Despite some penalties in acceptance, American Express credit cards often rise to the top of our credit card rankings. Why? Because they offer some of the highest rewards earn rates and most premium perks packages on the market.
With a collection of credit cards ranging from low fee cash back cards to high fee VIP-worthy cards dripping with perks, Amex has a diverse and impressive portfolio of credit cards for Canadians.
Overview
- A Canadian credit card issuer with some of the best rewards earn rates available.
- Also known for its impressive collection of premium perks, including programs like Amex Front Of The Line and Amex Offers.
- The American Express Cobalt Card has earned the #1 spot in our overall credit card rankings for 6 years in a row.
- No American Express credit cards have income requirements (except for those issued by other banks).
- Less accepted than Mastercards or Visas, but actively broadening its reach through incentives like Amex Shop Small.
Rating methodology
American Express's overall rating is 2.9 out of a possible 5 stars. This number is an average of all the individual products we've rated so far, which you can find more info on below. Each of these are scored by breaking them down into their main parts, then comparing each feature to similar products on the market.
American Express credit cards: personal and business
Amex cards are some of the best of the best – the Amex portfolio includes the best travel, Aeroplan, and restaurant credit cards, just to name a few.
Expect high rates of return on your most common spending categories (like food and gas), plus an extensive range of included perks. Take, for example, Amex Offers, which brings exclusive offers to American Express cardholders every week.
Amex credit cards ratings
Take a look at the broad range of Amex cards, for every type of reward lover.
Amex business credit cards ratings
If you own a small business, American Express business credit cards can earn you rewards on your business purchases.
FAQ
What's the best American Express credit card?
The best American Express credit card also happens to be the #1 card in the country overall – the American Express Cobalt Card.
Are there American Express credit cards for Canadians?
Yes, despite the name, American Express offers 19 credit cards for Canadians. You can see them all right here.
Why do people not like American Express cards?
A lot of Canadians tend to dismiss American Express credit cards because they aren't as widely accepted as Mastercards and Visas. The 2 biggest acceptance problems you'll run into with Amex cards are Costco and Loblaws, large Canadian chains that don't accept Amex. Other than that, American Express has been working to become more widespread through initiatives like Amex Shop Small.
What credit score is needed for American Express?
We estimate that you need at least a good credit score to be approved for most American Express credit cards.
Is Amex and American Express the same thing?
Yes, Amex is simply an abbreviation of the first 2 letters of each word in American Express. The terms are used interchangeably, so when someone refers to Amex, they mean American Express.
Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone, and is not endorsed or sponsored by a bank, credit card issuer, rewards program or other entity. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website.
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