Canada’s Amex Rewards Guide

5 x Earn up to 15,000 bonus points with the Amex Cobalt Card

Apply Now!

Earn 15,000 bonus points with the Amex Cobalt Card

Apply Now!
PointsWise - AMEX Card Travel Tips for Canadians
Home » AMEX Cards Canada » Membership Rewards Credit Cards » Full Review: Is the Amex Gold Card Canada’s Best Travel Rewards Card?

Full Review: Is the Amex Gold Card Canada’s Best Travel Rewards Card?

Photo of author
Britt Phoenix
This article contains affiliate links. If you apply through them, PointsWise may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. American Express is not responsible for the content on this site. Terms apply.
Gold Rewards Card card image
Apply for the Gold Rewards Card

Instant decision available with no impact to your credit score.

Gold Rewards Card At a Glance

Best choice for: Flexible Mid-Tier Travel Rewards

Welcome Bonus
Up to 60,000 points
Top Earn Rate
2x on travel
Points Currency
Amex Membership Rewards points
Annual Fee
$250/year
Target Market
Consumer
Card Style
Metal - available in Gold or Rose Gold
Card Type
Credit Card

Quick Verdict

The Gold Rewards Card sits in a practical middle ground between the Cobalt Card and the Platinum Card. You get flexible Membership Rewards points and some useful travel perks, but without committing to a top-tier annual fee. If you want a travel rewards card that feels more premium than basic but not overbuilt, this is a good fit.

Who It’s For

  • Travellers wanting flexible Amex points
  • Cardholders seeking mid-tier travel perks
  • Everyday spenders who also travel
  • Canadians not ready for Platinum fees

How to Get Approved for the Gold Rewards Card

Approval Difficulty

720+ (Good)

recommended credit score

Canada Credit Card Approval - Standard Approval, Recommended 720+ (Good) Credit Score

Standard Approval

Based on typical approval patterns in Canada.
Approval is not guaranteed.

How to get approved for an Amex card in Canada.

Requirements

  • Age of majority: Canadian resident, age 18 or 19+ depending on your province/territory
  • Credit history: 6+ months minimum credit history of low utilization and on-time payments
  • Income requirement: None publicly specified
  • Approval speed: Often instant with Amex Apply With Confidence
Apply Now

Instant decision available with no impact to your credit score.

Gold Rewards Card Welcome Bonus Tracker

Track how today’s credit card welcome bonus compares against past offers, so you can apply with confidence.

PointsWise Welcome Bonus Tracker - Tracking Credit Card Welcome Bonuses in Canada

Current Welcome Bonus

60,000

Amex Membership Rewards points

You can earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points: 5,000 points per month for 12 months after spending $1,000 monthly.

Estimated Value

$600

at 1¢ per point

Gold Rewards Card card image
Apply Now

Instant decision available with no impact to your credit score.

Typical Offer

This is a typical welcome bonus for this card.

The current Gold Rewards Card welcome bonus sits within this card's normal historical range and appears to be close to the recent standard public offer.

It is not the strongest offer we have tracked, especially compared to the much higher limited-time bonus that appeared in 2025, but it is also not unusually low for this card.

At this level, the Gold Rewards Card can still make sense if you want flexible Membership Rewards points, strong travel redemption options, and a lower annual fee than the Platinum Card. If you are mainly chasing the highest possible welcome bonus, compare current offers before applying.

Current offer since Aug 2025
Historical high 110,000 points
Last change Down 50,000 points

Where The Gold Rewards Card Welcome Bonus Sits Historically

This range compares the current public bonus against the lowest, typical, and highest offers PointsWise has tracked for the Gold Rewards Card.

Historical Low 50,000 points
Historical High 110,000 points
60,000 points Current Offer

History available since 2019

Updated Jun 18, 2026

Gold Rewards Card Welcome Bonus History

See how the Gold Rewards Card welcome bonus has changed over time, including confirmed snapshots when the public offer stayed the same.

Welcome Bonus Events - Card Reviews v1

Offer snapshots indicate dates when the public welcome bonus was confirmed unchanged.

