American Express Cobalt
Up to 60,000 MR points (~$600 value)
Spend $750/mo for first 12 months
Annual fee: $156/year
Amex credit cards
The best American Express credit cards in Canada for 2026.
American Express has the strongest Canadian travel card lineup of any issuer. The Cobalt's 5x grocery and dining earn rate is unmatched, the Aeroplan Reserve has the largest welcome bonus in Canadian personal finance, and the Platinum is the gold standard for frequent international travelers.
Income range
$0–$80,000+ depending on card
Credit score
650+ for entry cards, 760+ for Platinum
Best for
Travel rewards, Aeroplan transfers, grocery & dining spend
Amex card lineup
All 6 Amex cards we’ve tested.
-
-
American Express Aeroplan Reserve
Up to 95,000 Aeroplan points (~$1,800 value)
$6,000 spend in 6 months + $599 annual fee
Annual fee: $599/year
-
American Express Platinum
Up to 100,000 MR points (~$1,200 travel value) + $200 travel credit
$6,000 spend in 3 months + $799 annual fee
Annual fee: $799/year
-
American Express Aeroplan
50,000 Aeroplan points (~$900 value)
$3,000 spend in 3 months
Annual fee: $120/year
-
American Express Gold Rewards
60,000 MR points (~$600 travel value)
$3,000 spend in 3 months + $250 annual fee
Annual fee: $250/year
-
Marriott Bonvoy American Express
75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (~$700 hotel value)
$1,500 spend in 3 months
Annual fee: $120/year
About Amex cards
What to know before applying.
American Express Canada offers some of the most lucrative welcome bonuses and highest earn rates in the country, but Amex acceptance lags Visa and Mastercard at smaller Canadian retailers. Most strategic Canadians pair an Amex with a no-FX Visa or Mastercard for foreign and small-merchant spending.
Best for
Travel rewards, Aeroplan transfers, grocery & dining spend
Not for
Costco shoppers (Costco Canada doesn't accept Amex), small-business owners outside major cities
FAQ
Common questions about Amex cards.
Is American Express accepted everywhere in Canada?
Amex acceptance is strong at large Canadian retailers (Loblaws, Sobeys, Walmart, Costco Wholesale takes Mastercard not Amex but most other big chains accept Amex) but weaker at smaller restaurants and independent merchants. Most Amex holders pair their Amex with a no-fee Visa or Mastercard for the ~20% of merchants that don't take Amex.
How many Amex cards can I have at once?
American Express Canada generally allows up to 4 personal Amex cards plus business cards on one credit profile. The welcome bonus rules vary by card — most Amex cards allow you to claim the welcome bonus only once per lifetime per card product.
Does Amex have a foreign transaction fee in Canada?
Yes, most Amex Canada cards charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee on non-CAD purchases. The Cobalt, Gold Rewards, Platinum, and Aeroplan cards all charge 2.5%. Pair with a Scotia Passport Visa Infinite (0% FX) for international spending.
What credit score do I need for an Amex card?
Entry-level Amex cards (Cobalt, SimplyCash) accept fair credit (660+). The Gold Rewards and Aeroplan need good credit (700+). The Aeroplan Reserve and Platinum require excellent credit (760+) plus higher income.