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Everything you need to know about Amex Travel

The American Express Travel portal allows you to redeem Membership Rewards points directly for travel reservations and activities rather than transfer your rewards to airline or hotel partners like Delta Air Lines SkyMiles and Marriott Bonvoy .

You also can book discounted premium tickets, use benefits like a 35% points rebate on certain bookings and even book premium hotels with additional perks through Amex Travel.

Let's explore this booking portal to uncover all its benefits and potential disadvantages.

What is the American Express Travel portal?

Amex Travel is the booking portal for most American Express cards . You can book flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises through the site, and you can pay with points, cash or a combination of the two.

How to book flights on the Amex Travel portal

To find flights on American Express Travel, visit this webpage . The flight booking process on the Amex Travel portal is similar to other popular sites like Kayak and Orbitz. You'll find a search box where you can enter your departure and destination cities.

If you're flexible with your departure airport, you can choose an entire city, such as New York, which has multiple airports. Additionally, you can customize your booking by selecting your preferred class and the number of travelers, and choosing between one-way and round-trip flights.

You'll see the price listed in dollars and the number of Amex Membership Rewards points during the booking process.

You can also use the options on the left-hand side to filter flights by number of stops, departure and arrival times, flight duration and airline.

Delta Air Lines is a featured airline in the Amex Travel portal. Sometimes, Delta flights appear at the top of your results, listed as "recommended," but this doesn't mean those flights are always the cheapest.

Additionally, if you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and are flying from an airport with a Centurion Lounge , you'll see an indicator that a lounge is available.

Points vs. cash

When paying for your flights on Amex Travel, several American Express cards offer elevated earning rates:

You can also pay with Amex Membership Rewards points to cover the cost of your flight.

You'll see the number of points required next to the cash price of a flight. You can expect a value of 1 cent per point when using Pay with Points . However, TPG values Membership Rewards points at 2 cents apiece when you maximize Amex's transfer partners.

Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value

It's important to compare the number of points required for bookings on Amex Travel with the points you'd need to transfer to an airline program . If you can't book a flight through transfer partners and prefer to use your points, Amex Travel remains an option.

There's an additional benefit for Amex Business Platinum cardmembers: You can get 35% of your points back when paying with points on Amex Travel. This applies to first- and business-class flights on any airline plus tickets in any class on your preferred airline (the same one used for your airline incidental credits ; enrollment is required in advance). This 35% points rebate can provide a value of 1.54 cents per point, which may influence your decision to pay with cash or points.

Similarly, the Business Centurion® Card from American Express offers a 50% Pay with Points rebate on eligible flights. Note that Centurion cards are available by invitation only.

The information for the Business Centurion Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

More details about flights through Amex Travel

During the payment process, you can use points, your credit card or a combination of both. The minimum number of points you can use is 5,000, and each point is valued at 1 cent.

You can upgrade your flights using cash or points in the Amex Travel portal. This generally gives you a return of 1 cent each, and you can book using your Amex card, points or a combination of both.

During your flight search, you might come across "Insider Fares" that offer a discounted price. But to benefit from the discount, you must redeem points to cover the full fare amount.

Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cardmembers have another benefit: discounted premium tickets through Amex Travel's International Airline Program . This program offers discounts on first-class, business-class and premium economy tickets from over 20 participating airlines.

To book a premium ticket using the IAP, go to the Amex Travel portal and pay with cash or points, including the Business Platinum card's 35% airline rebate. Keep in mind that not all flights are eligible and there are restrictions:

• The cardmember must travel on the itinerary.
• A maximum of eight tickets can be booked per itinerary; travel must begin and end in the U.S. or Canadian international airports.
• Tickets are nonrefundable unless stated otherwise.
• Name changes for passengers are not allowed.

Finally, note that flights booked through Amex Travel are typically treated as normal paid tickets, meaning you're eligible to earn points or miles with participating airline loyalty programs.

Related: Why I love the Amex Business Platinum's Pay with Points perk

How to book hotels on the Amex Travel portal

You can book hotels through American Express Travel with a Gold, Platinum or Centurion card. As with other travel portals, you can input your destination, dates, number of rooms and number of guests (with separate input fields for adults and children).

Platinum and Business Platinum cardmembers earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotel reservations.

After selecting your hotel, you'll choose your preferred room and pay with points or cash. If you pay with points, you'll only get a value of 0.7 cents per point (compared to 1 cent when you book flights).

Note that these are considered third-party bookings, so you likely won't earn hotel points or elite credits for your stay . While there are reports of people receiving stay credits with Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors on rooms booked through Amex Travel, the hotel is not guaranteed to recognize your elite status in these programs or provide status-qualifying stay credits.

Related: 9 things to consider when choosing to book via a portal vs. booking directly

Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts

Platinum and Centurion cardholders also have access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program through Amex Travel. This can add some great benefits to your hotel stays — and may not cost much more than booking directly with the hotel.

Here are the perks you'll receive with every FHR booking, regardless of the length of your stay:

• Room upgrade upon arrival (when available): Some room types may be excluded, but you could receive an upgrade to preferred rooms with better views or a better location in the hotel.
• Daily breakfast for two people: The provided breakfast must be, at a minimum, a continental breakfast.
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
• Noon check-in when available
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Unique property amenity: The amenity varies by hotel but should be valued at $100 or more and usually consists of a property credit, dining credit, spa credit, private airport transfer or similar amenity.

You'll need to book these stays through Amex Travel, but note that FHR is considered a separate program from Amex Travel.

In addition, if you have the personal Amex Platinum , you can also get up to $200 in statement credits every year for prepaid reservations through Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection — which we'll discuss next. Enrollment is required.

Related: A comparison of luxury hotel programs from credit card issuers: Amex, Capital One, Chase and Citi

The Hotel Collection

A lesser-known American Express benefit is The Hotel Collection , which allows you to book in cash or with points. Those with Amex Gold, Platinum and Centurion cards have access to this program, which offers the following benefits:

• A room upgrade at check-in (if available)
• $100 on-property credit for qualifying dining, spa and resort activities

Note that The Hotel Collection bookings require a minimum stay of two nights, though they too are eligible for the $200 hotel credit on the Amex Platinum.

How to book rental cars and cruises on the Amex Travel portal

Reserving a car in the Amex portal is relatively simple. You'll input your pickup and drop-off times and location.

You'll see rental car prices listed in cash and points. When using Pay with Points , your points are worth 0.7 cents — just over a third of TPG's valuation of Amex Membership Rewards points.

Although the format differs, you can also search for cruises on Amex Travel.

Rather than typing specific dates and numbers of passengers, you'll see four drop-down menus. These allow you to choose a destination (by region), filter by cruise lines and choose a month for travel — though not specific dates — on this first page. You can also select your desired cruise duration.

From here, you can filter by cruise duration, departure port and ship. You can sort your results by sailing date, value, price or ship rating.

On the final payment page, you can use your card or redeem points, ranging from 1 point to enough to cover the entire cost. Using points for a cruise will result in a low valuation of 0.7 cents per point, but it can be a money-saving option if you prefer not to spend cash.

There's another benefit available if you're a Platinum or Centurion cardholder (including personal and business versions of these cards): the Cruise Privileges Program .

This is available on cruises of five nights or more with select cruise lines, and it offers the following perks:

• $100-$500 in onboard ship credit (note that this cannot be used for casino or gratuity charges)
• Additional onboard amenities vary by line, such as spa vouchers, a bottle of Champagne, shore excursion credits or a private ship tour

Note that the Platinum cardmember must be one of the travelers on the cruise to enjoy these benefits.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Further things to consider about Amex Travel

When booking through the Amex Travel portal, there are a few factors to consider.

First, using Amex Membership Rewards points on Amex Travel may not provide the best value compared to transferring points to airline or hotel loyalty programs. The Pay with Points feature typically values points at 0.7 to 1 cent per point, which is far lower than our 2-cent valuation .

Additionally, the prices on Amex Travel may not always be the most competitive, so we recommend checking other platforms like Google Flights before booking your travel. Also, booking directly with hotels is advised for those seeking to utilize elite status benefits.

When you need to change your upcoming trips booked through Amex Travel, it can get complicated. You may encounter change and cancellation fees, often around $75, and making a change requires a phone call. Flight credit vouchers from cancellations can only be used for rebooking through Amex Travel via phone.

On the positive side, Amex Travel allows a 24-hour cancellation window for most reservations, and booking flights through the site generally still qualifies for earning miles and status with airline loyalty programs.

Related: Redeeming American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value

Bottom line

American Express Travel offers an array of booking options, including the ability to earn bonus Membership Rewards points on select purchases. Although you can use your points to book hotels, flights, rental cars and cruises through Amex Travel, you can get more from your points when you transfer them to Amex's airline and hotel partners .

However, there are exceptions, such as when there is no award availability for last-minute travel. In addition, Amex Travel offers perks like discounted premium flights, added benefits with Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and a user-friendly interface. And with a simple redemption scheme that doesn't involve complicated loyalty programs and transfer partners, many Amex cardholders prefer it when planning their trips.

Additional reporting by Ryan Patterson and Kyle Olsen.

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Canada’s 7 Best American Express Credit Cards

American Express is known for its premium reputation and for issuing many of the most powerful credit cards in Canada.

Here are our recommendations for the best American Express credit cards in Canada.

Best American Express Credit Cards

Best overall american express card.

• Earn 70 ,000 MR points upon spending $10,000 in the first three months
• Plus, earn  30,000 MR points  upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
• Also, earn 2x MR points on all dining and travel purchases
• Also, receive an annual $200 travel credit
• Also, receive an annual  $200 dining credit
• Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
• Unlimited airport lounge access for you and one guest at Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Centurion, and other lounges
• Credits and rebates for daily expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
• Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
• Annual fee: $799

For premium travel benefits, the American Express Platinum Card can’t be beat.

The card comes with unparalleled lounge access. You’ll get a complimentary Priority Pass membership, with unlimited airport lounge visits for you and a guest. If you’re a frequent traveler, you’d likely burn through vouchers very quickly, so having free access to a space to relax before your flight is certainly a plus.

Although the card has a very high $799 annual fee, you can easily bring this down. You’ll get a $200 travel credit every year, as well as a $200 annual dining credit, no questions asked.

Amex is always looking for ways to give back to its most valued cardholders, and the Platinum Card routinely receives the most generous offers throughout the year. If you’re lucky, those offers might even be enough to cover your entire annual fee!

Among other travel perks, you’ll get automatic mid-tier Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and Radisson Radisson, priority airport services at Toronto Pearson International Airport, preferential car rentals with Hertz and Avis, and a solid suite of travel insurance.

As for rewards, the card earns Membership Rewards points . They are extremely valuable because they can be transferred to frequent flyer programs such as Aeroplan and British Airways Avios at a 1:1 ratio – a rare feature among Canadian credit cards.

You’ll earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on dining and travel, and 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar spent elsewhere.

As a first-time applicant, you can also earn a juicy signup bonus, usually among the highest in Canada. And as Amex’s flagship credit card, you’ll get the best offers and rebates for existing cardholders throughout the year.

And of course, the card’s iconic metal build and platinum look have become widely regarded as a premium status symbol, thereby conveying your own elevated status as an American Express user.

Best American Express Card for Business Owners

• Earn 80,000 MR points upon spending $15,000 in the first three months
• Plus, earn  40,000 MR points  upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
• And, earn 1.25x MR points on all purchases
• Also, receive a $200 annual travel credit
• Credits and rebates for business expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
• Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor

The Business Platinum Card is the best American Express card in Canada for business owners, offering extensive premium perks and the biggest welcome bonus on the market.

Instead of category bonuses, you’ll earn 1.25 points per dollar spent on all purchases, the highest rate available in Canada for airline miles on everyday spending.

To keep the rewards rolling, you can earn even more points by referring family and friends to open the card. For every successful referral, you’ll earn 20,000 MR points, the biggest referral bonus available on any Amex card. If you have this card, you can refer others who want to open a Business Platinum Card, Business Gold Card , or Business Edge Card , so you’ve got lots of options depending on which card your referee would prefer.

The card offers almost all of the same premium benefits as the personal Platinum Card , so it really comes down to the points you’ll earn. Thanks to the bigger welcome bonus and more lucrative referral opportunities, it’s always good to have a Business Platinum Card in your rotation.

Best of all, you don’t need to be a business owner in the traditional sense to get this card. Amex will gladly approve you as a sole proprietor doing business in your own name.

Best American Express Card for Daily Spending

• Earn a total of 15,000 MR points upon spending $750 in each of the first 12 months
• Earn 5x MR points on groceries, restaurants, bars, and food delivery
• Earn 3x MR points on eligible streaming services
• Earn 2x MR points on gas, transit, and travel purchases
• Transfer MR points to Aeroplan, Avios, Flying Blue, or Marriott Bonvoy
• Enjoy the exclusive benefits of being an American Express cardholder
• Monthly fee: $12.99

The best card for daily spending always depends on which categories you tend to spend the most on. For many people, the American Express Cobalt Card is a great way to maximize your points on everyday purchases.

The card earns 5 MR points per dollar spent at grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and food delivery. If those make up a large chunk of your expenses, the sheer number of points you’ll earn is unbeatable.

In addition to hotel transfers and the Amex Fixed Points Travel Program , you can also transfer your rewards to airline partners. This is great news, as frequent flyer programs tend to have the strongest “cents per point” redemption value out of all rewards programs.

While the welcome bonus isn’t as gigantic as the top-tier cards, 5x flexible points on everyday expenses is simply unbeatable, especially for a card with a low annual fee.