Why it matters

Credit card welcome bonuses change often. This tracker helps you compare today’s offer against past public offers before you apply.

Compare before you apply.

See whether today’s welcome bonus is low, typical, or unusually strong for this card.

Decide whether waiting to apply makes sense.

A past high offer is useful context, but it may not return soon.

Understand offer snapshots

Snapshot bars show when a public bonus was confirmed unchanged, not when a new offer launched.

Ready to Apply or Compare Offers?

Apply with confidence.

Gold Rewards Card card image
Apply for the Gold Rewards Card

Instant decision available with no impact to your credit score.

Amex Welcome Bonus History Tracker in Canada Since 2019
Compare welcome bonuses

View and compare offers across all cards.

Amex Cobalt Card Earn Rates

2x
travel

Earn 2 points per $1 on eligible travel bookings and services, including air, water, rail, and road transport, lodging, and tour operator sales. Local and commuter transportation is excluded.

2x
gas, groceries & drugstores

Earn 2 points per $1 at stand-alone gas stations, drugstores, and grocery stores in Canada. Purchases at merchants where these are not their primary business (e.g., superstores, wholesale clubs, or alcohol retailers) do not qualify.

1x
everything else

Earn 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Amex Membership Rewards Points

The value of your points depends on how you use them. Here’s what you can realistically expect.

How to Redeem Amex Membership Rewards Points

Transfer to Aeroplan
Transfer Amex Membership Rewards to Aeroplan for flights. This is where you’ll get the most value.
Use Fixed Points Travel
Book through Amex Fixed Points Travel for predictable value, especially for economy flights or last-minute bookings.
Keep Points Flexible
Hold onto your points until you’re ready. MR points don’t expire as long as your account stays active.
Use Statement Credits
Redeem for statement credits strategically, but know their value will be capped at 1¢ per point.
View the Amex Membership Rewards Guide

Amex Membership Rewards Value

Typical Value (When Used Well)

1.5¢ - 2.5¢ per point

Best Use

Transfer Amex MR to Aeroplan to use for Air Canada and partner flights.

Example

60,000 MR > 60,000 Aeroplan points (1:1 transfer)> $1,200 flight (cash price)= 2¢ per point

High-Value Potential

3¢+ per point For premium cabin redemptions on long-haul international flights.

Quick Insight

Think of MR points as a flexible travel currency. Their value increases when flight prices are high and decreases when prices are low.

Gold Rewards Card Benefits

A closer look at the benefits, travel rewards, and everyday extras that come with the Gold Rewards Card.

21 total benefits

Featured Benefits

Annual Travel Credit ($100)

Enjoy an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your Gold Rewards Card, which can be used once annually toward any single travel booking of $100 or more through American Express Travel Online.

Four Annual Plaza Premium Lounge Passes

Enjoy four complimentary visits each year and relax with spacious seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and shower facilities at Plaza Premium airport lounges.

Transfer Your Points to Travel Partners

Transfer points to frequent flyer and hotel programs, including Aeroplan, Avios, Marriott and Hilton, offering flexibility and value for travel enthusiasts.

Hotel Collection Benefits

Enjoy hotel perks such as room upgrades (when available), 12pm check-in, late check-out (when available), and up to $100 USD credit for amenities on stays of 2 or more nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel.

NEXUS Credit ($50)

Receive up to $50 in statement credits every four years when NEXUS application or renewal fees are charged to your Card.

Explore All Benefits

Travel Benefits4 benefits

Four Annual Plaza Premium Lounge Passes

Enjoy four complimentary visits each year and relax with spacious seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and shower facilities at Plaza Premium airport lounges.

Priority Pass Lounge Membership

Benefit from Priority Pass Lounge Membership - access over 1,700 lounges worldwide with a convenient pay-per-visit option to enhance your travel experience.

Hotel Collection Benefits

Enjoy hotel perks such as room upgrades (when available), 12pm check-in, late check-out (when available), and up to $100 USD credit for amenities on stays of 2 or more nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star Status

Enroll to receive Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star Status and enjoy priority service, complimentary upgrades, and bonus points on every rental.

