Annual fee
$399
Primary cardholder
Best American Express Cards in Canada
Amex cards can be powerful when the benefits fit your spending
American Express cards are known for rewards, service, welcome offers, and premium benefits, but the best choice depends on acceptance, annual fee, travel habits, and redemption style. RateBuddy helps organize those details clearly.
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Compare Top Amex Cards
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Ready to refine
Annual fee
$399
Purchase APR
9.99%
Cash advance
9.99%
Scotiabank
Best for
Travel Rewards
Low Interest
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Low Interest
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$2,500
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$360
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$399
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$2,461
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2% | $108 |
| Dining | $300 | 2% | $72 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 2% | $36 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 2% | $108 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Scene+
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Purchase APR
9.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
9.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$99
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$12,000
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$599
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
21.99%
American Express(Canada)
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,800
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$240.75
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$599
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,441.75
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.25% | $67.50 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.25% | $45 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.25% | $22.50 |
| Travel | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.25% | $11.25 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1.25% | $67.50 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Aeroplan
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$599
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
21.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$199
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$120
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
22.99%
Scotiabank
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$850
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$648
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$120
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,378
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 6% | $324 |
| Dining | $300 | 5% | $180 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 3% | $54 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Scene+
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$120
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
22.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$29
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$12,000
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$599
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
21.99%
American Express(Canada)
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,700
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$267.75
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$599
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,368.75
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.25% | $67.50 |
| Dining | $300 | 2% | $72 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.25% | $22.50 |
| Travel | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.25% | $11.25 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1.25% | $67.50 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Aeroplan
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$599
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
21.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$120
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
21.99%
American Express(Canada)
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$900
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$207
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$120
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$987
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.5% | $54 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Aeroplan
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$120
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
21.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$50
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$150
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
21.99%
American Express(Canada)
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$550
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$423
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$150
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$823
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2% | $108 |
| Dining | $300 | 3% | $108 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 3% | $54 |
| Travel | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 2% | $108 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$150
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
21.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$50
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$120
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
21.99%
American Express(Canada)
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$500
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$387
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$120
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$767
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2% | $108 |
| Dining | $300 | 2% | $72 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 2% | $36 |
| Travel | $75 | 5% | $45 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 2% | $108 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$120
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
21.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$199
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
21.99%
American Express(Canada)
Best for
Business
Rewards
Best for
Business
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$700
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$180
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$199
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$681
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Membership Rewards
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$199
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
21.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
$50
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$119.88
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
21.99%
American Express(Canada)
Best for
Cash Back
Rewards
Best for
Cash Back
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$250
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$504
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$119.88
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$634.12
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 4% | $216 |
| Dining | $300 | 2% | $72 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 4% | $72 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 2% | $108 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Cash Back
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$119.88
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
21.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$799
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
21.99%
American Express(Canada)
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Business
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,200
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$225
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$799
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$626
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1.25% | $67.50 |
| Dining | $300 | 1.25% | $45 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1.25% | $22.50 |
| Travel | $75 | 1.25% | $11.25 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1.25% | $11.25 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1.25% | $67.50 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Rewards program
Membership Rewards
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$799
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
21.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Showing 10 of 18 cards
RateBuddy
Math. Not Marketing.
We calculate the true value to save you every penny.
Data-Driven Logic
Rankings based on hard numbers (fees vs rewards), not advertising budgets.
100% Unbiased
We highlight the "gotchas" and fees just as clearly as the perks.
Direct & Secure
No data harvesting. We send you straight to the bank's secure official site.
Premium Service & Rewards
American Express is renowned for exceptional customer service, high-value rewards, and exclusive entertainment access.
Front Of The Line® Access
Amex cardholders get coveted access to "Front Of The Line" presales, securing tickets to major concerts, theatre productions, and dining experiences before they go on sale to the general public. This perk ensures you never miss out on sold-out events. For entertainment lovers, this access alone often justifies carrying an Amex, putting you at the front of the queue for the hottest shows.
Flexible Transfer Partners
Membership Rewards points are arguably the most valuable currency in Canada due to their flexibility. They can be transferred 1:1 to frequent flyer programs like Aeroplan and British Airways Avios, or hotel programs like Marriott Bonvoy. This transferability allows you to hunt for "sweet spot" redemptions across different programs, maximizing the value of every point you earn.
Superior Purchase Protection
Amex offers some of the industry’s leading coverage for retail purchases. Eligible items are often protected against accidental damage or theft for 90 days from the date of purchase. Additionally, the Buyers Assurance Protection plan can double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional year. It provides a layer of insurance on your shopping that gives you confidence when buying expensive electronics or appliances.
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Cash Back
Earn money on daily spend.
Travel Rewards
Best for frequent flyers.
SPEC SHEET
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ISSUERS
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LOYALTY PROGRAMS
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KNOWLEDGE BASE
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Compare Top Amex Cards Cards and financial strategy.
Disclaimer: Information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Terms subject to change by issuers.
An authorized user is someone you add to your account (like a spouse or child) who gets their own card. The primary cardholder is fully responsible for all debt incurred by the authorized user. It can be a way to help someone build credit habits, but legal liability remains with the primary account holder.
Credit card networks (Visa/Mastercard) set their own daily exchange rates, which are generally very close to the market rate. However, unless you have a No-FX fee card, the issuer adds a surcharge (usually 2.5%) on top of this rate, which is why the total cost is higher than the spot market rate.
Most Canadian credit cards charge a fee (typically 2.5%) on top of the exchange rate for any transaction made in a currency other than Canadian dollars. Cards marketed as 'No Foreign Transaction Fee' generally waive this 2.5% surcharge, though the exchange rate itself is still determined by the card network (Visa/Mastercard/Amex).
Personal income generally refers to your individual annual earnings. Household income typically includes the combined income of you and your spouse or common-law partner. Premium cards often have higher income thresholds (e.g., $60k personal or $100k household) to qualify.
Yes, many major banks offer specific programs for newcomers that do not require a Canadian credit history. You may need to visit a branch in person and provide immigration documents (such as a Permanent Resident card or Work Permit) to be approved.
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