Best American Express Credit Cards in Canada 2025

When it comes to choosing a no-fee credit card in Canada, American Express offers some of the most compelling options in the market. Whether you’re after cash back, travel rewards, or flexible redemption options, there’s likely an AMEX card that fits your lifestyle.

In this article, we’ll break down the best American Express credit cards in Canada that charge no annual fee, highlight their benefits, compare them side by side, and help you decide which one is actually worth keeping in your wallet.

💡 Quick Note: We’re only covering standalone AMEX cards—not co-branded cards offered through major Canadian banks like Scotiabank or CIBC. These are direct-from-American Express credit cards that anyone in Canada can apply for.

🔍 Why Choose a No-Fee AMEX Card?

American Express is widely known for offering high-value rewards and premium service, but not all of their cards come with high annual fees. In fact, several zero annual fee American Express cards provide excellent perks and rewards—some even better than their competitors from the big five Canadian banks.

Here’s why these cards stand out:

• 🔄 Flexible rewards (cash back, AMEX points, or Air Miles)

• 🛍️ Exclusive AMEX offers and discounts

• ✈️ Premium travel insurance and purchase protection (even on some no-fee cards)

• 🚫 No annual fees, so you can keep them open long term without cost

🥇 Best No-Fee American Express Credit Cards in Canada (2024)

1. American Express SimplyCash Card (Best Overall Cash Back Card)

• Annual Fee: $0

• Welcome Offer: 4% cash back on all purchases for the first 6 months (up to $5,000 in spending)

• Standard Rate: 1.25% cash back on all purchases

• Notable Perks: Purchase protection, access to AMEX Front of the Line events

Why It’s the Best:
The AMEX SimplyCash Card is a must-have for Canadians who want a no-nonsense, high flat-rate cash back card. It offers the highest flat cash back rate (1.25%) on all purchases among no-fee cards in Canada.

During the intro period, you’ll earn an outstanding 4% on up to $5,000—perfect for maximizing early rewards.

Whether you’re spending on travel, shopping, subscriptions, or gas, this card gives you consistent rewards without worrying about spending categories.

✅ Ideal for: Everyday purchases, beginners, or as a backup for non-category spending.

2. American Express Green Card (Best for Travel Rewards)

• Annual Fee: $0

• Welcome Bonus: 10,000 AMEX Membership Rewards points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months

• Points Earn Rate:

  • 1 point per $1 on all purchases

  • 2 points per $1 on travel booked through AMEX Travel

Why It’s Great:
The AMEX Green Card is perfect for those who want to earn flexible travel rewards without an annual fee. Points earned can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or transferred to programs like Aeroplan.

10,000 points = approx. $100 in travel value if redeemed through AMEX Travel. Plus, frequent travelers will appreciate the 2x points on AMEX Travel bookings.

✅ Ideal for: Casual travelers and those planning future trips with points.

3. American Express Cobalt Card (Bonus Mention – Not No-Fee but Worth Considering)

• Annual Fee: $12.99/month ($155.88/year)

• Welcome Bonus: Up to 15,000 AMEX points in the first year

• Earning Rates:

  • 5x points on food and dining

  • 3x points on streaming services

  • 2x points on travel and transit

  • 1x point on everything else

Why It’s a Game-Changer:
Though it’s not a no-fee card, the AMEX Cobalt deserves an honorable mention for its insane rewards potential. Many users earn 100,000+ points per year, which can be worth over $2,000 in travel.

Points can be transferred to Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, and other frequent flyer programs.

✅ Ideal for: Serious rewards hackers, frequent diners, and travelers.

4. American Express Essential Card (Not Recommended)

• Annual Fee: $0

• Key Feature: Low interest rate (13.99%) on carried balances

Why You Should Avoid It:
The only real feature of this card is the low interest rate, but if you’re using a credit card responsibly, you shouldn’t be carrying a balance. So while it might appeal to those worried about interest, it lacks real rewards or cash back.

❌ Better alternatives: Any of the other cards listed above.

5. American Express Air Miles Credit Card (Poor Rewards Rate)

• Annual Fee: $0

• Welcome Bonus: 500 Air Miles after spending $500 in 3 months

• Earning Rate:

  • 1 mile per $15 at Air Miles partners

  • 1 mile per $20 everywhere else

Why It Falls Short:
Air Miles cards are losing their appeal. Even if you’re a dedicated collector, this card offers less than 1% back—even at partner stores. You’re better off using SimplyCash or the Green Card and converting your rewards into travel or cash.

❌ Verdict: Skip this one unless you’re absolutely loyal to Air Miles.

🔄 Comparison Table: Best AMEX Cards in Canada (No Annual Fee)

✨ Final Thoughts: Which AMEX Card Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for the best American Express credit card in Canada with no annual fee, the SimplyCash Card is the clear winner in 2024. It offers unbeatable flat-rate cash back and a strong welcome offer, all with zero cost to own.

Here’s the final verdict:

• 🥇 Best Overall – AMEX SimplyCash Card

• 🧳 Best for Travel – AMEX Green Card

• 🍽️ Best for Rewards Hackers – AMEX Cobalt (if you’re okay with a fee)

• 🛑 Skip These – Air Miles AMEX and Essential Card