Are American Express Cards Worth It For Canadians?

The Canadian credit card market consists of three main players: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Many Canadians have mixed feelings about American Express Cards, and admittedly, I used to be one of them.

Some complaints I hear often are:

• Most places don’t accept American Express.
• There are high-interest rates.
• The Annual fee is too expensive.

However, American Express Cards are some of the most rewarding in Canada.

Learn more: The Best Current Amex Welcome Bonuses in Canada

Where is American Express Accepted in Canada?

It’s true that American Express has limited acceptance compared to Visa and MasterCard, mainly due to higher processing fees paid by the merchant.

However, over 90,000 places in Canada started accepting American Express cards as of 2021. Check out this map of retailers near you that accept American Express in Canada.

Enough retailers accept American Express that my Platinum Card is my “top of wallet” Card: the Card I use most often for everyday spend. I use a CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite for retailers that don’t accept American Express.

Read more: How to Use Your Amex Card at Superstore (Loblaws) + BONUS: $30 Free Groceries

Read more: How to Use Amex at Grocery Stores in Canada

What American Express Card Should I Get in Canada?

That depends on 4 main factors:

1. How much do you spend annually on Credit Cards?
2. How often do you travel?
3. Do you mind paying an annual fee for additional benefits?
4. Are you a small business owner?

Consider these American Express Canada Membership Reward Cards. These Cards allow you to transfer your points outside of American Express and into several airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Learn more: Amex Gold or Platinum to Caesars Diamond – How To Status Match

Learn more: How To Get 4 Nights Free in the Bahamas with your Amex Gold or Platinum Card Canada

The American Express Platinum Card

• Earn a welcome bonus of 140000 Amex points Amex points.
• Precision-cut metal card, with your name engraved.
• Earn 3 Membership Reward points for every $1 spent on eligible dining in Canada.
• Earn 2 Membership Reward point for every $1 spent on travel.
• Earn 1 Membership Reward point for every $1 spent on everyday purchases.
• Enjoy a $200 annual travel credit (each calendar year – resets in January) for flights, hotel stays, or car rentals
• World-wide airport lounge access, including complimentary Priority Pass membership ($399USD value) and access the American Express Centurion Lounges
• Complimentary Gold status with Starwood Hotels and Marriott
• Industry leading insurance benefits including trip cancellation and out-of-province medical
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• $699 annual fee (not waived the first year)
• Earn 15,000 Membership Reward points for each approved referral

The American Express Gold Rewards Card

• Earn a weelcome bonus of up to 60000 Amex pointsAmex points.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 on gas, grocery, drugstore, and travel purchases
• Earn 1 point for every $1 on everything else
• Comprehensive insurance benefits, including out-of-province medical
• Earn 5,000 Membership Rewards points for each approved referral

The American Express Business Platinum Card

• Earn a welcome bonus of 150000 Amex points Amex points.
• Earn 1.25 Membership Reward points for every $1 in spend on everyday purchases
• World-wide airport lounge access, including complimentary Priority Pass membership and access the American Express Centurion Lounges
• Complimentary Gold status with Starwood Hotels and Marriott
• Comprehensive insurance coverage including trip cancellation and small business protections
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• $499 annual fee (not waived the first year)
• Earn 15,000 Membership Reward points for each approved referral

The American Express Business Gold Rewards Card

• Earn a welcome bonus of up to 60000 Amex points Amex points.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 in spend on everyday purchases
• Earn 2 points for every $1 at 3 select retailers (choose from a list provided by American Express)
• Comprehensive insurance benefits, including small business protection
• Earn 10,000 Membership Reward points for each approved referral

In addition to the family of Membership Reward cards, I would also consider the Marriott Bonvoy Card from American Express. Marriott is my favourite overall loyalty program for hotel redemptions and flexible airline transfer partners.

Why Every Canadian Needs An American Express Card

It’s really simple: American Express offers the most rewarding credit cards on the Canadian market:

1. Membership Reward points are the most flexible points currency available to Canadians, with transfer options to Aeroplan, British Airways, Marriott, Hilton, and more.
2. American Express offers some of the most generous sign-up bonuses for new members.
3. Referral program: earn bonus points for each friend or family member you refer to American Express
4. Travel points can add up very quickly on everyday spending
5. Comprehensive insurance benefits on all Cards
6. American Express customer service is industry leading

Forget the old stigma that American Express isn’t accepted in Canada and start rewarding yourself today!