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Compare American Express Credit Cards

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.

Best of Finance 2023 Winners from American Express

Credit card

Best of Finance Awards

Annual fee


American Express Cobalt® Credit Card

  • Best overall rewards card
  • Best card for young professionals
  • Best card for travel points

$156

($12.99 per month)


SimplyCash® Card from American Express

  • Best no-frills cash back card

$0

More excellent credit cards from American Express®

Credit cards

Top features

Annual fee

SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express

  • Cash back
  • Travel insurance

$119.88


Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card

  • Marriott Bonvoy® points
  • Free hotel stays
  • Travel insurance

$120

American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card

  • Aeroplan points
  • Air Canada benefits
  • Airport perks
  • Travel insurance

$599

The Platinum Card® from American Express

  • Flexible Membership Rewards® points
  • Platinum experiences
  • Travel insurance

$699

 

American Express® Aeroplan®* Card

  • Aeroplan points
  • Travel insurance

$120

American Express Cobalt® Card

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$525
+ Annual rewards
$1155
- Annual fee
$156
Total first year value
$1524
American Express Cobalt® Credit Card

card image
Welcome bonus
$525
AMEX Rewards points
Annual rewards
$1155
AMEX Rewards points
Annual fees:
$156
Interest rates:
20.99% on purchases • 21.99% on cash advances
2023 Winner – Best Overall Rewards Credit Card, Best Credit Card for Young Professionals, and Best Credit Card for Earning Travel Points.
Particularly great for individuals who live in the city, eat out often or order in.
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$525
Annual rewards
$1155
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$525
+ Annual rewards
$1155
- Annual fee
$156
Total first year value
$1524
Annual fees:
$156
Interest rates:
20.99% on purchases
21.99 on cash advances
2023 Winner – Best Overall Rewards Credit Card, Best Credit Card for Young Professionals, and Best Credit Card for Earning Travel Points.
Particularly great for individuals who live in the city, eat out often or order in.
Details at a glance Collapse details

The American Express Cobalt® Credit Card Credit Card is one of the best credit cards on the Canadian market. Get five times the points at coffee shops, bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and even food delivery services. Earn three times the points on select streaming subscriptions and two times the points for every dollar spent on public transport, taxis, rideshare, and gas. Also, access exclusive benefits for members of the American Express Cobalt® Credit Card.

Based on our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian will earn an astonishing $1,524 in rewards for the first year. That is a staggering return for such a reasonably priced card.

Once you have your points, you can redeem them for almost anything — even purchases through Amazon.ca.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Fair: You’ve had a credit card or loan for one or more years. For the last two years, you’ve paid back debts to creditors (with no defaults). You haven’t missed more than two payments on your credit in the last three months.

Annual fee:

$155.88 ($12.99 per month)

Annual fee for additional cardholders: $0

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • Earn up to 30,000 Membership Rewards® points. Earn 2,500 points each monthly billing period in which you spend at least $500 on your card for 12 months. This could add up to 30,000 Membership Rewards® points in the first year.

Offer expiry date: N/A subject to change without notice

Rewards:

  • Earn five points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, restaurants, cafés, bars and food delivery purchases.
  • Earn three points for every $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
  • Earn two points for every $1 spent on transit, gas, and other eligible travel purchases.
  • Earn one point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = 96,000 Membership Rewards® points
Monetary value= $1,680
Annual fee = $156*
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $1,524

* The American Express Cobalt®Credit Card has a $12.99 monthly fee ($155.88 per year).

You can redeem your points for:

  • Flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program
  • Travel
  • Streaming services
  • Movie tickets
  • Retail purchases
  • Events
  • Amazon.ca purchases
  • Statement credits

Insurance:

  • Out of province/country emergency medical insurance
  • Flight delay insurance
  • Baggage delay insurance
  • Lost and stolen baggage insurance
  • Hotel burglary insurance
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Car rental theft and damage insurance
  • Mobile device insurance
  • Purchase security
  • Extended warranty

Other perks:

  • Cardholders can access exclusive benefits at over 600 hotels and resorts. These benefits include credits for hotel amenities and complimentary room upgrades when available.
  • Members can access the American Express Invites® program, featuring advanced and reserved ticket access, special offers, and exclusive experiences.

