Best American Express Business Credit Cards in Canada for 2024
Aug 27, 2024The best Amex business cards in Canada offer numerous benefits, earn rewards points, and have solid insurance coverage.
American Express has a number of business credit cards in its roster, with varied offerings suitable for a diverse range of merchants. From budding freelancers to seasoned small business owners, there’s plenty to like in the Amex business card lineup.
Best Amex business cards in Canada
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdown
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's take
Card details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card detailsMethodology
BACK TO TOPNerdWallet Canada selects the best American Express business credit cards based on overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of businesses. Factors in our evaluation methodology include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as travel perks and business support services.
What to know about American Express business cards
American Express is one of the largest credit card issuers in the world with a broad selection of personal and business credit cards to offer. Its business cards earn rewards, carry insurance coverage, offer special perks and amenities and more.
Common features of American Express business cards
No two American Express business cards are the same, but many share common features geared especially toward small business owners.
Welcome offers are common
All of the best Amex business cards currently come with an introductory offer for new card members, though the availability and size of the offer differ by card. However, you don’t get points just for signing up. You need to spend a certain amount of money in a predetermined amount of time to unlock the card’s welcome offer.
Purchase interest rates of around 20%
Purchase interest rates for most American Express business credit cards sit between 19.99% to 20.99%. But the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card only charges 21.99% interest on outstanding balances, as of this writing.
Annual fees of $99 to $599
Not all Amex business cards charge annual fees. Those that do range from $99 to $599 annually, as of this writing.
Rewards programs vary
All American Express business credit cards earn some type of reward. Rewards programs include:
American Express Membership Rewards Points.
Marriott Bonvoy points.
Amex Experiences™ come standard
Signing up for an Amex business card means you can access Amex Experiences, a perks program exclusive to the Amex brand. Program benefits include:
Exclusive presale tickets to concerts, theatre productions and special events.
Advanced movie screening ticket offers.
Deals on weekend getaway packages.
Online and in-store shopping offers.
Dedicated American Express priority lines and lounges at popular event venues.
Cards come with employee misuse protection
American Express small business cards are equipped with card misuse protection. This program protects business owners if an employee misuses their employee card with up to $100,000 of coverage.
Practical business tools are included
Amex account management tools for small businesses include expense management reports, business and travel insurance services, dedicated customer service, supplementary cards and more.
Additional perks and rewards
Beyond welcome offers and rewards points, an Amex business card may offer any number of the following extras:
Insurance coverage.
24/7 customer service.
Free checked bags when you fly.
Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.
Airport lounge access.
Complimentary airport valet service.
Discounted airport parking rates.
Free airport transfers.
Complimentary dining and spa credits at select hotels.
Early check-in, late checkout and hotel room upgrades.
Car rental discounts and upgrades.
How to choose the best American Express business credit card
There are numerous factors to consider before you select a business credit card:
Annual fees. Fees for Amex business cards range quite a bit. A card with a steep annual fee may have enticing perks but is it worth the added cost?
Interest rate. A credit card’s interest rate is especially impactful for business owners who anticipate carrying a balance, as it will affect how much is owed on outstanding balances. Some Amex business cards offer extended interest-free periods — a perk that may be especially enticing for businesses that make large purchases.
Credit limit. Purchasing power varies by card. Some Amex business cards have no pre-set spending limits.
Supplementary card fees. Some Amex business cards offer supplementary employee cards for free, while others charge a flat fee per additional card.
Rewards. Rewards programs for American Express business cards span general, airline and hotel points programs.
Features. Some benefits, like Amex Experiences, come standard on Amex cards. Others, like priority treatment when you fly, are only available on certain cards.
Who should consider an American Express business credit card?
An Amex business card could be a natural fit for small business owners, startups and self-employed individuals seeking to separate their personal and business spending.
Amex also has some charge cards that may be worth a look, like the Business Platinum Card® from American Express. It has a $799 fee but offers an impressive suite of travel perks, like airport lounge access, hotel credits and complimentary airport valet service.
An Amex business card can also be used to build business credit, so new business owners or those aiming to rehabilitate their business credit may benefit from exploring their American Express business card options.
6 steps to get an American Express business credit card
Once you’ve found an Amex business card you like, you can fill out an application from the American Express website.
Navigate to the webpage of your chosen credit card and select Apply Now.
Review the card’s terms and conditions and select Agree and Begin to continue.
Enter your details, including your full name, date of birth, phone number, email address and residential address of your business.
Tell American Express about your business, including its name, industry, annual revenue, and your role within the company.
Choose a four-digit PIN.
Review the information you’ve supplied and submit your application.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an American Express business credit card for personal use?
Can I use an American Express business credit card for personal use?
While it may not be illegal to put personal expenses on a business card, American Express may not permit this type of card activity and doing so may violate the terms and conditions of your card agreement.
Do American Express business cards build business credit?
Do American Express business cards build business credit?
Amex business cards can be used to build business credit if used strategically. The fundamental tenets of building and maintaining good personal credit also apply to business cards: try to pay your bill on time and avoid maxing out your card or using too much of your available credit.
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Shannon Terrell
