The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card delivers a premium combination of travel rewards, lounge access, no foreign transaction fees, extensive insurance and a low 9.99% interest rate. Cardholders earn 2 Scene+ points per $1 on all eligible purchases and up to 5 points through eligible Scene+ Travel bookings. The advertised offer of up to $3,000 in value during the first 14 months adds substantial potential value for eligible new cardholders who can use its travel and lifestyle benefits.
RateBuddyCredit card guide
AMEX NETWORK
Best American Express Cards in Canada
- Fact checked
- Card acceptance
- Network benefits
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.
What to compare with Amex
- Reward program and redemption options
- Welcome offer and annual fee
- Travel and insurance benefits
- Acceptance and everyday usage fit
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Compare Top Amex Cards — October 2026
Last updated
Use the filters to shape the card results below. Adjust your monthly spend, narrow by provider, or highlight no-fee and welcome-bonus options — RateBuddy will quietly refresh the list so the results stay connected to your choices.
Ready to refine
Earn up to $3,000 in value in 14 months, including 100,000 bonus Scene+ points.*
Get Ratebuddy Cash Rebate:
$200
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
$3,000
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$0
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$399
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$2,601
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 0% | $0 |
| Dining | $300 | 0% | $0 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 0% | $0 |
| Travel | $75 | 0% | $0 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 0% | $0 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0% | $0 |
RateBuddy cash rebate
This separate rebate is not included in the card value or ranking above.
+$200
Potential first-year value with RateBuddy rebate
$2,801
Estimate notes
- No usable reward rate is configured, so spending rewards were not estimated.
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
$399
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
9.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
9.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
0%
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
$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.
Go for Gold: Earn up to $950 in First-Year Value, including up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points.**
Get Ratebuddy Cash Rebate:
$200
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
$950
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$0
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$120
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$830
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 0% | $0 |
| Dining | $300 | 0% | $0 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 0% | $0 |
| Travel | $75 | 0% | $0 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 0% | $0 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0% | $0 |
RateBuddy cash rebate
This separate rebate is not included in the card value or ranking above.
+$200
Potential first-year value with RateBuddy rebate
$1,030
Estimate notes
- No usable reward rate is configured, so spending rewards were not estimated.
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+
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is a feature-rich choice for Canadians who want strong everyday rewards alongside useful travel benefits. It earns up to 6 Scene+ points per $1 at participating grocery partners, 5 points on dining and entertainment, and 3 points on gas, transit and streaming. No foreign transaction fees, Amex Experiences and airport-lounge access add further value, while the $120 annual fee can be waived with an eligible Scotiabank bank account.
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
0%
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
$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 17 cards
RateBuddy
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Rankings based on hard numbers (fees vs rewards), not advertising budgets.
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We highlight the "gotchas" and fees just as clearly as the perks.
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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.
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ISSUERS
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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.
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.
Contactless payments use encryption technology similar to Chip & PIN transactions. Limits are typically placed on the amount allowed per tap (e.g., $100-$250) to minimize risk. If a thief exceeds this limit, a PIN is required. You are also protected by the issuer's Zero Liability policy for fraudulent tap transactions.
It might. Cancelling an older card reduces your 'Average Age of Accounts,' which is a factor in your credit score. It also reduces your total available credit, which could increase your utilization ratio. If the card has no annual fee, it is often better to keep it open and use it occasionally to keep the history active.
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.
A hard inquiry (from a credit application) typically remains on your credit report for up to 36 months, though its impact on your credit score generally diminishes significantly after the first 12 months.
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