Introduction

Since 2019, I’ve been tracking every major change to American Express Canada credit card welcome bonuses and benefits. This changelog is where I log each update as it happens.

As of February 2026, American Express Canada just rolled out one of its biggest multi-card updates in months. The Marriott Bonvoy and Business Bonvoy Cards now offer up to 110,000 points, doubling their previous bonuses. The Business Gold Rewards Card also jumped from 40,000 to up to 70,000 points with a new two-tier structure.

But not all changes are positive – Aeroplan, Reserve, and Business Reserve Cards have replaced their Status Qualifying Mile (SQM) and Segment rollover benefits with a new Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) system. It’s now harder to earn elite status through spending, and the SQM rollover is gone, replaced by a 10% Head Start toward requalification.

These updates come on the heels of the Cobalt Card fee increase to $15.99/month ($191.88 annually), and the upcoming Platinum and Business Platinum lounge access restriction set for January 1, 2027 – requiring $20,000 in annual spend to maintain unlimited access. Full details: Amex Platinum lounge access for Canadians.

Subscribe to our email list and we’ll notify you when major changes happen, whether it’s a bonus hike or a sudden change across all Amex Cards in Canada. Don’t miss your window.

Below you’ll find the full details of the latest update, followed by historical updates as I continue building out the full 6-year archive.

• For full historical charts and trends, visit: Every Amex Canada Welcome Bonus Since 2019
• For in-depth card reviews and current offers, visit: Amex Canada Card Reviews.

February 3, 2026 – Big Welcome Bonus Boosts & Aeroplan Travel Benefit Devaluations

Amex Canada has rolled out several major updates this week. Marriott Bonvoy and Business Gold Rewards Card welcome bonuses have doubled or more, while Aeroplan cards received new Status Qualifying Credit (SQC) devaluations and benefit changes.

Marriott Bonvoy Card

• Welcome bonus increased from 50,000 to up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
• Includes 80,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months, plus 30,000 points with a purchase in month 15
• Offer ends April 7, 2026 – a huge jump in value if you can meet the spend
• Full Review | Apply Now!

Marriott Bonvoy Business Card

• Welcome bonus increased from 60,000 to up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
• Now includes 80,000 points after $10,000 spend in 6 months, plus 30,000 points with a purchase in month 15
• Strong value for frequent travellers with high hotel loyalty spend
• Full Review | Apply Now!

Business Gold Rewards Card

• Welcome bonus increased from 40,000 to up to 70,000 Membership Rewards points
• Earn 50,000 points after $7,500 in 3 months, plus 20,000 more after $30,000 in the first year
• Targeted at higher-spend businesses that want to reinvest in flexible rewards
• Full Review | Apply Now!

Aeroplan Card

• Travel benefit updated: now earns 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) per $20,000 spent, up to 25,000 SQC
• Previously earned 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles + 1 Segment per $10,000.
• This is a devaluation in how card spending helps you earn or maintain Aeroplan status
• Full Review | Apply Now!

Aeroplan Reserve Card

• SQM rollover has been removed. Starting in 2027, cardmembers get a 10% head start toward requalifying, based on prior-year SQC – not flight miles. This is a devaluation for frequent flyers.
• Rollover now applies only to eUpgrade Credits, not SQM or Segments
• SQC-based status benefits mark a shift in how Aeroplan tracks card-linked elite progress
• Full Review | Apply Now!

Aeroplan Business Reserve Card

• New travel benefit: 10% Head Start in 2027 based on previous SQC totals
• Spending now earns 1,000 SQC per $5,000, instead of SQM and Segments
• Another devaluation for status chasers who relied on card-linked flight mileage boosts
• Full Review | Apply Now!

November 5, 2025 – Cobalt Card Fee Increased

Cobalt Card

• Monthly fee increased from $12.99 to $15.99 (an increase of $155.88 to $191.88 annually). Non-Quebec residents are billed monthly. Quebec residents are billed annually.
• Still the strongest Canadian card for earning 5x points on groceries, dining, food delivery, and streaming
• Full Review | Apply Now!

