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The best travel credit cards in Canada for 2024

From points to perks, a good travel credit card can make your trip more affordable, more comfortable and even more secure.

Why trust us

MoneySense is an award-winning magazine, helping Canadians navigate money matters since 1999. Our editorial team of trained journalists works closely with leading personal finance experts in Canada. To help you find the best financial products, we compare the offerings from over 12 major institutions, including banks, credit unions and card issuers. Learn more about our  advertising and trusted partners .

The best travel credit cards in Canada by category

By Keph Senett on March 1, 2024 Estimated reading time: 22 minutes

There are numerous travel credit cards in Canada to choose from, but you can get the best value by selecting one that pairs a strong earn rate for rewards along with perks like lounge access, travel credits or rebates, superior insurance coverage and the flexibility to transfer points between cards. Ultimately, choose your card based how you like to travel, your spending and credit card habits and travel perks that fit your lifestyle. To help you pick the perfect card, we’ve come up with a list of Canada’s best travel credit cards.

MoneySense insight

Don’t assume you’re protected by your credit card’s travel insurance policy by simply keeping the card in your wallet. Rules vary by provider and credit card. For example, you may have to pay the full or partial cost of your trip using your card for its insurance benefits to kick in. And some cards don’t offer insurance on travel booked using rewards. So, it’s a good idea to consult your credit card’s insurance certificate if you have any questions prior to booking. 

—Justin Dallaire, senior editor

Best overall travel rewards credit card

At a glance: With outstanding earn rates in broadly-defined, popular spending categories, the American Express Cobalt card is a travel rewards beast. Points are easy to redeem and flexible, and you can increase their value by transferring them to other travel loyalty programs. It comes with a comprehensive insurance package, so you travel carefree.

American Express Cobalt

• Annual fee: $156
• Earn rate: 5 points per $1 spent on dining and groceries; 2 points per $1 spent on transit and gas; and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Welcome offer: You can earn 1,250 points for each month you spend $750, up to a maximum of 15,000 points.
• Annual income requirement: None
• Point value: 1 Amex Membership Rewards point = $0.01 when redeemed with the Flexible Points Travel Program, $0.015 on average with the Fixed Points Travel Program, and up to $0.02 with airline points transfers
• Recommended credit score for approval: 660 or higher
• Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances
• At 5 points per dollar spent on eats and drinks, 3 points per dollar on streaming services, and 2 points per dollar on travel and transit, this card has some of the highest earn rates around. Plus, the high earn rate on food and groceries is capped at $2,500 per month, and no limits are applied to other categories.
• The boosted spend categories are very broadly defined so you’ll earn more points for more of your purchases. For example, “eats and drinks”  includes everything from grocery stores to coffee shops to food delivery, and everything from gas to rideshares to flights falls under “travel and transit”.
• Amex points are flexible and lucrative. Redeem points the simple way at a flat rate of 10,000 points for $10 towards any travel expense—or, if you’re a savvy points collector—boost your point values by using Amex’s Fixed Point chart or transferring points to another program like Aeroplan.
• Although American Express is accepted at tens of thousands of businesses across the country, it’s not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard.
• The annual fee is charged monthly which slightly obscures the fact that the total is $155.88 per year, a bit more than the $120 charged by some comparable cards.
• The travel insurance package lacks Trip Cancellation protection which covers you in case of a sudden illness.

Honourable mention

At a glance: With a lower annual fee and no foreign exchange fees, the Scotiabank Gold American Express gives the Amex Cobalt a run for its money. You’ll enjoy strong earn rates, easy and flexible redemptions, and one of the best travel insurance packages on the market. Frequent customers of Sobeys-affiliated stores like Safeway, FreshCo and Thriftys will especially appreciate the extra points boost on grocery purchases there.

Scotiabank Gold American Express

• Annual fee: $120 (waived for the first year)
• Earn rates: 6 points per $1 spent at Sobeys-affiliated stores; 5 points per $1 on dining, entertainment and groceries; 3 points per $1 on gas, transit and streaming; 1 point per $1 on everything else
• Welcome offer: You can earn up to $650 in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points. Must apply by July 1, 2024.
• Annual income requirement: $12,000
• Point value: 1 Scene+ point = $0.01 when redeemed for travel, store purchases and food and drink at Cineplex and Scene partners
• Recommended credit score   for approval : 700 or higher
• Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers
• With 5 points per dollar on entertainment, restaurants, food delivery and groceries (plus an extra point at Sobeys stores).
• Redemptions are simple and super flexible–especially for travel where 10,000 points is equal to $10 in value on any airline. In fact, you can apply points for travel purchases retroactively for up to one year by applying them in your app or online. 
• There are no foreign exchange fees when you use this card to pay in a foreign currency (most cards charge 2.5% on all foreign currency purchases).
• The card’s travel insurance package is excellent and includes up to 25 days of travel emergency medical for those under the age of 65.
• Like all American Express cards, this one won’t be accepted at some retailers such as Loblaws banner stores. 
• Supplementary cards are $29 each, unlike with our winning card, the Amex Cobalt, where they’re free.
• As a fixed-rate program, Scene+ points are always valued at 1 cent per point as opposed to some dynamic programs where you can get better value during certain time periods. 
• You’ll only earn the base rate of 1 point per dollar on foreign currency transactions regardless of whether they are in a bonus category or not.

Best airline travel credit cards

For aeroplan.

At a glance: Although you could use our number one travel card, the Amex Cobalt, to transfer Amex points to Aeroplan, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite tops our list of best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada for its easy redemptions and extras like the $100 Nexus fee rebate. Plus, if you frequently spend on Ubers or are a regular at Starbucks, you could stretch your rewards even further with this card.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

• Annual fee: $139
• Earn rates: 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on gas, groceries and purchases made directly through Air Canada (including vacation packages), and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Welcome bonus: You can earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card; earn 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $6,000 within 180 days of Account opening. Conditions apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.  
• Anniversary bonus: Earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $10,000 within 12 months of opening the account. Conditions apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.
• Annual income requirement: Personal income of $60,000 or household income of $100,000
• Point value: Aeroplan points are worth $0.02 on average
• Recommended credit score for approval : 660 or higher
• Interest rates: 20.99 % on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers
• You can earn Aeroplan Status Qualifying Miles on your everyday purchases so you advance in Aeroplan status faster. The higher you go, the better the perks, like priority boarding, discounts on flights and priority seat selection.   
• Card holders and up to eight travel companions travelling on the same reservation get their first checked bag free when your trip starts on an Air Canada flight. 
• In addition to being able to redeem for Air Canada flights, you can redeem your points on a dozen Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa and United. 
• This card has valuable extras like a $100 Nexus fee rebate every two years. 
• The included insurance package is competitive, and includes emergency medical travel coverage for longer than some competitors (21 days, or 4 days for those 65 and older).
• If you’re looking for the absolute best way to get as many Aeroplan points as you can, using the Amex Cobalt and transferring your points at a 1:1 ratio is a better option, but this is our choice for a simple, Aeroplan-specific card.
• Aeroplan is a dynamic chart-based program which means point values can fluctuate based on where and when you’re flying, so it may not be the right program for cardholders looking for simplicity. 
• This card has a slightly higher annual fee ($139) than some other cards in its category.

Best Aeroplan alternative

If you’re currently a CIBC customer, you might find the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite card to be quite comparable. It shares almost identical earn rates and many similar perks (excluding the Nexus rebate). The insurance offerings are quite similar, though the CIBC card provides $5 million in emergency medical coverage, compared to the $2 million offered by the TD card. However, it’s important to note that CIBC’s coverage is limited to 15 days (or 3 days for those 65 and older). CIBC offers a supplementary card for $50, which is $25 less than the TD card.

For WestJet 

At a glance :   With a 1.5% base rate and 2% back on WestJet flights or vacation packages, this card gives travellers a solid tool to take the sting out of the cost of airfare. Add to that competitive perks like an annual round-trip companion voucher and a free first checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions, and you’ve got a card WestJet flyers will want to consider.

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

• Annual fee: $119
• Earn rate : 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights and vacations packages and 1.5% back on all other purchases
• Welcome offer : You can earn up to $450 in WestJet dollars with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. Plus, get a Round-Trip Companion Voucher Every Year – for any WestJet destination starting from $119 CAD (plus taxes, fees, charges and other ATC).
• Annual income requirements : Personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000
• Point value: 1 WestJet Dollar = $1 CAD when redeemed for eligible flights or vacation packages
• Recommended credit score: None specified
• Interest rates : 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Get one round-trip companion voucher to anywhere WestJet flies annually, which lets you book a companion fare at a reduced rate when you also book a full fare. Or, you can exchange the companion voucher for four airport lounge passes.
• Receive up to three $500 Status Lifts annually, which get you to the next rewards tier faster. The higher your tier, the more benefits you’ll get, like lounge access.
• The WestJet rewards program is simple, without confusing charts or blackout periods. One point equals 1 cent in savings on Westjet flights. 
• You get rewarded for your loyalty—earn 2% on WestJet flights or vacations, which is a higher earn rate for travel bookings than other cards on this list.
• When you use a round-trip companion voucher, the discount only applies to the base rate of the fare. Taxes, airport fees, and air transportation charges remain the same—and these can be quite hefty. 
• WestJet dollars are not transferable to any other airlines or airline programs.

Best no-fee travel credit card

At a glance: One of our best no-fee cards in Canada , the American Express Green Card earns you points on your everyday spending that you can redeem for statement credits, gifts, cards, merchandise or travel, and like the Cobalt, they’re transferable at a 1:1 ratio to other frequent flyer or rewards programs. This is notable because by transferring to a program like Aeroplan, you can boost the value of your points significantly. 

American Express Green Card

• Annual fee: $0
• Earn rate: 1 point for every $1 spent on all purchases and 1 additional point for every $1 spent on hotel or car bookings made on americanexpress.ca.
• Welcome offer: You can earn 10,000 Membership Rewards points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your card in the first three months of cardmembership.
• Points values: 1 Amex Membership Rewards point = $0.01 when redeemed with the Flexible Points Travel Program, $0.015 on average with the Fixed Points Travel Program, and up to $0.02 with airline points transfers.
• You’ll earn a flat rate of 1 point per dollar on all of your everyday spending with no spending limits, and this will be doubled for hotel or car rental bookings made through Amex Travel Online. 
• When you transfer your points to another program, like Aeroplan, you can double their value to 2 cents apiece. A 1.5% to 2% return on your spending is rare for a no-fee card.
• Amex Membership rewards like Experiences allows you to take advantage of curated dining, shopping, and entertainment events, while Front of the Line gets you advance access to tickets.
• There is no included travel insurance nor travel-related perks like lounge or Wi-Fi access with this card, but that’s not unusual for a no-fee card.
• American Express cards are accepted at tens of thousands of locations across Canada and abroad, but there are limitations–mostly in the grocery sector. In Canada, you cannot use an Amex at Costco or Loblaws banner stores.

At a glance: This no-fee travel card offers accelerated earn rates on restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership and household utility purchases, giving you lots of ways to earn points through your everyday spending. Plus, the birthday bonus perk returns 10% of your annual earnings in points. Points are worth $0.01 each when you redeem for travel, and they never expire.

MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard

• Earn rates: Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible groceries, restaurants, digital media, membership and household utility purchases ($10,000 max annual spend) and 1 point per $1 on everything else
• Welcome offer: You can earn 10,000 bonus points ($50 in cash back value). Plus, get 4 points per $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership and household utility purchases during the first 90 days.. (Not available for residents of Quebec.)
• Points values: 1 MBNA Rewards point = $0.01 when redeemed for travel
• Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases, 24.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers
• This card comes with an impressive five bonus categories, giving you many opportunities to rack up points. 
• Unique birthday bonus perk returns 10% of your yearly earnings in points so you’ll get an annual boost.
• Includes $1,000 in new mobile device protection.
• The point redemption process isn’t super intuitive or flexible. You have to redeem points on MBNA’s travel portal and can’t transfer points.
• The annual cap on the bonus categories, such as groceries, is $10,000 per category. Any purchases beyond that amount will earn at the base rate of 1 point per $1 spent.
• Unlike a lot of other travel credit cards, this card doesn’t include travel insurance but that’s to be expected in a no-annual-fee card.

Best hotel credit card

At a glance : You’ll earn Marriott Bonvoy points on every purchase you make at the world’s largest hotel conglomerate, redeemable at more than 30 hotel chains (from Marriott and St. Regis to The Ritz-Carlton) in 130 countries. Get service upgrades like free Wi-Fi, spa treatments, dining experiences, or free hotel stays. Points are also transferable to around 40 other airline programs like Aeroplan, Delta SkyMiles and Virgin Atlantic.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

• A nnual fee:  $120
• Earn rates:  5 points per $1 at Marriott properties, 2 points per $1 everywhere else
• Welcome offer:  Earn up to 80,000 points. Offer ends May 6, 2024.
• Point value: 1 Marriott Bonvoy point = $0.0117 on average when redeemed for eligible flights or hotel stays.
• Recommended credit score for approval : 725 or higher
• Interest rates:  20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advances
• You can treat yourself to hotel-related upgrades, services and free nights at hotels, including St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton and Westin, or for other travel-related expenses like flights or car rentals. Bonvoy points are flexible—you can also use them for merchandise and experiences.
• The base rate of 2 points per dollar is quite good, but your points will really rack up when you earn 5 points per dollar spent on your Marriott hotel stays. 
• This card comes with some valuable perks like one free night’s stay at a Marriott property every year and 15 Elite Night Credits to help you achieve the next level of status.
• If you reach $30,000 in total annual spending on the card, you’ll be upgraded to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and unlock perks like room upgrades, savings on points redemptions for hotel stays and more.
• As an Amex card, this package gets you Amex benefits like Front of the Line and dining, retail and wellness experiences.
• The value of Marriott Bonvoy points can fluctuate based on a mix of factors—from the hotel you’re staying at to the time of the year—meaning maximizing points and transfer options isn’t always straightforward to newer point collectors. 
• Points are worth less for airline transfers at a 3:1 ratio, meaning you’re missing out on maximizing value for anything other than hotel bookings.
• American Express is less widely accepted than Mastercard or Visa.

Best credit card for premium perks

At a glance: The Amex Platinum gives new meaning to the old saying, “You get what you pay for.” In this case, the $799 annual fee pays for itself through a smorgasbord of incredible perks. Your travel experience will be transformed with unlimited airport lounge access, partnerships at Fine Hotel + Resorts properties, and priority treatment at Toronto Pearson Airport. The many perks—like several hundred dollars worth of annual travel and dining credits and a Nexus fee rebate—go a long way toward offsetting the price tag.