Best No Fee American Express Card

• Earn 10,000 MR points upon spending $1,000 in the first three months
• Plus, earn 1x MR points on all purchases
• Transfer points to airlines or hotels
• Amex Offers and cardholder benefits
• Annual fee: $0

The American Express Green Card is a great choice if you’re looking to keep costs down.

As a Membership Rewards card, you’ll earn points which can be redeemed for statement credit or transferred to a hotel or airline partner. This is a great benefit for those who might want to build loyalty rewards programs without spending any money on annual fees.

The Green Card is currently offering a welcome bonus of 10,000 points after spending $1,000 in three months. As an earning rate on spending, you are awarded 1 point per dollar spent. The only category bonus on the Green card is on Amex Travel bookings, where you’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent.

Using our points valuation , this earning rate on regular spending is equivalent to a 2.2% return. For a base earning rate on a no-fee card, this is a great offer, assuming you shop at places that take Amex.

This card is the best way to get the premium treatment that Amex is known for, without being subjected to the perceived high costs of such status. You’ll still be able to participate in Amex Offers, Front of the Line ticket presale opportunities, and exclusive events for Amex members.

Best Cash Back American Express Card

• Earn a $400 statement credit upon spending $750 a month for the first 10 months
• Then, earn 4% cash back on gas and groceries
• Then, earn 2% cash back on all other purchases
• Bonus cash back for referring family and friends
• Annual fee: $99

If you don’t mind paying a modest annual fee, the SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express is a fantastic all-around option for cash back rewards.

You’ll earn 2% cash back on all spending, against a $99 fee. That’s an awesome rate for uncategorized spending, which often tops out at 1% even on more premium cash back credit cards issued by other banks.

As a point of comparison against the no-fee SimplyCash Card, you’d come out ahead with the $99 SimplyCash Preferred as long as you spend more than $13,200 on the card per year.

As an added bonus, the card has a referral program. You’ll earn $100 for every successful referral. As long as you can get one friend to open the card each year, you’ll have your annual fee covered.

Best American Express Card for Air Canada Benefits

• Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $7,500 in the first three months
• Plus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $2,500 in month 13
• Always earn 3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
• Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag, priority check-in and boarding on Air Canada flights
• Unlimited Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America
• Bonus Aeroplan points for referring family and friends
• No minimum income requirement
• Annual fee: $599

While the personal and business Platinum cards give ample travel perks, they’re well-suited for general use. If you’re particularly loyal to one airline, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card offers specific benefits that really shine when you travel frequently with Air Canada.

As a premium Aeroplan cardholder, you’ll get the lowest prices for Air Canada flight rewards via the preferred pricing benefit, free checked bags on Air Canada flights, priority airport services, insurance on award bookings, and opportunities to spend your way to Aeroplan Elite Status, among other premium benefits.

Best American Express Card for Hotel Stays

• Earn 55,000 Bonvoy points upon spending $3,000 in the first three months
• Also, receive an annual Free Night Award worth 35,000 Bonvoy points  starting in your second year with the card
• Also, receive 15 elite-qualifying nights every year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
• Bonus Bonvoy points for referring family and friends
• Annual fee: $120

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is the foremost co-branded hotel credit card in Canada, and it has the biggest welcome bonus to back it up.

With a welcome bonus of 55,000+ Bonvoy points after spending $3,000 in three months, you can easily earn points for luxury hotel stays. That’s already 5 nights at limited service hotels or 2 nights at a mid-tier brand.

Hotels at the top of Marriott Bonvoy’s roster tend to be high-end luxury properties in central locations at desirable destinations. Since these rooms can retail for several hundred or even thousands of dollars a night, they represent excellent value in exchange for the credit card’s $120 annual fee.

If you prefer quantity over quality, and your travel style is more off-the-beaten-path, you could instead redeem your points towards dozens of nights at the cheapest reward properties.

For the equivalent of less than $10 a night, you’d be hard pressed to find a hostel at that price, even in the most underdeveloped tourist destinations.

Also, starting in your second year with the card, you’ll get an annual Free Night Award worth up to 35,000 Bonvoy points. That’s normally good for a night at most mid-tier hotels, and you should have no trouble finding one worth more than $120. All things considered, the Amex Bonvoy Card is a great one to keep, as it really pays for itself year after year.

When you do make cash bookings at Marriott properties, be sure to use this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent. Otherwise, the card earns 2 points per dollar spent, or 3 points per dollar spent on gas, dining, and travel. Those are strong rates for a card that effectively pays you to have it once you make use of the annual free night.

Meanwhile, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card has identical benefits. It has a higher annual fee at $150, and the same welcome bonus.

American Express Credit Cards: What You Need to Know

When choosing an American Express credit card, you should familiarize yourself with what benefits an American Express credit card can offer, what features to look out for, and how American Express credit cards can fit into an optimized overall credit card strategy.

Why get an American Express card?

Over the years, American Express has deliberately cultivated a premium brand. But it’s more than just an image – their cardholders get many unique benefits and significantly more perks than you’ll see on other credit cards.

Because Amex is both a card issuer and a payment network, they have more control over the rewards they can offer. As a result, Amex cards have the highest everyday earning rates on popular spending categories like groceries and restaurants. For example, while you may see 5% back on a Visa or Mastercard, they don’t offer flexible transferable rewards you get with the American Express Cobalt Card .

As if that weren’t enough, Amex is also known for offering some of the largest signup bonuses in the industry. Considering how valuable their points can be, it’s no surprise that these incentives are incredibly tantalizing.

For even more points or cash back, you’ll receive special Amex Offers throughout the year. Activate them online and your account will automatically be credited when you meet the conditions. The Shop Small promotion is a popular one, good for credits when you make purchases at local businesses that take Amex. Offers like these can easily give you ongoing value year after year.

There are also many lifestyle-oriented perks of being an Amex cardmember. With American Express Invites, cardholders can get advance access to presale tickets for hot events like concerts and live theatre, before they go on sale to the general public. With American Express Experiences, cardholders can be invited to exclusive events only for Amex members, such as advance screenings, travel deals, and private venue-within-a-venue bars and lounges at major shows or festivals.

American Express cards don’t have a minimum income requirement. Whereas premium Visa and Mastercard products require you to be more established in your career, Amex can open the door for anyone to earn big rewards and enjoy top-tier benefits.

Finally, Amex prides themselves on top-notch customer service. Their staff are among the best when it comes to being informed, attentive, and able to address any issues that may arise for their clients.

What should you look for in an American Express credit card?

American Express uses Membership Rewards (MR) for their in-house awards program. On cards that earn MR points, you can transfer your points to various airline or hotel partners for high-value redemptions.

Amex also offers a range of co-branded cards, including Aeroplan , Air Miles , and Marriott Bonvoy . These cards earn points directly into the loyalty program, and the premium cards have program benefits including discounts, elite status, and annual vouchers.

Amex’s premium cards have some of the best travel benefits, including unlimited airport lounge access, high insurance payouts, annual cash rebates, and automatic hotel status.

They also have a few cash back cards. These don’t have category bonuses, but they’re great for other purchases. If you want to earn more cash back on category spending, consider using a card that earns Membership Rewards points at a high rate, and redeeming them for statement credit against travel expenses.

Unique in the Canadian credit card scene, many Amex cards have a refer-a-friend program . You can earn an incentive bonus by referring friends and family when they are approved for new Amex cards, and the welcome bonuses through refer-a-friend links also tend to be stronger than the publicly available welcome bonuses.

For small business owners, American Express business cards have many flexible ways to help you grow. You’ll have increased options to manage your cash flow with interest-free grace periods and high spending limits on charge cards. Overall, there’s a great selection in Amex’s portfolio that can meet the needs of every type of entrepreneur.

What’s the optimal strategy for American Express credit cards?

American Express offers the most powerful rewards and travel benefits among all Canadian credit card issuers by quite some distance.

If you’re a dedicated traveller who wants to see as much of the world as possible by maximizing your credit cards, American Express credit cards will naturally play an all-important role in your wallet.

The Membership Rewards family of cards represents the best starting point, as they’ll allow you to quickly rack up the points to use towards flight and hotel redemptions. The Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards add another layer of bonus points into the mix.

Thanks to their unique refer-a-friend program, the American Express credit cards are also ideally suited to families and households who want to earn points together.

That’s especially the case because the welcome bonuses through refer-a-friend offers are usually better for the person opening the card, compared to applying without using a referral.

Combined with the referral bonus for the referrer, and the points can stack up very quickly within a single points-collecting household. You can review our American Express Credit Card Flowchart to set up the optimal sequence so that everyone involved can maximize their rewards.

Within the household, it’s also a great idea to make sure that at least one individual is holding a Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card at any given time, as the unlimited Priority Pass lounge access benefit can be used by both adults (the cardholder and one guest) to access airport lounges before you fly.

Taken together, all these benefits significantly outweigh the occasional acceptance issues you might run into as an American Express cardholder.

With industry-leading welcome bonuses and travel benefits, competitive travel insurance, and access to the most powerful transferable, airline, and hotel rewards currencies in Canada, American Express credit cards ought to be an essential part of any Canadian traveller’s wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some questions we frequently hear from readers about the best American Express credit cards in Canada.

What is the difference between Membership Rewards, MR First, and MR Select?

To understand the differences between the tiers, it’s useful to keep the below chart from the Membership Rewards program’s terms and conditions on hand:

As you can see, the benefits of MR First and Membership Rewards are virtually identical, the only difference being that you can’t use regular Membership Rewards points on Platinum Concierge bookings. Furthermore, since this chart was published, Amex has allowed MR Select points to be transferred to frequent flyer programs as well.

All three types of MR points are now virtually indistinguishable to the cardholder.

However, there’s still a difference in the system: you can’t always link points accounts from cards of two different tiers.

MR Select points are earned on the American Express Cobalt Card, the American Express Business Edge Card, and the American Express Green Card. The Business Platinum Card earns MR First points, and all other cards earn regular MR points.

Note that American Express doesn’t differentiate between each Membership Rewards tier in its marketing materials, so you should make sure you’re fully aware of what type of points you’re earning on a card before signing up.

What’s the difference between a credit card and a charge card?

Credit cards have a preset spending limit, and each month you have to make minimum payments. Charge cards don’t have a preset spending limit (although Amex may enforce one internally), and you face extremely steep penalties if you don’t pay your balance in full every month. You should be paying your balance in full anyway to avoid interest, so the difference between credit and charge cards won’t affect you.

Charge cards also appear on your credit report differently. Having a charge card is good, because it shows that you can responsibly manage other types of loans besides regular credit cards.

How many American Express cards can I have?

At any given time, each person can have up to four credit cards and unlimited charge cards from American Express in Canada.

How often can I apply for American Express cards?

You cannot apply for the Business Platinum Card and Business Gold Card within 90 days of each other. Aside from that, there are no firm rules – anything goes, as long as Amex is willing to have you as a member and extend more credit to you.

Can I apply for American Express business credit cards?

Yes, you can get business credit cards from Amex even if you aren’t a small business owner in the traditional sense. In general, you do this by signing up as a sole proprietorship, the type of business entity that refers to a business being operated solely within your name.

Which credit bureau does American Express check?

Usually TransUnion, although sometimes they’ll do a hard pull from Equifax. American Express also sometimes doesn’t do an inquiry for existing cardholders, instead relying on pre-approvals and your internal client profile with them.

Can I do a product switch with American Express?

American Express generally does not allow cardholders to switch between different products. If you want a new Amex card that you don’t currently have, you’ll need to submit a new application.

You can occasionally receive a bonus with a targeted upgrade offer, but these are usually only available for very high spenders, and the offers aren’t as strong as the welcome bonus on a new application.

How do I refer a friend?

Login to your Amex online dashboard and click on the “Refer Now” button. You can email an invitation to people you know, or generate a link directly to copy and paste via other channels.

What is an incognito offer?

Occasionally, American Express will target first-time visitors to their website with a bigger welcome bonus. You can try to trigger these offers by using a new web browser session, device, or IP address. Incognito offers are very common in the US, and they’ve recently started to make appearances in Canada.

Do you only get the sign up bonus for each Amex card once in your life?

I thought the AMEX Cobalt Card MR points are transferrable to airline frequent flyer programs as of August 16, 2021? The FAQ section says otherwise.

Cobalt points can indeed be transferred to airlines; I’ve updated the FAQ to reflect this change.

Ricky, the Business Gold can refer to Cobalt for 15,000 referral points.

Is the Amex Bonvoy worth it if you typically don’t stay at Marriott properties? Debating between applying for it but not sure if it’s worth keeping or feeling like I need to book their properties in the future. I have the HSBC WE MC that gets 5x on travel but can meet at least $1k of the Bonvoy MSR within a week and ironically they’re both Marriott properties. I might be overthinking it, but not sure if I want to pay the $149 AF.

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Best American Express Canada Credit Cards – June 2024

Below are American Express Canada’s best credit card offers:

• The Best American Express Travel credit cards
• The Best AEROPLAN American Express credit cards
• The Best American Express card with hotel points
• The Best American Express credit card for cash back
• The Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards from American Express
• The Best Low-Interest Credit Card from American Express
• The Best Small Business American Express credit cards

Here is a table summarizing the different offers. For more details, read on or click on the name of a card.

American Express Credit Cards for Travel Rewards

American express platinum card ®.