October 15, 2025 – Major Lounge Access Changes Announced for 2027

American Express Platinum & Business Platinum Cards

American Express has quietly updated its Global Lounge Collection Terms & Conditions (October 2025), confirming major changes to Platinum and Business Platinum lounge access effective January 1, 2027.

Full details: Amex Platinum lounge access for Canadians.

Starting in 2027, unlimited access to Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounges will end unless cardmembers meet a new $20,000 annual spend requirement.

• Basic Platinum Cardmembers: 6 complimentary visits per year
• Supplementary Platinum Cardmembers: 2 visits per year
• Supplementary Gold Cards: lose lounge access entirely
• Unlimited access reinstated once the $20,000 spend threshold is met, valid through the following year

Access to Centurion Lounges, Escape Lounges, and Executive Lounges by Swissport remains unchanged.

This marks one of the largest devaluations to the Platinum Card in recent memory, signalling a shift toward spend-based travel benefits.

Read the full breakdown: Amex Platinum Canada Lounge Access Changes & 2025 Refresh Rumours

American Express Platinum Card: Full Review | Apply Now!

American Express Business Platinum Card: Full Review | Apply Now!

September 12, 2025 – Welcome Bonus Offer Timing Change

Minor but important update: the final stage of the welcome bonus timeline for both Platinum cards has shifted by one month. You’ll now need to hold the card for 15 months (not 14) before unlocking the final amount of points.

American Express Platinum Card

• Offer timing changed: final 30,000 points now unlocked with a purchase between months 15 and 17 (previously 14–17)
• Still one of the highest-value cards in Canada for lounge access, hotel perks, and premium travel insurance
• Full Review | Apply Now!

Learn More: Could a refresh be coming to the Amex Platinum in Canada?

American Express Business Platinum Card

• Offer timing changed: final 40,000 points now unlocked with a purchase between months 15 and 17 (previously 14–17)
• Built for high-spend businesses that travel often. Earn big on airfare and unlock premium Amex business support
• Full Review | Apply Now!

August 19, 2025 – Major Welcome Bonus Reductions

Public offers on nearly every top Amex card dropped this month after peaking in June. Here’s what changed:

American Express Gold Rewards Card

• Welcome bonus reduced from 110,000 to 60,000 points
• Earn up to 60,000 points for travel, groceries, gas, and more
• Points transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan and other airline partners
• Full Review | Apply Now!

American Express Platinum Card

• Welcome bonus reduced from 180,000 to 100,000 points
• Get airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and premium travel perks
• Ideal for frequent flyers who want more than just points
• Full Review | Apply Now!

American Express Business Platinum Card

• Welcome bonus reduced from 200,000 to 120,000 points
• Access the most lounges worldwide of any Canadian business card
• Earn more on business essentials like airfare and tech
• Full Review | Apply Now!

American Express Business Gold Rewards Card

• Welcome bonus reduced from 100,000 to 40,000 points
• Flexible points that grow with your business
• Great for entrepreneurs who want to reinvest points into travel
• Full Review | Apply Now!

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

• Welcome bonus reduced from 130,000 to 85,000 points
• Priority boarding, free checked bags, and Maple Leaf Lounge access
• Built for Air Canada loyalists who want fast Aeroplan status
• Full Review | Apply Now!

American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card

• Welcome bonus reduced from 140,000 to 90,000 points
• Aeroplan Elite perks plus a strong earning rate on business travel
• One of the best cards for corporate flyers racking up Aeroplan
• Full Review | Apply Now!

American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card

• Welcome bonus reduced from 110,000 to 50,000 points
• Book free hotel nights faster with Marriott Bonvoy points
• Annual Free Night Award easily covers the annual fee
• Full Review | Apply Now!

American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business Card

• Welcome bonus reduced from 130,000 to 60,000 points
• Designed for small business owners who stay at Marriott
• Includes an Annual Free Night and solid earn rates on travel
• Full Review | Apply Now!

American Express Cobalt Card

• No bonus change, but a fee increase notice added
• Monthly fee increasing from $12.99 to $14.99 effective November 5, 2025
• Still the best everyday card in Canada for 5x on groceries, dining, food delivery, and streaming
• Full Review | Apply Now!