American Express Platinum

• Annual fee: $799
• Rewards: 2 points per $1 on dining and food delivery; 2 points per $1 on travel, plus 1 additional point on purchases booked through Amex Travel Online; 1 point per $1 on everything else.
• Welcome bonus: You can earn up to 100,000 rewards points ($1,000 value). Conditions apply.
• Recommended credit score: 760 or higher
• Interest rates: N/A (as a charge card, you’re required to pay off your balance in full every month)
• You’ll get a $200 travel credit each year that can be redeemed towards a travel purchase made through American Express Travel Online. Spend your additional annual $200 dining credit at select restaurants around the world, including 100 in Canada.  
• Get access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection composed of more than 1,300 lounges in over 140 countries, including American Express Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium and Delta Sky lounges. Cardholders may have unlimited free visits and companion passes at no additional cost, depending on the lounge.
• Automatically achieve the higher tier in the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy hotel programs.
• Obtain personalized assistance through Platinum Concierge service. The concierge can make restaurant reservations, obtain tickets to special events, book services for you, and more—at no additional cost to you. 
• Because the Platinum is a charge card, high-volume spenders are not restricted by a conventional credit limit.
• Additional cards cost $250 each annually. 
• Given the annual fee, the travel medical insurance is lackluster. Whereas some cards offer 20 days or more, this card only covers you for up to 15 consecutive days and doesn’t offer any insurance to those who are 65 or older.
• Charge whatever you want to the card (there’s no credit limit), but because it’s a charge card, you’re required to pay off the balance in full every month.

Best travel credit card for students

At a glance: The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students bundles the ability to earn Aeroplan rewards with a few travel benefits and student-friendly perks to deliver a competitive package for no annual fee.

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students

• Earn rates: 1 point per $1 spent on gas and EV charging, groceries and Air Canada purchases, and 1 point per $1.50 on everything else
• Welcome offer: Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase ($200 value).
• Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (21.99% in Quebec)
• You can use your points on any available Air Canada seat and there are no blackout dates. Plus, you can use your points with any of Aeroplan’s many partners such as United and Aer Lingus.
• Aeroplan points are worth a lot compared to those of other programs, and they can be redeemed for flights with multiple airlines, not just Air Canada. 
• You can often get preferred pricing so you can often book flights using fewer points and you can pay for flight rewards with a combination of points and cash.
• A free SPC membership is included, giving you access to discounts and giveaways, and you’ll save up to 10 cents off per litre when you buy gas at participating stations with Journie Rewards.
• You’ll have common carrier accident coverage, car rental collision and loss damage protection and purchase protection.
• Unlike other Aeroplan cards, you won’t earn Status Qualifying Miles on your everyday purchases. 
• The Aeroplan points program isn’t the most intuitive to understand, especially for first-time card holders, because point values fluctuate based on a regional chart.

At a glance: The no-fee TD Rewards Visa combines the ability to earn flexible travel rewards points with other student-friendly perks like bundled banking services. Although TD Rewards points are worth less than some other loyalty programs, the earn rate is fairly generous across everyday spending categories giving you lots of opportunities to earn.

TD Rewards Visa Card

• Earn rates: 4 TD Rewards points per $1 spent on travel purchases made through Expedia for TD , 3 points per $1 on groceries and at restaurants, 2 points per $1 on recurring bill payments, and 1 point on all other purchases
• Welcome offer: You can earn a value of $50 in TD Rewards Points to use on eligible Amazon.ca purchases, plus no annual fee. Conditions apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.
• Point value: 1 TD Rewards point = $0.005 when redeemed for travel via Expedia For TD or $0.004 when redeemed through other providers and websites
• Recommended credit score: 660 or higher
• Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances and 22.99% on balance transfers
• You can quadruple your points by simply booking travel through Expedia for TD, but bookings made elsewhere still earn at a rate of 1 point per dollar and there’s no limit to how many points you can earn on travel.
• In addition to travel rewards like flights or hotels, you can redeem your points for Amazon purchases, or put them towards statement credits to cover your balance. 
• You’ll enjoy student-friendly perks and discounts at partners including Amazon, Starbucks, and Uber.
• Point values are easy-to-understand: 200 points always equals $1 in travel rewards booked on Expedia. 
• The boosted spending categories for grocery and restaurants, and recurring bill payments are capped at a $5,000 annual spend so after that, you’ll earn at the 1 point per dollar base rate.
• Travel insurance isn’t included with this card, so you’d have to pay extra to cover yourself.

How we determine the best travel credit cards

Our editors apply their credit card expertise and knowledge of Canadians’ financial goals to come up with selection criteria that matches the needs of the intended cardholder. For travel credit cards, your return on spending is a key consideration, because it represents the value of the points you are earning with every purchase. We consider annual fees and eligibility criteria (for student cards), perks and insurance (for premium cards) and other factors, specific to the category. The addition of links from affiliate partners has no bearing on the results. Read more about our selection process and about how MoneySense makes money .

Frequently asked questions

The best travel credit card will depend on your needs, travel habits and how you intend to use the card. The American Express Cobalt , for example, is our pick for the best overall travel rewards credit card because you have the ability to earn rewards at a high rate across everyday purchases. The Scotia Gold Amex is a close second, because of its high earn rates and strong insurance package.

The most common types of travel points programs are consistent or chart-based. With consistent rewards programs, the value of the points is always the same. For example, BMO Ascend World Elite users earn BMO Rewards points, for which 150 points equals $1 in travel rewards. Point values in chart-based programs depend on variables like the destination, ticket price and time of travel. Points redemption for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite are based on Aeroplan’s dynamic redemption chart. Consistent points programs are ideal if you want a simple redemption process. Chart-based programs are more complex, but potentially more valuable.

Different types of travel credit cards 

Generic travel rewards credit cards.

Some credit cards offer you the ability to earn rewards on everyday purchases and other purchase categories, which can be redeemed towards a wide variety of things, including travel. This means you are not necessarily limited to booking through certain airlines when redeeming your points on flights. You may also be able to transfer your credit card points to an airline rewards program, such as with the American Express Cobalt .

Airline rewards credit cards

Some travel credit cards offer rewards with specific airlines where your points’ redemption values may vary, such as the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card. When you accumulate enough points, you can book a flight or vacation package with affiliated airlines like WestJet or Air Canada. Keep in mind though that the value of your points can depend on the date of your flight and your destination. 

Hotel rewards credit cards

Hotel rewards credit cards offer you the ability to redeem your points towards a hotel stay, and to earn points when you book at affiliated hotels like Marriott or Delta, or earn perks such as room upgrades or free breakfasts when you book eligible hotel stays. If you frequently book hotels for work or travel, consider a hotel rewards credit card like the Marriott Bonvoy American Express .

Travel credit card features 

Some important features to look out for in travel credit cards, besides points value and your booking redemption options (flights, hotels, cars), include: 

• Travel insurance coverage for medical issues or trip delays. Most credit card travel insurance programs cover you up to 15 days and tend to be more limited for those over the age of 65, but there are exceptions. (Read about how to know if your credit card comes with enough travel insurance coverage .)
• Airport lounge access for free or discounted lounge passes through Priority Pass, Visa Airport Companion Program, Dragon Pass and others. 
• Hotel discounts, like discounts at Marriott hotels. 

Whether the card charges you foreign transaction fees while you are abroad, on top of regular exchange rates. These fees can be as high as an added 2.5% on every purchase.

What travel points program is best?

Not all travel reward programs are created equal. So how do you choose the right one for you? 

First, it’s important to understand that travel rewards programs can be broken down into two basic types: Consistent and chart-based.

It’s worth noting that in rare cases, like the American Express Membership Rewards Program, you might get to choose to redeem points for travel based on either a consistent system or as a chart-based system.

Many of the big banks offer consistent points travel reward programs. They’re aimed at people who want to operate within a simple program that has an easy-to-understand redemption process; people who dislike complicated programs will appreciate these. Chart-based programs can be considerably more complicated—but also potentially more valuable. Since the number of points needed to redeem for a flight isn’t consistent, using the rewards chart strategically can help you stretch the value of your points and net a higher return when flying on certain routes, or even when booking premium seats or business class. These programs are more popular with personal finance enthusiasts and left-brain thinkers.

Compare travel credit cards rewards points values 

How many travel rewards points do you need for a flight , how many avion points you need for a flight.

Premium Avion cardholders need at least 15,000 points for a flight within or near your province or territory, at least 35,000 points for a flight within North America, 65,000 points for a flight to Europe and 100,000 points for other destinations around the globe. 

How many Amex points you need for a flight 

Using the American Express Fixed Points Program, you’d need at least 15,000 points for a short flight within North America, 20,000 points for a flight from a Canadian province or territory to a nearby U.S. State, 40,000 points for a longer North American route, 50,000 points for a vacation destination and at least 60,000 points for Europe or 100,000 points for other continents. 

How many Aeroplan points you need for a flight

Aeroplan’s chart system uses Miles to measure the minimum point redemptions. For shorter flights within North America, you’d need at least 6,000-22,500 points for an Economy flight, 35,000-70,000 points for North America and Atlantic zones, and so on. 

How many Scene points you need for a flight

1 point is worth 1 cent. For a $300 airline ticket, you’d need 300,000 Scene points. 

How many BMO Rewards points you need for a flight

You can redeem your points for a statement credit towards flights. 1 BMO Rewards point is worth 0.7 of a cent in travel rewards.

How many TD points you need for a flight

You need a minimum of 200 points for a redemption through Expedia for TD. 1 TD Rewards point is worth 0.5 cents in travel rewards. 

How many MBNA rewards points you need for a flight

You can redeem a minimum of 10,000 points for a $100 statement credit on travel. 

Do travel credit card points expire? 

Some travel rewards points expire after a certain period of inactivity, while others do not. For example, Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of inactivity, and Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 months, while WestJet dollars generally do not expire, unless they were earned during certain promotions or other circumstances. To avoid having your points expire, you can book hotels with your points, buy products through the loyalty program’s store, transfer points from another program or to a family member, in some cases, and more.

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More of Canada’s best credit cards :

• Best credit cards in Canada
• Best rewards credit cards
• Best cash back credit cards
• Best no fee credit cards
• Best low interest credit cards
• Best balance transfer credit cards
• Best student credit cards

Table of contents

• Top travel cards at a glance
• Best travel cards by category
• About travel cards
• Also read: Best cash back cards

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About Keph Senett

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Best American Express credit cards in Canada

Compare the best amex card picks below to find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget..

In this guide

What are the best American Express credit cards in Canada?

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The best American Express credit card for you will depend on what type of benefits you want and how much you’re willing to pay. We’ve compared dozens of the best American Express credit cards in Canada by category — no annual fee, low interest, cash back, Aeroplan, Business Amex and more — to help you make the best choice.

Compare the pros and cons of the best American Express credit cards in Canada and learn more about our top picks below.

• SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express : Best Amex card for cash back
• SimplyCash Card from American Express : Best Amex card for no annual fee
• American Express Essential Credit Card : Best Amex card for low interest
• American Express Aeroplan Card : Best Amex card for Aeroplan points
• American Express Cobalt Card : Best Amex card for everyday rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card : Best Amex card for luxury hotel perks
• American Express Business Edge Card : Best Amex card overall for business
• American Express Business Gold Rewards Card : Best Amex business card for rewards

Best Amex for cash back SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express

• Pros & Cons
• Welcome offer. Collect % cashback on all purchases in your first four months.
• High cash back return Earn 4% cash back on all purchases once your welcome offer expires (with no caps on how much you can earn).
• Comprehensive benefits. Take advantage of benefits such as travel medical, flight and baggage delay insurance, car rental coverage and purchase protection.
• Annual fee You'll have to pay $119.88 per year to maintain this card.
• Cap on welcome offer You can only earn up to $ with the % cashback welcome offer.

Best Amex for no annual fee SimplyCash Card from American Express

• No annual fee. Pay no annual fee to maintain this card.
• Decent cashback for a no-fee card You'll earn a 1.25% cash back return on all purchases with this card, plus $100 in your first three months.
• Basic benefits. Take advantage of basic insurance such as purchase protection and extended warranty for no additional fee.
• Cap on welcome offer You can only earn up to $ with the $100 welcome offer.
• No travel benefits This card doesn't come with additional benefits such as travel medical, car rental insurance or trip/baggage delay insurance.

Best for low interest American Express Essential Credit Card

• Low interest. You'll only pay 12.99% interest for purchases and cash advances with this card.
• Basic benefits. Get basic insurance such as purchase protection and extended warranty for no additional fee.
• No rewards or cash back You won't earn rewards or cash back with this card since you get a low interest rate.
• Few benefits You can't take advantage of extra benefits such as travel insurance or car rental coverage with this card.

Best Amex for Aeroplan points American Express Aeroplan Card

• High return on Aeroplan Point Earn between 2 and 1 Aeroplan Points for every dollar you spend.
• Welcome offer Collect up to 40,000 Aeroplan Points plus get a bonus companion pass when you spend a certain amount on your card.
• Comprehensive benefits Take advantage of benefits such as flight and baggage delay insurance, car rental coverage and purchase protection.
• Annual fee You'll have to pay $120 per year to maintain this card.
• Must be paid off every month Your balance has to be paid off every month or you'll pay a penalty interest rate
• No travel medical You won't get travel medical insurance included with this card.

Best Amex for everyday rewards American Express Cobalt Card

• Welcome offer Earn up to 15,000 points in your first few months when you spend a certain amount of money.
• Accelerated rewards Collect a higher return on rewards when you make dining, gas and transit purchases.
• Comprehensive benefits Take advantage of benefits such as travel medical, flight and baggage delay insurance, car rental coverage and purchase protection.
• Annual fee You'll have to pay $155.88 per year to maintain this card.

Best Amex for luxury hotel perks Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

• Welcome offer Earn up to 80,000 welcome bonus points. Earn 65,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, earn an additional 3 points for a total of 5 points on every $1 spent on eligible travel and gas purchases in your first 6 months (up to $15,000 points). Offer ends May 6, 2024.

Best overall Amex for business American Express Business Edge Card

• Welcome offer Earn up to 45,000 points in your first three months when you spend a certain amount of money.
• Accelerated rewards for business purchases. Collect 3x the points when you make eligible business purchases (including gas, dining and business supplies).
• Comprehensive benefits
• Annual fee You'll have to pay $99 per year to maintain this card.
• Limited benefits You won't get additional benefits such as travel medical, baggage/trip delay insurance or common carrier insurance with this card.

Best Amex business card for rewards American Express Business Gold Rewards Card

• High return. Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $1 spent on purchases..
• Welcome bonus. Earn up to 110,000 Membership Rewards points. Earn a Welcome Bonus of 70,000 points after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus points when you charge $20,000 in net purchases to your card each calendar quarter (that's a total of 40,000 points a year).
• Interest-free days. Enjoy up to 55 days interest free when you pay off your balance in full each month.
• Basic benefits. Lock in purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on items you buy with your card.
• Travel benefits. Get a comprehensive suite of travel benefits, including coverage for flight delays, lost baggage, car rentals and more.
• Travel coverage. Access Travel Emergency Assistance, and up to $100,000 Travel Accident Insurance, Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance, Flight Delay Insurance and Baggage Delay Insurance when you fully charge your tickets to your card. Plus, save money when travelling with complimentary Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance.
• Employee coverage. Protect your eligible purchases against accidental physical damage and theft for up to 90 days with Purchase Protection Plan. Plus, double the manufacturer’s original warranty up to 1 additional year with the Buyer’s Assurance Protection Plan.
• High annual fee. The annual fee for this card is $199, which is higher than what you'll pay for similar credit cards.
• Fees for additional cards. You'll have to pay $50 for every additional card you order, which can add up if you want to hand them out to multiple employees.
• Not as widely accepted overseas. It might be difficult to use your card overseas, since it won't be accepted in some locations.

