The American Express payment network includes cards from American Express Bank of Canada and Scotiabank. The issuer determines the rewards program, fees, insurance and application terms. Compare our Amex-issued cards separately if you want that issuer specifically.
Selected cards compared
Match the rewards to your purchases
The Cobalt earns 5 Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, up to a combined $2,500 monthly, then 1 point per $1. Its fee is $15.99 monthly outside Quebec, or $191.88 annually in Quebec. SimplyCash Preferred earns 4% cash back on eligible gas and groceries, with grocery cash back capped at $1,200 annually, and 2% on other eligible purchases.
Scotiabank Gold and Platinum Amex cards earn Scene+ points, not Membership Rewards. Gold’s accelerated categories apply to eligible Canadian-dollar purchases, with a combined $50,000 calendar-year cap, then 1 point per $1. Foreign-currency purchases earn 1 point per $1 after conversion. Both cards have no foreign transaction fee; cards issued by Amex Bank of Canada generally charge 2.5%.
Value, benefits and current offers
A point’s value depends on how you use it; a points multiplier is not a guaranteed cash-back percentage. Consult our points valuation and compare the Membership Rewards, Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy options. Lounge access, annual credits and anniversary nights have conditions; count only benefits you expect to use.
The linked card pages show current welcome offers, spending thresholds and expiry dates. Eligibility is not automatic, even when applying for a different card. Several Aeroplan fees change in January 2027; compare the announced dates and fees before choosing.
Acceptance and verification
Check that your usual merchants accept Amex. A no-annual-fee Visa or Mastercard can provide a backup. Regular terms were checked on October 28, 2026 against American Express, its Cobalt terms and Scotiabank Gold terms.