How to Use Amex at Grocery Stores in Canada

Introduction

When it comes to food, the only thing I find more rewarding than cooking and eating, is earning points on grocery purchases I’d be making anyway.

With American Express flexible travel rewards Cards like the Cobalt Card, you can use your points towards flights, hotels, or a cash statement credit.

But, one of the biggest hurdles with Amex in Canada is that it’s not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard – especially at some of the most popular grocery stores in the country.

Thankfully, many stores do accept Amex, and there are more merchants joining all the time. With over 90,000 stores in Canada to choose from, there are lots of places to use your Amex.

Read more: Is Amex Worth it in Canada?

But some stores, especially no-frill stores like Loblaws (Superstore), don’t traditionally accept Amex.

So, we found a few workarounds that will help you earn the most Amex points at grocery stores in Canada:

How to Use Amex at Grocery Stores in Canada

How to Use Amex at Costco in Canada

Costco in Canada does not accept Amex, however if you use the grocery delivery service, Instacart, you can use Amex, and even earn 5x the points with your Cobalt Card.

As a bonus, you don’t need a Costco membership to get same day grocery delivery with Instacart. (We’ll talk more about the Instacart Amex loophole below).

How to Use Amex at Walmart in Canada

Walmart in Canada accepts American Express.

However, because it’s categorized as a general merchandise store, rather than a grocery store, it may not award you 5x the points if you use your Amex Cobalt Card.

Walmart also offers grocery delivery with Instacart.

How to Use Amex at Loblaws (Superstore) in Canada

Loblaws (Superstore) doesn’t accept Amex, however there is a workaround:

You can purchase Superstore gift cards from Rakuten and earn 1% cash back, plus the Amex points you would normally get. At checkout, just choose to pay for your gift card with PayPal and use your Amex Card!

Just take that gift card and shop in-store like you normally do and present your gift card at checkout.

Currently, Superstore gift cards can not be used online for PC Express orders, so you must use your gift card in store.

Sign up for Rakuten and Get a $30 Cash Bonus When You Spend $30!

Rakuten also has frequent promotions so be sure to sign up for their newsletter and take advantage of extra savings.

Loblaws (Superstore) also offers same-day grocery delivery with Instacart where you can use your Amex Card.

Learn More: How to Use Your Amex Card at Superstore (Loblaws)

How to Take Advantage of the Instacart Amex Loophole

What is Instacart?

Instacart is a same day grocery delivery service that connects you with local shoppers who will shop and deliver groceries right to your door.

For stores that don’t accept Amex in store, like Costco and Loblaws (Superstore) this is how you can get your Amex Card accepted and still earn points on groceries.

Does Instacart Cost More?

Instacart charges more than in-store prices, plus there are delivery and service fees.

Because of this, we recommend waiting for free delivery promos, and using your referral link to offset the inflated costs. You can earn $10 in free groceries for every person you refer to Instacart.

If you do bigger grocery shops, less frequently you can pay less service and delivery fees.

How Do You Order With Instacart?

Just visit the Instacart website, choose the store you want to shop at, select your products, and a delivery time.

You’ll be able to chat with your personal shopper and receive in-app updates about their shopping and delivery progress.

Save with Instacart Express

Instacart Express is a yearly membership that offers unlimited delivery for $99.

Instacart Express Highlights:

• Start a 2 week free trial.
• $0 delivery fee on orders over $35
• 5% credit back on eligible pickup orders (excluding alcohol)
• Lower service fees than non-member pricing
• $99 a year after your free trial
• Cancel anytime

Sign up for Instacart and Save $10!

What Grocery Stores Accept Amex in Canada?

• 7-11
• Co-Op
• Farm Boy
• Foodland
• FreshCo
• Giant Tiger
• H-Mart
• IGA (select stores)
• Loblaws (Superstore)
• Metro
• Safeway
• Safeway (Viola)
• Save On Foods
• Sobeys
• Thrifty Foods
• Village Food Market
• Walmart
• Whole Foods

View the Map: Find out what stores accept Amex in Canada.

Safeway Voila Grocery Pickup

Sobeys Safeway grocery pickup is available under Voila.

Voila Referral Link: Save $25 on your first order of $100 or more.

You can also earn $15 for each friend you refer with your own referral link. Sign up here!

How to Earn 5x the Points on Other Purchases

Before you shop at Home Depot, The Bay, Netflix, Amazon or any other company, check out your local grocery store, (like Safeway) and browse their gift card selection.

Buy a gift card from the grocery store for the store you want to shop at, and earn 5x the points with your Cobalt Card.

Best Amex Card for Grocery Stores in Canada

Amex Cobalt Card

The Cobalt Card is by far, the best Amex Card in Canada for earning 5x the points at grocery stores.

This should be your go to Card if you spend the most at grocery stores, restaurants, and on food delivery.

Conclusion

There are lots of opportunities to earn Amex points at grocery stores in Canada. Now you should have a gameplan to earn those points no matter what your favourite grocery store is!

Check out our review of the Amex Cobalt Card and see all the benefits of this rewarding Card!