How we chose the best American Express credit cards

We’ve chosen the cards on this page based on the those available through Finder. These cards are not representative of the entire market. We’ve narrowed down our top picks by considering rewards points, cash back, annual fees, interest rates, balance transfer offers and additional card benefits like signup bonuses.

No single credit card will be the best choice for everyone, so compare your options before picking your new card.

Compare the following features to find the best card for your needs:

• Return on points or cash back. Find out what kind of return you’ll get on cash back or points when you spend money on your Amex card (and in which categories).
• Welcome offers. Compare the bonus offers for several American Express credit cards as these can sometimes give you a year’s worth of points or more.
• Perks and benefits. Figure out which benefits and perks you think you’ll actually use and get the card that aligns best with your lifestyle.
• Interest rates. Decide whether you will likely carry an outstanding balance on your card and aim for the lowest interest rate possible if this is the case.
• Annual fee. Do the math to figure out if paying an annual fee is worth the higher return you’ll get on points and benefits.

American Express Canada offers a large selection of rewards cards such as Amex Rewards Points cards and frequent flyer cards. It also offers a selection of cash back cards.

Amex Cash back cards

Amex offers two main cash back cards: the SimplyCash and the SimplyCash Preferred Card. The SimplyCash card may be a good fit for you if you don’t want to pay an annual fee and you don’t mind getting a lower cash back return and fewer benefits. Consider the SimplyCash Preferred Card if you would prefer comprehensive travel benefits and you can live with the $119.88 per year price tag.

Typical benefits of Amex cash back cards

• Cash back on everyday purchases. You’ll earn between 1.25% and 4% cash back on all of your purchases, depending on which card you pick.
• Generous welcome bonuses. Collect $100 cashback in your first 3 months with the SimplyCash Card and % in your first 10 months with the SimplyCash Preferred Card.
• No limits on cash back. There are no limits to how much cash back you can earn with either card (except for welcome bonus rates).
• Basic insurance. Both cards offer purchase protection, extended warranty and common carrier insurance (plus you’ll get travel insurance with the SimplyCash Preferred card).

American Express cash back cards

SimplyCash Card from American Express

SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express

Amex Membership rewards cards

American Express offers a wide variety of membership rewards credit cards that let you earn Amex Points for every dollar you spend. The only Amex rewards card that comes with no annual fee is the American Express Green Card. The other three cards come with a comprehensive suite of benefits and an annual fee that varies between $155.88 and $799.

Typical benefits of Amex rewards cards

• Accelerated rewards. You’ll get an accelerated return on rewards for making dining, gas, transit or travel purchases (depending on which card you have).
• Large welcome bonuses. Membership rewards cards come with sizable welcome bonuses worth between 12,500 and 15,000 bonus points.
• Comprehensive travel benefits. You’ll get travel benefits such as travel medical, baggage insurance and car rental insurance with premium rewards cards.

American Express Travel and Membership Rewards cards

American Express Cobalt Card

• The Platinum Card from American Express

American Express Green Card

Amex Travel cards (frequent flyer and hotels)

American Express offers a wide selection of frequent flyer and hotel credit cards that will help you travel for less. It primarily offers basic and premium Aeroplan for frequent flyers. Amex also partners with Marriott Bonvoy to offer a premium card that rewards travellers who stay regularly with its luxury-brand hotels. Most premium travel cards also come with a wide array of travel benefits and a decent return on points.

Typical benefits of Amex travel cards

• Program-specific rewards. Earn a decent return on program-specific rewards such as frequent flyer points or Marriott Bonvoy points.
• Generous welcome bonuses. Earn between 500 and 85,000 bonus points or miles when you sign up, depending on which card you pick and how much you pay annually.
• Unique travel perks. Enjoy travel perks with certain premium cards such as airline credits, free companion passes, airport lounge access and more.
• Comprehensive travel insurance. Get comprehensive travel insurance with most premium travel cards.

American Express frequent flyer and hotel cards

American Express Aeroplan Card

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

• American Express AIR MILES Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

Amex No Annual Fee cards

You can sign up for a limited range of fee-free American Express credit cards. These cards tend to come with fewer benefits and a lower return on rewards in return for no annual fee. Amex offers a selection of cash back, membership rewards and low interest credit cards with no annual fee.

Typical benefits of Amex No Fee Cards

• No annual fee. You won’t have to pay an annual fee with any of these cards.
• Decent return on rewards. You’ll earn a decent return on rewards and cash back in comparison to fee-free cards from other providers.
• Basic insurance. You’ll get purchase protection, extended warranty and common carrier insurance with the majority of Amex’s no annual fee credit cards.
• Many card types. You can get a fee-free version of almost every type of card that Amex offers (except for its Aeroplan and hotel credit cards).

American Express fee-free cards

American Express Essential Credit Card

Amex Small business cards

Amex offers a competitive selection of business credit cards with an impressive range of benefits and rewards. It offers its business cards as either charge cards or credit cards and fees range from $0 to $599 per year. Many cards offer accelerated rewards for business expenses and the more expensive cards tend to come with a wide array of travel perks.

Typical benefits of Amex business cards

• Membership and travel rewards. Most Amex business cards let you earn membership points or program-specific rewards (such as Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy).
• Welcome offers. You can earn between 150 and 65,000 points when you sign up depending on which card you choose and how much you pay for your annual fee.
• Comprehensive travel insurance. Many of Amex’s more premium business cards come with a full suite of travel insurance (including travel medical, baggage/flight delay coverage and car rental insurance).
• Travel benefits. You can qualify for a handful of travel perks such as priority boarding and lounge access with a small selection of premium business cards.

American Express small business cards

American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card

American Express Business Edge Card

American Express Business Gold Rewards Card

Business Platinum Card from American Express

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

• American Express AIR MILES for Business Card
• American Express AIR MILES Gold Business Card

Typical features and benefits of an American Express card:

• American Express offers a number of products and services with its cards. These are branded as Amex benefits and apply to most credit cards across the board.
• Front of the line. Get pre-sale access and pick from reserved Amex seats for certain ticketed events (usually advertised on Amex website).
• Amex offers. Choose offers from brands you love and earn statement credits or bonus points for qualifying purchases.
• Hotel Collection. Stay two or more consecutive nights with participating properties and receive up to a US$100 hotel credit (only available with some credit cards).
• Fraud protection guarantee. Enjoy no-fault protection in case of fraudulent purchases made on your credit card.
• Emergency card replacement. Get a new card sent out to you as soon as you report your card missing or stolen, even if you’re travelling.
• 24/7 customer service. Call Amex at any time of day or night to get dedicated support with your account.

Amex offers membership rewards (also called Amex Points) as well as cash back. It also works with frequent flyer programs and hotels to let you earn points with specific loyalty programs. This table highlights which American Express credit cards let you earn specific types of rewards.

American Express’ concierge service is a type of live personal assistant you gain access to when you become an eligible card-member. You have access to this service day or night from wherever you are in the world. By calling the concierge number or emailing the Amex concierge email address, you can ask your concierge assistant to perform a variety of tasks. And these services are always free of charge.

While Amex’s concierge service is separated into five different options when you call them up, they’re quite flexible within these categories. Here are a few examples of what Amex concierge can whip up for you:

• Event and dining booking . A rather traditional use of concierge services, you can request Amex nab a seating at your favorite restaurant or purchase concert tickets, even if the event is happening the same day.
• Gifts . Need some surprise flowers delivered? Or need an idea on what chocolates are hottest in town? Ask your concierge service and they can find a suitable gift for the recipient.
• Travel . If you need some flights booked for your next business trip, Amex concierge can help you find the perfect flight based on your specifications and preferences. This extends to other travel plans, including hotels and transportation needs. In fact, your concierge service can book your entire itinerary.
• Recommendations . One of the most useful parts of the Amex concierge service is the time and research they can perform on your behalf. Whether it’s a cheap flight. a great place for birdwatching, or finding a local doctor, you can assign your needs out to the concierge service like homework (thought you might want to double check their work before jumping in).

How to use American Express concierge service

• Call 800-525-3355 or international call collect number 617-622-6756 .
• Event tickets. Option 1
• Dining. Option 2
• Gifts. Option 3
• Travel. Option 4
• Card services. Option 5
• Make your request.

Note: If you have previously used the service, you can make your request at [email protected] or call the number on the back of your card and say, Concierge.

Most American Express credit cards in Canada offer car rental theft and damage insurance.

You’ll typically find $85,000 in maximum coverage toward the value of the rental vehicle more info button .

It also covers some additional charges, including loss of use and appraisal fees. Policies from some other providers don’t cover loss of use more info button , so it’s a nice inclusion with Amex’s policy.

How long does Amex car rental insurance cover me for?

Amex car rental insurance covers you for 48 days or less after you enter into a rental agreement.

What does Amex car rental insurance not cover?

There are several instances in which Amex car rental insurance might not apply. These include, but aren’t limited to:

• Using the rental car in violation of the rental agreement.
• Engaging in illegal activity and driving while intoxicated.
• Driving certain types of vehicles, such as cargo vans, leased vehicles and limousines.
• Intentional damage to the car, manufacturing defects, theft or damage as a result of your failure to secure the vehicle and more.
• Before renting a vehicle, read your American Express car rental theft and damage insurance plan.
• Pay for your entire rental with a valid Amex payment method more info button and decline the coverage from the car rental agency.
• In the event of a theft, accident or act of vandalism, immediately notify law enforcement of the incident.
• Call the Amex benefit administrator at 1-800-200-8959 .
• If necessary, fill out and return the claim form, along with the requested supporting information, within 60 days. Required details may include — but aren’t limited to — an itemized repair bill, photos of vehicle damage, proof of your personal insurance and proof you paid for your rental with an eligible Amex payment method.

How long will it take to receive payment?

If the Amex benefit administrator approves your claim, you’ll receive payment within 90 days after you submit the required information.

How to activate Amex Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

Here’s how activated coverage is defined:

• You decline the coverage from the rental car company or purchase a partial collision damage waiver.
• You or an authorized driver is on the rental agreement, and the vehicle comes into your possession.
• You pay for the entire rental with your Amex card. This includes any deposits you must make when you collect the vehicle.

If you own an American Express credit card, you can get cash from an ATM or a bank teller should you need it. But because the cash comes from the credit line of your card, it comes with hefty fees and interest. This makes it an expensive option, which you should use only in emergencies.

How to get an American Express cash advance

You must first have an American Express card to get an American Express cash advance. Once you have the card, here’s what to do:

• Call 1-800-567-2639 and request a PIN if your card doesn’t have one.
• Go to a participating ATM and use your card.
• Enter the amount you want to withdraw.

Note that your card may have a cash advance limit and these limits can differ between cards. Look for your card’s cash advance limit on your billing statement. Also, be aware that you can’t earn points or rewards through cash advances.

American Express cash advance rates and fees

American Express credit cards charge a cash advance fee which varies by card and is separate to any ATM-related fees. You will also be charged a cash advance rate similar to most major credit cards, with the exception of the American Express Essential Card which charges one of the lowest cash advance rates in Canada at 12.99%.

Here are some popular American Express credit cards and their cash advance rates:

• American Express Cobalt Card 21.99%
• American Express AIR MILES Credit Card 21.99%
• Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card 21.99%
• American Express AIR MILES Platinum Credit Card 21.99%
• American Express Essential Credit Card 12.99%

Example: You make a $500 ATM cash withdrawal using your Amex credit card. You’ll pay a $25 cash advance fee as soon as you make the transaction. Some ATMs may charge an additional $3 fee.

If you pay it off in 30 days, you would accrue around $9 interest. This makes your $500 cash withdrawal cost $534.

Example based on 5% cash advance fee and 22.9% cash advance APR.

American Express and Mastercard are both credit card networks, but only American Express is a credit card issuer. Mastercard doesn’t issue its cards directly, instead issuing them through banks and credit unions. American Express does issue its cards directly. This difference plays a role in their product offerings and fees.

Another key difference is that American Express credit cards are generally geared towards people with higher credit scores and incomes while Mastercard offers cards at all levels, including student and credit builder cards.

Compare the standard benefits of American Express vs Mastercard credit cards

Check out the table below to see standard benefits. Though you might see a green check mark in a few spaces, you might not find the respective perk in your chosen card. Keep in mind that these features depend on the specific card and may not be included on every card.

Hover over the more info button symbols to see details about each perk.

Because these networks are so similar, it’s difficult to make a general verdict as one may fit your specific needs better than the other.

To make your own verdict, take a look at the specific contrasts that might stand out depending on your lifestyle, spending habits and tastes.

A few notables include:

• Intro APRs. Consider both networks for top-notch intro APRs.
• Airfare and hotel rewards. Both Amex and Mastercard offer strong rewards in these fields.
• Travel products. Amex is particularly strong in travel, offering a few attractive hotel cards.
• Acceptance. Mastercard has a significant lead in merchant acceptance, especially abroad.

You can apply for an American Express credit card online in around 10 minutes. You’ll just need to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have all the relevant documents on hand.

Eligibility criteria

To apply for American Express credit cards in Canada, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in your province or territory.
• Be a Canadian resident with a Canadian credit file.
• Own a business if you plan to apply for a business credit card.
• Information you will need for your application

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

• Personal information. You’ll need to provide personal details including your full name, email address, phone number and residential address.
• Valid form of ID. You’ll need to supply a piece of government-issued ID such as your driver’s licence or a copy of your passport.
• Financial and employment information. You may be asked to provide tax documents, pay stubs or employment letters to show that you’re in a decent financial position and can make your repayments on time.
• Credit score. You could be required to submit to a credit check as a condition of getting approved for an American Express credit card.

Compare Amex credit cards and apply securely

American Express offers a variety of credit cards that cater to both individuals and business owners. Whether you are a frequent traveller, a small business owner or a big spender, there are credit cards to suit different lifestyles and spending habits. Be sure to compare your options before applying for a credit card, since there are so many different products on the market.

Once your American Express credit card arrives in the mail, your next step is to activate it. You can do this online, by phone or through the Amex mobile app. Whichever option you choose, the card activation process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. You can use your Amex card immediately after you activate it. To verify that your card has been activated, you can check the status of your Amex card in your online account or in the mobile app.

Activate your Amex card online

American Express cards don’t require you to enrol in an Amex online banking service before activation. To activate:

• Visit the American Express card portal .
• Enter your 4-digit card ID and 15-digit credit card number (as shown in the steps provided on the portal).
• Enter any requested personal information to verify your ID and confirm.

Activate by phone

Activate your card by phone in two steps:

• Call the number on the back of your card or 1-800-869-3016.
• Provide the required credit card and your personal information.

Activate through the mobile app

Another option is to activate your American Express card using the Amex mobile app.