Want to learn more about how the American Express Cobalt® Credit Card stands up against the competition? Read more from our "In the Ring" series:

In the Ring: American Express Cobalt® Credit Card vs. Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

SimplyCash® Card from American Express

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$100
+ Annual rewards
$368
- Annual fee
$0
Total first year value
$468
SimplyCash® Card from American Express

card image
Welcome bonus
$100
AMEX Cashback Rewards
Annual rewards
$368
AMEX Cashback Rewards
Annual fees:
$0
Interest rates:
20.99% on purchases • 21.99% on cash advances
Straightforward, no fee card with a generous 6 month welcome offer
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$100
Annual rewards
$368
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$100
+ Annual rewards
$368
- Annual fee
$0
Total first year value
$468
Annual fees:
$0
Interest rates:
20.99% on purchases
21.99 on cash advances
Straightforward, no fee card with a generous 6 month welcome offer
Details at a glance Collapse details

The SimplyCash® Card from American Express offers 2% cash back on gas and grocery purchases. Earn 1.25% cash back on all other purchases.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Good: You’ve had a credit card or loan for six or more years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments for existing credit cards for the past three months.

Annual fee:

$0

Annual fee for additional cardholders: $0

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • In your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a $10 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $300 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to $100 in statement credits in the first 10 months.

Offer expiry date: N/A subject to change without notice

Rewards:

  • Earn 2% cash back on gas and grocery purchases and 1.25% cash back on all other purchases, with no limit to how much cash back you can earn.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = $468
Annual fee = $0
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $468

Insurance:

  • $100,000 travel accident
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty

Other perks:

  • Cardholders can access all that the American Express Invites® program offers, including advanced and reserved ticket sales, special offers, and exclusive experiences.

More excellent credit cards from American Express

Not all great American Express® cards took home Best of Finance honours in 2021. 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 2021 winners.

SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$400
+ Annual rewards
$660
- Annual fee
$120
Total first year value
$940
SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express

card image
Welcome bonus
$400
AMEX Cashback Rewards
Annual rewards
$660
AMEX Cashback Rewards
Annual fees:
$120
Interest rates:
20.99% on purchases • 21.99% on cash advances
Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases
Good insurance, and access perks
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$400
Annual rewards
$660
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$400
+ Annual rewards
$660
- Annual fee
$120
Total first year value
$940
Annual fees:
$120
Interest rates:
20.99% on purchases
21.99 on cash advances
Earn accelerated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases
Good insurance, and access perks
Details at a glance Collapse details

The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express offers 4% cash back on gas and grocery purchases. Earn 2% cash back on all purchases after that, all for an annual fee of only $119.88.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Good: You’ve had a credit card or loan for six or more years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments for existing credit cards for the past three months.

Annual fee:

$119.88 ($9.99 per month)

Annual fee for additional cardholders: $0

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • In your first 10 months as a new SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express Cardmember, you can earn a $40 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to $400 in statement credits in the first 10 months

Offer expiry date: N/A subject to change without notice

Rewards:

  • Earn 4% cash back on all gas and grocery purchases and 2% cash back on all other purchases.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = $1,040
Annual fee = $119.88
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $940

Insurance:

  • Out of province/country emergency medical (for those under age 65)
  • Flight delay
  • Baggage delay
  • Hotel burglary
  • Lost or stolen baggage
  • Car rental theft and damage
  • $100,000 travel accident
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty

Other perks:

  • Cardholders can access the American Express Invites® program, featuring advanced and reserved ticket access, special offers, and exclusive experiences.

