Top 9 American Express Network Credit Cards in Canada

Published Jul 16, 2026 8:36 AM • 6 min read

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Written By
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Kevin Shahnazari
Co-founder

A list of the best American Express network credit cards is bound to be extensive, that’s because this network is home to plenty top credit cards in Canada. Whether you’re a frequent traveller, a budget-conscious spender, a cashback enthusiast, or a business person – there’s an American Express network credit card with your name on it.

  • Data-driven rankings of 120+ credit cards using a proprietary algorithm

  • Comprehensive analysis using 25+ data points including terms and conditions, points programs, and more

  • Objective editorial approach - we strive for unbiased reviews following our editorial guidelines

FinlyWealth's credit cards content, including rankings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of engineers and writers who specialize in credit cards, banking, and personal finance. Our work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, GoBankingRates, and AOL. Our proprietary analysis systems evaluate product features, terms, and conditions to deliver comprehensive reviews and comparisons while maintaining strict editorial standards for accuracy and integrity.

Top American Express Network Credit Cards in Canada

Our choice for: Best Overall

APPLY NOW

Apply with Confidence — won't impact your credit score

on American Express' website

Welcome Bonus

Up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points

First Year Rewards

$1,147.38

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

Annual Fee

$191.88⁕

$15.99 Paid Monthly

⁕ For Quebec, $191.88/year

Interest Rates

21.99%* / 21.99%*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
693
Fair
743⁎
Good
790⁎
Very Good
833⁎
Excellent
⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring

4.9/5

This card was voted one of the Best Credit Card in Canada by FinlyWealth. The rewards earned on this card for a person with average spending exceed those of other credit cards in Canada by a huge margin! In addition, this card has a good benefits coverage, a flexible amex cobalt bonus points redemption program (1:1 transfer to Aeroplan® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.

Awards & Recognition

Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

2026

Pros


  • Impressive optimization
  • 1:1 Aeroplan point transfer
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Flexible high value redemptions
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Highly ranked
  • Instant decision. No credit impact.

Cons


  • Limited acceptance
  • Lacks valuable coverage categories

Rewards

  • 5x points per $1 spent on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery (up to 12,500 points per month)
  • 3x points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
  • 2x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
  • 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

    15 days, up to $5M (if under age 65)
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $500
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $500
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500
  • heart lock

    Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

    $250,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    yes
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,000
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year

Benefits

Details

  • Amex logo

    Amex Experiences™

    Access Front Of The Line® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    N/A

Our choice for: Best No-FX Fee

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to $950 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, and up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points.

First Year Rewards

$1,178.68

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

Annual Fee

$120

Interest Rates

21.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
560
Fair
660⁎
Good
725⁎
Very Good
760⁎
Excellent
⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

5/5

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is one of our favorite cards. It has a very solid rewards program, earning one of the highest rewards among all credit cards in Canada. In addition, it offers comprehensive travel benefits, including the rare and valuable no foreign transaction fee benefit, making it a great and balanced credit card in terms of both rewards and benefits.

Pros


  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Well-rounded rewards
  • Shell Fuel Savings
  • Comprehensive insurance
  • Flexible redemptions

Cons


  • Limited acceptance
  • No lounge access
  • Annual fee

Rewards

  • Earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more*
  • Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.*
  • Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.*
  • Earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more*
  • Earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services*
  • Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
  • Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

    $1M, Up to 25 days
  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)

    $1M, Up to 3 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1,500/person, $10,000/trip
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $1,500/person, $10,000/trip
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500/person, $1,000/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $500/person, $1,000/trip After 4 hours
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500/person
  • heart lock

    Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

    $500K/person, $1M/occurrence
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    $65K up to 48 days
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1,000/occurrence
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,000
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to 1 year

Benefits

Details

  • exchange money

    No Foreign Transaction Fees

    Avoid the 2.5% foreign transaction fees incurred when spending in non $CAD
  • gas station

    Gas Discount2

    Get up to 12¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations
  • Amex logo

    American Express® Experiences

  • concierge

    Concierge Services

  • discount

    Discount

    Discount on PriorityPass Membership

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    $12,000 personal or $12,000 household

Our choice for: Best Aeroplan

APPLY NOW

Apply with Confidence — won't impact your credit score

on American Express' website

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points.

Rewards Rate

1.25x - 3x

Points

Annual Fee

See Rates

Interest Rates

21.99%* / 21.99%*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
693
Fair
743⁎
Good
790⁎
Very Good
833⁎
Excellent
⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring

4.7/5

If you are a frequent Air Canada traveler, having an Aeroplan card for perks like free checked bags and priority service can be very beneficial. Many financial institutions offer Aeroplan cards, but we don't believe the American Express version is the best one. Opting for another option might be better. However, the Amex card does have a very large sign-up bonus, making it a great choice for those specifically seeking that.