Redemption Options9 benefits

Transfer Your Points to Travel Partners

Transfer points to frequent flyer and hotel programs, including Aeroplan, Avios, Marriott and Hilton, offering flexibility and value for travel enthusiasts.

Apply Points to Travel Purchases

With Flexible Points Travel, redeem points for virtually any travel expense, giving you endless choices for your next adventure. 1,000 points = $10 statement credit.

Amex Fixed Points Travel

Use your points to book flights through the Fixed Points Travel program and simplify your travel planning with Amex's straightforward, high-value options. Round-trip flights start at 15,000 points.

Redeem Points for Statement Credits

Convert your points into statement credits to cover eligible charges, giving you real-time rewards and financial flexibility. 1,000 points = $10 credit.

Membership Rewards Shopping

Use Membership Rewards points to shop for merchandise, electronics, home goods, and other eligible rewards through the Membership Rewards shopping catalogue.

Redeem Points for Gift Cards

With Membership Rewards points, enjoy gift cards to popular retailers or American Express Prepaid Gift Cards, turning points into flexible everyday value.

Shop with Points on Amazon

Use your Membership Rewards points to cover part or all of your purchases on Amazon, turning everyday shopping into rewarding experiences. 1,000 points = $7 credit.

Use Points at Checkout with PayPal

Use your points to cover purchases big or small wherever PayPal is accepted. 1,000 points = $7 credit.

Donate Your Points to Charity

Use points to contribute to a variety of charities, helping make the world a better place with the rewards you've earned. 1,000 points = $10 credit.

Credit Rewards2 benefits

Annual Travel Credit ($100)

Enjoy an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your Gold Rewards Card, which can be used once annually toward any single travel booking of $100 or more through American Express Travel Online.

NEXUS Credit ($50)

Receive up to $50 in statement credits every four years when NEXUS application or renewal fees are charged to your Card.

Amex Experiences3 benefits

Front of the Line Presale Access

Enjoy exclusive early access to presale tickets with Front of the Line access and get your seats to the hottest concerts, shows, and events before the general public.

Exclusive Access

Make every night out unforgettable and breeze through dedicated entrances at the Budweiser Stage, relax in premium lounges, and enjoy priority service at top venues like Massey Hall and Mirvish Theatres.

Amex Experiences

Cardmembers get access to a variety of special offers created just for American Express. From advance screenings of blockbuster movies, to weekend getaway packages and special online and in-store shopping deals, it's never been easier to have an experience you'll never forget.

Member Extras1 benefit

Amex Offers

Save on everyday purchases with Amex Offers and enjoy exclusive discounts and rewards at your favourite stores, restaurants, and online shops. New offers are always being added, so be sure to check your account regularly.

Card Design2 benefits

Gold or Rose Gold Design

Select the look of your card with options in either Gold or Rose Gold metal, adding a touch of personal style to your wallet.

Metal Card Design

Stand out with the sophisticated look and feel of an American Express metal card - durable, elegant, and designed to impress.

Gold Rewards Card Insurance Coverage

Here’s a closer look at the insurance coverage included with the Gold Rewards Card, including travel, purchase, rental car, mobile device, and other protections where applicable.

Coverage amounts, eligibility, and exclusions vary by card. Always review the certificate of insurance before relying on a benefit.

Travel Insurance

9 coverages

Purchase & Warranty Coverage

2 coverages

Rental Car Coverage

1 coverage

Explore Insurance Coverage

Travel Insurance9 coverages

Emergency Medical Insurance

Stay protected with up to $5,000,000 in emergency medical coverage for eligible expenses when travelling outside your province or country. Coverage applies for the first 15 days of each trip (for insured persons under 65).

Up to $5,000,000

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Get up to $1,500 per person (maximum $3,000 per trip) reimbursed for non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel for a covered reason, as long as you charged the costs to your card before departure.

Up to $3,000 per trip

Trip Interruption Insurance

Receive up to $1,500 per person (up to $6,000 total per trip) for non-refundable, unused travel expenses if your trip is interrupted or delayed for a covered reason, as long as you booked with your card.