• Download the Amex mobile app from the Google Play or Apple App Store. Or you can text MOBILE to 297687 to receive a link to download the Amex App on your phone.
• Tap to register for a new Online services account .
• Scan your card or enter the card’s information manually.
• Verify your identity.

American Express protects your personal and financial information with physical and technical features. It encrypts any sensitive information you send online and will automatically log out of your account if it’s inactive for a certain period of time.

Fraud protection is also available and Amex will send you notifications about irregular or suspicious transactions on your account. It may also verify your identity before allowing you to make a purchase to confirm that you’re actually the one using the card.

Personal Amex cards

The Platinum Card

Business Amex cards

Co-branded amex cards.

American Express offers a number of different options for credit cards and charge cards. The best Amex card for you will depend on how much you want to spend, what benefits you want to get and whether you want to earn points or cash back. Find out more about which cards Amex offers and compare your options to find the best fit for you.

How many American Express credit cards can you have in Canada?

Officially, Amex Canada allows you to hold a maximum of four credit cards at a time. This limit applies to regular "lending" credit cards. The only rule is that you can't hold multiple of the same card. This limit includes your combined personal and business cards. If you have two personal cards and two business cards, for example, you have reached the cap.

Charge cards — such as The Platinum Card from American Express — don't count toward the four-card limit. You can hold an unlimited number of charge cards at once, provided you don't have more than 1 of the same card at a time.

You may increase your chances of increasing these maximums with an excellent credit score, high income and extensive history as an Amex customer.

Will I have to pay fees for my American Express credit card?

For some cards, yes. You can usually find out how much you'll have to pay in fees by visiting the American Express website to compare cards.

What type of basic insurance will I get with most American Express credit cards?

Most Amex cards offer a minimum of purchase protection, extended warranty and common carrier insurance. You'll typically get additional benefits such as travel insurance or car rental insurance added on if you pay an annual fee.

How can I redeem my Amex rewards?

You can check your Amex Points balance by visiting membershiprewards.ca and logging in to your account. You can then choose your rewards from top-brand merchandise, gift cards, travel and entertainment options. For frequent flyer programs, your points should be linked directly to your Aeroplan membership number so they'll accumulate automatically.

Does Amex offer any low-interest credit cards?

Yes, you can sign up for the American Express Essential Credit Card to get a low interest on purchases and cash advances. This card comes with no annual fee and is the only low interest card that Amex offers.

What's the difference between an Amex charge card and an Amex credit card?

An Amex charge card has to be paid off in full every month or you pay very high interest on the outstanding balance (around 30% in most cases). Amex credit cards are designed to hold an outstanding balance and come with rates that are usually around 19.99% for purchases and 21.99% for cash advances.

Do any of American Express's Aeroplan cards come without a fee?

Unfortunately, no. The cheapest American Express Aeroplan credit card on offer comes with a fee of $120. This card comes with a lower return on Aeroplan points and fewer travel benefits than Reserve cards. That said, it's a more affordable option if you can't manage the $599 annual price tag that comes with Amex Aeroplan Reserve and Business Reserve cards.

Can I apply for an American Express Aeroplan credit card online?

Yes. You can apply online for the American Express Aeroplan card using this secure link here .

What if I forgot my American Express card PIN?

Call 1-800-567-2639 and request to change your PIN.

What is my American Express card cash advance limit?

Check your billing statement to see your cash advance limit.

Do cash advances earn reward points?

No, you won't earn any rewards on cash advance transactions.

Can I call the Amex concierge service whenever I want?

Yes, Amex's credit card concierge services are available 24/7 wherever you are in the world.

What cards does Amex concierge in Canada come with?

Amex's concierge service is available with their premium Platinum and Centurion cards, such as The Platinum Card from American Express and the Business Platinum Card from American Express .

Who gets to use American Express car rental insurance?

You're eligible for American Express car rental insurance if you:

• Are the primary cardholder or authorized user.
• Signed the car rental agreement.
• Have a permanent residence in Canada.
• You've activated your car rental theft and damage insurance.

What purchases does American Express consider to be a cash advance?

American Express considers ATM transactions, gambling, gift cards, money orders, traveler's cheques and wire transfers to be cash advances.

Claire Horwood

Claire Horwood is a writer at Finder, specializing in credit cards, loans and other financial products. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Victoria, and an Associate’s Degree in Science from Camosun College. Much of Claire’s coursework has focused on writing and statistics, with a healthy dose of social and cultural analysis mixed in for good measure. In her spare time, Claire enjoys rock climbing, travelling and drinking inordinate amounts of coffee.

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Collect points and enjoy exclusive Amex benefits when you shop with this fee-free credit card.

Earn accelerated Aeroplan points and enjoy a wide array of travel benefits and airport perks with this premium credit card.

Earn Aeroplan points and enjoy a number of travel perks with this loyalty charge card.

Get a generous welcome bonus and earn triple the points when you spend money on your business.

Claim an impressive point bonus when you sign up to the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card.

Gain access to a suite of business solutions, while earning reward points on the Marriot Bonvoy™ program, with the Marriott Bonvoy™ Business American Express® Card.

Earn Membership Rewards and upgrade your travelling style when you shop and travel with American Express’ Business Platinum Card.

Earn Membership Rewards points and access to exclusive experiences and perks when you shop and travel with your Platinum Card.

Advance your Membership Rewards points when you spend at eligible grocery stores, restaurants, delivery and travel.

Get more cash back on everyday purchases with the American Express SimplyCash Preferred Credit Card.

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Best American Express Canada Credit Cards – March 2024

Below are American Express Canada’s best credit card offers:

• The Best American Express Travel credit cards
• The Best AEROPLAN American Express credit cards
• The Best American Express card with hotel points
• The Best American Express credit card for cash back
• The Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards from American Express
• The Best Low-Interest Credit Card from American Express
• The Best Small Business American Express credit cards

Here is a table summarizing the different offers. For more details, read on or click on the name of a card.

American Express Credit Cards for Travel Rewards

American express platinum card ®.

The Platinum Card® is the Best Premium Travel Card in Canada.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points :

• 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
• 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership

With this card, you get:

• 2 points per dollar for dining purchases
• 2 points per dollar on travel purchases
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

You can use your Membership Rewards points in many ways:

• Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways ), Flying Blue, Delta Skymiles, etc.
• Transfer points to hotel programs ( Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy)
• Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card ( 1,000 points = $10 )
• Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases ( 1,000 points = $10 )

With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:

• $200 Annual Travel Credit
• $200 Annual Dining Credit
• $100 NEXUS Card Statement Credit
• Complimentary and unlimited access for you and one additional traveller to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide
• Hilton Honors Gold Elite status (complimentary breakfast at all Hilton hotels)
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
• Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program

Last but not least, the Platinum Card® is distinguished by the numerous insurance coverages offered: theft and damage for rental cars, travel accident of $500,000 Emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement .

American Express ® Gold Rewards Card

Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points with this welcome offer for the American Express® Gold Rewards Card . That’s a $600 value for travel or any purchase on the Card.

You can also transfer your points to airline partners such as Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways ), Flying Blue, and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).

With this Card, you get many benefits like:

• $100 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass membership and 4 complimentary Plaza Premium visits per year
• $50 NEXUS credit

You earn 2 points per dollar for travel purchases, and at:

• gas stations
• grocery stores

And 1 point per dollar everywhere else.

American Express Cobalt ® Card

The American Express Cobalt® Card is the best credit card from American Express , whether you want points for travel or cash back.

The welcome bonus is distributed monthly for the first 12 months. You’ll earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points for every $750 in purchases charged to your card during the month (whether in the 1X, 2X, 3X or 5X category). That’s up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points .

You can easily use these points as statement credits for everyday or travel purchases. The value is the same for both: 1,000 points = $10 .

Or you can transfer them into Aeroplan points, Avios (British Airways/ Qatar Airways ), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors.

With the American Express Cobalt® Card , you can earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:

This is a 1 to 5% return on all these purchases.

For example, if you spend $1,000 per month on groceries and/or restaurants and/or food delivery, you’ll earn $50 cash back per month, or $600 cash back per year with this card for this category of purchases!

And if you decide to transfer your points to other programs like Aeroplan, you could get even more value!

In addition, this card provides excellent insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage, flight delay, $250,000 travel accident, hotel or motel burglary, Mobile Device Insurance, Purchase Security, Purchase Protection Insurance.

American Express Credit Cards for Hotels

Marriott bonvoy ® american express ® * card.

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card for free hotel nights .

With this exceptional limited-time welcome offer, you can earn up to 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points :

• 65,000 Welcome Bonus points after you spend $3,000 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
• Plus, earn an additional 3 points for a total of 5 points on every $1 spent on eligible travel and gas purchases in your first 6 months (up to 15,000 points )

It’s the best time of year to get the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card . Don’t wait, this offer ends on May 6, 2024 !

It’s a Card we recommend keeping because each year at renewal, you get an Annual Free Night Award (for up to 35,000 points at hotels worldwide) and 15 Elite Night Credits per year, counting towards your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.

With this Card, you earn 5 points per dollar on all purchases at Marriott Bonvoy properties and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases .

Finally, this Card comes with comprehensive insurance : baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage, $500,000 travel accident, flight delay, hotel or motel burglary, rental car theft and damage, Purchase Security, Purchase Protection.

American Express Credit Cards for Aeroplan

American express ® * aeroplan ® reserve card.

With this welcome offer for the American Express®* Aeroplan® Reserve Card , you can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points . Here’s how:

• Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months
• Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13

With this Card, you earn 3X the points on purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations . And 2x the points on Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada. Everywhere else, you will earn 1.25X the points.

With this Card, you receive many Air Canada travel benefits such as access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America for you and one guest, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling.

Enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.

American Express ® Aeroplan ® * Card

With this welcome offer for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card , you can earn up to 40,000 Aeroplan points .

Here’s how:

• Earn 3,000 Aeroplan points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card for the first 10 months of Cardmembership. That could add up to 30,000 Aeroplan points
• Plus, you can also earn 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership

With this Card, you earn 2X the points on purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations .

And 1.5x the points on Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada. Anywhere else, you will earn 1X the points.

American Express Credit Cards for Cash Back

Simplycash ® preferred card from american express.

The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express is the only credit card in Canada to earn 2% cash back on all purchases . Plus, you can get:

• 4% cash back on gas purchases
• 4% cash back on grocery purchases

And with this welcome offer, you can earn a $40 statement credit for every $750 in purchases charged to your Card in your first 10 months ( up to $400 in statement credits ).

The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express Card is especially popular with those who have significant purchases to make: home improvement , furniture or appliance purchases since it offers 2% cash back at all stores.

This Card stands out for its numerous coverages offered: Theft and damage to rental cars, $100,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delay and misdirected baggage, hotel/motel burglary, Purchase Security, Purchase Protection.

American Express Credit Cards with No Annual Fee

American express ® green card.

Do you want a cash back credit card with no annual fee that earns travel points? Here is an option for you: the American Express® Green Card .

By signing up for the American Express® Green Card , you can earn 10,000 Membership Rewards Welcome Bonus Points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your Card in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. This is a $100 value for travel or any purchase on the Card. You can also transfer your points to airline partners (Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Flying Blue, etc.) and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).

That’s a nice welcome bonus for a credit card with no annual fee.

You’ll also have access to online promotional offers to earn points or rebates on your purchases with this no annual fee credit card.

SimplyCash ® Card from American Express

Do you want a cash back credit card with no annual fee and a great earning rate for everyday purchases? Here’s an option for you: the SimplyCash® Card from American Express .

With this no-annual-fee credit card, you earn:

• 2% cash back on gas purchases
• 2% cash back on grocery purchases
• 1.25% cash back on all other purchases

And with this welcome offer, you can earn a $10 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $300 in purchases on your Card in the first 10 months ( up to $100 in statement credits ).

And you benefit from several coverages: $100,000 travel accident, Purchase Protection, and Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan.

American Express Credit Cards for Low-Interest Rate

American express essential™ credit card.

With the American Express Essential™ Credit Card , you can get a low-interest rate of 12.99 % if you decide to carry a balance and make your minimum monthly payments on time. It is one of the best low-interest-rate credit cards in Canada.

In addition, this low-interest credit card allows you to take advantage of the American Express installment plan (Plan It) to pay a portion of your statement balance in monthly installments.

With the American Express Essential™ Credit Card , you get $100,000 in travel accident insurance, an additional year of Buyer’s Assurance Protection Plan and a 90-day Purchase Protection Plan.

Finally, as an American Express Essential™ Credit Card holder, you can take advantage of exclusive American Express offers for statement credits on select purchases and American Express online travel services.

American Express Credit Cards for Small Business

Business platinum card ® from american express.

Earn up to 120,000 points with this welcome offer for the Business Platinum Card® from American Express :

• 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you charge $15,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
• 40,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership
• Redeem points for statement credits to offset any eligible purchase charged to your Card ( 1,000 points = $10 )

120,000 points have a minimum value of $1,200 for a statement credit and much more if you transfer your points to a partner.

With this Card, you earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points per dollar on all purchases. What’s more, you’ll enjoy a host of travel and business benefits:

• Complimentary and unlimited access for you and an additional traveller to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
• $200 Annual travel credit
• $100 Card Statement Credit for Nexus
• Hilton Honors Gold Status
• Up to $120 in eligible Wireless Credits each year

With this Card you can maximize your cash flow with up to 55 interest free days. It is a card that is particularly appreciated by contractors when making large purchases in home improvement stores , for example.

Last but not least, the Business Platinum Card® from American Express is distinguished by the numerous insurance coverages it offers: theft and damage for rental cars, travel accident from $500,000 Emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

American Express ® Business Gold Rewards Card ®

Earn up to 110,000 Membership Rewards points with this outstanding limited-time welcome offer for the American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card®:

• 70,000 Membership Rewards points after $5,000 in Card purchases within the first 3 months
• 10,000 bonus points when you charge $20,000 in net purchases to your Card account each calendar quarter ( up to 40,000 Membership Rewards points )

With this Card, you earn 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar on your purchases.

You can then use your points in many ways:

• Statement credit for travel purchases
• Statement credit for all purchases
• Transfer to partner programs (Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Delta Skymiles, Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, etc.)
• Book your flight with American Express Travel at a special rate

Also, as a cardmember, you get many advantages such as up to 55 interest-free days to maximize your cash flow.

Finally, you are covered with reliable insurance for your travels and purchases.

American Express ® Aeroplan ® * Business Reserve Card

With this welcome offer for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card , you can earn up to 90,000 Aeroplan points.

• Earn 65,000 Aeroplan points after spending $10,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months.
• Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,500 in purchases in month 13.

With this Card, you earn 3X the points on purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations . And 2X the points on hotels and car rentals. Everywhere else, you will earn 1.25X the points.

With this Card, you receive many Air Canada travel benefits, such as access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America for you and one guest, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling.

American Express Business Edge™ Card

The American Express Business Edge™ Card is an excellent credit card for businesses in Canada. The annual fee is only $99 and this American Express credit card offers up to 67,000 Membership Rewards points in the first year, a value of $670 .

You can also transfer your points to airline partners (Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Flying Blue, etc.) and hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors).