Pros


  • Generous rewards rate
  • Free checked bags
  • Preferred flight pricing
  • Unlimited airport lounge access
  • Extensive coverage
  • Instant decision. No credit impact.

Cons


  • Limited acceptance
  • Limited loyalty rewards
  • High annual fee
  • Limited lounge brand access

Rewards

  • 3x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada® and Air Canada Vacations® purchases
  • 2x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases
  • 1.25x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

    15 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1,500/person, $3,000/trip
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $1,500/person, $6,000/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1,000/person after 4 hours
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1,000/person after 6 hours
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $1,000
  • heart lock

    Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

    $500,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    48 days
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1,000
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year

Benefits

Details

  • luggage

    Free first checked bag

    First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on Air Canada branded flight and up to 8 guests
  • border guard

    Nexus Program Rebate

    $100 every 4 years
  • Amex logo

    Amex Experiences™

    Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Get a 10% Head Start. Starting in 2027, eligible Basic Cardmembers with Aeroplan EliteTM* Status will receive a 10% head start toward qualification, based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) accumulated the year before. Roll over any unallocated unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will benefit from an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, for a total of 24 months from issuance.
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    At Toronto Pearson airport get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking and car care.
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    Get Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight (Only AirCanada)
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

    Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes

    Unlimited Access for you and one guest
  • airplane love

    Companion Voucher

    Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card
  • bed furniture

    Free Extra Night at Hotels

    Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwide

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    N/A

Our choice for: Best Business

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 90,000 Aeroplan®* points

Rewards Rate

1.25x - 3x

Points

Annual Fee

See Rates

Interest Rates

21.99%* / 21.99%*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
693
Fair
743⁎
Good
790⁎
Very Good
833⁎
Excellent
⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring

4.7/5

The most aggressive Aeroplan earning card you can get for a business: 3x on Air Canada, 2x on hotels and car rentals, and 1.25x on everything else. The $599 annual fee is steep, but the perks are hard to match — unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access, Priority Pass membership, free checked bags, and an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass that alone can be worth hundreds. If your business spends heavily on Air Canada flights and travel, this card can return serious value. But be honest about your travel volume — at this fee, light travelers will lose money. This is a card you need to actively use to justify.

Pros


  • Premium earning rates
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Unlimited airport lounge access
  • Priority Pass membership
  • Annual companion pass
  • Free first checked bags
  • NEXUS program rebate
  • Priority travel perks

Cons


  • High annual fee
  • Benefit limitations and conditions
  • Less valuable for non-travellers

Rewards

  • 3x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada® and Air Canada Vacations® purchases
  • 2x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible hotel and car rental purchases in Canada
  • 1.25x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

    $5M/insured up to 15 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1,500/person, $3K/trip
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $1,500/person, $6K/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1,000/person after 4 hours
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1,000/person after 6 hours
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $1,000
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1000
  • heart lock

    Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

    $500,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    $85K MSRP up to 48 consecutive rental days
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 years

Benefits

Details

  • luggage

    Free first checked bag

    First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on Air Canada branded flight and up to 8 guests
  • border guard

    Nexus Program Rebate

    $100 every 4 years
  • Amex logo

    Amex Experiences™

    Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Get 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $5,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card, up to 25,000 SQC
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Get a 10% Head Start. Starting in 2027, eligible Basic Cardmembers with Aeroplan Elite™* Status will receive a 10% head start toward qualification, based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) accumulated the year before. Roll over any unallocated unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels.
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will benefit from an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, for a total of 24 months from issuance.
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    At Toronto Pearson airport get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking and car care.
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    Get Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight (Only AirCanada)
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

    Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes

    Unlimited Access for you and one guest
  • airplane love

    Companion Voucher

    Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card
  • bed furniture

    Free Extra Night at Hotels

    Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwide

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    N/A

Our choice for: Best Premium

APPLY NOW

Apply with Confidence — won't impact your credit score

on American Express' website

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points

Rewards Rate

1x - 2x

Points

Annual Fee

$799

Interest Rates

21.99% - 30%* / N/A*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
693
Fair
743⁎
Good
790⁎
Very Good
833⁎
Excellent
⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring

4.6/5

If you're a frequent traveler, the Platinum card is an excellent choice. It's highly recommended for its extensive travel benefits, including unlimited lounge access for you and a guest at the American Express Lounge collection, making it the best card for lounge access in Canada. The card also offers unique perks not commonly found with other Canadian cards, such as status upgrades at Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton, dining and travel credits, concierge service, airport benefits, Nexus application reimbursement, and more. These benefits can more than offset the annual fee. However, if you don't travel often or are mainly looking for a card that maximizes rewards, this card may not be the best option for you.

