American Express cards are known for their impressive rewards but where can you use Amex credit cards in Canada?
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 credit cards not being widely accepted is a common misconception.
The truth is that you can use American Express credit cards at thousands of merchants across Canada. Except for one or two that we’ll outline below, most retailers in Canada accept American Express credit cards. This availability, combined with the unique benefits of American Express credit cards, means you should think twice before ruling them out as a useful credit tool.
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Canadian retailers that accept Amex credit cards
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 |
The lists above are just a small sampling of the thousands of retailers in Canada that accept American Express credit cards.
Where is Amex not accepted in Canada?
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
- Loblaws brands (excluding Shoppers Drug Mart)
Costco only accepts Mastercard (not even Visa), and their store credit card is a Mastercard. By only accepting Mastercard, Costco increases the likelihood that you’ll sign up for their branded credit card. Loblaws, (with the exception of Shoppers Dug Mart) and Costco, are excellent examples of national retailers that don’t accept American Express credit cards. Loblaws wants to get you into their PC financial credit cards.
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.
Read more: Best Costco Credit Cards in Canada
Why get an American Express credit card?
American Express is consistently ranked as one of the top credit card providers in Canada, and one of the reasons they are so popular is the perks and rewards they offer their loyal cardmembers. Amex offers several excellent rewards credit cards that allow you to earn points on everyday purchases. You can redeem these points for free flights, hotels, or even merchandise and gift cards.
American Express offers a variety of rewards credit cards for different income levels and spending profiles, so no matter what your daily spending habits, there is a credit card that will suit your needs. Here are two high-earning Amex credit cards to consider.
up to 15,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$679.02
First Year Value
$529.02
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: 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.*
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
Pros
Cons
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$155.88
Annual Fee
$2.5
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
Pros
Cons
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$155.88
Annual Fee
$2.5
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 for 2024 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 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 100,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$931
First Year Value
$231
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points* after spending $10,000 on your Card within your first 3 months as a new Platinum® Cardmember.*
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
Pros
Cons
Annual Interest Rates
21.99% - 28.99%
Purchase
30.00%
Penalty
Fees
$799
Annual Fee
$2.5
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
Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $10,000 on your Card within your first 3 months as a new Platinum® Cardmember. That’s $700 towards your next flight.
Plus, earn 30,000 points* when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.* That’s $300 towards dinner out with friends.
*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
Pros
Cons
Annual Interest Rates
21.99% - 28.99%
Purchase
30.00%
Penalty
Fees
$799
Annual Fee
$2.5
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
Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $10,000 on your Card within your first 3 months as a new Platinum® Cardmember. That’s $700 towards your next flight.
Plus, earn 30,000 points* when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.* That’s $300 towards dinner out with friends.
*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 100,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,000 in value.
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.
American Express insurance coverage can help you protect purchases (and more)
Many American Express credit cards offer a comprehensive suite of insurance coverage. Book your vacation with peace of mind knowing that American Express offers trip interruption and delay insurance, emergency medical insurance, and baggage loss and baggage delay insurance.
If you purchase merchandise such as electronics with your American Express credit card, you’ll likely qualify for purchase assurance, which insures your valuables against damage and theft for several months. Your purchase may also qualify for an extended warranty, which extends the manufacturer’s warranty up to one year.
Finally, if you rent a car, some American Express credit cards offer car rental collision and damage waivers, insuring your vehicle automatically so you don’t have to opt for expensive additional insurance.
Exclusive perks
American Express offers a variety of exclusive perks to their cardmembers, depending on which credit card you choose. If you enjoy attending exclusive concerts and events, the Front of the Line by American Express Invites will help you secure tickets to in-demand concerts, even if you miss early ticket sales.
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.
Using your American Express credit card to Shop Small® with local small businesses
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.
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What should I do if my Amex wasn’t accepted?
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.
The bottom line
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.
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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.
FAQs
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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.
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