With this Card, you can get 3x the points on purchases:

• Office supplies (Staples, etc.)
• Electronic (Apple, Dell, etc.)
• Eats & Drinks

Besides, you can add up to 99 supplementary cards at no cost.

Marriott Bonvoy ® Business American Express ® * Card

The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card is the best credit card for travelling self-employed professionals and small business owners.

With this exceptional limited-time welcome offer, you can earn up to 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points :

• 75,000 Welcome Bonus Marriott Bonvoy® points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership.
• Plus, earn an additional 2 points for a total of 5 points on every $1 spent on eligible gas, dining and travel purchases in your first 6 months (up to 15,000 points).

It’s the best time of year to get the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card . Don’t wait, this offer ends on May 6, 2024 !

With this Card, you earn 5 points per dollar on all purchases at Marriott Bonvoy properties. And you can earn 3 points per dollar on:

• Dining purchases
• travel purchases

And 2 points per dollar on all other purchases .

Awards earned

Here are the awards received in the Milesopedia’s 2024 Credit Card Awards :

Best Premium Credit Card

The Platinum Card ® is the Best Premium Credit Card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• Complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
• Elite Status with several hotel loyalty programs
• Cardmembers benefits at renowned hotels and restaurants
• Flexible Rewards
• Travel Partners (American Express Membership Rewards program)
• Full travel insurance
• No minimum income required

Best Credit Card For Frequent Flyers

The American Express ® Aeroplan ® * Reserve Card is the Best Credit Card For Frequent Flyers in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• Air Canada benefits such as Maple Leaf Lounge access
• Benefits for Aeroplan Elite Status
• Highest earning rate for Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases
• Travel insurance

Best Credit Card For Drugstores

The American Express ® Gold Rewards Card is the Best Credit Card For Drugstores in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• 2 points per dollar on drugstore purchases

Best Credit Card For Dining

The American Express Cobalt ® Card is the Best Credit Card For Dining in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• 5% cash back on dining and food delivery
• The minimum cash back redemption amount is $10 (1,000 points)

Best No-Fee Travel Credit Card

The American Express Green Card is the Best No-Fee Travel Credit Card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• Ease of points redemption

Best Hotel Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy ® American Express ® * Card is the Best Hotel Credit Card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• Points can be used at over 8,000 hotels worldwide
• Annual Free Night Award at Card renewal
• Marriott Bonvoy Benefits (Elite status and Earning Rate)

Best Credit Card For Startups

The American Express Business Edge™ Card is the Best Credit Card For Startups in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• High cash back earning rate on everyday business purchases: 3% on office supplies, electronics purchases, transit, gas, restaurants and bars, and 1% on everything else
• Low Annual Fee for a Business Card

Best Business Credit Card

The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express is the Best Business Credit Card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• Cardmember benefits at select hotels and restaurants

Best American Express Credit Card

The American Express Cobalt ® Card is the Best American Express Credit Card in 2024 in Canada for these reasons:

• Earning categories
• 5 points per dollar on dining and food delivery (= 5% in travel rewards)

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are frequently asked questions in the milesopedia community about credit cards in Canada.

What is the best Visa credit card in Canada?

There are more than 200 credit cards in Canada. There is not ONE best credit card!

Several credit cards can match your needs:

• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best AIR MILES Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards With Insurance
• The Best Credit cards For Airbnb
• Best Credit Cards For Hotels

The best credit card for you is surely in our credit card comparison tool ! You’ll get many bonus points!

What is the best American Express credit card for earning travel rewards and bonus points?

The best Amex credit card depends on the project you are pursuing. Milesopedia has a crush on the American Express Cobalt ® Card , which is often recognized as the best American Express credit card offering bonus points.

With this credit card, you earn bonus points for everyday purchases like groceries, restaurants and travel.

What is the best American Express credit card with travel benefits?

The best American Express credit card with travel benefits is the Platinum Card ® . With this Card, you get many travel benefits: access to airport lounges, $200 annual credit, Elite Status with hotel brands, travel insurance, etc.

If you’d like to enjoy travel benefits with Air Canada, we recommend the American Express ® Aeroplan ® * Reserve Card .

What is the best Amex travel credit card with no annual fee?

The best American Express travel credit card with no annual fee is the American Express ® Green Card . Actually, with the American Express ® Green Card, you can transfer your points to a number of travel partners – Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Air France Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, etc.

That makes the American Express ® Green Card a good choice with no annual fee.

What is the best Amex credit card for me?

To find the best Amex credit card, you must first define your objective. What do you want to do with your points? Travel? Saving on groceries? Earning cash back? Get bonus points? First the goal, then the choice of the best credit card!

What is the best no annual fee credit card from American Express?

There are several no annual fee credit cards from American Express. The two best-known Amex no annual fee credit cards are:

• American Express ® Green Card : no annual fee
• SimplyCash ® Card from American Express : no annual fee

You can keep these credit cards with no annual fee from year to year.

Will my application for an American Express card be accepted with my good credit score?

American Express does not require a minimum annual income to accept applications. However, as with any lending company, it looks for customers with a good credit score.

Which credit bureau is verified by American Express?

American Express partners with Transunion to check your credit report.

How do I apply for an Amex credit card?

It’s always nice to apply through the Milesopedia affiliate links found on the site! Once you’ve found the best American Express credit card for you, the steps are easy to follow after clicking the Apply Now button.

Can I apply for an American Express Business Credit Card?

You can get an American Express Business credit card by being a professional, self-employed or small business owner. Check out this article for more details on applying for the best American Express credit card for your business.

Among American Express business credit cards, we recommend the Business Platinum Card ® from American Express . In fact, with the Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , you’ll earn numerous bonus points when you join and travel benefits.

For example, with the Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , you earn Marriott Bonvoy Gold status.

Where are American Express credit cards accepted in Canada and Quebec?

Once you’ve chosen the best American Express credit card for you, you should know that American Express credit cards are accepted at many businesses in Canada and Quebec. Check out this article to find out where AMEX cards are accepted .

Can I make online retail purchases with an American Express credit card?

You can shop online with your American Express credit card just as you would with any other credit card.

Tip: You may be asked for a verification number from your credit card for online retail purchases. Unlike Visa and Mastercard credit cards, the code required for online retail purchases for an American Express card is located on the front of your card. This is the 4-digit number located on the front and right side of your American Express card.

Also, be aware that you are covered by your American Express credit card insurance for online retail purchases. However, if you buy products online from abroad, you may be charged foreign transaction fees.

How do I contact American Express Customer Service?

To contact American Express Canada Customer Service, you can call 1-800-869-3016.

Does American Express Canada have good customer service?

American Express Canada’s customer service is known to be excellent in both English and French.

Does American Express Canada offer a prepaid card?

American Express offers a prepaid card that you can usually purchase at stores that offer gift cards.

The American Express Prepaid Card has no monthly fees, no service fees, no replacement fees and no expiration date. The American Express Prepaid Card can be used at merchants in Canada, the United States and other countries. The American Express Prepaid Card is also more secure than cash because the funds on the Card are replaceable if the Card is lost or stolen.

The American Express Prepaid Card is available in denominations of: $25, $50, $100, $200, $500 and $1,000

Do American Express Canada credit cards charge interest rates?

American Express offers two types of cards:

• Credit cards: these have interest rates
• Payment cards: these must be paid each month

For American Express credit cards, the interest rate is generally 19.99% on purchases and 21.99% on cash advances.

To avoid paying interest, consider paying your American Express credit card balance in full each month.

What is the interest rate for American Express credit card purchases?

American Express credit cards have an interest rate of 19.99% on purchases.

What is the interest rate for cash advances on American Express credit cards?

American Express credit cards have a 21.99% interest rate on cash advances.

How can I avoid paying an interest rate with an American Express credit card?

To avoid paying an interest rate on your American Express credit card, it is advisable to pay your credit card balance in full on each due date.

This way, you will avoid paying 19.99% interest on your purchases and 21.99% interest on cash advances.

Do American Express payment cards have an interest rate for purchases?

Unlike American Express credit cards, American Express charge cards do not have an interest rate on purchases: the balance must always be paid in full each month. An annual interest rate of 30% applies to each outstanding transaction.

Do American Express credit cards have foreign transaction fees?

American Express credit cards have foreign transaction fees of 2.5%. This is in line with credit cards that charge foreign transaction fees.

If you want to avoid foreign transaction fees, look for a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees .

What does it mean to be an American Express Cardmember/Card membership?

American Express refers to its customers as Cardmembers. It’s a Card membership. With this Card Membership, as an American Express Cardmember, you enjoy many benefits that are exclusive to American Express Cardmembers, such as access to priority booking services, recognition at American Express Cardmember events, and more.

Your American Express card shows your Card membership anniversary year.

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Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card Review 2024: Is It Worth It?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

NerdWallet Rating

NerdWallet CA

Best for travel enthusiasts looking for flat-rate rewards and robust travel insurance.

If you often spend money overseas and want to earn rewards points with flexible redemption options, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card may be a practical choice. Learn more about how we evaluate cards .

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is a low-interest rewards credit card that earns Scene+ points. Cardholders earn points for each eligible dollar spent, with accelerated rates on purchases made through the Scene+ Travel portal.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card

• Annual Fee $399
• Interest Rates 9.99% 9.99% on purchases and cash advances.
• Rewards Rate 2x Points Earn 2X Scene+™ points for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.
• Intro Offer Up to 60,000 Points To qualify for the 60,000 bonus Scene+ points: 1. Earn 50,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. 2. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $10,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 14 months. Offer ends October 31, 2024.
• Earn up to $2,100* in value in your first 14 months, including up to 60,000* bonus Scene+ points. Offer ends October 31, 2024.
• You will not pay 2.5% foreign transaction fees on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when travelling abroad. Only the exchange rate applies.
• Earn 2X Scene+™ points for every $1 CAD you spend on all your eligible purchases.
• Scene+ points can be redeemed for travel purchase, merchandise and other non-travel rewards such as gift cards and prepaid cards.
• You must redeem a minimum of 5,000 points per travel-related rewards redemption, equivalent to $50 in travel savings. Points must be redeemed within 12 months of the purchase date.
• $399 annual fee.
• Redeem points for any flight, any time through Scene+ Travel, a full-service travel agency. Plus, take advantage of a best price guarantee on airfare.
• Get a Hertz #1 Club Gold membership for special privileges and rental car benefits at over 8,500 locations in 147 countries.
• Enjoy culinary events and experiences, entertainment, luxury fashion, tours, and more through American Express benefits, including American Express Invites, Platinum VIP offers and access to 24/7 premium concierge services for restaurant reservations, show tickets, and gift purchases.
• Lounge access at over 600 VIP airport lounges around the world with a complimentary Priority Pass membership, which includes 10 free visits per year.
• 12 types of insurance provided, including 31-day travel medical benefits — up to $2 million in coverage — for you, your spouse and any dependent children under the age of 65. 10-day coverage available for those over the age of 65.
• Preferred rates: 9.99% for purchases, 9.99% for cash advances.
• To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.
• Full Review
• customer ratings
• Eligibility
• How to apply
• Scotiabank Platinum Amex Card vs Scotiabank Gold Amex Card
• Rating methodology

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card full review

If you like to travel and want to earn rewards points with flexible travel redemption options, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card may be a practical choice.

Benefits of the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

• Low interest rate (9.99%).
• High base earn rate (2x Scene+ points on every purchase).
• 10 complimentary airport lounge passes through Priority Pass (membership not included), as well as complimentary access to Plaza Premium Lounges. 
• Robust suite of travel insurance coverage.
• Flexible redemption options — you can redeem your points for travel bookings made through any provider. 
• No foreign transaction fees.

Drawbacks of the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

• Very high annual fee compared to cheaper cards with similar perks. 
• No top tier travel perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.

Who should get the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card?

Travel bugs that frequently spend money overseas will be best positioned to take advantage of this card’s benefits, such as its comprehensive travel insurance, free airport lounge passes and no foreign transaction fees. 

Is the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card worth it?

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card costs $399 annually, so you need to extract at least that much value from the card for it to be worthwhile. According to NerdWallet analysis, one Scene+ point is worth around one cent. So, earning two Scene+ points per $1 CAD spent, you’d need to spend roughly $19,950 in a year ($1,663 per month) to earn 39,900 points, which equals $399. 

Something else to consider: this card’s lower interest rate can help offset the annual fee, especially if you’re working to pay down credit card debt or typically carry a balance on your card.

Scotiabank customer ratings

• Below average in customer satisfaction: Scotiabank ranks 7th out of 13 banks in J.D. Power’s 2023 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study [1] .
• Low Trustpilot rating: Scotiabank scored 1.3 out of 5 possible stars based on 890 customer reviews, as of this writing.
• Low Better Business Bureau rating: 1.19 out of 5 possible stars based on over 110 customer reviews, as of this writing. 

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card eligibility

Who qualifies for the scotiabank platinum american express card.

You must be a Canadian resident and at least the age of majority for your province or territory to be eligible for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card. You’ll also need to have a minimum annual income of $12,000 and no history of bankruptcy in the past seven years. 

Approximate credit score needed for approval

Canadian credit card issuers rarely disclose required credit scores , which makes it hard to know your chances of approval when comparing credit cards. However, higher scores generally mean better chances of approval, and that’s true regardless of the type of credit you’re applying for. Want to learn more? Visit our “ What Credit Score is Needed for a Credit Card? ” page.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card rewards

Earn up to 60,000 Scene+ points in the first 14 months of card ownership. 

• Earn 50,000 Scene+ points when you spend at least $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months.
• Earn 10,000 Scene+ points when you spend at least $10,000 on eligible purchases in the first 14 months. 

Offer expires Oct. 31, 2024.

• 3x Scene+ points on hotels and car rentals when you book through the Scene+ Travel platform.  
• 2x Scene+ points on everyday purchases.

Scotiabank suggests the combination of its welcome offer, ongoing Scene+ rewards and the card’s perks, like no foreign transaction fees and airport lounge passes, provide up to $2,187 in value for new cardholders in the first 14 months, depending on how they use the card. 

According to Scotiabank, the $2,187 breaks down as follows:

• $600 in points from the card’s welcome offer (60,000 Scene+ points).  
• $141 in savings from zero foreign transactions fees.  
• $742 in travel rewards by using the card for everyday spending.  
• $704 in savings by using the complimentary airport lounge passes. 

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card comprehensive travel insurance that could be worth thousands, should you ever need to put it to use.

Point value breakdown

The value of Scotiabank Scene+ points may vary based on the redemption method you choose, but you can expect to get around one cent per point on travel, movies, dining, entertainment, banking, and retail, pharmacy and grocery shopping.

How to apply for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

You can complete the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card application from Scotiabank’s website:

• Select the Apply now button from the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card’s page on Scotiabank’s website.
• Review the card’s terms and conditions and select ‘Agree’ to continue.
• Enter your personal details, including your full name, phone number and email address.
• Create a username and password for your Scotiabank account.
• Verify your identity. 
• Provide any required personal and financial information, such as employment status and annual personal income.
• Submit your application. 

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card vs Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

Both of these Scotiabank credit cards earn Scene+ points, but their annual fees, earn rates and interest rates vary significantly.