Marriott BonvoyTM American Express®* Card

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$730
+ Annual rewards
$465
- Annual fee
$120
Total first year value
$1075
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card

card image
Welcome bonus
$730
Marriott Bonvoy Rewards
Annual rewards
$465
Marriott Bonvoy Rewards
Annual fees:
$120
Interest rates:
20.99% on purchases • 21.99% on cash advances
Great for individuals who travel more by road or rail
Includes many unique hotel perks
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$730
Annual rewards
$465
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$730
+ Annual rewards
$465
- Annual fee
$120
Total first year value
$1075
Annual fees:
$120
Interest rates:
20.99% on purchases
21.99 on cash advances
Great for individuals who travel more by road or rail
Includes many unique hotel perks
Details at a glance Collapse details

Cardholders of the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card earn up to 65,000 Welcome Bonus points after they spend at least $3,000 in the first three months of opening their account.

Earn five points for every $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties — there are over seven thousand of them — and three points for every $1 spent on eligible travel, gas and dining purchase. You will also earn two points for every $1 spent elsewhere. If you already stay at hotels regularly, you can reasonably expect to earn over $1000 in rewards in the first year.

The perks are excellent, too. Receive a free night’s stay at a hotel after your account anniversary each year, automatic Silver Elite status at Marriott BonvoyTM hotels and plenty more.

This card does not provide emergency medical travel insurance, which is the only reason this card doesn’t take our “best of travel” award.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Good: You’ve had a credit card or loan for six or more years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments for existing credit cards for the past three months.

Annual fee:

$120

Annual fee for additional cardholders: $0

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • Earn up to 75,000 Points. New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers: Earn 65,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $3,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership. Plus, earn 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.

Offer expiry date: July 24, 2023

Rewards:

  • Earn five points for every $1 spent at participating Marriott BonvoyTM properties.
  • Earn two points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = 123,195 Marriott BonvoyTM points
Monetary value= $1,195

Annual fee = $120
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $1,075

You can redeem your points for:

  • Stays at over 7,000 hotels, with no blackout dates
  • Once-in-a-lifetime events, like meeting A-list artists and athletes through Marriott Bonvoy MomentsTM
  • Transfer points to frequent flyer miles (if you transfer 60,000 points to a frequent flyer program, you receive 15,000 bonus points)

Insurance:

  • Flight delay
  • Baggage delay
  • Hotel burglary
  • Lost or stolen baggage
  • Car rental theft and damage
  • $500,000 travel accident
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty

Other perks:

  • Receive a free night’s stay at a hotel after your account anniversary each year.
  • Get complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status.
  • Get an automatic upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status if you reach $30,000 in annual purchases.
  • Take advantage of the travel emergency assistance to get medical and legal referrals by phone, 24/7.
  • Access the American Express Invites® program, featuring advanced and reserved ticket sales, special offers, and exclusive experiences.

American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$1800
+ Annual rewards
$729
- Annual fee
$599
Total first year value
$1930
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card

card image
Welcome bonus
$1800
Aeroplan Points
Annual rewards
$729
Aeroplan Points
Annual fees:
$599
Interest rates:
20.99% on purchases • 21.99% on cash advances
An accelerated rewards program to help you redeem on all things travel!
Great comprehensive travel insurance included.
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$1800
Annual rewards
$729
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$1800
+ Annual rewards
$729
- Annual fee
$599
Total first year value
$1930
Annual fees:
$599
Interest rates:
20.99% on purchases
21.99 on cash advances
An accelerated rewards program to help you redeem on all things travel!
Great comprehensive travel insurance included.
Details at a glance Collapse details

The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card has a $599 annual fee, which may turn a few people off. However, there is a welcome bonus of up to 115,000 Aeroplan points.

Earn 45,000 Aeroplan points after spending $6,000 in net purchases on your Card within the first 3 months of Cardmembership. Plus, you can also earn 7,500 Aeroplan points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $2,000 in net purchases on your Card for the first 6 months of Cardmembership. That could add up to 45,000 Aeroplan points. You can also earn 25,000 Aeroplan points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership. That’s up to $3,200 or more in value when you combine your welcome bonus points and card benefits.

Regularly earn three points for every $1 in eligible purchases made directly through Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®. Get two points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada and 1.25 points for every $1 on all other purchases.

