Ratesopedia
Best for: Overall value
American Express Gold Rewards Card
5.0Ratesopedia rating

It comes with a welcome bonus of 60,000 points. You earn 2x on groceries and 1x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $1,411.

Best of Month
Annual Fee
$250
Rewards rate
1x

Amex Membership Rewards

Welcome Bonus
60,000 points
1st Year Value
$1,411

Pros

  • Welcome bonus of 60,000 points
  • 2x on groceries
  • Estimated 1st-year value of $1,411

Cons

  • High annual fee ($250)
Best for: Overall value
American Express Platinum Card
5.0Ratesopedia rating

It comes with a welcome bonus of 170,000 points. You earn 1x on groceries and 2x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $2,560.

Best of Month
Annual Fee
$799
Rewards rate
1x

Amex Membership Rewards

Welcome Bonus
170,000 points
1st Year Value
$2,560

Pros

  • Welcome bonus of 170,000 points
  • 2x at restaurants
  • Estimated 1st-year value of $2,560

Cons

  • High annual fee ($799)
Best for: Overall value
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
4.3Ratesopedia rating

It comes with a welcome bonus of 80,000 points. You earn 2x on groceries and 2x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $847.

Best of Month
Annual Fee
$399
Rewards rate
2x

Scene+

Welcome Bonus
80,000 points

Ends Jul 1, 2026

1st Year Value
$847

Pros

  • Welcome bonus of 80,000 points
  • 2x on groceries
  • 2x at restaurants
  • Estimated 1st-year value of $847

Cons

  • High annual fee ($399)
  • Requires good credit
Best for: Overall value
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
4.7Ratesopedia rating

It comes with a welcome bonus of 45,000 points. You earn 5x on groceries and 5x at restaurants. Estimated first-year value is $1,088.

Best of Month
Annual Fee
$120
Rewards rate
1x

Scene+

Welcome Bonus
45,000 points

Ends Jul 1, 2026

1st Year Value
$1,088

Pros

  • Welcome bonus of 45,000 points
  • 5x on groceries
  • 5x at restaurants
  • Estimated 1st-year value of $1,088

Cons

  • Requires good credit

Complete Guide

Best American Express Cards in Canada

Compare all American Express network cards in Canada. Premium rewards, transfer partners, and improving acceptance.

American Express Network Cards

The American Express network includes about 16 cards in Canada issued directly by Amex. Unlike Visa and Mastercard, Amex is both the network and the issuer, allowing them to offer premium rewards and benefits that other networks canโ€™t match.

Premium Rewards & Transfer Partners

Amex Membership Rewards points are among the most valuable in Canada, transferable 1:1 to Aeroplan, British Airways, Marriott, Hilton, and more. The Cobaltโ€™s 5x on food and drink sets the standard for earn rates.

Acceptance in Canada

Amex acceptance has improved significantly in recent years. Most major retailers, restaurants, grocery stores, and online merchants now accept American Express. However, some smaller businesses and certain Costco warehouses do not, so pairing an Amex with a Visa or Mastercard is recommended.

5

Cards analyzed

Jun 2026

Last updated

100%

Independent

Methodology

Our team evaluates credit cards based on overall consumer value: rewards earning rates, annual fees, welcome bonuses, insurance coverage, and additional perks. Cards are ranked by estimated first-year value. We update our picks monthly.

๐Ÿ“ŠReal data
๐Ÿ”„Updated regularly
โš–๏ธUnbiased review
๐ŸŽฏTransparent criteria

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1Is American Express widely accepted in Canada?

Acceptance has improved greatly. Most major retailers, restaurants, and online merchants accept Amex. Some smaller businesses and Costco do not, so a backup Visa/Mastercard is recommended.

2Why are Amex rewards better than other networks?

As both network and issuer, Amex can offer higher earn rates (5x on Cobalt) and direct transfer partnerships with airlines and hotels that bank-issued cards canโ€™t always match.

3Can I transfer Amex points to Aeroplan?

Yes. Amex Membership Rewards points transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan, making Amex cards one of the best ways to earn Aeroplan miles on everyday spending.

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Find your perfect card

Compare the best credit cards in Canada or calculate which card's rewards actually fit your budget.