Reasons you might want a different card

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card may not be suitable if:

• You don’t travel often.
• You don’t want a credit card with an annual fee .
• You’d prefer to earn a different reward, like cash back.  

» MORE: Best American Express credit cards

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card facts

Rating methodology.

NerdWallet Canada rates credit cards according to overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. 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 airline or hotel perks or the ability to transfer points.

Frequently asked questions about Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

A minimum annual income of $12,000 is required to qualify for the Scotiabank Amex Platinum Card.

There is a $10,000 minimum credit limit for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card.

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card and Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card are the same product. Scotiabank refers to the credit card on its site both ways.

Article Sources

• J.D. Power , “ J.D. Power 2023 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study ,” accessed October 16, 2023.

About the Authors

Shannon Terrell is a lead writer and spokesperson for NerdWallet, where she writes about credit cards and personal finance. Previously, she was a writer, editor and video host for financial…

Georgia Rose is a lead writer on the international team at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Independent and The Associated…

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Interest charges don’t need to be a mystery. Use our credit card interest calculator to see how much interest you’d owe if you carry a credit card balance.

Best American Express Cards in Canada

Among the best Amex credit cards in Canada are options for travel, cash back, business and more. Cardholders can earn Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy and American Express Membership Rewards points.

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The Scotiabank Value Visa Card is a low-interest credit card with a low annual fee. But it doesn’t offer rewards or insurance coverage.

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Canada’s Best Credit Cards for Travel Insurance

Something to consider when choosing a credit card is the strength of its travel insurance benefits. Frequent travellers often look to their credit cards for protection and reimbursement when something unexpected occurs on their trips, be it flight delays , baggage delays , trip cancellation or interruption, or major accidents and medical emergencies.

Here are the best credit cards in Canada offering strong travel insurance benefits.

Best Credit Cards for Travel Insurance

Best overall card for travel insurance.

• Earn  20,000 Scene+ points  upon spending $1,000 in the first three months
• Earn an  additional 20,000 Scene+ points  upon spending $7,500 in the first year
• Earn 6x Scene+ points at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, FreshCo, and more
• Plus, earn 1x 5x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, and entertainment
• Also, earn 1x 3x Scene+ points on gas, transit, and select streaming services
• Redeem points for statement credit for any travel expense
• No foreign transaction fees
• Enjoy the exclusive benefits of being an American Express cardholder
• Annual fee: $120

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is one of the best all-round credit cards in Canada. You’ll earn Scene+ points to the tune of 5% back on groceries, restaurants, and entertainment, 3% back on gas, transit, and streaming services, and 1% back on everything else.

The card offers both trip cancellation and interruption for up to $1,500 per person, flight delay insurance for delays of more than four hours, up to $500 per person, as well as delayed and lost baggage insurance of up to $1,000.

You’ll get emergency medical insurance of up to $1 million for you, your spouse, and dependent children on unexpected medical illness or injury when travelling out-of-province for up to 25 days (3 days for age 65 and up).

The card also offers auto rental collision insurance on cars with an MSRP of up to $65,000, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage, and mobile device insurance, worth up to $1,000.

With no foreign transaction fees anywhere, a very reasonable annual fee of $120, and a minimum personal income requirement of just $12,000 to qualify, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is the best overall card for travel insurance.

Best Visa Card for Travel Insurance

• Earn 30,000 Scene+ points upon spending $1,000 in the first three months
• Earn an additional 10,000 Scene+ points upon spending $40,000 in the first year
• Earn 1x 2x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, entertainment, and transit
• Plus, earn 3x Scene+ points on grocery purchases at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, and FreshCo
• Visa Airport Companion membership with six free lounge visits per year
• Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
• Annual fee: $150 (waived in the first year)

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card sets itself apart as a true traveller’s card, offering strong welcome bonus, no foreign exchange fees, and a 2% effective earning rate on grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases, both home and abroad.

Similar to the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card , this card offers both trip cancellation and interruption, but up to $2,500 per person, flight delay insurance for delays of more than four hours, up to $500 per person, as well as delayed and lost baggage insurance of up to $1,000.

With this card, you’ll get emergency medical insurance of up to $2 million for you, your spouse, and dependent children on unexpected medical illness or injury when travelling out-of-province for up to 25 days (3 days for age 65 and up).

The card also offers auto rental collision insurance on cars with an MSRP of up to $65,000, but does not offer the mobile device insurance.

Note that this card has minimum income requirement of $60,000 or a household income of $100,000.

Best Mastercard for Travel Insurance

• Earn 3,000 AIR MILES ® †  upon spending $3,000 in the first three months†
• Earn 1x 3x AIR MILES ® † per $12 spent at AIR MILES ® † partners†
• Earn 1x 2x AIR MILES ® † per $12 spent at grocery stores†
• Use AIR MILES ® † for Cash Rewards or Dream Rewards†
• Minimum income: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household†
• Annual fee: $120 (rebated in the first year)†

The BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a must-have card for avid AIR MILES collectors, as it offers a competitive earning structure along with perks such as a 25% discount on a flight redemption worldwide redeemed through the AIR MILES portal.

The card offers a good insurance package, including:

• Emergency medical insurance for the first 15 days on out-of-province trips, up to $5 million†
• Trip cancellation insurance for up to $1,500 per insured person and $5,000 per trip†
• Trip interruption insurance for up to $2,000 per insured person and $10,000 per trip†
• Flight delay benefits of up to $500 per trip for reasonable expenses incurred on a flight delay of four hours or more†
• Car rental insurance and Collision Damage Waiver benefits, which allow you to save on the insurance fees that car rental companies usually charge†

The annual fee, which is normally $120, is currently rebated for the first year †  as part of the welcome offer, but a minimum $80,000 (individual) or $150,000 (household) annual income is required to qualify.

Best No Fee Card for Travel Insurance

• Earn $25 cash back upon first purchase within the first three months of receiving your card†
• Plus, earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases†
• Also, earn bonus cash back to offset the foreign transaction fee on USD purchases†
• Minimum income: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
• Annual fee: $0

The Rogers World Elite ® Mastercard ® is a solid choice for anyone looking for simplicity: one card for all purchases with no annual fee and a high cash back rate. It’s also a good card if you’re a Rogers customer and spend in US dollars, and don’t mind paying foreign transaction fees.

The card provides generous insurance provisions for a card that doesn’t have an annual fee.

The emergency medical assistance only covers trips up to 10 days for most cardholders. However, it also provides coverage for trips up to 3 days for cardholders aged 66 to 75. This would be valuable for weekend getaways for seniors, who usually aren’t covered at all by credit card insurance.

Cardholders will also get both  trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance  of up to $1,000 per insured person.

Lastly, the card also offers purchase security  and  extended warranty protection , covering most eligible items you’ve purchased with your card should they be stolen or damaged within 90 days of purchase, as well as doubled the warranty period compared to the manufacturer’s warranty.

Note that there is a minimum income requirement of $80,000 annual personal income or $150,000 annual household income and cardholders are asked to spend at least $15,000 per year, otherwise they might be downgraded to a lower tier credit card with weaker benefits.†

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American Express Travel Insurance Coverage Review – Is It Worth It?

Christine Krzyszton

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Why Purchase Travel Insurance

Travel insurance and the covid-19 virus, package policy options, custom select coverage options, pricing by age, cancellations and changes, to other travel insurance companies, to credit card travel insurance, travelinsurance.com, insuremytrip, squaremouth, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

We frequently discuss the travel insurance coverages that are offered complimentary on most credit cards . We do so because these benefits, especially the long list of travel insurance coverages on premium cards, can save you money, offer peace of mind during your travels, and provide help if something goes wrong.

These complimentary coverages are useful and can offer more than adequate coverage for most trips. However, if you’re investing in an expensive trip or 1 that involves multiple travel providers, purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy is a prudent move. You’d also want a travel insurance policy if your trip has a complicated itinerary or if you’re anxious about the possibility of having to cancel any portion of the journey.

Additionally, it’s imperative that if you’re worried about having medical coverage while traveling, you’d want to purchase a travel insurance policy that provides medical coverage.

Fortunately, travel insurance is widely available, reasonably affordable, and simple to secure. There are several reputable travel insurance companies , highly-rated by financial rating organizations such as AM Best , that offer nearly endless options from which to choose.

American Express Travel Insurance , underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, is one of those highly-respected, highly-rated, established companies offering comprehensive travel insurance solutions.

Join us while we check out the types of policies the company offers, any limitations of which to be aware, and additional options for protecting your next trip appropriately.

Travel insurance can help you avoid losing the investment you made when booking your trip, reimburse you for covered expenses should your trip be disrupted due to a covered event, or pay for emergency medical services.

Policies are designed to cover disruption due to the reasons listed in the policy you purchased. These reasons consist of events that are unforeseen and unexpected.

Here are a few situations where travel insurance could cover your loss:

• You or a covered family member become ill and you must cancel your trip. Trip insurance can cover prepaid non-reimbursable expenses.
• You are injured in an accident during your trip and need to be evacuated to a hospital by air ambulance.
• You become ill during your trip and must return home versus continuing on your journey.
• Your flight is delayed or canceled and you must stay at a hotel and incur expenses for lodging and incidentals.

Whether you should purchase travel insurance or not is a personal decision. If losing your trip investment or having to pay for extra expenses if the trip is disrupted makes you uncomfortable or would present a financial burden, then you should purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

If worrying about having to cancel your trip or having it disrupted during your journey is an issue, purchasing a travel insurance policy will definitely deliver some peace of mind, both prior to and during your trip.

For more tips on buying travel insurance in general, you’ll find valuable information in our guide to buying the best travel insurance .

Bottom Line: The longer, more expensive, and more complicated your trip, the greater the need for a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

When you purchase travel insurance and your trip is canceled, you expect to have coverage. However, not all cancellations are covered — only those specifically listed in your policy.

Once COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, it became a known event and therefore is not covered on travel insurance policies. While it’s reasonable to want to cancel your trip due to fear of COVID-19, canceling a trip due to the fear of any illness is not a covered reason on any travel insurance policy.

There is also no coverage for canceling a trip due to a U.S. State Department announcement warning of COVID-19 in a particular area.

In order to have coverage for voluntary trip cancellations, you would need to purchase “Cancel for Any Reason Insurance” (CFAR) . CFAR is not a stand-alone insurance policy — it is an add-on coverage you select when you purchase a travel insurance policy or coverage you may be able to add to a travel insurance policy after purchase, within an initially specified timeframe.

CFAR insurance is expensive, does not cover the entire cost of your trip, and not all companies sell the coverage, including American Express Travel Insurance.

Additionally, there is a small window of time when you are able to purchase the coverage, including during your initial purchase or up to 10 to 21 days after the purchase, depending on the company.

While American Express Travel Insurance does not cover trip cancellation due to fear of contracting COVID-19, there may be coverage in certain circumstances. For example, if you become sick with the virus and have to cancel your trip as a result, you may have coverage under trip cancellation insurance.

Additionally, if you become ill with the virus during your travels, you may have coverage under Travel Medical Protection. Terms and conditions apply.

Bottom Line: Travel insurance does not cover canceled trips due to fear of getting COVID-19 or a government declaration that a specific destination is unsafe. Cancel for Any Reason Insurance must be purchased to cover these voluntary cancellations. 

American Express Travel Insurance Options

American Express offers you 2 options when it comes to purchasing travel insurance. You can select a package policy that includes several types of coverages in 1 plan or you can build your own travel insurance plan and select just the coverages that are important to you.

Coverage is worldwide except for where it would violate U.S. trade or economic sanctions. All permanent U.S. residents are eligible to purchase travel insurance with American Express.

American Express Travel Insurance offers 4 levels of travel insurance package policy plans — a Basic Plan, Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and Platinum Plan. Each has its own levels of coverage and associated premium cost.

Let’s take a look at the package policy offerings and pricing. We chose a week-long trip for a 40-year old that cost $3,000. Prices ranged from $59 to $208 to cover the entire trip.

With package policies, you can expect to find the following coverages. The limits of coverage differ based on the policy plan you select.

• Trip Cancellation/Interruption — Receive reimbursement for prepaid non-refundable expenses due to cancellation for covered reasons and additional costs if your trip is disrupted, also for covered reasons.
• Global Medical Protection — Receive worldwide emergency medical and dental coverage for the first 60 days of your trip and access to emergency evacuation/repatriation services.
• Travel Accident Protection — Receive coverage for accidental death/dismemberment from the time you leave on your trip until the time you arrive home.
• Global Baggage Protection — Coverage varies from $250 to $2,500 for lost luggage depending on the level selected. Baggage delay coverage starts from 3- to over 24-hour delays, depending on the policy plan selected.
• Global Trip Delay — Receive up to $300 per day, $1,000 per trip, depending on the level of coverage selected. Coverage is valid for delayed/canceled flights or involuntary-denied boarding.
• 24-Hour Travel Assistance — Have global access to planning and emergency assistance before and during your trip.

Bottom Line: American Express Travel Insurance offers 4 different levels of package policies, each comprising a collection of coverages most travelers look for. The plan you select and the level of coverage limits chosen determine the amount of the premium cost. 

If some of the coverages in the package plan are not important to you, you can select only the coverage(s) you want and pay accordingly. Perhaps, for example, you have a need for just medical coverage while traveling abroad. You have the option to select just that coverage.

This example shows the levels of coverage available and the associated premium costs. The Gold Plan selected offers up to $100,000 in emergency medical, up to $750 in emergency dental, and up to $100,000 in emergency evacuation/repatriation. The price of this plan would be $32 for the entire trip.

Bottom Line: Having the option to select only the coverages you want allows you to save money by not paying for coverages you don’t need. This is a key benefit of purchasing travel insurance through American Express Travel Insurance. Few travel insurance companies offer the option to purchase stand-alone travel medical coverage. 

Additional Information — American Express Travel Insurance

Like most travel insurance companies, American Express Travel Insurance prices its products within age brackets. The price for coverage is the same for everyone in that specific age bracket.

Based on dozens of quotes obtained, pricing brackets were determined to be as follows:

• Age 17 to 40
• Age 41 to 65
• Age 66 to 70
• Age 70 to 80
• Age 81 or over

Knowing this upfront can help you determine if you’re at the beginning of the highest price bracket or the end. For example, if you are 40 years old, you’re going to pay less than a 41-year-old in the next pricing bracket but the same as a 17-year-old.

If you’re a senior and want to learn more about purchasing travel insurance in your 60s, 70s, and beyond , the tips in our article will help guide you in the right direction.

Bottom Line: Knowing a travel insurance company’s age pricing brackets can help you determine which company offers you the best value for your money.

Here is some information you should know about cancellations and changes to an American Express Travel Insurance policy.

• You can change or modify your policy prior to your trip.
• You can request a full refund within 14 days after receiving your policy documents. Some restrictions vary by state.
• If you have purchased American Express Travel Insurance and your trip was canceled due to COVID-19, you may qualify for a policy refund . Contact AMEX Assurance Company for details at [email protected]. Terms apply.
• Once your trip is completed, you cannot request a refund.