Also, receive airport lounge access and other perks like priority security lanes at Toronto’s Pearson Airport and up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four years when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

Credit score requirement for approval:

Good: You’ve had a credit card or loan for six or more years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments for existing credit cards for the past three months.

Annual fee:

$599

Annual fee for additional cardholders:

  • $199 for each card to share some of the benefits
  • $0 for each card without sharing benefits

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • For a limited time, New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 115,000 Aeroplan points. Earn 45,000 Aeroplan points after spending $6,000 in net purchases on your Card within the first 3 months of Cardmembership. Plus, you can also earn 7,500 Aeroplan points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $2,000 in net purchases on your Card for the first 6 months of Cardmembership. That could add up to 45,000 Aeroplan points. You can also earn 25,000 Aeroplan points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership. That’s up to $3,200 or more in value when you combine your welcome bonus points and card benefits.

Offer expiry date: July 24, 2023.

Rewards:

  • Earn three points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly through Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®.
  • Earn two points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada.
  • Earn 1.25 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = 126,450 Aeroplan points
Monetary value= $2,529
Annual fee = $599
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $1,930

You can redeem your Miles for:

  • Travel
  • Hotel stays
  • Car rentals
  • Vacation packages
  • Exclusive experiences
  • Merchandise and gift cards

Insurance:

  • Out of province/country emergency medical
  • Trip cancellation
  • Trip interruption
  • Flight delay
  • Baggage delay
  • Hotel burglary
  • Lost or stolen baggage
  • Car rental theft and damage
  • $500,000 travel accident
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty

Other perks:

  • Receive an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass when you spend at least $25,000 on purchases on the card.
  • Get unlimited access to the Air Canada® Maple Leaf Lounge and Priority Pass lounges.
  • Get exclusive perks at Toronto Pearson Airport, including access to the Pearson Priority Security Lane, complimentary valet services, and parking discounts.
  • Cardholders can access Air Canada Priority Check-in, priority boarding, priority baggage handling and more.
  • Take advantage of the American Express Invites® program to get advanced ticket access, special offers, and exclusive experiences.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$0
+ Annual rewards
$324
- Annual fee
$699
Total first year value
$-375
The Platinum Card®

card image
Welcome bonus
$0
AMEX Rewards points
Annual rewards
$324
AMEX Rewards points
Annual fees:
$699
Interest rates:
N/A on purchases • N/A on cash advances
The best perks and insurance on a premium card in Canada
Great for stress-free travel and exclusive lounge access
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$0
Annual rewards
$324
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$0
+ Annual rewards
$324
- Annual fee
$699
Total first year value
$-375
Annual fees:
$699
Interest rates:
30.0% on purchases
30 on cash advances
The best perks and insurance on a premium card in Canada
Great for stress-free travel and exclusive lounge access
Details at a glance Collapse details

The iconic Platinum Card® from American Express has a large annual fee ($699), but it is chock-full of features and benefits that more than justify the price tag. This card opens doors to numerous exclusive perks and experiences and offers a high return on spending. Plus, there is no shortage of ways to redeem the rewards.

Right now, cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus points when they charge $7,500 in net purchases to their Card in the first 3 months of Cardmembership.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is a charge card, so there is no pre-set spending limit, although you have to pay off the bill in full each month or a 30% annual interest rate applies.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Excellent: You’ve had a credit card or loan for at least 10 years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments for your existing credit cards for the past six months.

