American Express Canada — 2025 Review

Everything you need to know about Amex cards in Canada: best cards, acceptance, Membership Rewards, and whether Amex is worth it.

Is American Express Accepted in Canada?

Amex acceptance in Canada has improved substantially over the past decade. Most major retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and online merchants now accept Amex. However, acceptance gaps remain at some independent retailers, farmers markets, and certain government services. As a rule: anywhere that displays the American Express logo accepts it, but Visa and Mastercard still have broader acceptance at smaller merchants.

If you're concerned about gaps, many Canadians keep an Amex as their primary rewards card and carry a Visa or Mastercard as a backup for the rare merchant that doesn't accept Amex.

Best American Express Cards in Canada 2025

Card	Annual Fee	Best Earn Rate	Best For
Amex Cobalt	$155.88/yr ($12.99/mo)	5x on food/drink	Dining + streaming spenders
Amex Platinum Canada	$799	3x on dining/travel	Premium travel + lounges
Amex Gold Rewards	$250	2x on travel + groceries	Flexible mid-tier travel
SimplyCash Preferred Amex	$99	2% cash back everywhere	Flat-rate cash back
SimplyCash Amex	$0	1.25% cash back	No-fee simplicity
Amex Aeroplan Reserve	$599	3x on Air Canada	Air Canada elite travelers

Amex Cobalt — Canada's Best Dining Card

The Amex Cobalt earns 5 Membership Rewards points per $1 at restaurants, cafes, bars, food delivery, and grocery stores — the highest earn rate on food spending of any Canadian card. It also earns 3x on streaming, 2x on travel and transit, and 1x everywhere else. At $12.99/month ($155.88/year), the fee is offset quickly for anyone who spends significantly on food and dining.

MR Points transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan and to Marriott Bonvoy (at 0.75:1), making Cobalt a strong card for earning travel rewards through everyday dining.

Amex Platinum Canada

At $799/year, the Amex Platinum is Canada's most prestigious credit card. Perks include: unlimited airport lounge access (Centurion, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium), $200 annual travel credit, $200 dining credit, Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits, and comprehensive travel insurance. For frequent business travelers who use these perks, the $799 fee is regularly offset. For occasional travelers, it's excessive.

Amex Membership Rewards — How Points Work

Amex MR Points are among Canada's most flexible rewards currencies. Key transfer partners include:

• Aeroplan — 1:1 transfer (excellent value for Air Canada business class)
• Marriott Bonvoy — 1:0.75 transfer
• British Airways Avios — 1:1 transfer
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue — 1:1 transfer
• Fixed Points Travel — Redeem directly through Amex travel portal

Amex Global Card Transfer

New Canadians with American Express cards from the US, UK, Australia, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, or several other countries can apply for a Canadian Amex card using their international credit history — no Canadian credit score required. This is a major advantage for newcomers who held Amex cards abroad.

Amex vs Visa vs Mastercard in Canada

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at virtually every Canadian merchant. Amex has ~95%+ acceptance at major retailers but gaps at some independents. In exchange, Amex cards often offer superior rewards rates, especially on dining and food — the 5x Cobalt rate is unmatched by any Visa or Mastercard in Canada. The best strategy for many Canadians: Amex Cobalt for food/dining, Visa/Mastercard backup for everywhere else.