Up to $6,000 per trip

Flight Delay Insurance

Receive up to $500 for essential expenses like hotels, meals, and personal items when your flight is delayed or boarding is denied for 4+ hours, with no alternate transport available (combined with Baggage Delay Insurance).

Up to $500

Baggage Delay Insurance

Get up to $500 for essential clothing and items when your checked baggage is delayed by 6+ hours on your outbound flight (combined with Flight Delay Insurance). Coverage applies to emergency purchases made within four days.

Up to $500

Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance

Protect your belongings with coverage of up to $500 per trip for lost or damaged checked and carry-on baggage when you charge your airline tickets to your card.

Up to $500

Hotel Burglary Insurance

Get up to $500 coverage for personal items lost due to hotel room burglary when you fully book and pay for your stay with your card (excludes cash).

Up to $500

Travel Accident Insurance

Provides up to $500,000 in Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance when you charge your fare on a common carrier to your card. Coverage extends to you, your spouse, dependent children under 23, and even supplementary cardholders and their families.

Up to $500,000

Travel Emergency Assistance

Get peace of mind with 24/7 access to emergency medical and legal referrals when you're out of town. Connect by phone anytime, day or night, for assistance wherever you are.

24/7 assistance
Purchase & Warranty Coverage2 coverages

Automatic Purchase Protection

Get 90 days of automatic protection, covering up to $1,000 per incident for eligible purchases with coverage for accidental damage or theft, even if other insurance doesn't apply.

Up to $1,000

Extended Warranty with Buyer's Assurance Protection Plan

Doubles the original manufacturer's warranty by up to two additional years on eligible purchases made with your card. Coverage is valid in Canada and the U.S., with protection up to $10,000 per item and $25,000 annually.

Up to $25,000 annually
Rental Car Coverage1 coverage

Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance

Provides automatic coverage for car rental theft and damage when you charge your rental to your card and decline the rental company's insurance. With protection for vehicles valued up to $85,000.

Up to $85,000

Gold Rewards Card Fees & Rates

A quick look at the Gold Rewards Card's annual fee, interest rates, and other common charges.

Annual Fee

$250 /year

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.50%

Applies to purchases in non-Canadian currencies.

Purchase Interest

21.99%

Applies when you carry a balance on purchases.

Cash Advance Rate

21.99%

Applies to cash advances and certain non-purchase transactions.

Detailed Fee Breakdown

Annual Fee
$250/year
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Purchase Interest
21.99%
Cash Advance Rate
21.99%
Full Benefits Additional Card Fee
First additional card free ($50/year value)
Limited Benefits Additional Card Fee
$50/year per additional card
Penalty APR
21.99-29.99% on Flexible Payment Option limit and 30% on Due In Full balance
Balance Transfer Rate
N/A
Intro Balance Transfer Rate
N/A

Gold Rewards Card card image
Apply for the Gold Rewards Card

Instant decision available with no impact to your credit score.

Get the Best Amex Offers in Canada

Track welcome bonuses, limited-time offers, and strategy updates.

PointsWise - AMEX Card Travel Tips for Canadians

PointsWise helps Canadians find the best Amex cards and maximize every point.

Compare offers, track welcome bonus trends, and use proven strategies to earn more rewards on everyday spending and travel.

Amex Cards

Top Pick: Cobalt Card

Best Amex Cards

Compare Amex Cards

Amex Card Reviews

Amex Card Strategies

Learn About Amex

How Amex Works in Canada

Is Amex Worth it in Canada?

Amex Bonus History

Amex Changelog

Amex Membership Rewards Guide

Airline Reviews

Hotel Reviews

Connect

Get the Newsletter

About

Contact

Some links on this site are affiliate links, meaning PointsWise may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Editorial content is independently written and has not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any company, including American Express. For full details, see our Advertiser Disclosure.

Gold Rewards Card
View the current offer for the Gold Rewards Card Gold Rewards Card offer
Earn up to 60,000 points.
Instant decision available with no impact to your credit score.
View Offer