Annual fee:

$699

Annual fee for additional cards:

  • $175 Platinum Cards
  • $50 Gold Cards

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • New cardmembers can earn 80,000 bonus points when they spend at least $1,750 in the first three months of the account opening.
    Offer expiry date: N/A (Subject to change without notice)

Rewards:

  • Earn three points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada.
  • Earn two points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases.
  • Earn one point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period ($2,500 monthly spend) = 120,500 Membership Rewards® points
Monetary value = $1,205
Annual fee = $699
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $506

You can redeem your points for:

  • Flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program
  • Transfer points to other popular loyalty programs
  • Gift cards from high-end retailers
  • Statement credits

Insurance:

  • Out of province/country emergency medical
  • Trip cancellation
  • Trip interruption
  • Flight delay
  • Baggage delay
  • Hotel burglary
  • Lost or stolen baggage
  • Car rental theft and damage
  • $500,000 travel accident
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty

Other perks:

  • Access the 24/7 Platinum Concierge.
  • Receive complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries.
  • Access exceptional culinary experiences with the Global Dining Collection.
  • Get a $200 Annual Travel Credit toward any travel booking of $200 or more through American Express Travel Online or Platinum Card® Travel Service.
  • With Fine Hotels & Resorts, members can receive benefits such as late check-out and complimentary daily breakfast at over 1,000 properties worldwide.
  • Show your card at Toronto Pearson Airport, and you can speed through security by using the Pearson Priority Security Lanes.
  • Take advantage of the complimentary Valet Service at Toronto Pearson Airport.
  • Receive 15% off parking rates at Toronto Pearson Airport.
  • Access the American Express Invites® program, featuring advanced and reserved ticket sales, special offers, and exclusive experiences.

American Express® Aeroplan®* Card

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$1000
+ Annual rewards
$558
- Annual fee
$120
Total first year value
$1438
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card

card image
Welcome bonus
$1000
Aeroplan Points
Annual rewards
$558
Aeroplan Points
Annual fees:
$120
Interest rates:
N/A on purchases • N/A on cash advances
A rewards program that lets you redeem on all things travel!
Includes travel insurance coverage and access to exciting entertainment experiences.
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$1000
Annual rewards
$558
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$1000
+ Annual rewards
$558
- Annual fee
$120
Total first year value
$1438
Annual fees:
$120
Interest rates:
30.0% on purchases
30 on cash advances
A rewards program that lets you redeem on all things travel!
Includes travel insurance coverage and access to exciting entertainment experiences.
Details at a glance Collapse details

The American Express® Aeroplan®* Card offers cardmembers up to $1,100 in value within the first year, including up to 50,000 bonus points.

The American Express® Aeroplan®* Card is a charge card, so there is no pre-set spending limit, although you have to pay off the bill in full each month or a 30% annual interest rate applies.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Good: You’ve had a credit card or loan for six or more years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments for existing credit cards for the past three months.

Annual fee:

$120

Annual fee for additional cardholders:

  • $50 for additional cardholders with some shared benefits
  • $0 to add additional cardholders without sharing benefits

Limited time offer/bonus:

New American Express® Aeroplan®* Cardmembers can earn up to 50,000 Aeroplan points. Earn 35,000 Aeroplan points after spending $3,000 in net purchases on your Card within the first 6 months of Cardmembership. Plus, earn 2,500 Aeroplan points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in purchases on your Card for the first 6 months of Cardmembership. That could add up to 15,000 Aeroplan points.

Offer expiry date: N/A (Subject to change without notice)

Rewards:

  • Earn two Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases directly through Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®.
  • Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada.
  • Earn one Aeroplan point for all other purchases.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = 77,900 Aeroplan points
Monetary value= $1,558
Annual fee = $120

Total earned in the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $1,438

You can redeem your points for:

  • Travel
  • Hotel stays
  • Car rentals
  • Vacation packages
  • Exclusive experiences
  • Merchandise and gift cards

Insurance:

  • Flight delay
  • Baggage delay
  • Lost or stolen baggage
  • Hotel burglary
  • $500,000 travel accident
  • Car rental theft and damage
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty

Other perks:

  • Get your first checked bag for free (up to 23kg/50lb) with Air Canada.
  • Get peace of mind with travel emergency assistance for medical and legal referrals by phone, 24/7.
  • Access the American Express Invites® program, featuring advanced and reserved ticket sales, special offers, and exclusive experiences.

*Rates, product information, and reward estimates are subject to change at any time and do not constitute financial advice.

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 3x 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.

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.

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