The Platinum Card® is the Best Premium Travel Card in Canada.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points :

• 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
• 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership

With this card, you get:

• 2 points per dollar for dining purchases
• 2 points per dollar on travel purchases
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

You can use your Membership Rewards points in many ways:

• Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways ), Flying Blue, Delta Skymiles, etc.
• Transfer points to hotel programs (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy)
• Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card ( 1,000 points = $10 )
• Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases ( 1,000 points = $10 )

With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:

• $200 Annual Travel Credit
• $200 Annual Dining Credit
• $100 NEXUS Card Statement Credit
• Free, unlimited access for you and one additional traveller to over 1,200 airport lounges in more than 130 countries
• Hilton Honors Gold Elite status (complimentary breakfast at all Hilton hotels)
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
• Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program

Last but not least, the Platinum Card® is distinguished by the numerous insurance coverages offered: theft and damage for rental cars, travel accident of $500,000 Emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement .

American Express ® Gold Rewards Card

Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points with this welcome offer for the American Express® Gold Rewards Card . That’s a $600 value for travel or any purchase on the Card.

You can also transfer your points to airline partners such as Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways ), Flying Blue, and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).

With this Card, you get many benefits like:

• $100 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass membership and 4 complimentary Plaza Premium visits per year
• $50 NEXUS credit

You earn 2 points per dollar for travel purchases, and at:

• gas stations
• grocery stores

And 1 point per dollar everywhere else.

American Express Cobalt ® Card

The American Express Cobalt® Card is the best credit card from American Express , whether you want points for travel or cash back.

The welcome bonus is distributed monthly for the first 12 months. You’ll earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for every $750 in purchases charged to your card during the month (whether in the 1X, 2X, 3X or 5X category). That’s up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points .

You can easily use these points as statement credits for everyday or travel purchases. The value is the same for both: 1,000 points = $10 .

Or you can transfer them into Aeroplan points, Avios (British Airways/ Qatar Airways ), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors.

With the American Express Cobalt® Card , you can earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:

This is a 1 to 5% return on all these purchases.

For example, if you spend $1,000 per month on groceries and/or restaurants and/or food delivery, you’ll earn $50 cash back per month, or $600 cash back per year with this card for this category of purchases!

And if you decide to transfer your points to other programs like Aeroplan, you could get even more value!

In addition, this card provides excellent insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage, flight delay, $250,000 travel accident, hotel or motel burglary, Mobile Device Insurance, Purchase Security, Purchase Protection Insurance.

American Express Credit Cards for Hotels

Marriott bonvoy ® american express ® * card.

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card for free hotel nights .

With this welcome offer, you can earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points by spending $1,500 in the first 3 months after joining.

It’s a Card we recommend keeping because each year at renewal, you get an Annual Free Night Award (for up to 35,000 points at hotels worldwide) and 15 Elite Night Credits per year, counting towards your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.

With this Card, you earn 5 points per dollar on all purchases at Marriott Bonvoy properties and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases .

Finally, this Card comes with comprehensive insurance : baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage, $500,000 travel accident, flight delay, hotel or motel burglary, rental car theft and damage, Purchase Security, Purchase Protection.

American Express Credit Cards for Aeroplan

American express ® * aeroplan ® reserve card.

With this welcome offer for the American Express®* Aeroplan® Reserve Card , you can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points . Here’s how:

• Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months
• Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13

With this Card, you earn 3X the points on purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations . And 2x the points on Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada. Everywhere else, you will earn 1.25X the points.

With this Card, you receive many Air Canada travel benefits such as access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America for you and one guest, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling.

Enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.

American Express ® Aeroplan ® * Card

With this welcome offer for the Aeroplan®* American Express® Card, you can earn up to 50,000 Aeroplan points .

Here’s how:

• Earn 30,000 Aeroplan points after spending $3,000 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months.
• Plus, earn an additional 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in month 13

With this Card, you earn 2X the points on purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations .

And 1.5x the points on Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada. Anywhere else, you will earn 1X the points.

American Express Credit Cards for Cash Back

Simplycash ® preferred card from american express.

The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express is the only credit card in Canada to earn 2% cash back on all purchases . Plus, you can get:

• 4% cash back on gas purchases
• 4% cash back on grocery purchases

And with this welcome offer, you can earn a $40 statement credit for every $750 in purchases charged to your Card in your first 10 months ( up to $400 in statement credits ).

The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express Card is especially popular with those who have significant purchases to make: home improvement , furniture or appliance purchases since it offers 2% cash back at all stores.

This Card stands out for its numerous coverages offered: Theft and damage to rental cars, $100,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delay and misdirected baggage, hotel/motel burglary, Purchase Security, Purchase Protection.

American Express Credit Cards with No Annual Fee

American express ® green card.

Do you want a cash back credit card with no annual fee that earns travel points? Here is an option for you: the American Express® Green Card .

By signing up for the American Express® Green Card , you can earn 10,000 Membership Rewards Welcome Bonus Points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your Card in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. This is a $100 value for travel or any purchase on the Card. You can also transfer your points to airline partners (Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Flying Blue, etc.) and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).

That’s a nice welcome bonus for a credit card with no annual fee.

You’ll also have access to online promotional offers to earn points or rebates on your purchases with this no annual fee credit card.

SimplyCash ® Card from American Express

Do you want a cash back credit card with no annual fee and a great earning rate for everyday purchases? Here’s an option for you: the SimplyCash® Card from American Express .

With this no-annual-fee credit card, you earn:

• 2% cash back on gas purchases
• 2% cash back on grocery purchases
• 1.25% cash back on all other purchases

And with this welcome offer, you can earn a $10 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $300 in purchases on your Card in the first 10 months ( up to $100 in statement credits ).

And you benefit from several coverages: $100,000 travel accident, Purchase Protection, and Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan.

American Express Credit Cards for Low-Interest Rate

American express essential™ credit card.

With the American Express Essential™ Credit Card , you can get a low-interest rate of 12.99 % if you decide to carry a balance and make your minimum monthly payments on time. It is one of the best low-interest-rate credit cards in Canada.

In addition, this low-interest credit card allows you to take advantage of the American Express installment plan (Plan It) to pay a portion of your statement balance in monthly installments.

With the American Express Essential™ Credit Card , you get $100,000 in travel accident insurance, an additional year of Buyer’s Assurance Protection Plan and a 90-day Purchase Protection Plan.

Finally, as an American Express Essential™ Credit Card holder, you can take advantage of exclusive American Express offers for statement credits on select purchases and American Express online travel services.

American Express Credit Cards for Small Business

Business platinum card ® from american express.

Earn up to 120,000 points with this welcome offer for the Business Platinum Card® from American Express :

• 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you charge $15,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
• 40,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership
• Redeem points for statement credits to offset any eligible purchase charged to your Card ( 1,000 points = $10 )

120,000 points have a minimum value of $1,200 for a statement credit and much more if you transfer your points to a partner.

With this Card, you earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points per dollar on all purchases. What’s more, you’ll enjoy a host of travel and business benefits:

• Complimentary and unlimited access for you and an additional traveller to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
• $200 Annual travel credit
• $100 Card Statement Credit for Nexus
• Hilton Honors Gold Status
• Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program
• Up to $120 in eligible Wireless Credits each year

With this Card you can maximize your cash flow with up to 55 interest free days. It is a card that is particularly appreciated by contractors when making large purchases in home improvement stores , for example.

Last but not least, the Business Platinum Card® from American Express is distinguished by the numerous insurance coverages it offers: theft and damage for rental cars, travel accident from $500,000 Emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

American Express ® Business Gold Rewards Card ®

Earn up to 110,000 Membership Rewards points with this outstanding limited-time welcome offer for the American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card®:

• 70,000 Membership Rewards points after $5,000 in Card purchases within the first 3 months
• 10,000 bonus points when you charge $20,000 in net purchases to your Card account each calendar quarter ( up to 40,000 Membership Rewards points )

With this Card, you earn 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar on your purchases.

You can then use your points in many ways:

• Statement credit for travel purchases
• Statement credit for all purchases
• Transfer to partner programs (Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Delta Skymiles, Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, etc.)
• Book your flight with American Express Travel at a special rate

Also, as a cardmember, you get many advantages such as up to 55 interest-free days to maximize your cash flow.

Finally, you are covered with reliable insurance for your travels and purchases.

American Express ® Aeroplan ® * Business Reserve Card

With this welcome offer for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card , you can earn up to 90,000 Aeroplan points.

• Earn 65,000 Aeroplan points after spending $10,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months.
• Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,500 in purchases in month 13.

With this Card, you earn 3X the points on purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations . And 2X the points on hotels and car rentals. Everywhere else, you will earn 1.25X the points.

With this Card, you receive many Air Canada travel benefits, such as access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America for you and one guest, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling.

American Express Business Edge™ Card

The American Express Business Edge™ Card is an excellent credit card for businesses in Canada. The annual fee is only $99 and this American Express credit card offers up to 67,000 Membership Rewards points in the first year, a value of $670 .

You can also transfer your points to airline partners (Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Flying Blue, etc.) and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).

With this Card, you can get 3x the points on purchases:

• Office supplies (Staples, etc.)
• Electronic (Apple, Dell, etc.)
• Eats & Drinks

Besides, you can add up to 99 supplementary cards at no cost.

Marriott Bonvoy ® Business American Express ® * Card

The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card is the best credit card for travelling self-employed professionals and small business owners.

With this welcome offer, you can earn 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points by spending $5,000 in the first 3 months after joining.

With this Card, you earn 5 points per dollar on all purchases at Marriott Bonvoy properties. And you can earn 3 points per dollar for:

• Dining purchases
• travel purchases

And 2 points per dollar on all other purchases .

Awards earned

Here are the awards received in the Milesopedia’s 2024 Credit Card Awards :

Best Premium Credit Card

The Platinum Card ® is the Best Premium Credit Card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• Complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
• Elite Status with several hotel loyalty programs
• Cardmembers benefits at renowned hotels and restaurants
• Flexible Rewards
• Travel Partners (American Express Membership Rewards program)
• Full travel insurance
• No minimum income required

Best Credit Card For Frequent Flyers

The American Express ® Aeroplan ® * Reserve Card is the Best Credit Card For Frequent Flyers in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• Air Canada benefits such as Maple Leaf Lounge access
• Benefits for Aeroplan Elite Status
• Highest earning rate for Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases
• Travel insurance

Best Credit Card For Drugstores

The American Express ® Gold Rewards Card is the Best Credit Card For Drugstores in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• 2 points per dollar on drugstore purchases

Best Credit Card For Dining

The American Express Cobalt ® Card is the Best Credit Card For Dining in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• 5% cash back on dining and food delivery
• The minimum cash back redemption amount is $10 (1,000 points)

Best No-Fee Travel Credit Card

The American Express Green Card is the Best No-Fee Travel Credit Card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• Ease of points redemption

Best Hotel Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy ® American Express ® * Card is the Best Hotel Credit Card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• Points can be used at over 8,000 hotels worldwide
• Annual Free Night Award at Card renewal
• Marriott Bonvoy Benefits (Elite status and Earning Rate)

Best Credit Card For Startups

The American Express Business Edge™ Card is the Best Credit Card For Startups in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• High cash back earning rate on everyday business purchases: 3% on office supplies, electronics purchases, transit, gas, restaurants and bars, and 1% on everything else
• Low Annual Fee for a Business Card

Best Business Credit Card

The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express is the Best Business Credit Card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• Cardmember benefits at select hotels and restaurants

Best American Express Credit Card

The American Express Cobalt ® Card is the Best American Express Credit Card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• Earning categories
• 5 points per dollar on dining and food delivery (= 5% in travel rewards)

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are frequently asked questions in the milesopedia community about credit cards in Canada.

What is the best Visa credit card in Canada?

There are more than 200 credit cards in Canada. There is not ONE best credit card!

Several credit cards can match your needs:

• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best AIR MILES Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards With Insurance
• The Best Credit cards For Airbnb
• Best Credit Cards For Hotels

The best credit card for you is surely in our credit card comparison tool ! You’ll get many bonus points!

What is the best American Express credit card for earning travel rewards and bonus points?

The best Amex credit card depends on the project you are pursuing. Milesopedia has a crush on the American Express Cobalt ® Card , which is often recognized as the best American Express credit card offering bonus points.

With this credit card, you earn bonus points for everyday purchases like groceries, restaurants and travel.

What is the best American Express credit card with travel benefits?

The best American Express credit card with travel benefits is the Platinum Card ® . With this Card, you get many travel benefits: access to airport lounges, $200 annual credit, Elite Status with hotel brands, travel insurance, etc.

If you’d like to enjoy travel benefits with Air Canada, we recommend the American Express ® Aeroplan ® * Reserve Card .

What is the best Amex travel credit card with no annual fee?

The best American Express travel credit card with no annual fee is the American Express ® Green Card . Actually, with the American Express ® Green Card, you can transfer your points to a number of travel partners – Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Air France Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, etc.

That makes the American Express ® Green Card a good choice with no annual fee.

What is the best Amex credit card for me?

To find the best Amex credit card, you must first define your objective. What do you want to do with your points? Travel? Saving on groceries? Earning cash back? Get bonus points? First the goal, then the choice of the best credit card!

What is the best no annual fee credit card from American Express?

There are several no annual fee credit cards from American Express. The two best-known Amex no annual fee credit cards are:

• American Express ® Green Card : no annual fee
• SimplyCash ® Card from American Express : no annual fee

You can keep these credit cards with no annual fee from year to year.

Will my application for an American Express card be accepted with my good credit score?

American Express does not require a minimum annual income to accept applications. However, as with any lending company, it looks for customers with a good credit score.

Which credit bureau is verified by American Express?

American Express partners with Transunion to check your credit report.

How do I apply for an Amex credit card?

It’s always nice to apply through the Milesopedia affiliate links found on the site! Once you’ve found the best American Express credit card for you, the steps are easy to follow after clicking the Apply Now button.