Awards & Recognition

Best Lounge Access Credit Card

Best Lounge Access Credit Card

2026

Pros


  • Most premium perks
  • Dining and travel credits
  • Unlimited airport lounge access
  • Multiple redemption options
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Luxurious metal card
  • Instant decision. No credit impact.

Cons


  • High annual fee
  • Limited acceptance
  • Benefit limitations

Rewards

  • 2x points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases (restaurant, fast food, coffee shop, food delivery)
  • 2x points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases (flights, hotels, tours and more)
  • 1x point per $1 spent for all other purchases

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

    15 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $2,500
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $2,500
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1,000
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1,000
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1000
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $1,000
  • heart lock

    Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

    $500,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    Yes
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    120 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year

Benefits

Details

  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge

    Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge CollectionTM which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience. Terms and Conditions apply
  • travel

    Travel Credit

    $200
  • food location

    Dining Credit

    $200 at Select Restaurants
  • border guard

    Nexus Program Rebate

    $100 statement credit every 4 years
  • hotel

    Complimentary Hotel Benefits

    Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,600 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold Status
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Upgrade to Marriott BonvoyTM Gold Elite status
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily park
  • concierge

    Concierge Services

  • gavel

    Trip and legal Assistance

  • Amex logo

    American Express® Experiences

  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    N/A

Our choice for: Best Cashback

APPLY NOW

Apply with Confidence — won't impact your credit score

on American Express' website

Welcome Bonus

Up to $250 ($200 in first year)

First Year Rewards

$609.19

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

Annual Fee

$119.88⁕

$9.99 Paid Monthly

⁕ For Quebec, $119/year

Interest Rates

21.99%* / 21.99%*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
693
Fair
743⁎
Good
790⁎
Very Good
833⁎
Excellent
⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring

4.6/5

The Simply Cash Preferred is one of the best cashback credit cards in Canada. The base cashback rate of 2% is great for all purchases, but the 4% on groceries and gas, which are two of the highest expenses for most people is the cherry on top of their great cashback program.

Awards & Recognition

Best Gas Credit Card

Best Gas Credit Card

2026

Pros


  • High cashback rates
  • Solid base rate
  • Comprehensive insurance
  • Instant decision. No credit impact.

Cons


  • Annual cashback redemptions
  • Lower acceptance
  • Annual fee

Rewards

  • 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
  • 4% cash back on eligible grocery purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
  • 2% cash back on all other eligible purchases

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

    $5M/insured Person
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $500
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $500
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500
  • heart lock

    Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

    $100,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    $85K up to 48 days
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,000
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year

Benefits

Details

  • Amex logo

    Amex Experiences™

    Access events and special offers curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    N/A

Our choice for: Best Hotel

APPLY NOW

Apply with Confidence — won't impact your credit score

on American Express' website

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 70,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy® points

First Year Rewards

$810.97

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

Annual Fee

$120

Interest Rates

21.99%* / 21.99%*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
693
Fair
743⁎
Good
790⁎
Very Good
833⁎
Excellent
⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring

4.3/5

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is a standout for frequent travelers who value luxury and flexibility in their rewards. With access to over 7,000 participating hotels, cardholders can earn generous points on both Marriott Bonvoy bookings and everyday purchases. The card's annual free night award and complimentary Silver Elite status make it even more appealing, offering service upgrades and extra points on eligible stays. For those who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to maximize their travel perks, this card is a top choice.

Pros


  • High hotel optimization
  • Annual free night certificate
  • Automatic Silver Elite status
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Instant decision. No credit impact.

Cons


  • Low acceptance
  • Relatively weaker insurance

Rewards

  • 5 points per $1 on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2 points per $1 on all other purchases (i.e. dining, groceries, online shopping, etc.)