July 31, 2025 – APR Increases and New Disclosure Wording

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

APR increased from 25.99% – 28.99% variable to 25.99% – 29.99% variable
Full Review | Apply Now!

American Express Essential Credit Card

APR increased from 25.99% – 28.99% to 25.99% – 29.99% variable
Apply Now!

American Express Gold Rewards Card

APR increased from 25.99% – 28.99% to 25.99% – 29.99% variable
New marketing bullet added:
Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99% and/or 29.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details.
Full Review | Apply Now!

American Express Green Card

APR increased from 25.99% – 28.99% variable to 25.99% – 29.99% variable
Full Review | Apply Now!

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

APR increased from 25.99% – 28.99% to 25.99% – 29.99% variable
Full Review | Apply Now!

SimplyCash Card from American Express

APR increased from 25.99% – 28.99% to 25.99% – 29.99% variable
Full Review | Apply Now!

American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card

APR increased from 25.99% – 28.99% variable to 25.99% – 29.99% variable
Full Review | Apply Now!

American Express Business Gold Rewards Card

APR changed from:
21.99% on Flexible Payment Option limit and 30% on Due In Full balance
to:
21.99% – 29.99% on Flexible Payment Option limit and 30% on Due In Full balance
New marketing bullet added:
This charge Card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances. All Due in Full balances must be paid each month. Interest rate of 30% applies to each delinquent Due in Full charge. This rate is effective from the day account is opened. The Preferred rate of 21.99% applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. If you have 2 separate Missed Payments in a 12-month period, the Flexible Payment Option rate for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more, the rate will be 29.99%. These rates are effective from the day the Flexible Payment Option is first available on your account.
Full Review | Apply Now!

Business Platinum Card from American Express

APR changed from:
21.99% on Flexible Payment Option limit and 30% on Due In Full balance
to:
21.99% – 29.99% on Flexible Payment Option limit and 30% on Due In Full balance
New marketing bullet added:
This charge Card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances. All Due in Full balances must be paid each month. Interest rate of 30% applies to each delinquent Due in Full Charge. This rate is effective from the day the account is opened. The Preferred rate of 21.99% applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. If you have 2 separate Missed Payments in a 12-month period, the Flexible Payment Option rate for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more, the rate will be 29.99%. These rates are effective from the day the Flexible Payment Option is first available on your account.
Full Review | Apply Now!

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

APR increased from 25.99% – 28.99% variable to 25.99% – 29.99% variable
Full Review | Apply Now!

July 8, 2025 – APR increases and Annual Fee Clarifications

SimplyCash Preferred Card

• APR increased from 25.99% – 28.99% to 25.99% – 29.99% variable
• Annual fee structure clarified:
  • For non‑Quebec residents, $9.99/month (equals $119.88 annually)
  • For Quebec residents, $119 annually
  • Full Review | Apply Now!

Cobalt Card

• APR increased from 25.99% – 28.99% to 25.99% – 29.99% variable
• Annual fee structure clarified:
  • For non‑Quebec residents, $12.99/month (equals $155.88 annually)
  • For Quebec residents, $150/year
  • Full Review | Apply Now!

June 12, 2025 – Major Welcome Bonus Increases!

Gold Rewards Card (Welcome Bonus Increase)

• Previous offer: 60,000 points.
• New offer: Up to 110,000 Membership Rewards points.
• This is the highest Gold offer I’ve seen since I began tracking in 2019!
• Offer details:
  • Earn 5,000 points for each monthly billing period you spend $1,000 (up to 60,000 points).
  • Earn an additional 30,000 points after $20,000 in total purchases within the first 12 months.
  • Earn 20,000 points for making a purchase between months 15 and 17
  • Value estimate: $1,100+.
• Offer ends: August 18, 2025.
• Full Review | Apply Now!

The Platinum Card (Welcome Bonus Increase)

• Previous offer: 100,000 points.
• New offer: Up to 180,000 Membership Rewards points.
• This is the biggest Platinum offer in over 6 years.
• Offer details:
  • 100,000 points after spending $10,000 in first 3 months
  • 50,000 points after $50,000 total spend in first 12 months
  • 30,000 points for a purchase between months 15 and 17
  • Value estimate: $1,800+.
• Offer ends: August 18, 2025.
• Full Review | Apply Now!