Can I apply for an American Express Business Credit Card?

You can get an American Express Business credit card by being a professional, self-employed or small business owner. Check out this article for more details on applying for the best American Express credit card for your business.

Among American Express business credit cards, we recommend the Business Platinum Card ® from American Express . In fact, with the Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , you’ll earn numerous bonus points when you join and travel benefits.

For example, with the Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , you earn Marriott Bonvoy Gold status.

Where are American Express credit cards accepted in Canada and Quebec?

Once you’ve chosen the best American Express credit card for you, you should know that American Express credit cards are accepted at many businesses in Canada and Quebec. Check out this article to find out where AMEX cards are accepted .

Can I make online retail purchases with an American Express credit card?

You can shop online with your American Express credit card just as you would with any other credit card.

Tip: You may be asked for a verification number from your credit card for online retail purchases. Unlike Visa and Mastercard credit cards, the code required for online retail purchases for an American Express card is located on the front of your card. This is the 4-digit number located on the front and right side of your American Express card.

Also, be aware that you are covered by your American Express credit card insurance for online retail purchases. However, if you buy products online from abroad, you may be charged foreign transaction fees.

How do I contact American Express Customer Service?

To contact American Express Canada Customer Service, you can call 1-800-869-3016.

Does American Express Canada have good customer service?

American Express Canada’s customer service is known to be excellent in both English and French.

Does American Express Canada offer a prepaid card?

American Express offers a prepaid card that you can usually purchase at stores that offer gift cards.

The American Express Prepaid Card has no monthly fees, no service fees, no replacement fees and no expiration date. The American Express Prepaid Card can be used at merchants in Canada, the United States and other countries. The American Express Prepaid Card is also more secure than cash because the funds on the Card are replaceable if the Card is lost or stolen.

The American Express Prepaid Card is available in denominations of: $25, $50, $100, $200, $500 and $1,000

Do American Express Canada credit cards charge interest rates?

American Express offers two types of cards:

• Credit cards: these have interest rates
• Payment cards: these must be paid each month

For American Express credit cards, the interest rate is generally 19.99% on purchases and 21.99% on cash advances.

To avoid paying interest, consider paying your American Express credit card balance in full each month.

What is the interest rate for American Express credit card purchases?

American Express credit cards have an interest rate of 19.99% on purchases.

What is the interest rate for cash advances on American Express credit cards?

American Express credit cards have a 21.99% interest rate on cash advances.

How can I avoid paying an interest rate with an American Express credit card?

To avoid paying an interest rate on your American Express credit card, it is advisable to pay your credit card balance in full on each due date.

This way, you will avoid paying 19.99% interest on your purchases and 21.99% interest on cash advances.

Do American Express payment cards have an interest rate for purchases?

Unlike American Express credit cards, American Express charge cards do not have an interest rate on purchases: the balance must always be paid in full each month. An annual interest rate of 30% applies to each outstanding transaction.

Do American Express credit cards have foreign transaction fees?

American Express credit cards have foreign transaction fees of 2.5%. This is in line with credit cards that charge foreign transaction fees.

If you want to avoid foreign transaction fees, look for a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees .

What does it mean to be an American Express Cardmember/Card membership?

American Express refers to its customers as Cardmembers. It’s a Card membership. With this Card Membership, as an American Express Cardmember, you enjoy many benefits that are exclusive to American Express Cardmembers, such as access to priority booking services, recognition at American Express Cardmember events, and more.

Your American Express card shows your Card membership anniversary year.

• Credit Cards

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First , we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The payments we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market.

Second , we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles. These “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Advisor.

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Amex Gold Rewards vs. Platinum: Which Is Better For You?

Updated: Jun 5, 2024, 1:51am

Reviewed By

Table of Contents

American express gold rewards vs. platinum overview, consider neither the amex platinum nor the amex gold rewards card for:, bottom line, frequently asked questions (faqs), advertiser’s disclosure, best for frequent travellers, the platinum card® from american express.

Welcome Bonus

Up to 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points

Regular APR

30% due in full or 21.99% (flexible payment option)†

Flash your metal card for complimentary valet service and priority security lane at Pearson Airport to speed up your entry into over 1,300 airport lounges around the world. A generous welcome offer, comprehensive insurance and the perks and benefits of Amex membership make this card a great selection for the finer things in life.

Learn more:  Read our Platinum Card® From American Express Review

• Access to over 1,300 airport lounges around the world
• Great welcome bonus of up to 100,000 membership rewards points
• Outstanding travel rewards and benefits
• As a charge card , it can negatively impact your credit score if you don’t pay in full on each bill’s due date
• $799 is the highest annual fee among major Canadian credit cards
• The rewards earnings don’t make sense for average spenders considering the high annual fee
• Earn rate is not as strong as other Amex cards
• Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®
• Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points – that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away
• New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
• Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
• Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service
• Enjoy a $200 Annual Dining Credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants
• Unlock $200 or more in additional value with Member extras. You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands
• Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge CollectionTM which unlocks access to over 1,300 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
• Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program
• Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
• Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $600 USD at over 1,500 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
• Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport
• You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hertz and Avis
• Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link.

Best affordable alternative

American express® gold rewards card.

Up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points

Affordable Amex benefits, a decent welcome offer and four complimentary airport lounge visits a year at Canadian Plaza Premium Lounges.

Learn more:  Read our American Express Gold Rewards Card Review

• Four complimentary visits per calendar year to Canadian Plaza Premium Lounges
• $100 annual travel credit
• $50 NEXUS statement credit
• The metal card is available in gold or rose gold
• Other lounge visits are subject to a usage fee
• Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points:
• New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card
• This could add up to 60,000 points in a year. That’s up to $600 towards your next vacation
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
• The Card is now available in your choice of Gold or Rose Gold metal options
• Receive a $50 CAD statement credit when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card
• You have access to an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your American Express Gold Rewards Card. Use the credit once annually towards any single travel booking of $100 or more charged to your Gold Rewards Card through American Express Travel Online
• As a Gold Rewards Cardmember, you can receive complimentary membership in Priority PassTM – one of the world’s largest independent airport lounge programs. Escape the chaos of airports and relax in an oasis of calm and simply enjoy the fact that the travel experience has begun before your plane has even left the ground. Enrollment is required and entry fees apply
• Enjoy four (4) complimentary visits per Calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges across Canada. Entry fees apply once complimentary visits have been used
• Charge any eligible purchase to your credit Card then log in to redeem your earned points for a statement credit
• 1 Free Additional Gold Rewards Card (a $50 value) to help you earn points faster
• Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99% and/or 28.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining of monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.

American Express is well-known for its lavish credit card rewards and head-turners like the Centurion® Black Card . Both the American Express® Gold Rewards Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express fall into Amex’s category of travel cards with substantial perks—but they have distinct differences, too.

The American Express Gold Rewards Card may carry less travel perks, lifestyle benefits and other bells and whistles, but the lower-tier card more than makes up for it in rewards earning potential. With groceries and other everyday purchases still being quite expensive these days, using a card that earns you two points per dollar is downright smart.

The Platinum Card® from American Express earns less rewards points per year, but includes valuable travel benefits and insurance coverage options. Cardholders get a $200 annual dining credit and $200 or more in value with Member extras, for example.

Though both cards look impressive on the surface, potential cardmembers need to be aware of the nuances between the two when deciding which of these slick metal cards belongs in their wallet.

American Express is well-known for its top-of-the-line travel credit cards , and the Platinum and Gold Rewards cards definitely fall into this category.

The Gold Rewards Card, while carrying less impressive travel benefits, has solid earning potential: Cardholders can earn two Membership Rewards Points per dollar spent on gas station, grocery, drug store and eligible travel purchases. All other purchases earn one Membership Reward Point per dollar. Though it does offer some marked lifestyle benefits—such as a $100 annual travel credit—cardholders will likely receive the most benefit from the card’s higher points earning potential.

The Platinum Card is clearly designed for the frequent traveler that desires an elegant experience both inside and outside of the airport. In addition to myriad travel coverage options and a $200 annual dining credit, Platinum cardholders have access to over 1,300 exclusive airport lounges across the world. Though the card has less reward earning potential, its bevy of travel and lifestyle bells and whistles more than make up for the high annual fee.

New cardholders of the Gold or Platinum American Express cards can expect impressive welcome bonuses for each option.

The American Express® Gold Rewards Card comes with a welcome bonus of up to 60,000 Membership Rewards Points: Cardholders that spend $1,000 or more can receive 5,000 points in each monthly billing period.

The Platinum Card comes with a higher welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards Points, but its stipulations are a bit more involved: cardholders that spend $10,000 or more in their first three months will earn 70,000 points. If they spend any amount between the 14th and 17th month of their membership, they will earn another 30,000 points.

Winner: The Platinum Card from American Express

While both Amex offerings have similar bonuses, they could not be more different when it comes to annual fees. The American Express® Gold Rewards Card carries a high fee of $250 per year. Conversely, the Platinum card is lightyears beyond, sitting at $799 annually.

Winner: American Express Gold Rewards Card

Earning Rewards

Both of Amex’s offerings are travel-focused, but the Gold Rewards card is a bit more well-rounded. Cardholders can earn two Membership Points per dollar spent on gas, groceries and drugstores purchases, as well as eligible flights, hotels, car rentals and cruises. All other purchases earn one Membership Point per dollar.

The Platinum card carries similar earning potential, earning two Membership Points per dollar on dining, food delivery in Canada, flights, hotels and tour purchases. All other purchases earn only one Membership Point per dollar spent.

Note that both cards can earn an additional one Membership Point per dollar spent on eligible travel or hotel purchases through American Express Travel Online.

Travel Benefits

Travel benefits are where the Gold Rewards Card and Platinum Card shine—Platinum arguably a bit brighter.

The Platinum Card gives cardholders a $200 annual travel credit, access to over 1,300 airport lounges across the globe and a $100 NEXUS Card statement credit when your NEXUS renewal or activation fees are charged to the card. Platinum users also get access to a myriad of hotel benefits such as approximately $550 USD in value in complimentary offerings including, but not limited to:

• Daily breakfast for two
• Late checkout at 4 p.m.
• Room update upon arrival, where applicable

Both the Gold Rewards and Platinum cards come with many types of travel insurance such as out of province or country medical coverage up to $5 million, trip interruption/cancellation insurance, flight delay insurance , and baggage coverage for stolen or delayed luggage.

As to be expected with a more costly card, the Platinum Card’s travel coverage is double the amount of the Gold Rewards Card (e.g. Platinum cardholders have $1,000 in flight delay insurance, while Gold cardmembers only have $500).

Winner: The Platinum Card

Lifestyle Credits

Each Amex card comes with an impressive lineup of lifestyle benefits, including access to Front of the Line® presale and reserve tickets, as well as various special offers on retail and wellness products and services.

But, the Platinum Card comes with a bit more bang for your buck—offering cardholders a $200 annual dining credit, and an additional $200 in statement credits or other rewards when cardholders purchase items with certain brands.

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Avoiding an Annual Fee

Both of these American Express cards come with higher-than-usual fees that many consumers might not be able to stomach. For Canadians that want the prestige and benefits that accompany American Express products without the high costs, Amex offers a number of other cards with varying annual fees.

Skipping the Perks

Those who do not travel much, or have little need of travel-related perks, likely will not reap the benefits that come with Amex’s top tier credit cards—most of the perks that offset the high annual fees are ideal for frequent flyers.

Earning a Simple, Flat Rate on All of Your Spending

Both the Gold and Platinum Amex options use a tiered reward system, rather than a flat rate across all spending that some cash-back credit cards have. Both cards require cardholders to expend a bit more mental energy determining how many points they could earn from which locations they spend at. A solid alternative may be a percentage cash back card, such as the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite .

Both the Gold Rewards and Platinum cards offer robust travel benefits for consumers that travel frequently, making up for the high fees that accompany them. But in our estimation, given the Gold Rewards’ wider earning categories (e.g. groceries and gas) and the Platinum’s more expansive travel perks, consumers that don’t require impressive travel perks should go with the Gold Rewards card. Those that choose to use the Platinum card, however, should be confident they can earn rewards and benefits valued over $799 annual fee each year.

Keep in mind that before getting any credit card, take stock of your spending habits and future goals to ensure the credit card you are considering is the right fit for you.

Is Amex Gold Rewards easier to get than The Platinum?

Both products carry the same credit requirements to be approved, but the $799 annual fee on the Platinum card is arguably a major obstacle for many Canadians.

Is Amex Gold Rewards or Amex Platinum better?

The Amex Gold Rewards and the Amex Platinum card are two different products with two different customers in mind. That said, the Gold Rewards Card is a better fit for consumers that enjoy travel benefits, but want to earn points for everyday spending, too. The Platinum Card is more suited for high-income Canadians that want exclusive travel benefits and a wide array of lifestyle perks along with them.

Is it worth upgrading Amex Gold Rewards to Platinum?

It depends. The Platinum card comes with more extensive travel perks—such as $2,500 trip cancellation insurance—and is better for earning rewards for travel. On the other hand, while the Gold Rewards card is also geared towards frequent travelers, its rewards are more meant for daily spending (i.e. groceries, drug store purchases) making it a bit more well-rounded for everyday spending.

How many American Express cards can I have?

American Express Gold and American Express Platinum cardholders can carry a maximum of nine supplementary cards on the same account for a total of 10 cards.

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

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Brett Surbey is a corporate paralegal and writer based out of Alberta. His work has appeared in Publishers Weekly, Thrive Insider, and various academic journals. He lives with his wife and two children.