Insurance

Coverage

  • heart lock

    Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

    $500,000
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $500
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $500
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    yes

Benefits

Details

  • bed furniture

    Free Extra Night at Hotels

    Enjoy an Annual Free Night Award after your Card anniversary each year
  • bed furniture

    Free Extra Night at Hotels

    Enjoy 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year to use towards attaining the next level of Elite status with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Upgrade to Gold Elite status when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your card
  • Amex logo

    American Express® Experiences

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    N/A

Our choice for: Best No Fee

APPLY NOW

Apply with Confidence — won't impact your credit score

on American Express' website

Welcome Bonus

Up to 10,000 Membership Rewards® points

First Year Rewards

$646

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

Annual Fee

$0

Interest Rates

21.99%* / 21.99%*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
693⁎
Fair
743⁎
Good
790⁎
Very Good
833⁎
Excellent
⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring

2.8/5

The American Express® Green Card is a great option for those looking for a no-frills card that earns rewards on all purchases without any annual fee or minimum income requirement. It's an accessible card with no cap on rewards, making it ideal for those who want to earn points without the higher costs and complexities of premium cards. However, it does come with lower rewards earnings across most categories and a modest welcome bonus.

Pros


  • No spending limits
  • Flexible redemption options
  • VIP perks
  • Eco-friendly plastic
  • Instant decision. No credit impact.

Cons


  • Lower reward rates
  • Limited travel perks
  • Limited acceptance

Rewards

  • 1x point per $1 spent on all purchases

Insurance

Coverage

  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to a year

Benefits

Details

  • Amex logo

    Amex Experiences™

    With Amex Experiences™ and Front Of The Line® Amex Presale Tickets, American Express Cardmembers get access to amazing events in Canada
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Fair
  • Annual Income

    N/A

Our choice for: Best Affordable Premium Perks

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to $3,000* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 100,0001 bonus Scene+ points.

First Year Rewards

$1,106

Based on $2,000/mo spending. Calculate your rewards

Annual Fee

$399

Interest Rates

9.99% / 9.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

300
Poor
560
Fair
660⁎
Good
725⁎
Very Good
760⁎
Excellent
⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

3.8/5

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express is the perfect choice for those seeking a super premium credit card without steep income requirements. With a high flat rate of rewards on all purchases, extensive insurance coverage, and flexible travel redemption options, it offers full-featured perks that cater to frequent travelers and savvy spenders alike.

Pros


  • Low interest rates
  • Strong rewards
  • Airport lounge access
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Shell Fuel Savings
  • Flexible travel rewards
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Instant decision. No credit impact.

Cons


  • Higher annual fee
  • Limited premium perks

Rewards

  • Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.

Insurance

Coverage

  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

    $2M, Up to 31 days
  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)

    $2M, Up to 10 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $2500/person, $10000/trip
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500/person, $1000/trip
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $5000/person, $25000/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1000 After 4 hours
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1000/person
  • heart lock

    Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

    $500K/person, $1M/occurrence
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    $65K up to 48 days
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1000/occurrence
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1000
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    120 days
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to a year

Benefits

Details

  • exchange money

    No Foreign Transaction Fees

  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium

    10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Priority pass)
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

    10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Plaza Premium)
  • gas station

    Gas Discount2

    Get up to 11¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations
  • Amex logo

    American Express® Experiences

  • concierge

    Concierge Services

  • discount

    Discount

    Discount on PriorityPass Membership
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Hertz #1 Club Gold Member
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Extra 4 Scene+ points per Canadian dollar spent on hotel and car rental bookings made through Scene+ Travel using your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    $12,000 personal or $12,000 household

From our Editors: The Full List of Top American Express Network Credit Cards in Canada

Best Overall: American Express Cobalt

Known as one of the best credit cards in Canada, the American Express Cobalt Card is this Network's leading contender. This card collects excellent points per dollar spent on dining, groceries, streaming subscriptions, gas, and transit. This rewards program is supported by strong coverage, including mobile device insurance, hotel burglary insurance, and car rental damage and theft insurance. For benefits, expect a hotel-oriented travel credit and access to Amex's Front of the Line Program. Get the full details in our American Express Cobalt Card Review.

Best No Foreign Transaction Fees: Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

Want to shop internationally without foreign transaction fees? Then you need the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, one of the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards in Canada. On top of this valuable perk, this card collects tons of Scene+ points on grocery, entertainment, gas, transit, streaming, and travel purchases. The insurance is also admirable, including coverage categories like travel medical insurance for those over 65. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, cardholders receive a discount on a Priority Pass membership, concierge services, and American Express Experiences. While the first year fee is waived, note that this contender also comes with some annual income requirements. For more information, read our Scotiabank Gold American Express Card Review.

Best Aeroplan: American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

Frequent Air Canada flyers will get the most out of the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, one of the best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada. This contender earns solid Aeroplan points per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases, plus commendable points per dollar spent on dining. The coverage on this card is notable as well, offering protections like trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance. The real pull, however, is probably the perks. Expect benefits like free first checked bags, priority travel advantages, an annual companion voucher, and unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access. Read more in our American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card Review.

