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2026's Best American Express Credit Cards for Canadians
Take advantage of great American Express credit card offers today.
American Express
American Express, one of the top credit card companies in Canada, offers great cards for those who love to travel and indulge in experiences such as exploring new cities, attending incredible live events, and enjoying fine dining. Its unique credit card rewards program allows you to take advantage of several great rewards and perks such as annual travel credits, purchase protection, airport lounge access, pre-sale ticket access and more. American Express offers multiple personal credit cards under its own name, along with rewards credit cards through various partners. See the best American Express credit cards in Canada and start taking advantage of their renowned rewards program today.
| American Express® Best Credit Card Winners 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card | Award category | Annual fee | First-year value* |
American Express Cobalt® Credit Card® Credit Card |
| $191.88 ($15.99 per month) | $1,380 |
More excellent credit cards from American Express® | |||
| Credit cards | Top features | Annual fee | First-year value* |
| SimplyCash® Card from American Express |
| $0 | $468 |
Marriott Bonvoy®® American Express®* Card |
| $120 | $1,027 |
| American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card |
| $599 | $130 |
|
| $120 | $1,138 |
*The Rates.ca Best of Finance methodology assumes the cardholder spends an average of $2,000 a month on their card to determine the first-year value. The calculation includes all welcome bonuses and promotional offers at the time of publishing.
American Express Cobalt® Card
More excellent credit cards from American Express
Take a look at some more excellent options from American Express®, which may suit your lifestyle and spending habits just as well as the Best of Finance 2026 winners.
SimplyCash® Card from American Express
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
Rates, product information and reward estimates are subject to change at any time and do not constitute financial advice. This post was not sponsored. Rates.ca may receive a referral fee from our partners or affiliate links featured on the site; however, our editorial choices are objective and free from bias. The opinions expressed in this article are purely those of Rates.ca; thus, the credit card issuers and partners are not responsible for any editorials or reviews that may appear. Please visit the associated brand’s website for complete and current terms and conditions on any product or service mentioned. The information in this article is accurate as of the date of this posting, January 31, 2026. Read our full disclaimer.
American Express membership rewards points
Every American Express credit card gives you access to the company’s robust Membership Rewards® program. Whether you hold a top tier or low tier American Express credit card, you’ll have access to the a range of credit card rewards and perks. Here’s how your American Express credit card rewards and perks will work:
- Cobalt® rewards: As an American Express Cobalt® credit card holder you will earn 5 points for every $1 spent on all food purchases, including your grocery purchases to restaurant visits. Travel related purchases will reward you 2 points for every $1 spent. This includes transit and gas purchases all over Canada. When you purchase anything else, from sneakers to new speakers, you’ll earn 1 point for every $1 spent through your Cobalt® credit card.
- Gold rewards: As an American Express Gold credit card holder you’ll be able to earn 2 points for every $1 on every eligible gas, grocery and drugstore purchase in Canada. For eligible travel purchases, you’ll get 2x points for every dollar spent and 1 point for every dollar spent on everything else.
- Platinum rewards: All Platinum American Express credit card holders can enjoy 2x points on eligible travel purchases and 2x points on eligible dining purchases, respectively. You will also receive an annual travel credit of $200 every year.
- SimplyCash rewards: SimplyCash Amex credit card holders enjoy the benefit of cashback on every purchase made through their SimplyCash American Express credit card. Depending which SimplyCash card you have, you will earn 1.25% - 2.00% cash back on all purchases you make on your card. Please keep in mind that your cashback rewards will be credited to your account on an annual basis.
American Express membership perks
- Cobalt® perks: Cobalt® perks include American Express Invites, which is a program that allows you to book tickets for unique live events around the world. You can also enjoy a wide array of insurance perks such as flight delay insurance and car rental theft insurance. As a Cobalt® member, you can enjoy the advantage of booking travel tickets through the American Express Fixed Points Travel Program.
- Gold perks: Gold membership credit card holders can enjoy great perks such as hotel room upgrades, pre-sale ticket access and car rental discounts. Travel with less stress, as Gold members can enjoy travel insurance coverage which includes hotel burglary, trip interruption insurance and much more.
- Platinum perks: Platinum members can use the American Express Concierge service 24/7 to secure reservations and make purchases, wherever you are. If you’re under the age of 65, you can take advantage of the American Express Out of Province Medical Coverage. Platinum members are also covered for a wide array of trip insurance perks such as trip cancellation insurance and trip delay insurance.
- SimplyCash perks: SimplyCash Amex members can enjoy $100,000 in travel accident coverage and presale ticket access to amazing live events around the world.
American Express credit card partnerships
American Express has a wide variety of product and services that are offered through their international partners. Here are the services and products offered through American Express and their partners:
Air Miles: American Express offers Air Miles credit cards that allow you to collect Air Miles with every eligible purchase. Collecting Air Miles is a smart option for the frequent traveler. Use your Miles to purchase travel tickets once you’ve collected the required amount. You can also shop at participating Air Miles partners across Canada and show your Air Miles membership card while paying with your Air Miles American Express credit card to earn Air Miles not once, but twice.
Marriott Bonvoy: American Express has partnered with Marriott Bonvoy to give you access to amazing international hotel stays through their rewards program. The Marriot Bonvoy American Express credit card allows you to earn 5 Bonvoy points per $1 spent at Marriott International hotels and 2 points per $1 spent on any other purchases charged to the card. You can also use your credit card rewards points to book a stay at more than 7,000 of the world’s most attractive hotels. For example, Amex points can be converted into Hilton Honors Program account at a 1:1 ratio.
Aeroplan: The American Express and Aeroplan program promises to elevate your travel experience by allowing you to collect travel points and redeem them for flight tickets, discounts, travel upgrades and much more. You can also access airport benefits including access to Pearson Priority Security Lane and complimentary Valet Service on select cards. So get ready to book the best weekend getaways and vacations with your American Express Aeroplan card.
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American Express limitations
Unlike, Visa or Mastercard, American Express credit cards may not be accepted everywhere you shop. Some merchants avoid accepting Amex cards due to the high merchant fees. Be prepared to offer another form of payment at places where your American Express credit card isn’t accepted. Many Amex cardholders keep another credit card for such places.