Ultimate Guide to American Express Canada Transfer Partners

Quentin Tsang Mar 20, 2024 / American Express / Leave a comment

American Express Membership Rewards (MR) points are one of the most valuable points currencies that we can earn in Canada. While they can be used for statement credits (cash back), redeemed for travel through the American Express Travel Portal, or gift cards and merchandise, we can unlock the most value when we transfer MR points to American Express’s Transfer Partners. 

Let’s talk about these Transfer Partners and how we can use them to maximize the value of our hard-earned Membership Rewards points!

What Are American Express Canada Transfer Partners?

American Express Transfer Partners are points and miles loyalty programs where we can exchange our Membership Rewards points for their respective currencies at various rates. Essentially, this allows us to use our MR points to redeem flights or hotels directly with loyalty programs, rather than being restricted to the American Express Travel Portal. 

More importantly, this gives us the potential to break the fixed value of 1 cent per point that American Express limits on their points when we use it directly with them, making every Membership Rewards point go further than before. 

However, not all American Express credit cards have access to these transfer partners – only cards that earn Membership Rewards points have this ability. American Express’s consumer portfolio of MR earning credit cards includes the American Express Green card , the American Express Cobalt card , the American Express Gold card , and the American Express Platinum card .

On the other hand, American Express’s business portfolio of MR earning credit cards includes the American Express Business Platinum card , American Express Business Gold card , and the American Express Business Edge card .

American Express Canada currently has 6 airline and 2 hotel transfer partners, all of which transfer Membership Rewards points at slightly different ratios. We’ll go over each of them and show you which ones offer the best bang for your buck (or more accurately, your point!).

All American Express Transfer Partners

Let’s go over all of American Express Canada’s Transfer Partners. However, if you’re ever in a rush to check what Transfer Partners are available for American Express Canada, or any other transferable points currencies, check out our new Miles & Points Transfer Partner Tool , where we outline all points transfer ratios and up-to-date transfer bonuses!

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada Aeroplan is one of the most valuable points currency in the game and consistently ranks as one of our top transfer partners for Membership Rewards points. Points transfer at a ratio of 1:1, meaning 1 MR point will yield 1 Aeroplan point. 

Air Canada has the most flights to and from all major Canadian airports and has destinations all around the world. They are also part of the Star Alliance – this means that your Aeroplan points can be used to book flights from Air Canada’s partner airlines. Sure, you can book Air Canada Signature Class , but you can also fly several other renowned products, such as Lufthansa First Class .

Additionally, with the abundant number of Aeroplan co-branded credit cards that unlock additional travel benefits when booking with Aeroplan points, it’s easy to see why we love transferring our Membership Rewards points to Aeroplan for amazing travel experiences!

Air France/KLM Flying Blue

Flying Blue is the loyalty program of both Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Points transfer at a ratio of 4:3 – in more simple math, 1 MR point will transfer to 0.75 Flying Blue miles. 

The most attractive part of the Flying Blue loyalty program is their Flying Blue Promo Rewards . These promotions are offered monthly and offer up to 50% discounts on their award tickets redeemed directly with Flying Blue miles. If a monthly promotion catches your eye, it may make sense to take advantage and transfer some Membership Rewards points over to Flying Blue!

As a note, some routes have moderate fuel surcharge fees, so be sure to double-check the complete cost, both miles and dollars, before transferring your MR points!

British Airways Avios

British Airways Avios is another one of our favorites here at Frugal Flyer. Points transfer at a ratio of 1:1, meaning that 1 MR point will turn into 1 Avios point. 

Since British Airways is part of the OneWorld alliance, there are many carriers that you can book redemption flights on. While carrier surcharge fees are quite high when redeeming for flights operated by British Airways, our favorite use for transferring Membership Rewards points to Avios miles is to book Qatar Airways QSuites , either by booking through British Airways, or by transferring to Qatar Airways Avios.

If you are looking to travel with a partner via British Airways, you can also take advantage of the British Airways Household Account to earn towards your next redemption even quicker.

If you are booking with British Airways, you can also redeem Avios on US-originating flights with American Airlines to avoid pesky fuel surcharge fees. There are also several best ways to redeem British Airways Avios for business class flights if you are looking for ideas for your next vacation.

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier of Hong Kong, and as such, mainly serves destinations in Asia. Points transfer at a ratio of 4:3, meaning that 1 MR point will give you 0.75 Asia Miles. 

As a personal anecdote, Cathay Asia Miles is my parent’s favorite loyalty program because they take advantage of their fixed flight award chart (rare these days!) to fly to and from their home city of Hong Kong for 38,000 Asia Miles.

While the Cathay Pacific Asia Miles program is great for getting you to Asia (pun intended), Membership Rewards points are not the strongest transfer partner to the program. Instead, consider using RBC Avion Points , typically earned from the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card , to transfer to Asia Miles, as they offer a more favorable 1:1 transfer ratio.

Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles are less popular in Canada but still have some unique value propositions if used correctly. Points transfer at a ratio of 4:3, meaning 1 MR point will get you 0.75 SkyMiles. 

While international flights with Delta offer less-than-ideal prices, SkyMiles shines when flying within North America. Specifically, flights within the US have great value. For example, going from New York to Chicago costs only 6,000 points and $6 USD in fees!

This makes Delta a great choice to visit multiple destinations in the US when visiting our neighbor to the South. 

How about getting to the US? Well, SkyMiles also has a good answer for that. To get from Vancouver to Los Angeles, it only costs us 11,500 SkyMiles, which isn’t bad at all.

Delta is a partner airline to WestJet, which offers many domestic Canadian flights and transborder routes to and from Canada and the US. If you don’t collect WestJet Rewards from the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard or RBC Avion Points, SkyMiles can unlock some of WestJets destinations to and from Canadian airports.

Additionally, if you are looking to splurge, Delta Business Class when traveling internationally can be quite the treat.

Etihad Guest

Etihad Airways is the flagship carrier of the United Arab Emirates. It isn’t a very popular loyalty program in Canada, as it is hard to earn points with and only operates flights out of Toronto-Pearson International Airport. Points transfer at a ratio of 4:3 – 1 MR point yields 0.75 Etihad Guest points. 

Unfortunately, it’s going to be quite difficult to extract value from Etihad Guest in Canada (or the US, as it only serves Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington). With much better partners available, Etihad Guest ranks low on our list of Transfer Partners.

Hilton Honors

While not as big of a footprint as Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Hotels, and its Hilton Honors loyalty program are a close second and have hotels everywhere around the world. Points transfer at a ratio of 1:1 from Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors points, but again, we generally do not recommend transferring MR points to hotel programs. 

If you’re looking to earn Hilton Honors points, consider starting your US credit card journey with one of the American Express US Hilton Honors credit cards ! That’s how I booked a recent stay in Chicago at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel – the birthplace of the brownie!

Marriott Bonvoy

Odds are that you have stayed, or will stay, in a Marriott Bonvoy hotel in your lifetime, as it is the largest hotel chain in the world. One of American Express Canada’s two hotel transfer partners, transferring 5 Membership Rewards points will yield 6 Marriott Bonvoy points. 

As a general rule of thumb, we do not recommend that you transfer MR points to any hotel loyalty program unless it is to do a small top-up of your points for an upcoming stay. Instead, check out the American Express Marriott Bonvoy card or American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business card to earn a great welcome bonus plus Marriott Bonvoy points on all purchases.

Additionally, both of these cards earn an annual Marriott free night certificate each year worth 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points adding even more value.

Why Should We Use Transfer Partners?

When you first applied for your American Express MR-earning credit card, you’ve probably seen a tagline along the lines of “Earn up to 30,000 points, worth up to $300.” That gives us a valuation of 1 cent per point.  However, if you’ve read our guide to the American Express Membership Rewards loyalty program , you’ll notice that we value Membership Rewards points at 2.2 cents per point. 

You might be asking, “How are these two valuations so different?” 

Using Transfer Partners allows us to unlock the full potential of Membership Rewards points and exceed the default 1 cent per point valuation that American Express gives us.  Here’s an example of how I got over 11 cents per point by transferring my MR points to Aeroplan:

My partner and I have always wanted to go to Greece and luckily, we both were able to get some time off at the end of October and beginning of November. This being our first overseas trip together in quite some time, we wanted to travel in style in business class, but as you can imagine, pigs would have to fly before we paid over $9,000 CAD per ticket! Luckily, being the Frugal Flyer that I am, I decided to look at redeeming a flight using Aeroplan points.

A flexible reward ticket from Toronto to Athens turned out to be 81,100 Aeroplan points – $9550 cash fare, divided by 81,100 points, gives us an over 11 cents per point valuation! 

However, we didn’t have enough Aeroplan points in our accounts when we were looking to book two tickets. Luckily, American Express Membership Rewards points transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan points, so without hesitation, we transferred points and once they appeared almost instantly we booked our flights! 

Disclaimer: you won’t always get over 11 cents per point. I would say that we were pretty lucky getting such a high cent per point value for our MR/Aeroplan points. However, we believe that you will routinely get over 2 cents if you decide to transfer Membership Rewards points to Aeroplan.

Which American Express Canada Transfer Partners Are Best?

When determining the best transfer partners, we have 2 guidelines:

• American Express Membership Reward points must transfer at least 1:1 to the respective loyalty program for the best value. 
• Hotel loyalty programs are generally not recommended. 

This leaves us with a few main options for where you should consider transferring your Membership Rewards points.

The Best: Air Canada Aeroplan

In our opinion, Air Canada Aeroplan is the strongest American Express Canada Transfer Partner. As Canadians, this is a no-brainer – Air Canada has the most flights from all major Canadian airports to destinations all across the world. 

Aeroplan is also one of the strongest loyalty programs in the points and miles game and offers great redemptions with Air Canada and its partner airlines. My trip later this year to Greece is evidence of how powerful transferring MR points to Aeroplan can be!

Another Good Option: British Airways Avios

British Airways Avios also has the potential to be one of the better transfer partners. If you can avoid the fuel surcharge fees, transferring Membership Rewards points to Avios can unlock great redemptions. Additionally, by linking your British Airways Prestige Club and Qatar Airways Prestige Club Accounts , your British Airways Avios can transfer 1:1 to Qatar Airways Avios to book the prestigious QSuites product.

Several other popular options are also available to be booked with Avios including Aer Lingus Business Class and Japan Airlines Business Class , albeit with higher taxes and fees.

Keep in mind that RBC Avion points also transfer to British Airways Avios, and you can earn points with spending with the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite card . Thus, we recommend that you channel your points earned with RBC to Avios points while reserving American Express Membership Rewards points for partners that are not available anywhere else.

An Unlikely Contender: Air France/KLM Flying Blue

Lastly, an argument can be made for Air France/KLM Flying Blue to be one of the stronger transfer partners, even though it has a 1 MR point to 0.75 Flying Blue miles transfer rate. If you are able to take advantage of the Flying Blue Monthly Promos and get a 25-50% discount on reward redemptions, this brings the effective transfer ratio from 1:1-1.25.

However, on flights outside of these monthly promos, Flying Blue can fall short and we do not recommend transferring your Membership Rewards points.

American Express Canada Transfer Partners are the best way to get the most value out of your hard-earned Membership Rewards points. You can regularly get value over the 1 cent per point valuation that American Express gives it by default, and use them to book amazing flights for a fraction of the price! Be sure to check out our Miles & Points Transfer Partner tool before you transfer any points to get up-to-date information about transfer rates and any transfer bonuses!

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22 Best Credit Cards in Canada for June 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

Choosing the best credit card is part art, part science. From student-friendly starter cards to options boasting premium travel rewards, no single credit card is better than all others in all categories — or for everyone. We’ll help you narrow down the search.

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TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Intro offer details: Earn up to $1,000 in value†, including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† and additional travel benefits. Account must be approved by September 3, 2024. †Terms and conditions apply.

Our Partners: Best Credit Cards in Canada

Best credit cards in canada.

Best overall cash-back card

Scotia momentum® visa infinite* card.

• SPECIAL OFFER: Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). No annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards. Offer ends October 31, 2024.
• Earn 4% for every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments, and subscription purchases.
• Earn 2% for every $1 you spend on gas purchases and daily transit purchases.
• Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit.
• Redeem cash back as a statement credit in November.
• Visa Infinite benefits, including Visa Infinite* Concierge, Visa Infinite* Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite* Dining Series, and entertainment and lifestyle offers.
• Save up to 25% off base rates at participating AVIS locations and at participating Budget locations in Canada and the U.S.
• Access to Scotia SelectPay™.
• To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required, or $250,000 minimum assets under management. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Cash back is the most flexible of all credit card rewards — it’s simple to earn and even easier to redeem. See our selections for the best cash-back credit cards to find the right option for you.

Best overall travel card

Scotiabank platinum american express® card.

