select the right card with that in mind as we all place a different value on various benefits and bonuses.
Conclusion
American Express continues to be the premier credit card and charge card issuer in Canada, and it shows with their card lineup that offers incredibly strong welcome bonuses and perks to improve your travel experience. If you are looking for a new American Express credit card, consider signing up through Frugal Flyer to support our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is a limit of four credit cards and unlimited charge cards per person with American Express Canada. This means that if you are looking to open an additional credit card, you may need to close one of your existing credit cards if you are at the limit.
There are no limits as to how frequently you can apply for American Express cards, provided they wish to extend you additional credit and you can meet the income and other requirements for the financial product you are interested in.
The only real restriction is you cannot apply for the American Express Business Platinum card and American Express Business Gold card within 90 calendar days of each other.
Josh Bandura
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