Best Business: American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card

For business expenses or work trips, apply for the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card, one of the best business credit cards in Canada. This card earns you Aeroplan points per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases, plus points per dollar spent on eligible hotel and car rental purchases in Canada. In addition to comprehensive coverage, cardholders receive important perks like free first checked bags, plenty of status lifts, Maple Leaf Lounge access, and an annual companion voucher. Discover more in our American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card Review.

Best Premium: Amex Platinum

For the most premium credit card from the Amex network, apply for the American Express Platinum Card, one of the best perks credit cards in Canada. With this card, cardholders can indulge in an annual dining and travel credit, unlimited access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, complimentary hotel benefits, priority travel perks, and so much more. To account for such luxury, however, this card comes with one of the highest annual fees. You can also expect decent points per dollar spend on dining and travel purchases, plus comprehensive coverage. For more information, check out our American Express Platinum Card Review.

Best Cashback: SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express

For cashback instead of points, apply for the SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express, one of the best cashback credit cards in Canada. This card collects excellent cashback rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases in Canada, plus an above average base rate on all other eligible purchases. This notable rewards program accompanies strong coverage and Amex Experiences. Learn more in our SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express Review.

Best Hotel: Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

If you consider Marriott hotels to be your home-away-from-home, apply for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. This card earns points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, plus an above average base rate on everything else. This contender also includes hotel-oriented benefits like free extra nights at participating properties, status lifts to premium Marriott Bonvoy membership tiers, and American Express Experiences. See more in our Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card Review.

Best No Fee: American Express Green Card

For a budget-friendly contender, consider the American Express Green Card, one of the best no-annual-fee credit cards in Canada. This card earns you a flat rate of points per dollar spent on all purchases. Coverage is pretty basic, offering only purchase protection and extended warranty insurance. For benefits, expect American Express Experiences (like the Front of the Line Program) and extra American Express Membership Rewards points on Amex Travel Online purchases. Read more in our American Express Green Card Review.

Best Accessible Premium Perks: Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

Want premium travel perks for a lower annual fee? Then apply for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card, also one of the best lounge credit cards in Canada. This card earns some Scene+ points per dollar spent on all eligible purchases, plus additional points on hotel bookings, car rentals, and experiences booked through Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia. Alongside strong insurance, expect tons of perks like no foreign transaction fees, airport lounge access, and concierge services. Compared to other premium perks cards, like the American Express Platinum Card, this contender is much more affordable. Just mind those small annual income requirements! Check out our Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card Review for more details.

How to Select the Best American Express Network Credit Card

Selecting the best American Express network credit card comes down to your spending habits and current financial status.

For the most well-rounded option, consider the American Express Cobalt Card.

International shoppers will appreciate the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card for no foreign transaction fees.

For premium perks, consider the most exclusive option, the American Express Platinum Card, or the more affordable alternative, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card.

How to Apply for an American Express Network Credit Card

To apply for any of the American Express network credit cards mentioned above, tap the "Apply Now" button below your top contender. This will redirect you to the issuer's official website. In this case, either American Express or Scotiabank. Once you're there, you'll be able to begin the formal application process. Credit card applications typically ask for personal information (such as your birthdate, address, and email) and financial information (like your income, when applicable).

Frequently Asked Questions

American Express is both a financial institution and a credit card network. As a network, American Express processes payments between merchants and issuers, ensuring secure transactions. These cards can be processed by American Express, but issued by other financial institutions, like Scotiabank. All American Express financial institution credit cards are financed by American Express, meaning American Express acts as the card issuer and money lender.


Read More: Best American Express Issued Credit Cards in Canada

Compared to Visa or Mastercard, Amex networked credit cards are less accepted world-wide, particularly in places within Europe and some small-scale retailers.

A couple of American Express networked credit cards come with annual income requirements, namely those issued by Scotiabank. That said, these requirements are relatively small.

In this case, American Express networked credit cards are extremely well-rounded when it comes to card types. Just ensure that the card you choose complements your spending habits. If the card comes with an annual fee, use all the card's perks and collect as many rewards as possible to offset the yearly cost.

About the author

Sara Skodak

Sara Skodak

Lead Writer

Since graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Sara has built a diverse writing portfolio, covering topics in the travel, business, and wellness sectors. As a self-started freelance content ...

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About the editor

Kevin Shahnazari

Kevin Shahnazari

Co-founder

Kevin started FinlyWealth and juggles a bit of everything—digging into data, running our marketing, and keeping the finances on track. Before this, he spent years as a data scientist at tech companies...

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