• Earn up to $2,100* in value in your first 14 months, including up to 60,000* bonus Scene+ points. Offer ends October 31, 2024.
• You will not pay 2.5% foreign transaction fees on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when travelling abroad. Only the exchange rate applies.
• Earn 2X Scene+™ points for every $1 CAD you spend on all your eligible purchases.
• Scene+ points can be redeemed for travel purchase, merchandise and other non-travel rewards such as gift cards and prepaid cards.
• You must redeem a minimum of 5,000 points per travel-related rewards redemption, equivalent to $50 in travel savings. Points must be redeemed within 12 months of the purchase date.
• $399 annual fee.
• Redeem points for any flight, any time through Scene+ Travel, a full-service travel agency. Plus, take advantage of a best price guarantee on airfare.
• Get a Hertz #1 Club Gold membership for special privileges and rental car benefits at over 8,500 locations in 147 countries.
• Enjoy culinary events and experiences, entertainment, luxury fashion, tours, and more through American Express benefits, including American Express Invites, Platinum VIP offers and access to 24/7 premium concierge services for restaurant reservations, show tickets, and gift purchases.
• Lounge access at over 600 VIP airport lounges around the world with a complimentary Priority Pass membership, which includes 10 free visits per year.
• 12 types of insurance provided, including 31-day travel medical benefits — up to $2 million in coverage — for you, your spouse and any dependent children under the age of 65. 10-day coverage available for those over the age of 65.
• Preferred rates: 9.99% for purchases, 9.99% for cash advances.
• To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

A travel rewards credit card brings your next trip a little closer every time you use it. Whether you’re loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain and want a co-branded card, or prefer the flexibility of a general-purpose travel card, check out our choices for the best travel credit cards in Canada .

Best overall secured card

Neo secured credit.

• Build credit history with on-time payments.
• Set your credit limit and get started with as little as $50.
• Guaranteed approval with no credit score needed to apply.
• 0.5% guaranteed monthly minimum cashback.
• No monthly or annual fees.
• Depending on plan (base or premium), customers can earn up to 6% on restaurants and bars, 4% on apps like DoorDash and Disney+, 3% on gas and groceries, and 0.5% on all other purchases.
• Personalized Insights AI generates tailored information and recommendations designed specifically for you.

Whether you want to build your credit or a controlled way to ease into the world of credit card use, secured cards can help. See our selections for the best secured credit cards in Canada .

Best overall points card

Rbc ion+ visa credit card.

• Get 12,000 Avion points upon approval* – that’s $80 of value in gift cards⁺! Apply by November 4, 2024.
• Earn 3X Avion points for every $1 spent¹ on:
• Grocery, Dining & Food Delivery – Satisfy your taste buds by earning points on groceries, dining out, food delivery.ⁱ
• Rides, Gas & EV Charging – Enjoy earning points on gas, rideshare, daily public transit, electric vehicle charging.ⁱⁱ
• Streaming, Digital Gaming & Subscriptions– Stay entertained while earning points on streaming, gaming, eligible digital subscriptions, eligible digital downloads, and in-game purchases.ⁱⁱⁱ
• Earn 1 Avion point for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases.¹
• Annual Fee $48² ($4 charged monthly).
• Pay With Points – Redeem your Avion points to pay bills, your credit card balance or even send money to friends with Interac e-Transfer⁴. Minimum redemption is only $10, so you can use your points where you need them most.
• Save at Petro-Canada – Save 3¢/L on fuel and earn 20% more points when you pay with a linked RBC card.⁶
• Earn more Be Well points at Rexall – Earn 50 Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Rexall when you pay with your linked RBC card and scan your Be Well card.⁷
• Save Big on Delivery with DoorDash – Get a 3-month complimentary DashPass subscription – a value of almost $308. Enjoy unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees on qualifying orders of $15 or more when you pay with your eligible RBC credit card⁹. See how to save with DoorDash.
• Enjoy a Monthly Fee Rebate – Get a $4 rebate¹⁰ each month ($48/year) on the monthly fee of your credit card when you have an RBC Signature No Limit Banking or RBC Advantage Banking for students account.
• Mobile Device Insurance⁵ Included – Get 2 years of coverage up to $1,000 in the event your mobile device such as your cell phone is lost, stolen, accidentally damaged or experiences mechanical failure when you purchase your mobile device with this credit card.
• Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance⁵ – Automatically protects eligible card purchases against loss, theft or damage within 90 days of purchase, and doubles the manufacturer’s original Canadian warranty by up to one additional year, to a maximum of five years.
• Corresponding legal references and product terms are available on the RBC website, which will be available and agreed upon in the customer onboarding process.

Rewards programs come in all shapes and sizes. Check out our picks for  the best rewards credit cards in Canada  to find the best card for your spending habits.

Best overall rewards card

Simplii financial™ cash back visa card.

• Earn 4% on eligible restaurant, bar and coffee shop purchases up to $5,000 spend per year†.
• Earn 1.5% on eligible gas, groceries, drugstore purchases and pre-authorized payments, up to $15,000 per year†.
• Earn 0.5% on all other credit card purchases with no limit on how much you can earn†.
• For your first 4 months with a Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa* Card, enjoy 10% cash back on eligible restaurants, food delivery and bar purchases. Up to $500 spend †.
• Redeem cash back as a statement credit in December.†
• No annual fee.
• Cash back when you send money abroad with a Simplii Financial Global Money Transfer. No transaction fees and no interest charges.†
• Purchase security and extended protection insurance provided.†
• Interest rates: 20.99% for purchases‡, 22.99% for cash advances‡.
• To be eligible, a $15,000 (individual/household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident (excluding Quebec) that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• †Terms and conditions apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
• ‡ “Purchase” means any Transaction other than a Cash Advance, Balance Transfer or Convenience Cheque. “Cash” means a Cash Advance, Balance Transfer and Convenience Cheque. Interest rates may change from time to time.

No single rewards card is right for everyone. It’s all about how you spend money and what kind of rewards you value. See our choices for  the best rewards credit cards in Canada  to select the best option for you.

Best overall prepaid card

Neo money™ card.

• Get high interest on your savings and high cashback when you spend with your Neo Money™ card.
• Earn unlimited cashback – Get an average of 5% cashback at over 10,000 partners across the country, in real-time, with no monthly limits on how much cashback you can earn.
• Instant access to your balance with no card loading required.
• Free everyday transactions and no monthly fees.
• Withdraw from any ATM worldwide.
• 4.00% interest on every dollar.
• Enable the Auto-Save feature to set up automatic savings and register your email to instantly deposit Interac e-Transfer® requests in your Neo Money™ account.
• Take the pain out of bill pay by setting up automated payments from your Neo Money™ account.
• Customers can get up to 4% cashback on all purchases at Shell gas stations and convenience locations when they use their Neo Credit, Neo Secured Credit or Neo Money™ card. Earn 2% cashback at the pump or convenience store locations. Earn 4% cashback on transactions made through the Shell App. Offer available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Boost these offers by 50% when you add Everyday Essentials perks to your card.

There are many different reloadable cards on the market, offering different perks and conveniences. See our selections for Canada’s best prepaid credit cards .

Best overall card for balance transfers

Scotiabank value® visa* card.

• 0% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for the first 10 months (12.99% after that; annual fee $29).¹ Plus no annual fee in the first year.¹ Offer ends 31 Oct 2024.
• Save up to hundreds of dollars a year on interest.
• Low interest rate of 12.99%.
• Pay down higher interest rate balances faster.
• Transfer higher rate balances and save even more.
• To be eligible, $12,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

Looking to reduce and contain your credit card debt? Explore our choices for Canada’s best balance transfer credit cards to find promotional offers with impressively-low interest rates.

Best overall business card

American express® business edge™ card.

• Earn up to 67,000 welcome bonus Membership Rewards® points.
• Earn 45,000 Welcome Bonus points when you charge $5,000 in purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership.
• Plus, earn 10x the points for every $1 spent on eligible business essentials including office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks within 6 months of Cardmembership, up to a maximum of 10,000.
• You can earn an extra 1,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $3,000 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to 12,000 extra points in a year.
• That’s $670 in statement credits that can be reinvested in your business.
• Earn points that you can redeem in a variety of ways.
• Earn 3x the points for Card purchases on eligible business essentials including office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks when your Welcome Offer ends. Caps and other conditions may apply.
• Earn 1x the points on all other purchases charged to the Card.
• Use points to offset business expenses. Membership Rewards® allows you to offset business expenses by covering the cost of purchases made on your Card, in full or in part. Redeem points for statement credits and to book flights, hotels, and car rentals.
• Transfer points to frequent flyer and hotel programs, including one-to-one to Aeroplan®* and Avios.
• Make the most out of a full suite of business management tools that give you more control over your business – anytime and anywhere.
• Leverage your cash flow with the option of carrying a balance or paying in full each month.
• Employee Card Misuse Protection is a benefit created specifically for business owners and it provides coverage of up to $100,000 per Basic Cardmember in the event an employee misuses their Supplementary Card for unauthorized charges.
• Access coverage that can protect your business purchases when you charge the full price of eligible items to your American Express Business Edge™ Card.
• Protect your eligible purchases against accidental physical damage and theft for up to 90 days with Purchase Protection® Plan.
• Double the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one additional year with Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.

From flat-rate rewards on office expenses to credit cards boasting low-interest rates, see our choices for Canada’s best business credit cards .

Best overall student card

Bmo cashback® mastercard®* for students.

• Welcome offer: Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months.*
• Then get 3% cash back on grocery purchases, 1% cash back on recurring bill payments and 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases!*
• Now earn the highest cash back on groceries in Canada without paying an annual fee!†
• Get cash back every time you spend, plus start building a healthy credit history.
• Want to get your cash back ASAP? Now you can redeem your cash back anytime through direct deposit, as a credit on your statement or into your BMO InvestorLine account.*
• No Annual fee.*
• Extended Warranty.*
• Purchase Protection.*
• Receive a discount on car rentals.*
• *Terms and conditions apply.
• †Statement based on a comparison of the non-promotional grocery rewards earn rate on Canadian cash back credit cards as of January 4, 2023.
• BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

Finding a student credit card with the right combination of features for your lifestyle can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time choosing a card. Compare our picks for the best student credit cards in Canada to find the best choice for you.

Best overall no-fee card

Tangerine world mastercard®.

• Apply for a Tangerine World Mastercard® by October 31, 2024 and earn an extra 10% back* (up to $100) when you spend up to $1,000 in everyday purchases within your first 2 months.
• Earn 2% Money-Back Rewards on purchases in two 2% Money-Back Categories of your choice, and 0.50% Money-Back Rewards on all other purchases.
• Have your Money-Back Rewards deposited into a Tangerine Savings Account, and get a 3rd 2% Money-Back Category.
• No limit on the amount of Money-Back Rewards you can earn.
• Change your 2% Money-Back Categories to suit your spending.
• With Mastercard Travel Rewards, you can unlock cashback offers and get a rebate applied directly to your statement, by using your Tangerine World Mastercard at select merchants that accept Mastercard while travelling outside of Canada.
• Save on the things you love with your Tangerine World Mastercard. Enjoy special benefits and offers from a growing lineup of on-demand apps and subscription services made available to you as a Tangerine World Mastercard cardholder.
• Make the most of your travel with Mastercard® Travel Pass Provided by DragonPass. Your complimentary membership gives you exclusive dining, retail and spa offers in over 650 airports worldwide, along with access to over 1,300 airport lounges at $32 USD per visit. Learn more at Mastercard® Travel Pass.
• Rental Car Collision/Loss Damage Insurance**: Damage and theft protection for your car rental when you rent for up to 31 consecutive days and charge the full cost of your rental to your Card.
• Mobile Device Insurance**: Protection on new cell phones, smartphones or tablets when you charge the full cost to your Card, or when you purchase it through a plan and charge all of your wireless bill payments to your Card. Covers up to $1,000 if your mobile device is lost, stolen, accidentally damaged or experiences mechanical failure.
• Preferred rates: 19.95% for purchases and cash advances.
• To be eligible, a $50,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

You don’t need to pay an annual fee for impressive rewards and perks. See our selections for Canada’s best no-fee credit cards .

Best credit cards for everyday spending

Best grocery credit card

Scotiabank gold american express® card.

• Earn up to $650* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points. Offer ends July 1, 2024.
• Earn 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible grocery stores, restaurants, fast food, and drinking establishments. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
• Earn 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre, and ticket agencies.
• Earn 3X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subway, and more.
• Earn 1X Scene+ point for every $1 spent on every other purchase.
• You’ll earn 6X Scene+ points for each $1 CAD charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
• Discounted Priority Pass™ membership, which grants you access to over 1200 VIP lounges around the world.
• Score deals on shopping, dining, travel and more with Amex Offers®, and experience special events and discounts with American Express Invites®.
• Access to Amex Front Of The Line® presale and reserved tickets.
• To be eligible, $12,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

Best credit card for utilities

Mbna rewards world elite® mastercard®.

• 20,000 bonus points†† (approximately $165 in cash back value) after you make $2,000 or more in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
• 10,000 bonus points††(approximately $80 in cash back value) once enrolled for paperless e-statements within the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn 5 points‡ for every $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership, and household utility purchases until $50,000 is spent annually in the applicable category. 1 point‡ for every $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• Each year, you will receive Birthday Bonus Points‡ equal to 10% of the total number of Points the Account earned in the 12 months before the month of your birthday, to a maximum Birthday Bonus each year of 15,000 Points.
• Redeem points‡ for cash back, brand-name merchandise, gift cards from participating retailers, charitable donations, and travel.
• Standard Annual Interest Rates of 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on balance transfers✪, and 24.99% on cash advances.
• Mobile Device Insurance*** With Mobile Device Insurance, you’ve got up to $1,000 in coverage for eligible mobile devices in the event of loss, theft, accidental damage or mechanical breakdown.
• $120 annual fee. $50 Additional Card Annual Fee for one authorized user (if you have one).
• To qualify, your personal annual income must be greater than $80,000, or your household annual income must be $150,000 or greater††††.
• ††, ‡, ✪, ***, ††††, Terms and Conditions apply.
• This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
• Sponsored advertising. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) and TD is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete information on this MBNA credit card, please click on the “Apply Now” button.

Best gas credit card

Cibc dividend® visa infinite card.

