American Express offers some of the best business credit cards in Canada, with valuable travel and hotel perks, plus powerful business benefits. These cards are designed to help business owners get the most out of every purchase, because your business spending should work as hard as you do. 

In this blog, we break down the top four American Express business credit cards in Canada, sharing our insights and key benefits so you can choose the card that best suits your business needs.

The Best Amex Business Cards in Canada

American Express offers four main small business credit cards: two that earn Membership Rewards points, one that earns Aeroplan points, and one that earns Marriott Bonvoy points. Whether you’re focused on flexible rewards, airline perks, or hotel stays, there’s an Amex business card designed to fit your needs. 

Let’s take a closer look at each. 

Amex Business Platinum Card

The Amex Business Platinum is a top choice for business owners who value travel perks, insurance, and lounge access. It comes with a high annual fee, but this is offset by its numerous benefits. 

This card is ideal for business owners who travel often and want a top-tier experience, complete with free worldwide lounge access and an entire suite of travel insurance.

Here’s a quick overview:

• $799 annual fee

• Current welcome bonus: Earn up to 120,000 points

• Earn 1.25x Amex MR points on everything 

• No pre-set spending limit & full payment flexibility 

• Up to 55 interest-free days to extend cash flow

This card comes with plenty of travel benefits, including: 

• A yearly $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit

• A $100 NEXUS statement credit (every 4 years)

• Complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium 

• Hotel Status Benefit with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors 

• Travel benefits at Toronto Pearson Airport

• Discounts on flights through the International Airline Program 

• Comprehensive travel insurance 

Some business benefits:

• Get up to $620 in statement credits on Dell or Indeed purchases

• Employee card misuse protection 

• Expense management reports

• Business servicing

Amex Business Gold Card

The Business Gold Card comes with a lower annual fee and fewer benefits than its Platinum counterpart, but it’s still a great card for earning points with comprehensive travel insurance. These points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners, giving you plenty of redemption options. 

This card is best for business owners who want straightforward rewards, flexible redemptions, and no cap on earning potential. 

As an overview: 

• $199 annual fee

• Earn 1x points on everything 

• Earn 10,000 points each quarter when you spend $20,000

• Current welcome bonus: 40,000 MR points

• No pre-set spending limit & full payment flexibility 

• Up to 55 interest-free days 

Travel benefits include:

• Comprehensive travel insurance

• Get a $100 USD hotel credit after staying two or more nights at a hotel part of the Hotel Collection

• Hertz car rental benefit 

Business benefits:

• Earn up to $100 in annual statement credits on purchases with Dell or Indeed

• Expense management reports

• Business servicing

• Employee card misuse protection 

Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve Card

The Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve is almost identical to the personal version, with the main difference being that it’s tailored for business use. It’s also one of our top picks at Chexy, thanks to its generous welcome bonus, strong earning potential, and extensive travel perks.

This card is best for business owners who often fly with Air Canada or its partners and want to access elevated travel perks. 

Here’s an overview: 

• $599 annual fee

• Current welcome bonus: Earn up to 90,000 Aeroplan points 

• Earn 3x points on Air Canada purchases, 2x points on dining & food delivery, & 1.25x points on everything else 

The numerous travel benefits include:

• One free checked bag for you and up to 8 companions

• Get the 4th night free when booking three consecutive hotel nights with Aeroplan points 

• Earn an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass after spending $25,000 on your card in a year

• Priority airport check-in, boarding, baggage handling, & standby with Air Canada 

• Access Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes across North America 

• Complimentary Priority Pass membership

• Reach Aeroplan Elite Status faster 

• Extended validity on eUpgrade credits 

• Priority benefits at Toronto Pearson Airport 

• Discounts on Avis car rentals 

• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage 

There aren’t many business benefits, but the ones included are:

• Employee card misuse protection

• Business expense management tools and resources 

Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business Card

The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card stands out from the other Amex business cards, as it earns Marriott Bonvoy points rather than Membership Rewards or Aeroplan points. Those points can also be transferred to a wide range of airline loyalty programs at a 3:1 ratio, adding extra flexibility (but at an unfavourable ratio). 

This card is ideal for frequent travellers who regularly stay at Marriott properties and want to maximize hotel rewards. However, if your priority is business class flights or premium travel perks, you’ll likely get more value from the Amex Business Platinum or Aeroplan Reserve instead.

Overview:

• $150 annual fee

• Earn 5x Marriott Bonvoy points on Marriott purchases, 3x points on gas, dining, & travel, and 2x points on everything else

• Current welcome bonus: 60,000 points 

Travel benefits include:

• Get 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year 

• Receive one free hotel stay per year 

• Upgrade to Gold Elite status after spending $30,000 in net purchases 

• Get 5,000 bonus miles when you transfer 60,000 miles to a frequent flyer program 

Business benefits are the same as the other Amex business cards:

• Employee card misuse protection

• Business expense management tools and resources 

How to Choose the Best Amex Business Credit Card

Choosing the right business credit card comes down to your spending habits, travel preferences, and the type of rewards that matter most to you. If:

• You are just getting into rewards cards and don’t prioritize travel perks, choose the Gold.

• You want full-scale, top-tier travel benefits and insurance, choose the Platinum. 

• You‘re loyal to Air Canada and fly often, choose the Aeroplan Business Reserve. 

• You’re loyal to Marriott and want the best perks for hotel stays, choose the Marriott Bonvoy Business card. 

Turn Everyday Business Spending Into Rewards with Chexy 

Picking the right business credit card is important, but maximizing its potential is where the real advantage lies. With Chexy, you can pay nearly any business expense using your credit card, transforming regular costs into valuable points or miles. 

Let’s say you’re using the Aeroplan Business Reserve card and your business spends about $6,000 per month on expenses like rent, bills, and insurance. With Chexy’s small fee, the monthly total comes to $6,105 or $73,260 annually. That spending alone could earn you over 74,000 Aeroplan points. 

Add in the welcome bonus of 90,000 points, and you’ll be looking at over 164,000 Aeroplan points, enough to take you to Europe and back in a business class seat. 

With the right card and Chexy, everyday business expenses can turn into powerful rewards. Get started with Chexy today.