Hot Tip: Due to the overall decrease in travel, many travel insurance companies now allow you to cancel your travel insurance and receive a full refund or extend your policy without extra charges. 

How Does American Express Travel Insurance Compare

When comparing other package policies to American Express Travel Insurance, the company’s premiums came up higher overall for this specific trip and traveler (1-week trip, 40-year-old, total value $3,000).

The first policy above with Assistance USA for $77, for example, has coverages similar to the Silver Amex plan which has a premium of $133. The coverage on the $102 Assistance USA plan above compares more with the Amex Gold plan at $157.

Prices will vary considerably based on the types of coverages selected, age, and limits of each coverage. We used policy comparison websites and found similar but not identical policies. With so many different coverage options, it’s difficult to compare apples to apples.

This is a very limited comparison — your results will be different based on your specific details. The most important factors to consider are that you’re purchasing from a highly-rated company, the coverages are a match for your needs, and the premium is one with which you’re comfortable paying.

The travel insurance coverages that comes complimentary on your credit card can serve to provide coverage for some trips. For example, if you book a domestic round-trip flight, a hotel, and a rental car, you may have sufficient coverages on your credit card to cover that trip.

Credit card travel insurance coverage, however, is not a replacement for a comprehensive travel insurance policy , for these reasons:

• Most credit card travel insurance coverage is secondary and in excess of other coverage you might have. You’ll normally be working with 2 (or more) entities to get your claim resolved.
• Credit card travel insurance is administered by a third party, not by the issuing financial institution, thus making the claims process potentially redundant and complicated.
• You generally won’t find medical coverage on a credit card. The Platinum Card ® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® offer emergency medical evacuation and there is a small medical benefit on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
• Coverage limits are set on credit card travel insurance. Travel insurance policies can offer higher limit options.
• Credit card travel insurances have requirements such as purchasing the trip with the associated credit card.
• Additional coverages can be added to travel insurance policies such as CFAR insurance, a preexisting conditions waiver, and other benefits not available with credit cards.

Bottom Line: While the travel insurance coverages that come with credit cards may be sufficient to cover a simple trip where there is no large investment at stake, these coverages are by no means a replacement for a comprehensive travel insurance policy. 

The Value of Travel Insurance Comparison Sites

Because travel insurance is widely available and quite competitive, you may find drastic differences in the price you’ll pay between companies and policy offerings. Selecting a company is not difficult as there are dozens of reputable, highly financially-rated, established companies, but comparing policies is essential for getting the best value for your money.

One way to easily compare pricing and coverages is to utilize a travel insurance comparison site to narrow down the appropriate options for your situation.

Here are some of the most popular, easy-to-use comparison sites that only feature highly financially-rated travel insurance companies.

• Coverage is available instantly
• The comparison tool is easy to use
• The company has a “best price guarantee”
• Calls are handled by licensed agents
• The website contains educational information for understanding travel insurance coverages and policies
• Features nearly 2 dozen companies
• Compare 90 different policies from over 20 different companies
• Customer service receives high accolades
• Over 86,000 reviews

Bottom Line: Utilizing a travel insurance comparison website can help you quickly narrow your choices to policies that fit your needs and your budget. 

There is no doubt that American Express is a financially-stable, established, and well-respected travel insurance company.

One of the company’s strengths is that it offers the consumer the ability to purchase needed coverages separately , such as medical insurance for an international trip. The premiums for such coverage are also very competitively priced. This could be a huge plus if you are not interested in duplicating credit card travel insurance coverages or in having just secondary or excess coverage.

One downside, especially in today’s environment, is that American Express Travel Insurance does not sell CFAR insurance. If this is important to you, you should attempt to find the coverage elsewhere by using comparison sites.

Another downside that may or may not be important is that American Express Travel Insurance does not sell annual or multi-trip policies. You must purchase a new policy for each individual trip.

Also, like several other travel insurance companies, high-risk adventurous activities may not be covered with American Express Travel Insurance. You might look to a company specializing in insuring these activities such as World Nomads .

If you want to make sure you’re purchasing from an established company and have specific coverages you’re more interested in than others, American Express Travel Insurance is a solid decision . For package travel insurance policies, you might be able to realize modest savings by shopping around, but you won’t go wrong with the company selection of choosing American Express Travel Insurance.

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is american express travel insurance worth it.

Yes, overall. American Express Travel Insurance is backed by AMEX Assurance Company which is highly-rated, established, and reputable.

The company offers competitive travel insurance package policies but also allows the traveler to build their own policies with only the coverages they deem necessary. This option can save the traveler money.

If you’re looking for medical coverage for an international trip, for example, purchasing with an established company at a reasonable price makes American Express Travel Insurance a worthy choice.

Do I have to have an American Express credit card to purchase American Express travel insurance?

No, you do not need to be an American Express cardholder to purchase a travel insurance policy from American Express Travel Insurance.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Travel insurance does not cover canceling your trip due to fear of getting sick. It also does not cover canceling your trip due to a government shutdown due to COVID-19, or a surge in cases in a particular area.

You may have coverage if you become ill due to COVID-19 and need to cancel your trip, depending on the terms of your policy.

You may also have coverage if you become ill due to COVID-19 during your travels.

Is credit card travel insurance any good?

The travel insurance coverages that come with your credit card can be sufficient to cover simple trips. If you’re booking a trip that has a complicated itinerary, involves several travel providers, or is more than a week in length, you might consider a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

In addition, if your trip is an expensive one, even if it’s simple and short, it would be prudent to cover your investment with a travel insurance policy.

Finally, credit cards do not come with medical insurance coverage. If you need this coverage while traveling, you’ll want to purchase a separate policy.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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Prepare for unexpected events with American Express® Travel Insurance◊ . Build your own insurance coverage or choose one of our packages. Fees, coverage limits, and coverage areas apply. Please read important exclusions and limitations. Enrollment required.

The Flexibility to Change Your Mind

With Trip Cancel Guard , you can cancel your flight for any reason up to two full calendar days before departure and receive up to 75% reimbursement when an airline credit or voucher is not available or expires. Available exclusively at AmexTravel.com at time of booking. Terms apply. ‡

Drive Forward With Confidence

Enroll your American Express ® Card in Premium Car Rental Protection◊ . Your Card will be charged one flat rate per rental period, not per day like rental companies may charge. Fees, coverage limits, and coverage areas apply.

Enjoy Your Adventure

From local finds to legendary favorites, take advantage of unique rewards and access at stops along your journey.

Multi-Card Carousel

Explore Local Hot Spots

Wherever your travels take you, you can find a table with Resy. Explore Resy’s curated itineraries to find beloved local restaurants along your trip.

Enhance Your Trip With Amex Offers

Whether you’re preparing for your journey, booking accommodations, or exploring your destination, Amex Offers‡ has got you covered. Simply add offers to your eligible Card and make qualifying purchases to earn rewards throughout your travel experience.

Make Every Moment More

When you’re a Member, any event is more rewarding. Experience exclusive Card Member benefits – like 10% off concessions, exclusive Card Member entrances, and more – at some of the most iconic venues around the world.‡

Unlock Savings on Great Events

Get 10% off tickets to live events, including concerts, sports events, theater shows, and more through the Tikety Live Event Site for Amex® Card Members.‡

Explore the World with GetYourGuide

Whether it’s marveling at unique scenery, appreciating local art museums, or tasting local cuisine, experience the wonders of travel by booking an activity at gyg.me/amex. Terms Apply.‡

Explore Your Options

Find the best Card, and benefits, for you.

Looking for a New Travel Card?

Explore Your Current Card Benefits

Start Your Next Adventure

You deserve the best from every journey. We’re here to help you get it.

‡ Terms and Conditions

Seller of Travel Show Details Hide Details

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit www.americanexpress.com/travelterms .

California CST#1022318; Washington UBI#600-469-694

Membership Rewards Show Details Hide Details

Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards ® program apply. Visit membershiprewards.com/terms for more information. Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.

The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. To learn more, go to www.membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo .

Lowest Hotel Rates Guarantee Show Details Hide Details

Valid only for American Express Card Members. If you book a qualifying hotel rate on amextravel.com and then find the same room, in the same hotel, for the same dates, the same number of children and adults, the same rate type and cancellation policy at a lower price online, before taxes and fees, we'll refund you the difference. For pre-paid reservations, your claim must be submitted prior to your stay, before the date of check-in. For verification of “pay later” hotel bookings, your claim must be submitted within thirty (30) days after you have completed the hotel stay, and the customer service representative may instruct you to mail a copy of your hotel receipt to American Express within that time period. American Express will honor the lower price for verified requests. The "Lowest Hotel Rates Guarantee" policy applies only to online rates available to the general public and excludes (1) rates or discounts that are not available to the general public, including, but not limited to, corporate, group, charter, meeting/convention, AAA, government/military, and senior citizen rates/discounts; or (2) hotel rooms booked through or in combination with frequent stay, loyalty, points, coupon promotions, rooms won through contests or sweepstakes or transferred, or rooms booked on opaque websites that do not allow you to see the name of the hotel until your reservation is complete; or (3) promotional packages, deals, all-inclusive packages, or bundles that may include additional amenities such as parking, meals, or entertainment, or (4) rates booked through the Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection programs.

Insider Fares Show Details Hide Details

Insider Fares are valid only for Membership Rewards ® program-enrolled Cards when a Card Member is booking through AmexTravel.com. Insider Fares will display in search results on AmexTravel.com only if an eligible Card Member is logged into his/her account and has enough Membership Rewards points for the entire fare; otherwise, publicly available fares will display. Insider Fares are fares for which less Membership Rewards points are required to purchase the flight. The entire amount of the purchase must be covered using Membership Rewards points. Insider Fares are only available on select flights. When purchasing an Insider Fare, the dollar amount of the fare will be charged to the Card Member’s account and a credit will be issued in that dollar amount on the Card Member’s statement; additionally, the number of Membership Rewards points required for the fare will be deducted from the Card Member’s Membership Rewards account balance. Participating airlines and benefits are subject to change. For more information about the Membership Rewards program visit www.membershiprewards.com/terms .

Delta Gift Card Show Details Hide Details

Once Membership Rewards points are redeemed for a Delta Gift Card, the award becomes subject to the terms and conditions of the Delta Gift Card Program. All Membership Rewards redemptions for Delta Gift Cards are final and transactions cannot be returned or reversed.Use of the gift card is subject to the below terms and conditions and, in addition, to the full terms provided at www.delta.com/giftcard . A maximum of 3 Delta Gift Cards can be used per Delta air transportation purchase.Each Delta Gift Card may only be used towards the purchase price of air transportation on Delta Air Lines marketed flights (including as part of a Delta Vacations® package) and may not be used to pay other amounts, such as baggage fees, in-flight purchases, mileage booster, premium seating (e.g., Preferred Seating or Economy Comfort™) or other ancillary products. Delta Gift Cards are not reloadable; will not be replaced by Delta for any reason; are not refundable and cannot be redeemed or exchanged for cash, check or credit except where refund or redemption is required by law; are not a credit, debit or charge card; have no implied warranties; and may only be sold by Delta and Delta-licensed vendors. Use of a Delta Gift Card is subject to applicable law. If there is a conflict between the terms and conditions and applicable law, applicable law will govern. The Delta Gift Card is issued by, and represents an obligation of, Delta Gift Cards, Inc. Call 800-221-1212 for balance information and customer service.

All Delta Gift Card terms apply. For complete terms and conditions, please visit delta.com/giftcards. Delta name and logo are registered trademarks of Delta Air Lines, Inc. and used with permission.  Delta is not a sponsor of the program/promotion and is not affiliated with American Express.

Uber Gift Card Show Details Hide Details

By using this gift card, you accept the following terms and conditions: This card is redeemable via the Uber® or Uber Eats app within the U.S. in cities where Uber or Uber Eats is available. Funds do not expire. The card is non-reloadable and, except where required by law, cannot be redeemed for cash, refunded, or returned. You may be required to add a secondary payment method to use this gift card with the Uber or Uber Eats app. The card is not redeemable outside the U.S. Issuer is not responsible for lost or stolen cards, or unauthorized use. This card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. For full terms and conditions and customer service, visit uber.com/legal/gift.

Pay It Plan It ® Show Details Hide Details

Pay It ® is only available in the American Express® App for your eligible Account. With the Pay It feature, you can make a payment equal to the amount of a billed purchase less than $100. Payments made with Pay It are not applied to that billed purchase but to your outstanding balance in accordance with how we apply payments.

Your Account is eligible for Pay It if you are a Basic Card Member or Additional Card Member of a Card account issued by a U.S. banking subsidiary of American Express that is not canceled, excluding Accounts that do not have either a Credit Limit or the Pay Over Time feature. Prepaid Cards and products, American Express Corporate Cards, American Express Small Business Cards and American Express-branded Cards or account numbers issued by other financial institutions are not eligible.

With Plan It®, you can create up to 10 active payment plans, each subject to a plan fee. The plan fee is a fixed finance charge that will be charged each month that the corresponding plan is active. You will be offered 1-3 plan duration options for the qualifying purchase. The plan duration options can vary based on a variety of factors such as the purchase amount, your Account history and your creditworthiness. If you are enrolled in an intro or promotional APR, you may see limited plan duration options during the intro or promotional period when you use Plan It on your Account. If you create a plan during an introductory or promotional APR period, your plan fee will be based on the introductory or promotional APR as long as the plan is created before 11:59pm MST on the last day of the introductory or promotional period.

To create a plan, select qualifying purchases of $100 or more and a plan duration. If you have a Card with a Credit Limit, you may also be able to select a qualifying amount of $100 or more and a plan duration. When creating a plan for purchases, you may select up to 10 qualifying purchases for each plan that you create in your American Express online Account. However, you may select only one qualifying purchase for each plan that you create in the American Express App. Qualifying purchases will be identified in your American Express online Account and American Express App. Qualifying purchases (or a qualifying amount, if you have a Card with a Credit Limit) do not include purchases of cash or cash equivalents, balance transfers (if offered), purchases subject to Foreign Transaction Fees, or any fee owed to us, including Annual Membership fees. Unless you are creating a plan at checkout, please allow 2-3 days for your purchase to post to your Account. Once your purchase posts and is no longer pending, you can create a plan for that purchase.

Your ability to create plans will be based on a variety of factors such as your creditworthiness, and your Credit Limit or Pay Over Time Limit, as applicable. The Pay Over Time Limit applies to the total of your Pay Over Time, Cash Advance, and Plan balances. You may not be able to create a plan if it would cause you to exceed your Pay Over Time Limit or cause your Plan balance to exceed 95% of your Account Total New Balance on your last billing statement. You will not be able to create plans if your Pay Over Time feature is suspended or your Account is canceled. You will also not be able to create plans if one or more of your American Express Accounts is enrolled in a payment program, has a payment that is returned unpaid, or is past due. The number and length of plan duration options offered to you, the number of active plans you can have at a time, and your ability to include multiple qualifying purchases in a single plan, will be at our discretion and will be based on a variety of factors such as your creditworthiness, the purchase amount(s), and your Account history. After a plan is paid in full, it will be removed from your Account in the next billing period.