The Platinum Card (Travel Benefit Devaluation)

• Fine Hotels + Resorts average property benefit value devalued.
• Previous: $600 USD average value at over 1,500 properties.
• New: $550 USD average value at over 1,600 properties.

Business Platinum Card (Welcome Bonus Increase)

• Previous offer: 120,000 points.
• New offer: Up to 200,000 Membership Rewards points.
• Offer details:
  • 110,000 points after $15,000 spend in the first 3 months.
  • 60,000 points after $90,000 total spend in first 12 months.
  • 30,000 points for a purchase between months 15 and 17.
  • Value estimate: $2,000+.
• Offer ends: August 18, 2025.
• Full Review | Apply Now!
  

Business Platinum Card (Travel Benefit Devaluation)

• Fine Hotels + Resorts average property benefit value devalued.
• Previous: $600 USD average value at over 1,500 properties.
• New: $550 USD average value at over 1,600 properties.

Business Gold Rewards Card (Welcome Bonus Increase)

• Previous offer: 60,000 points.
• New offer: Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points.
• Offer details:
  • 40,000 points after $7,500 spend in the first 3 months.
  • 40,000 points after $30,000 total spend in the first 12 months.
  • 20,000 points for a purchase between months 15 and 17.
  • Value estimate: $1,000+.
• Offer ends: August 18, 2025
• Full Review | Apply Now!

Current Best Amex Canada Welcome Bonuses (June 2025):

• Gold Rewards Card: 110,000 points – Full Review | Apply Now!
• Platinum Card: 180,000 points – Full Review | Apply Now!
• Business Platinum: 200,000 points – Full Review | Apply Now!
• Business Gold Rewards: 100,000 points – Full Review | Apply Now!

2025 Historical Updates

I’m in the process of adding my full 6-year archive of past changes below. This section will continue to grow as I backfill historical data.

May, 2025

In May 2025, American Express rolled out significant welcome bonus increases across several co-branded cards, including Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy products. Both personal and business versions of these cards saw substantial boosts, with some bonuses increasing by 50% or more compared to prior public offers. These limited-time offers are scheduled to end on August 18, 2025.

Aeroplan Business Reserve Card (Welcome Bonus Increase)

• Previous offer: 95,000 Aeroplan points.
• New offer: 140,000 Aeroplan points.
• Offer details:
  • 65,000 points after spending $10,500 in the first 3 months.
  • 45,000 points after spending $75,000 in the first 12 months.
  • 30,000 points for a purchase between months 15 and 17.
  • Value estimate: $3,700+.
• Offer ends: August 18, 2025.
• Full Review | Apply Now!

Aeroplan Reserve Card (Welcome Bonus Increase)

• Previous offer: 85,000 Aeroplan points.
• New offer: 130,000 Aeroplan points.
• Offer details:
  • 60,000 points after spending $7,500 in the first 3 months.
  • 40,000 points after spending $45,000 in the first 12 months.
  • 30,000 points for a purchase between months 15 and 17.
  • Value estimate: $3,500+.
• Offer ends: August 18, 2025.
• Full Review | Apply Now!

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card (Welcome Bonus Increase)

• Previous offer: 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
• New offer: 130,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
• Offer details:
  • 75,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months.
  • 40,000 points after spending $30,000 in the first 12 months.
  • 15,000 points for a purchase between months 15 and 17.
  • Value estimate: $1,300+.
• Offer ends: August 18, 2025.
• Full Review | Apply Now!

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card (Welcome Bonus Increase)

• Previous offer: 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
• New offer: 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
• Offer details:
  • 65,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
  • 30,000 points after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months.
  • 15,000 points for a purchase between months 15 and 17.
  • Value estimate: $1,100+.
• Offer ends: August 18, 2025.
• Full Review | Apply Now!

Conclusion

I keep this changelog continuously updated as American Express Canada adjusts welcome bonuses, benefits, and program terms across personal and business cards. My goal is to maintain the most accurate historical record of Amex Canada offers available online.

• For full welcome bonus history charts: Every Amex Canada Welcome Bonus Since 2019