Rankings
Best American Express Cards in Canada
Every Amex and Amex-network card in Canada ranked by first-year value, including Scotiabank’s Amex cards. Top: Scotiabank Platinum American Express ($881).
What is the best American Express card in Canada?
Scotiabank Platinum American Express ($881 first year), Scotiabank Gold American Express ($861 first year), Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card ($706 first year).
| Card | Annual fee | First-year value | Net annual rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| TopScotiabank Platinum American Express | $399 | $881 | $81 |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express | $120 | $861 | $361 |
| Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card | $120 | $706 | $216 |
| SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express | $120 | $663 | $516 |
| American Express Gold Rewards | $250 | $631 | $31 |
| American Express Aeroplan Card | $120 | $482 | $132 |
| Scotiabank American Express | $0 | $464 | $364 |
| American Express Cobalt | $192 | $386 | $236 |
| American Express Green | $0 | $340 | $240 |
| SimplyCash Card from American Express | $0 | $329 | $329 |
Values use WalletReturn’s standard $2,000 a month of typical Canadian spending. First-year value = welcome bonus + a year of rewards − the annual fee; net annual rewards = a normal year of rewards − the fee.
Put it into practiceCompare cardsIs the Amex Cobalt still worth it?
For heavy grocery and restaurant spenders, yes: it earns 5 points per $1 on food (up to $2,500 a month), worth about 5% when points go to travel. Its $191.88 fee is billed $15.99 monthly.
Where is Amex not accepted in Canada?
Costco warehouses, many independent stores and some restaurants. Pair an Amex with a no-fee Visa or Mastercard for backup.
What are Amex Membership Rewards points worth?
About 1 cent each toward travel or statement credits on eligible purchases, more if you transfer to Aeroplan or other partners at good value.
Official sources and further reading
Terms vary by product. Confirm the provider’s current terms before acting. This guide does not predict approval, realized value or credit-score changes. How WalletReturn calculates value