• 4% on groceries, gas, and electric vehicle charging, and 2% on transportation, dining and recurring payments. Accelerated rates apply to the first $80,000 spent per year.
• 1% on everything else, and after spending $80,000.
• 0.25% cash back for every $1 spent on a CIBC Global Money Transfer, with no foreign transaction fees.
• Redeem a minimum of $25 cash back at any time through CIBC Online and Mobile Banking.
• $120 annual fee.
• Visa Infinite benefits, including Visa Infinite Concierge, Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite Dining Series, and entertainment and lifestyle offers.
• Save up to 10 cents per litre at Chevron, Ultramar and Pioneer gas stations when you link your card with Journie Rewards.
• Access to CIBC Pace It.
• Five types of insurance provided, including 10-day out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical benefits — up to $5 million in coverage.
• Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
• To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

Best restaurant credit card

American express cobalt® card.

• In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.
• Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
• Earn 3x the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.
• Earn 2X the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.
• Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online.
• Earn 1X point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
• Enjoy access to hotel bookings, a room upgrade (when available), 12pm check-in and late check-out (when available), and up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel
• Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
• Cobalt Cardmembers receive regular Perks such as bonus reward offers and access to great events.
• Access Front Of The Line® Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with American Express® Experiences.
• *Effective August 15, 2023, Cobalt Cardmembers will earn 5x the points on all eligible eats & drinks charged to their Card up to $2,500 monthly, for the same total of $30,000 annually already in place today. Cardmembers will also continue to earn 3x on streaming subscriptions, 2x on eligible transit, gas & travel purchases and 1x on everything else. T&Cs apply. While the annual earn does not change, the new monthly construct intends to curb gaming activity. The change should have little to no impact on the majority of Cardmembers who utilize the Card and Membership Rewards program as it was intended.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best credit cards for travel

Best credit card for airport lounge access

The platinum card® from american express.

• Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®.
• Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points – that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away.
• New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership.
• Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
• Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service.
• Enjoy a $200 Annual Dining Credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants.
• Unlock $200 or more in additional value with Member extras. You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands.
• Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1300 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.
• Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program.
• Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $600 USD at over 1,500 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
• Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities.
• Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport.
• You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hertz and Avis.
• Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement.

Best credit card for travel insurance

American express® gold rewards card.

• Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points:
• New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card.
• This could add up to 60,000 points in a year. That’s up to $600 towards your next vacation.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
• The Card is now available in your choice of Gold or Rose Gold metal options.
• Receive a $50 CAD statement credit when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card.
• You have access to an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your American Express Gold Rewards Card. Use the credit once annually towards any single travel booking of $100 or more charged to your Gold Rewards Card through American Express Travel Online.
• As a Gold Rewards Cardmember, you can receive complimentary membership in Priority PassTM – one of the world’s largest independent airport lounge programs. Escape the chaos of airports and relax in an oasis of calm and simply enjoy the fact that the travel experience has begun before your plane has even left the ground. Enrollment is required and entry fees apply.
• Enjoy four (4) complimentary visits per Calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges across Canada. Entry fees apply once complimentary visits have been used.
• Charge any eligible purchase to your credit Card then log in to redeem your earned points for a statement credit.
• 1 Free Additional Gold Rewards Card (a $50 value) to help you earn points faster.
• Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99% and/or 28.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining of monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.

Best hotel card

Marriott bonvoy® american express®* card.

• New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points after you charge $1,500 in purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership. Subject to change at any time
• Earn 5 points for every dollar in eligible Card purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
• Receive an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide every year after your first anniversary.
• No annual fee on Additional Cards.
• Redeem points for free nights with no blackout dates at over 7,000 of the world’s most desired hotels.
• Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card. These can be used towards attaining the next level of Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
• Enjoy an automatic upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card each year or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your card.
• American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. Conditions Apply. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best no foreign transaction fee card

Scotiabank passport™ visa infinite* card.

• Earn up to $1,100+ in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived on your first supplementary card. Offer Ends January 3, 2024.
• The only major bank credit card offering you no foreign transaction fees, including for shopping online or abroad.
• Your Award Winning Card For Travel.
• Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more).
• Earn 1 Scene+ point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
• You’ll earn 3X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés TradItIon, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
• Airport lounge access through complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership, plus six complimentary lounge visits per year from the date of enrollment, providing you with access to 1,200+ airport lounges globally, including participating Plaza Premium Lounges.
• Visa Infinite* benefits including Visa Infinite Concierge, Visa Infinite* Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite* Dining Series, and Entertainment & Lifestyle Offers.
• To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required, or a minimum assets under management of $250,000. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

Best starter and newcomer credit cards

Best basic credit card for beginners

American express® green card.

• Get the Card that lets you live in the moment while getting ready for the future.
• The American Express® Green Card lets you go for it with every swipe or tap of your Card.
• As a new American Express® Green Cardmember, you can earn a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards® points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your Card in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. That’s $100 towards groceries or concert tickets.
• Earn 1x the points on Card purchases.
• Charge an eligible purchase to your Card and redeem your Membership Rewards points for a statement credit (All eligible purchases: 1,000 points = $10 statement credit).
• With American Express Experiences and Front Of The Line®, American Express Cardmembers get access to amazing events in Canada.

Best credit card for newcomers to Canada

Scotiabank® scene+™ visa* card.

• Earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months¹
• No annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards¹
• Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more
• Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca
• Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com
• Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
• Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Mar 1, 2024. Subject to change.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

If this card doesn’t seem like a good fit for your wallet, take a look at NerdWallet’s selection of the best newcomer credit cards to help find the right option for you.

Best low interest credit card

Best credit card for bad credit

Home trust secured visa card.

• $59 annual fee.
• No fee option available with a higher interest rate.
• $500 minimum security fund deposit required.
• $10,000 maximum security fund deposit.
• Hard credit checks are made on Home Trust Secured Visa applications.
• Credit activity, including every payment, is reported to TransUnion and Equifax, the two major consumer credit bureaus in Canada.
• Ability to upgrade to an unsecured credit card.
• Manage your account and billing with online banking.
• Cardholders can choose between a card with no annual fee and 19.99% interest or an annual fee of $59 and 14.90% interest.
• Protection against fraud through Visa’s Zero Liability Policy.
• Preferred rates: 14.90% for purchases, 19.80% for cash advances.
• To be eligible, you must have a source of income and cannot currently be in bankruptcy. You must be able to provide security funds and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live. The Home Trust Secured Visa Card is not available to Québec residents.

Best payment network credit cards

Best american express credit card.

American Express knows how to reward cardholders with perks and exclusive experiences. See our selections for the best Amex cards in Canada .

Best Mastercard credit card

Bmo cashback® world elite®* mastercard®*.

• Welcome offer: Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year.*
• Earn more cash back on the categories that mean the most: 5% on groceries.* 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation.* 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging.* 2% on recurring bill payments like your monthly phone bill or favourite streaming service.* 1% unlimited cashback on all other purchases.*
• Get the highest cash back earn rate on groceries in Canada.†
• Get valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services.
• Extended Warranty Plus.*
• Purchase Protection Plus.*
• Complimentary membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey.*
• Access over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world – all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges.*
• Complimentary Roadside Assistance Program.*
• BMO CashBack World Elite Travel and Medical Protection.*
• BMO Concierge Service.*
• Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada.

Best Visa credit card

As the world’s most widely-accepted credit card network, Visa cards are a smart addition to any wallet. See our selections for the best Visa credit cards in Canada .

Summary: Best Credit Cards Overall

Methodology to choose the best credit cards in canada.

NerdWallet Canada selects the best credit cards based on overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodology include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as airline or hotel perks or the ability to transfer points. Charge cards are not included on this list.

Different types of best credit cards

Looking for certain types of credit cards? Check out more of our picks for different categories of best credit cards:

• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Cards
• Best Rewards Cards
• Best Business Cards
• Best Student Credit Cards
• Best No-Fee Credit Cards
• Best Secured Cards
• Best Cards for Bad Credit
• Best Prepaid Credit Cards
• Best Balancer Transfer
• Best Aeroplan Cards
• Best Metal Credit Cards

Beginner’s guide to credit cards in Canada

A credit card is part of daily life for many Canadians. Using your card to pay for purchases can be more convenient than using cash. Plus, with the best credit cards, you can manage your expenses and earn rewards at the same time.

How credit cards work

Think of credit cards as a short-term loan from your credit card provider. You make purchases with your card and pay for them later.

One thing that makes credit cards appealing is that there’s an interest-free period. As long as you pay for all charged purchases in full by your statement due date, you won’t have to pay interest in exchange for borrowing the issuer’s money for a few weeks.

A typical credit card transaction would look something like this:

• You charge a purchase to your card When making purchases, choose credit as your form of payment. You’ll then tap, insert or swipe your card to initiate the payment. You may also be required to enter your pin number. If you’re making payments online, you’ll need to enter all your card information manually.
• Wait for your purchase to be authorized The payment terminal will contact your credit card company to confirm the purchase amount.
• The merchant gets paid Once approved, your credit card provider sends the merchant the funds. The merchant does pay a small fee to your credit card provider for this service.
• You get your bill and pay Once your bill arrives, it’ll list your transactions, minimum payment requirement and due date. If you only make the minimum payment , you may see some interest charges on your next bill. To avoid this extra cost, pay your bill in full by that date so no interest is charged.

Ideally, you’d be able to pay your bill in full each month, so these interest charges would not apply. If you’re worried about your ability to do so, seek out a low-interest card to reduce your financial risk.

How credit card interest works

Credit card companies charge interest on unpaid balances. You don’t owe any interest when you pay your card’s balance in full. But what happens if you don’t pay off your credit card balance? Let’s take a look.

Say your card has a 19% interest rate — which is pretty standard. You pay $100 to buy a pair of concert tickets for yourself and a friend. But how much interest will those tickets accrue if you don’t pay your credit card balance and your card’s grace period has passed?

Here’s how to calculate credit card interest :

• 19% / 365 = 0.00052
• 0.00052 x $100 = $0.05
• $0.05 x 30 = $1.50

» MORE: Don’t want to crunch the numbers by hand? Figure out how much interest you’d owe with our credit card interest calculator .

How credit card rewards work

With certain credit cards, you can earn rewards when you make a purchase. The type of rewards you earn and your earn rate differ by card, however.

Types of rewards you can earn

The types of rewards you can earn can generally be broken down into four categories:

• Cash back. For every purchase you make, get a set percentage back in cash. The pay-out date for your cash back earned differs depending on the card. It can be monthly, annually or when you reach a minimum threshold.
• Travel benefits. Credit card travel rewards programs let you earn points or miles when you make purchases. You can use your rewards to offset the cost of flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages and more.
• General rewards. Most rewards programs offer the option to redeem the points you’ve earned for general merchandise, gift cards, experiences, entertainment, financial rewards, and more.
• Store perks. Many merchants have a co-branded credit card. The points you earn can be used in-store or online at any participating stores. Groceries and merchandise are typical redemption options for store rewards cards.

The earn rate is a critical factor when it comes to getting rewards. Every rewards card has a base earn rate, but some cards also have higher earn rates on certain highly lucrative purchases. Knowing the difference between the two can help you maximize your rewards .

• Base earn rate. You’ll get this for any purchase that doesn’t fall into an increased earn rate category, or after you’ve hit any applicable limits in those categories. For example, you might get 1% cash back or 1 point per dollar spent.
• Accelerated earn rate. Getting extra points on bonus categories that line up with your regular spending is a great way to rack up rewards even faster. For example, some of Canada’s best cash-back credit cards may give you 4% back on groceries or 2% on gas.

The rewards process

Earning rewards can look different depending on the card and issuer, but generally speaking, the process works like this:

• Make a purchase with your credit card. The purchase must be considered eligible by the issuer to earn rewards.
• Your rewards are calculated. Depending on the merchant category and your earn rate, your credit card provider calculates how many rewards you’ve earned. They’ll also factor in any promotions where you’ll earn additional rewards.
• Rewards are deposited into your account. Cash-back rewards may be immediately visible in your account, but you may not be able to cash them out until a certain date or when you hit a certain threshold. If you’re earning travel or store rewards, you’ll either see your points immediately or at the end of the month when your statement posts.
• Redeem your rewards. In most cases, redeeming your rewards requires you to log in to your account. Redeeming cash back may only take a few clicks, but if you’re looking to redeem travel rewards, you may need to go through a travel portal or book the travel first.

Tracking your rewards

In most cases, logging in to your account will allow you to see how many rewards you’ve earned. Most credit card providers show how many points you’ve earned for each transaction as well as a running total, so you’ll know exactly where you stand. Additionally, credit card statements often have a more detailed breakdown of any extra rewards that you may have earned.

Your rewards typically show up when the transaction posts. Bonus rewards earned from special promotions should show up on your monthly statement. It’s also worth mentioning that any special rewards you get, such as a companion voucher, may take longer to appear in your account.

As for your welcome bonus, you usually need to track that on your own. For example, let’s say you need to spend $3,000 in the first three months of card membership to get your intro offer. Although you’ll usually get your bonus immediately after passing the minimum spend requirement, it’s up to you to check if points land after you’ve spent enough.

How to choose the right credit card

With so many credit cards available, narrowing down your choices can be a challenge. When choosing a credit card, there are numerous factors to consider — chief among them: card requirements.

Different cards carry different credit score and income requirements. To ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, learn how to check your credit score. And be mindful of personal or household income requirements, too — you’ll often encounter these criteria with high-tier luxury cards.

