Where is American Express accepted in Canada?
11M
Readers
150+
Reviews
1,000+
Metrics
Partners on this page may provide us earnings.
11M
Readers
150+
Reviews
1,000+
Metrics
Partners on this page may provide us earnings.
American Express credit cards are consistently rated as some of the best credit cards in Canada. Still, despite this stellar reputation, these credit cards also have an unfair reputation of not being widely accepted across the country, which causes many Canadians to avoid them. So, where is American Express accepted in Canada?
American Express has recently expanded its acceptance rate, and since, most major retailers accept American Express credit cards, including those listed below:
Category | Example brands |
---|---|
Clothing | Aldo, Ardenne, H&M, Hudson’s Bar, Marshalls, Mark’s, Sport Chek, Sunglass Hut, Winner |
Department stores (including online) | Canadian Tire, Amazon, Walmart |
Dining | McDonald’s, Starbucks, Burger King, Oliver & Bonacini, Tim Hortons |
Electronics | Apple, Best Buy, Canada Computers, Staples |
Gas (including fuel) | Esso, Petro-Can, Shell, Ultramar, Irving Oil, Fast Gas Plus, Co-Op Gas Bars, Race Trac, Bluewave Energy |
Groceries | Safeway, Sobeys, Metro, Metro Plus, Longos, Whole Foods Market, 7-Eleven, Circle K, Super C, Marché Richelieu, IGA, FreshCo |
Hardware stores | The Home Depot |
Home goods (including furnishings and décor) | Homesense, Hudson’s Bay, IKEA, Lowe’s, Marshall’s |
Hotels | Fairmont Resorts & Hotels, Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Radisson, Sheraton |
Pharmacies (including drugstores) | London Drugs, Jean Coutu, Rexall, Uniprix, Uniprix Sante, Uniprix Clinique |
Major chains:
Convenience stores and specialty grocers:
The Cobalt Card offers an impressive 5x points (5% return) on groceries at most major Canadian supermarkets that accept Amex. This is the highest earn rate on groceries available from any premium credit card in Canada.
The American Express Cobalt® Card is without question Amex Canada’s premier option for rewards when it comes to gas and groceries. earns 2x points on eligible gas, transit and ride shares in Canada, effectively a 2% return.
The American Express SimplyCash Preferred™ Card earns a base rate of 2% on all non-bonus purchases, which includes drugstores. This makes the SimplyCash Preferred a great set-it-and-forget-it option no matter where you shop.
Fast food:
Restaurants:
Food delivery services:
For restaurant and food delivery spending, the Cobalt Card is unmatched with its 5x points on restaurants, cafés, bars, and food delivery services. This translates to a 5% return when redeemed for travel through the Amex Fixed Points Travel Program or for statement credits.
Department stores:
Clothing:
Electronics and office supplies:
Home goods and furnishings:
Home improvement:
Other retailers:
The SimplyCash Preferred Card offers a straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases with no category restrictions, making it ideal for online shopping where specialty category bonuses might not apply.
Airlines:
Hotels:
Car rentals:
Other:
For frequent travellers, we recommend the Platinum Card despite its $799 annual fee. It offers comprehensive travel benefits including airport lounge access with Priority Pass and Centurion Lounges, hotel status upgrades with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, and an annual $200 travel credit.
The Scotiabank Gold Amex provides a base earn rate of 1 Scene+ point per dollar on all "other" purchases that don't fall into bonus categories, including utilities, insurance payments, subscriptions, and miscellaneous services. While this 1% return isn't spectacular on its own, the card's overall earning structure makes it valuable
The lists above are just a small sampling of the thousands of retailers in Canada that accept American Express credit cards.
While many Canadian retailers accept Amex cards, not all do. There are a few major retailers in Canada that don’t accept American Express credit cards. Some retailers don’t accept American Express because they have their own branded credit cards they’d prefer you to use. In addition, due to the higher fee Amex charges its retail partners (rather than Visa or Mastercard), many opt out of accepting an American Express credit card.
So, which brands won't let you pay with an Amex credit card? As of 2025, a few major brands don't accept American Express:
Costco Canada doesn't accept American Express cards because of an exclusive partnership agreement with Mastercard - it's that simple.
Prior to 2015, Costco Canada actually had an exclusive relationship with American Express for about 15 years. However, this partnership ended in December 2014 when they couldn't reach "commercially acceptable terms" during contract renewal negotiations.
$336
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
20.75%
Purchase
22.49%
Cash Advance
22.49%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The CIBC Costco Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee credit card tailored for Costco members, offering cash back on various purchase categories, including elevated rates for dining and gas purchases at Costco gas stations. Cardholders benefit from features such as mobile device insurance and the convenience of combining their credit card with their Costco membership card to maximize their cash back.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.75%
Purchase
22.49%
Cash Advance
22.49%
Balance Transfer
25.99%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
3%
cash back at restaurants and at Costco gas
2%
cash back at other eligible gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations and at Costco.ca
1%
cash back on all other purchases including at Costco
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
Our Take
The CIBC Costco Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee credit card tailored for Costco members, offering cash back on various purchase categories, including elevated rates for dining and gas purchases at Costco gas stations. Cardholders benefit from features such as mobile device insurance and the convenience of combining their credit card with their Costco membership card to maximize their cash back.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.75%
Purchase
22.49%
Cash Advance
22.49%
Balance Transfer
25.99%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
3%
cash back at restaurants and at Costco gas
2%
cash back at other eligible gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations and at Costco.ca
1%
cash back on all other purchases including at Costco
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
Disclosures:
Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertising partners.
