Choosing the best American Express (Amex) Canada card can help you earn valuable rewards, enjoy travel perks, and unlock exclusive benefits. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a small business owner, or simply looking to maximize everyday spending, AMEX Canada offers a range of cards to suit your needs. Below, we compare the Personal Platinum, Gold, and Cobalt cards, as well as their Business counterparts, to help you decide which is best for you.
Why Choose an American Express Canada Card?
- Generous Membership Rewards: AMEX Canada cards earn Membership Rewards points, which are flexible and can be used for travel, gift cards, statement credits, and more.
- Travel Perks: Many AMEX cards offer lounge access, travel credits, and insurance coverage.
- Spending Power: Business cards come with purchasing power that can adapt to your needs.
- Exclusive Offers & Events: Front Of The Line® access, dining credits, and special promotions are frequently available to cardmembers.
If you’re ready to apply or learn more, visit PointHack.ca to explore current offers and referral links.
How to Choose the Best Amex Canada Card [Personal]
Below are three popular personal AMEX Canada cards with varying benefits and annual fees.
American Express Personal Platinum
- Annual Fee: $699–$799 (depending on current offers).
- Net Annual Fee After Credits: Often lower when you factor in travel and dining credits (e.g., $200 travel, $200 dining).
- Pros:
- Extensive lounge access (including Centurion and Priority Pass).
- High earn rates on select categories like dining and travel.
- Premium insurance coverage for travel and purchases.
- Cons:
- Higher annual fee.
- Not all merchants accept AMEX, though acceptance is growing.
- Best For: Frequent travelers who value premium perks and lounge access.
Check out the current personal Platinum card offers.
American Express Gold (Personal)
- Annual Fee: $250.
- Net Annual Fee After Credits: AMEX sometimes offers statement credits or bonus points that offset part of the fee.
- Pros:
- Competitive earn rates on travel, gas, grocery, and pharmacy.
- Access to AMEX Offers and front-of-the-line event tickets.
- Lower annual fee compared to Platinum.
- Cons:
- Fewer premium perks than Platinum.
- Some benefits vary depending on ongoing promotions.
- Best For: Individuals seeking a solid rewards structure without paying a premium annual fee.
See current promotions for AMEX Gold.
American Express Cobalt
- Monthly Fee: $12.99 (approximately $155.88/year).
- Net Annual Fee After Credits: Varies by promotion, but earn rates can offset much of the fee if you maximize bonus categories.
- Pros:
- 5x points on eats & drinks in Canada (restaurants, groceries, deliveries).
- Great for everyday spending; flexible monthly fee.
- Points can be transferred to frequent flyer programs or used as statement credits.
- Cons:
- Fewer high-end travel perks compared to Platinum or Gold.
- Monthly fee model may not appeal to everyone.
- Best For: Renters, students, and everyday spenders who want to maximize points on food and daily expenses.
Learn more about the Cobalt card.
Choosing the Best Amex Canada Card [Business]
If you run a small business or have significant business expenses, consider an AMEX Business card. They often come with valuable perks, flexible spending limits, and the ability to manage employee cards easily.
American Express Business Platinum
- Annual Fee: $499–$799 (depending on current promotions).
- Net Annual Fee After Credits: Typically reduced by statement credits or travel credits included with sign-up offers.
- Pros:
- Access to airport lounges worldwide (similar to Personal Platinum).
- Elevated earn rate on eligible business purchases.
- Expense management tools and employee card options.
- Cons:
- High annual fee.
- Ideal primarily for businesses with larger monthly spends.
- Best For: Entrepreneurs or business owners who travel often and can leverage lounge access, insurance, and rewards to offset the fee.
Check details on current Business Platinum offers.
American Express Business Gold
- Annual Fee: $199–$250.
- Net Annual Fee After Credits: Some offers or bonus points may help offset the fee.
- Pros:
- Earn rates targeted toward business expenses (often 2x on certain categories).
- Flexible payment options, extended interest-free days.
- Lower fee than Business Platinum.
- Cons:
- Fewer premium perks compared to Business Platinum.
- Not ideal for non-business use.
- Best For: Small to mid-sized businesses or freelancers wanting to earn rewards on operating costs without paying premium fees.
Compare all available business card bonuses.
Which AMEX Canada Card Is Best for You?
- Frequent Traveler: You may prefer Personal Platinum or Business Platinum for lounge access, travel credits, and premium perks.
- Everyday Spender: The Cobalt offers high earn rates on food and dining, plus a manageable monthly fee.
- Cost-Conscious: The Personal Gold or Business Gold could be a smart balance of rewards and moderate annual fees.
- Business Owners: If you have significant business expenses and need lounge access or employee cards, Business Platinum stands out, while Business Gold may be more cost-effective for smaller operations.
For referral links and the latest signup bonuses, explore PointHack.ca. By choosing the right AMEX Canada card and optimizing your spending, you’ll unlock valuable Membership Rewards, enjoy perks that make traveling more comfortable, and maximize your overall savings. Happy earning!