Credit card features to compare

Consider the following when deciding which credit card is right for you:

• Annual fee. Decide if you want to pay an annual fee or not . Cards that have an annual fee typically come with better benefits.
• Rewards. The type of rewards you want to earn will quickly help you narrow down your choices.
• Earn rate. Try to choose a card with increased earn rates in the categories where you naturally spend more.
• Welcome bonus. If you’re comparing similar cards, choose the one with a better sign-up offer.
• Additional perks. See if there are any additional benefits you want, such as no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance , extended warranty, etc.

What credit score is needed for a credit card?

Canadian credit card issuers rarely disclose required credit scores , which makes it hard to know your chances of approval when comparing credit cards. However, higher scores generally mean better chances of approval, and that’s true regardless of the type of credit you’re applying for.

Want to learn more? Visit our “ What Credit Score is Needed for a Credit Card? ” page.

What is the best credit score in Canada?

Credit scores in Canada range from 300 to 900. Generally, Canadian credit scores can be organized into the following categories:

• Poor: 300 – 579.
• Fair: 580 – 659.
• Good: 660 – 739.
• Very Good: 740 – 799.
• Excellent: 800+.

How to apply for a credit card

When you apply for a credit card , there’s no guarantee you’ll be approved. The credit card provider needs to assess your financial profile to determine if you’re creditworthy. The application process will typically look something like this:

• Fill out an application. This can be done online or at your financial institution. The application will ask for some basic information, such as your name, date of birth, address, social insurance number, employer and income.
• Your information is checked. The credit card issuer will check your credit history and verify the information that you provided.
• A decision is made. If you apply online, instant approval (or disapproval) is possible, but there’s also a chance the credit card issuer will ask you to contact them to provide additional information.
• Your card is mailed out. Your credit card will immediately be mailed out and will typically arrive within 14 business days.
• Activate your card. Once your card arrives, you’ll need to activate it by logging into your account or calling the number on your card. Once activated, you can use your card to make purchases.

How many credit cards should I have?

The number of credit cards that’s right for you will depend on your spending habits, credit score and personal preferences.

There are benefits and drawbacks to carrying two or more credit cards. A few things to keep in mind:

• Applying for a new Canadian credit card requires a hard credit check , which will likely drop your credit score by a few points.
• Holding more than one credit card may improve your credit score if you use your cards responsibly.
• Carrying more than one card means you’ll have access to multiple credit sources, which could lead to an increased risk of debt.

Types of credit cards in Canada

A wide variety of credit cards are available in Canada, and each can be used as a tool to achieve various financial goals. People who always pay their bills on time may want a rewards credit card, whereas someone looking to rebuild their credit may prefer a secured credit card. Since your personal situation could change at any time, it’s a good idea to understand how the different types of credit cards work.

Rewards credit cards: Best for earning points and cash-back rewards

Rewards credit cards can be broken down into the following categories:

• Cash back. You’ll get cash back on every purchase you make. See our picks for the best cash back credit cards in Canada .
• General rewards. The points you earn can be used for gift cards, merchandise, experiences and sometimes travel. See our picks for the best general rewards credit cards in Canada .
• General travel. The points you earn can be used for any type of travel redemption. See our picks for the best travel credit cards in Canada .
• Airline rewards. Co-branded airline rewards can be used on a specific airline and its partners.
• Hotel rewards. Points earned through hotel credit cards can be used at any participating property.
• Store rewards. Use the points you’ve earned for groceries, merchandise and more.

No-fee credit cards: Best for rewards on a budget

No-fee credit cards come with no annual fee. They can be any type of credit card, but often feature rewards or a low interest rate. Some no-fee cards are geared towards students and have easier requirements.

Balance transfer credit cards: Best for paying down credit card debt

Balance transfer credit cards typically come with a low introductory interest rate. Because of this, you can use them to move your balance from a credit card with a high rate to one with a lower rate, allowing you to pay down debt faster.

Low-interest credit cards: Best for cardholders who typically carry a balance

Low-interest credit cards often have an interest rate of between 9% – 13%. This is significantly lower than standard interest rates, so low-interest credit cards can be helpful for people who may carry a balance.

Student credit cards: Best for anyone seeking accessible credit

Student credit cards typically have more relaxed qualification requirements and often charge no annual fee. They’re a good choice for students who may be looking to build their credit or establish good spending habits.

Secured credit cards: Best for building credit

If you’re unable to qualify for an unsecured credit card, you might be able to get one of the best secured credit cards . These cards require you to deposit security funds that act as your credit card limit. As you make your payments regularly, using a secured credit card can build your credit score .

Black credit cards: Best for luxurious perks

Despite the name, what unites black credit cards isn’t colour; it’s exclusivity. Black cards are deluxe credit cards — the crème de la crème — typically available by invitation only to high earners and splashy spenders. The eligibility criteria for a black credit card differs by card provider, but typically, applicants need an excellent credit score and a personal income of at least six figures annually.

Aeroplan credit cards: Best for Air Canada patrons

Millions of Canadians are members of Aeroplan, the loyalty program associated with Air Canada. There are several ways to become an Aeroplan member, but the easiest is carrying an Aeroplan personal or business credit card. The best Aeroplan credit cards make it easy to earn points that can be used for special perks and benefits. Armed with one of these travel cards, your trip may be more enjoyable and affordable than ever.

Air Miles credit cards: Best for travellers seeking flexible redemption options

The Air Miles program launched in 1992 and remains one of Canada’s most popular rewards programs. Air Miles collectors can redeem Dream and Cash Miles for various items, including airfare, cash rewards, merchandise and more. The best Air Miles credit cards earn rewards on every eligible dollar spent and come with attractive perks, like airport lounge access and robust travel insurance.    

Business credit cards: Best for business owners

Business credit cards typically offer accelerated rewards rates on business spending. Merchants may also appreciate common business credit card perks, like higher credit limits and supplementary cards for employee use.

Prepaid credit cards: Best for anyone with a low credit score or no credit history

Prepaid credit cards are like debit cards: cardholders can only spend up to the amount they’ve deposited to the card. Prepaid cards don’t charge interest because cardholders don’t borrow money — they spend their own funds. Prepaid credit card activity isn’t reported to Canadian credit bureaus, so using one won’t impact your credit score.

Types of credit card interest rates

Credit cards typically have more than one interest rate. Take a closer look at your card’s terms and conditions, and you may notice as many as four different credit card interest rates:

• Purchase interest rate. The purchase interest rate is the rate you pay on overdue balances from everyday spending. In Canada, most cards have a purchase interest rate of about 20%.  
• Cash-advance interest rate. You’ll pay your credit card’s cash advance interest rate on any money you withdraw from an ATM — also called a cash advance . Cash advance interest rates also apply to lottery ticket purchases, gambling site transactions and wire transfers.
• Balance-transfer interest rate. Balances transferred from one credit card to another are subject to balance transfer interest rates.
• Penalty interest rate. Missing multiple credit card payments may result in a penalty interest rate that’s much higher than the purchase rate. For a set period, you’ll pay a penalty interest rate instead of your card’s purchase interest rate on everyday transactions.

Pros and cons of credit cards

Credit cards are a convenient payment option, but there are some drawbacks to consider.  

• Convenient and secure payment method.
• May earn rewards.
• May offer insurance coverage.
• Builds credit when used responsibly.
• A more expensive form of borrowing than a personal loan or line of credit.
• May lead to debt. 
• Harms credit when used irresponsibly.

Tips for maximizing your credit card rewards

Get the most out of your credit card rewards with the following tips:

• Know how to earn points. Not all purchases may be treated equally — at least not in the eyes of your card issuer. Some purchases may earn you more points than others, so familiarize yourself with your card’s rewards program.
• Explore redemption options. Card rewards range from travel perks to cold hard cash. If you’re card shopping, take a look at the reward options before signing up.
• Capitalize on limited-time promotions. Keep an ear out for time-sensitive promotional periods when your points may be worth more.
• Watch out for expiration dates. Some points expire after a prolonged period of card inactivity, so keep your card in good standing to maintain your point balance.

What credit cards are the most accepted in Canada?

Mastercard and Visa credit cards are the most accepted cards in Canada, although one major retailer doesn’t take Visa: Costco.

If you carry an American Express card, you may want a backup form of payment — it may be less frequently accepted in Canada.

What’s better, a Mastercard or Visa?

It’s hard to declare a winner between Mastercard and Visa because these payment giants are credit card networks — not credit card issuers. Mastercard and Visa are among the most popular and well-established credit card processing networks in the world and share a lot in common. They’re both widely accepted and process billions of transaction dollars annually.

Mastercard and Visa predominantly work behind the scenes. They partner with card issuers, like banks and credit unions, to offer cards to the public. Eligibility requirements, rewards, and signup bonuses are all determined by card issuers.

Credit card companies in Canada

Here are some widely known credit card issuers in Canada, along with their networks and notable cards. Credit card issuers are companies that lend money and provide credit cards. These issuers belong to credit card networks , which maintain the infrastructure that makes credit card transactions possible.

Can Americans get a Canadian credit card?

Yes. Several Canadian banks offer non-resident and newcomer credit cards, including RBC, Scotiabank, TD, and more. These card programs are designed for newcomers and temporary residents and typically don’t require a credit check.

US citizens can also explore secured or prepaid credit card options. These Canadian credit cards require cash deposits before they can be used and can be a practical option for those paying a visit to the Great White North.

About the Author

Shannon Terrell is a lead writer and spokesperson for NerdWallet, where she writes about credit cards and personal finance. Previously, she was a writer, editor and video host for financial…

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Checked bag allowances.

Changes to bag allowances and fees have been updated as of February 20, 2024.

Travel within / between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands – 1st checked bag fee is $40 ($35 if you pay online) and the 2nd checked bag fee is $45.

Travel to / from Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Guyana – 1st checked bag fee is $35 and the 2nd checked bag fee is $45.

All bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person, at each check-in location, each way, even if you purchase or get an upgrade that includes free checked bags. If you believe you've been incorrectly charged for bag fees, contact an American representative for help or file a refund claim within 45 days.

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We calculate the size limits of your bag by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, length + width + height.

For all regions, except to / from Australia or New Zealand, your checked bag allowance is:

• Dimension: 62 in / 158 cm
• Weight: 50 lbs / 23 kgs
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• Weight: 70 lbs / 32kgs for complimentary bags and 50 lbs / 23 kgs for excess charged bags
• Oversize and overweight bags

What it will cost

In some cases, you won't have to pay the fees for up to 3 bags when traveling on itineraries marketed and operated by American Airlines. If you qualify for complimentary bags based on your AAdvantage ® status or one world ® status, the benefits are based on your highest status level at time of ticketing or check-in.

If your status level is:

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• Lower at ticketing than at check-in, current benefits will automatically apply

Free checked bags may not apply to codeshare flights operated by our partners. Visit the website of the airline operating your flight for details.

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1st checked bag is complimentary for:

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or when traveling to these destinations:

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*Excluding Basic Economy

^Excluding Basic Economy for tickets issued on / after June 7, 2023

1st and 2nd checked bags are complimentary for:

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*Applicable only to Flagship ® First International, Flagship ® First Transcontinental and Flagship ® Business Plus. AAdvantage Executive Platinum ® status, AAdvantage Platinum Pro ® status and oneworld ® Emerald members traveling in Flagship ® First may check a 4th bag at no charge

**Free checked bags apply when traveling on American marketed and operated itineraries. Free checked bags don't apply to codeshare flights operated by our partners.

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Pay for your checked bags online within 24 hours of departure and receive the best price available for travel on domestic flights within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, and select markets in the Caribbean and Central America.

For tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024, save $5 on the 1st checked bag fee for travel within and between the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.

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All published bag fees apply at each check-in location and are base rates according to travel dates and destination; applicable taxes are not shown.

All bag fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way, even if you buy or get an upgrade that includes free checked bags. If you believe you were incorrectly charged for bag fees, contact an American representative for help or file a refund claim within 45 days.

^Main Plus includes 1 extra free checked bag in addition to the Main Cabin allowance (max of 2)

^^A $30 1st checked bag fee and a $40 2nd checked bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before February 19, 2024. A $40 1st checked bag fee ($35 if paid online) and a $45 2nd checked bag fee applies within / between the U.S. (including HI / AK), Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024. Otherwise, a $35 1st checked bag fee and a $45 2nd checked bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024.

*Free bag excludes Basic Economy: For Basic Economy travel to / from Haiti, a $30 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before February 19, 2024 and a $35 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024. For Basic Economy travel to/from Panama / Colombia / Ecuador / Peru a $45 1st bag fee applies. For Basic Economy travel to / from South America (excluding Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname) a $45 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023 and a $60 1st bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023. For Transatlantic Basic Economy travel, a $75 1st bag fee applies. For Transpacific Basic Economy travel for tickets issued on / after June 7, 2023 a $75 1st bag fee applies and for tickets issued on / before June 6, 2023 there is no 1st bag fee.

**For travel to / from Panama and South America (except Guyana and Suriname), a $65 2nd bag fee applies for tickets issued on / before September 19, 2023 and a $100 2nd bag fee applies for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023.

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**For travel to Cuba, a $200 2nd bag fee applies seasonally for travel from November 16 – January 9. A $150 2nd bag fee applies otherwise. Excludes Main Plus for tickets issued on / after September 20, 2023.

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Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card

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United Kingdom

United Arab Emirates

Marriott Bonvoy® World  Mastercard® from Emirates NBD

Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express Card®

Marriott Bonvoy® Banorte™ Credit Card from Mastercard®

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Marriott Bonvoy® Shinhan Card

CITIC Marriott Bonvoy® Credit Cards

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Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy® HDFC Bank Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy® QIB Credit Cards

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