Read more: Best Costco Credit Cards in Canada
Like Costco, Loblaws banner brands also do not accept American Express credit cards in Canada. Instead of Amex, Loblaws only accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards in Canada. This is likely as a result of the higher merchant fees American Express charges versus other card issuers.
This limitation applies to all Loblaws-owned stores, including:
Get up to 100,000 bonus PC Optimum™ points†.
$120 Annual Fee
Very Good Recommended Credit Score
$80,000 Required Annual Personal Income
Earn 20,000 PC Optimum™ points†.
$0 Annual Fee
Fair Recommended Credit Score
$80,000 Required Annual Personal Income
Earn 20,000 bonus PC Optimum™ points†.
$0 Annual Fee
Good Recommended Credit Score
$15,000 Required Annual Personal Income
Disclosures:
Read more: Best PC financial credit cards in Canada
You'll also struggle to use your Canadian Amex credit card at Save-On-Foods, the western supermarket chain, which, like Costco, only accepts either Visa or Mastercard. Additionally, smaller businesses (and especially those in rural areas outside major cities like Edmonton and Calgary). Other than these retailers, you should be able to use your American Express credit card everywhere you shop.
If you do run into a situation where you can’t use your American Express credit card, it’s a good idea to have a backup credit card in your wallet. If you’re an avid Costco shopper, a backup Mastercard may be a good idea to maximize your rewards earning at that major retailer.
No matter what the situation, if you find yourself in a position where you can’t use your credit card, American Express wants to know. They’ve created an easy-to-use feedback form to help determine where American Express credit cards are not accepted.
American Express cards offer rewards that make Visa and Mastercard look like toys. The Cobalt Card gives you 5x points on food and drink – that’s effectively 5-10% back depending on how you redeem.
Book travel with your Platinum Card and get better coverage than most paid insurance plans. We’re talking:
Lounge access that really works. Hotel upgrades that actually happen. Concierge service that doesn’t suck. Amex delivers premium perks that other cards merely promise.
If you travel frequently, some American Express credit cards offer great benefits at airports across the country. These benefits could include free airport lounge access, valet services, priority security line access to skip those long security lines, and priority check-in.
up to 15,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$630
First Year Value
$480
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$155.88
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$155.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$155.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
The Cobalt Card is Money.ca's best credit card thanks to its generous up to 5x points on eligible dining and groceries in Canada, bonus earn rates on streaming, gas, transit and rideshare purchases and up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* welcome bonus. Even better, the $155.88 annual fee is billed at $$12.99/month, which can help make the card more affordable by using Amex MR points to pay that monthly fee.
Disclosures
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
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.
up to 180,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$1,271
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 180,000 Membership Rewards® points* - that’s up to $1,800 towards a weekend away. Expires Aug 18, 2025
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$799
Annual Fee
21.99% - 28.99%
Purchase
Our Take
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, with a substantial welcome bonus for new cardholders. Cardholders enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection™, comprehensive travel insurance, and personalized concierge services.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
21.99% - 28.99%
Purchase
30.00%
Penalty
Fees
$799
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Experience Amex’s best offer this year on the Platinum Card®
New Platinum® Cardmembers can earn up to 180,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,800 towards a weekend away!
Here's how:
Earn 100,000 points after you spend $10,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Earn an additional 50,000 points after you spend a total of $50,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between months 15 and 17 of Cardmembership
Offer ends August 18, 2025
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, with a substantial welcome bonus for new cardholders. Cardholders enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection™, comprehensive travel insurance, and personalized concierge services.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
21.99% - 28.99%
Purchase
30.00%
Penalty
Fees
$799
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Experience Amex’s best offer this year on the Platinum Card®
New Platinum® Cardmembers can earn up to 180,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,800 towards a weekend away!
Here's how:
Earn 100,000 points after you spend $10,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Earn an additional 50,000 points after you spend a total of $50,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between months 15 and 17 of Cardmembership
Offer ends August 18, 2025
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.
The Platinum Card isn't your ordinary credit card. Instead, it's a charge card that offers a huge welcome bonus and plenty of impressive statement credits that more than make up for the steep $799 annual fee. The Platinum Card from American Express is a travellers dream thanks to its $100 NEXUS◊ statement credit, , unlimited access to Priority Pass and American Express Global Lounge Network lounges and huge welcome bonus - Earn up to 180,000 Membership Rewards® points* - that’s up to $1,800 towards a weekend away.
Disclosures
While most major retailers in Canada accept American Express credit cards, not all small businesses do. American Express is committed to growing its network of small businesses that accept their credit cards, but there is still a chance you’ll find yourself at one of the few retailers that don’t.
Fortunately, you don’t have to avoid all mom-and-pop stores in your area. To help you determine whether a local retailer will accept your credit card, American Express has built a handy online map that is searchable by location – perfect for when you’re on the hunt for that perfect gift for a loved one.
The reputation American Express credit cards have for being unusable with many retailers is mostly unfounded. Most major retailers accept American Express credit cards, and more and more local retailers are being added to their network every day, small businesses included.
For any shopping necessity, it’s definitely a great idea to have an Amex card fill one of your card slots in your wallet. Use your American Express card to get major bonuses and rewards during the biggest shopping season of the year.
What's next? The best American Express credit cards Canada
Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card to learn more.
*See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk. He's also the creator and author of the annual Money.ca Credit Card Awards.
Jordann Brown is a freelance personal finance writer whose areas of expertise include debt management, homeownership and budgeting. She is based in Halifax and has written for publications including The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and CBC.
Compare Amex credit cards
Compare other rewards credit cards
The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.
†Terms and Conditions apply.