Plan It is available on Card Accounts issued by a U.S. banking subsidiary of American Express, excluding Accounts that do not have either a Credit Limit or the Pay Over Time feature. Only the Basic Card Member or Authorized Account Managers on the Account can create a plan. Prepaid Cards and products, American Express Corporate Cards, American Express Small Business Cards and American Express-branded Cards or Account numbers issued by other financial institutions are not eligible.

Send & Split ® Show Details Hide Details

Send & Split ® is only available in the American Express® App (“Amex App”) to Card Members with an eligible Card. Eligible Cards are US-issued Basic Consumer Cards that are issued by American Express National Bank and are not cancelled. Prepaid Cards, American Express Corporate Cards, American Express Small Business Cards, American Express-branded cards or account numbers issued by other financial institutions and American Express Cards issued outside of the United States are not eligible Cards. To use Send & Split, you must first have an email address on file, enroll in Send & Split® in your American Express Online Account (“Online Account”) and open an Amex Send® stored balance account in the Amex App (“Send Account”). Send & Split allows you to: (i) send a person-to-person payment from your Send Account to Venmo and PayPal users (“Send”) and (ii) split a Card purchase (“Split”) and receive funds to your Card account as a statement credit or to your linked Venmo or PayPal account. You may use Send & Split® with an Additional consumer Card that is issued in the US by American Express National Bank and is not cancelled if you also have an eligible Card in the same Online Account and that Online Account is enrolled in Send & Split. You must have or create an account with Venmo or PayPal and link your Online Account to your PayPal or Venmo account to use Send & Split. You must add money to your Send Account from your eligible Card(s) to Send to a Venmo or PayPal recipient. The money you add will be reflected in your Send Account balance. The charge on your Card for an Add Money transaction does not earn rewards and is subject to the Card’s purchase APR. Once the Send from your Send Account is available in the recipient’s Venmo or PayPal account, you do not have the ability to cancel the transaction. There is no fee to Send to US recipients. PayPal charges a fee to Send to non-US recipients. With Split, you can split pending or posted purchases that are made with your eligible Card in your Amex App. Once you select a purchase to Split, select the contacts you want to request to Split with. You can choose to get paid back as a statement credit to your Card account (a Split credit) or to your linked Venmo or PayPal account. Split credits to your Card account apply when we receive confirmation that the Split request was completed but may take 24-36 hours to post to your Card account. You are still responsible to pay the full purchase amount charged to your Card, regardless of whether you are paid back via Split. You earn rewards for purchases that you split in the same way that you earn rewards for other purchases. Other eligibility and restrictions apply. For complete details visit americanexpress.com/sendandsplitterms to view Terms & Conditions. Send Account issued by American Express National Bank.

◊ American Express Travel Insurance Show Details Hide Details

American Express Travel Insurance (Policy AX0126, or Policy AETI-IND) is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Phoenix AZ. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the respective policies (see above) and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy.

American Express Travel Insurance is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., California license number 0649234.

Trip Cancel Guard Show Details Hide Details

American Express Trip Cancel Guard is an optional benefit enabling You to receive partial reimbursement for Eligible Trip Itineraries purchased through/on TRS that are cancelled for any reason at least 2 full calendar days before your Departure Date and before the Benefit End Date. This benefit is a cancellation fee waiver and is not an insurance product. Trip Cancel Guard is only available for purchase from TRS at the time of the Eligible Trip Itinerary booking. With this benefit, the Eligible Beneficiaries may receive reimbursement for up to 75% of Nonrefundable Prepaid Expenses listed on the Eligible Trip Itinerary purchased through TRS as stated on Your Schedule of Benefits. Reimbursement is subject to requirements and restrictions. Visit americanexpress.com/tripcancelguardterms for full Terms & Conditions.

◊ Premium Car Rental Protection Show Details Hide Details

Premium Car Rental Protection is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Phoenix, AZ. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of Policy AX0610 or Policy PCRP-IND and is subject to change with notice. Coverage is not available for ride-sharing companies that allow individuals to rent out their personal vehicle. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy.

Premium Car Rental Protection is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., California license number 0649234.

Amex Offers Show Details Hide Details

Eligible Card Members can redeem an Amex Offer by first enrolling in the offer in their online account or in the American Express ® App and then using their enrolled Card to pay. Only U.S.-issued American Express Consumer and Business Cards and registered American Express Serve ® and Bluebird Cards may be eligible. We may consider the number of American Express Cards you have opened and closed as well as other factors in making a decision on your eligibility to access Amex Offers. You may not be eligible to access Amex Offers if we, in our sole discretion, determine that you have previously engaged in abuse, misuse or gaming of the Amex Offers program, or any other Amex program. Offers are also available to Additional Card Members and available offers may vary for each eligible Card Member. Please review the terms of each offer for details on how to redeem. For full Program Terms, visit www.americanexpress.com/us/amexoffersterms/ .

Events Show Details Hide Details

Early Access.

Early access to purchase 2023 US Open tickets has expired. Information and terms of purchase for 2024 US Open tickets will be made available in 2024 prior to the Early Access on sale date. Early Access tickets are subject to the terms and conditions of the Early Access program. Early Access tickets may be purchased for select seats during a specified period prior to the general on-sale dates for the US Open. Tickets must be purchased using an American Express Card (including, for example, the American Express International Dollar Card). Tickets are sold by and fulfilled by third party ticket sellers (not American Express), and such tickets are subject to the rules, terms and conditions, prices and fees set by the ticket seller, event promoter and/or the venue. Early Access tickets are subject to availability and supply may be limited. Not all seats may be offered; purchase limits and blackout dates may apply. Refunds, exchanges and resale may be prohibited by the ticket seller. For more information, please visit americanexpress.com/entertainment .

On Site Benefits.

American Express Card Members that have a valid ticket to the US Open can get access to certain benefits on site at the US Open by presenting an American Express Card in their name (pre-paid American Express Cards are not eligible). These on-site benefits are subject to change year-over-year, including Card Member eligibility and benefit terms. For the 2023 US Open, on-site benefits include access to the American Express Shop (checkout-free/contactless shopping using an American Express Card), American Express radios (limit one per Card per day, available while supplies last), American Express Card Member lounge located on the second level of the US Open American Express Fan Experience (Card Members may visit the lounge with up to two (2) guests, capacity limitations apply), and more. To the extent alcohol is available in the lounge, you must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages; please drink responsibly. For additional on-site benefits and terms, please visit usopen.org .

Fan Experiences

American Express hosts American Express Fan Experiences at select music festivals and sporting events. In 2023, Fan Experiences are available at Coachella music festival, US Open golf, NBA and WNBA All-Star games, Wimbledon, British Summer Time music festival, All Points East music festival, US Open tennis, and Austin City Limits music festival. The music festivals and sporting events at which Fan Experiences are hosted are subject to change year-over-year, including Card Member eligibility and terms. American Express Card Members that have a valid ticket to an applicable event can visit the Fan Experience by presenting an American Express Card in their name (pre-paid American Express Cards are not eligible). The number of Card Member guests permitted may vary by event. Capacity limitations apply. Additional rules and terms may apply by event. American Express reserves the right to not allow or to remove Card Members and their guests from the Fan Experience for any reason, including, without limitation, not adhering to applicable rules and terms of the Fan Experience. To the extent alcohol is available at the Fan Experience, you must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages; please drink responsibly. Fan Experiences may be modified or discontinued at any time and without notice. For more information, please visit americanexpress.com/entertainment .

Event Access

Eligible American Express Card Members can get access to purchase tickets to select events through the American Express Early Access, Access, and/or Preferred Access programs. For program eligibility and terms, please refer to the program terms and conditions below. Additional terms of purchase may apply for the event selected. Tickets are sold by and fulfilled by third party ticket sellers (not American Express), and such tickets are subject to the rules, terms and conditions, prices and fees set by the ticket seller, event promoter and/or the venue. Not all seats may be offered; purchase limits and blackout dates may apply. Refunds, exchanges and resale may be prohibited by the ticket seller. For more information, please visit  americanexpress.com/entertainment .

Early Access Program.

Early Access tickets may be purchased by American Express Card Members for select events and select seats, during a specified period prior to the general on-sale dates for those events. Tickets must be purchased using an American Express Card (including, for example, the American Express International Dollar Cards). Tickets are sold by and fulfilled by third party ticket sellers (not American Express), and such tickets are subject to the rules, terms and conditions, prices and fees set by the ticket seller, event promoter and/or the venue. Early Access tickets are subject to availability and supply may be limited. Not all seats may be offered; purchase limits and blackout dates may apply. Refunds, exchanges and resale may be prohibited by the ticket seller. For more information, please visit americanexpress.com/entertainment .

Access Program.

Access tickets may be purchased by American Express Card Members for select events and select seats, during a specified period. Tickets must be purchased using an American Express Card (including, for example, the American Express International Dollar Cards). Tickets are sold by and fulfilled by third party ticket sellers (not American Express), and such tickets are subject to the rules, terms and conditions, prices and fees set by the ticket seller, event promoter and/or the venue. Access tickets are subject to availability and supply may be limited. Not all seats may be offered; purchase limits and blackout dates may apply. Refunds, exchanges and resale may be prohibited by the ticket seller. For more information, please visit americanexpress.com/entertainment .

Preferred Access Program.

Preferred Access tickets may be purchased by eligible American Express Card Members for select events and select seats, during a specified period. Tickets are sold by and fulfilled by third party ticket sellers (not American Express), and such tickets are subject to the rules, terms and conditions, prices and fees set by the ticket seller, event promoter and/or the venue. When purchasing tickets, enter the 10-digit customer service phone number on the back of your eligible Card when prompted. Tickets must be purchased using one of the following U.S.-issued American Express Cards: American Express Cards: Consumer, Business, or Corporate Platinum Card ® or Centurion ® Card; Consumer or Business Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card; Consumer or Business Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Card; Consumer, Business, or Corporate Gold Card; Classic Business Gold Card; Business Gold Rewards Card; Executive Business Card; Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card; Hilton Honors Aspire Card; Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® Card; Marriott Bonvoy Bevy ™ Card; or Marriott Bonvoy ® Card. Tickets are subject to availability and supply may be limited. Not all seats may be offered; purchase limits and blackout dates may apply. Refunds, exchanges, and resale may be prohibited by the ticket seller. For more information, please visit americanexpress.com/entertainment .

Card Member Entrances & Fast Lanes

American Express Card Member entrances are available at select venues. Card Member entrances may not be available for all events; hours of availability may vary and are subject to change. Entrances may be modified or discontinued at any time and without notice. Card Members that have a valid ticket to the event can get access through the Card Member entrance by presenting an American Express Card in the Card Member’s name (pre-paid American Express Cards are not eligible). The number of Card Member guests permitted may vary by venue. Additional rules and terms may apply by venue and by event (including, without limitation, security protocols). American Express does not operate the Card Member entrances; the applicable venue operates the entrance. Venue personnel reserve the right to not allow Card Members and their guests admittance through the Card Member entrance for any reason, including, without limitation, not adhering to security protocols. To determine if the venue for the event you would like to attend has a Card Member entrance, please visit americanexpress.com/venues .

Fast Lanes.

American Express Card Member fast lanes are available at select music festivals for the purchase of music festival merchandise. Card Members that have a valid ticket to the music festival can get access to the Card Member fast lane by presenting an American Express Card in the Card Member’s name (pre-paid American Express Cards are not eligible). The number of Card Member guests permitted may vary by event. Additional rules and terms may apply by event. To determine if the music festival you would like to attend has a Card Member fast lane, please refer to the American Express Card Member benefits for that music festival (as applicable). For more information, please visit americanexpress.com/entertainment .

American Express Shops

American Express Shops are checkout-free/contactless shops available to American Express Card Members at US Open tennis and select venues (currently, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York and the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah). An American Express Card is required for entry and to make purchases in American Express Shops (pre-paid American Express Cards are not eligible). Capacity limitations apply. American Express Shops may not be available for all events at a venue; hours of availability may vary and are subject to change. American Express does not operate American Express Shops. American Express Shops are operated by third party concessionaires selected by the venue; that third party concessionaire is the merchant of record on all purchases at that American Express Shop. Purchases are subject to the policies and terms of the operator of the American Express Shop and the venue. All sales are final, no refunds or exchanges. American Express Shops may be modified (including, without limitation, the concessions offered) or discontinued at any time and without notice. To determine if the venue for the event you are attending has an American Express Shop, please visit americanexpress.com/venues .

Tikety US Pilot Site Show Details Hide Details

American Express® Card Members in the United States (including its territories and possessions) (“US Card Member(s)”) booking through us.tikety.com/amex (the “Website”) with a valid US issued American Express Card (“US Card”) can access and receive a 10% discount on tickets purchased on the Website between August 29, 2023 and November 29, 2024. The 10% discount on ticket purchases made through the Website will be applied automatically at checkout and may not be combined with any other offers. The 10% discount is applied before applicable taxes and fees. Upon purchasing tickets, you will receive a confirmation email and e-ticket. In certain instances, the ticket supplier may delay delivery of the ticket(s) until a minimum of 48 hours prior to the event itself, in which case you will be advised at booking. In such cases your email confirmation will contain all relevant details. The e-ticket is your ticket and includes your confirmation number, ticket and event information, your event contact details, relevant cancellation policies, and other important details. The personal information you provide to make your booking will be processed by Tikety in accordance with Tikety’s Privacy Policy located at https://tikety.com/privacy-policy . Tikety may share certain information regarding any Tikety booking you make through the Website (e.g., cardholder name, transaction date, transaction amount, etc.) with American Express to provide insight into your use of the Website. Any personal information American Express receives about you will be used in accordance with the American Express Online Privacy Statement www.americanexpress.com/us/company/privacy-center/online-privacy-disclosures . If American Express determines in its sole judgment, exercised reasonably, that you engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this program or that you may attempt to do so we may disqualify you from redeeming offers in the future. American Express acts solely as a marketing provider for Tikety and does not operate the Website or act as a commercial agent for the Tikety ticket suppliers. Tikety operates as a Merchant of Record and an intermediary platform on which tickets are offered online and fulfilled by a variety of ticket suppliers around the world. American Express is not responsible for the platform, Website, tickets, or other actions or inactions of Tikety or Tikety ticket suppliers. For customer service, you can contact Tikety’s Customer Service Team, available 24/7, by calling 888-805-3993, emailing them at [email protected] , or accessing Tikety’s Help Center for FAQs. Tikety’s Terms and Conditions apply.

GetYourGuide Show Details Hide Details

US American Express® Card Members booking through gyg.me/amex with a US-issued American Express Card can receive 10% off the total cost of tours, attractions, or other activities (after taxes and fees) when booked by 05/31/2024 (“Limited Time Offer”). Discount will be applied automatically at check out.

  By using the website or booking an Activity, you and Co-Travellers agree to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions. Please review these terms and conditions carefully. If you do not agree to these or the other applicable terms and conditions, you should not use the website or book an Activity. We may modify these terms and conditions at any time by posting the modified terms and conditions on the website. Any such modifications will be effective immediately. Your continued use of the website after modifications have been made to the terms and conditions signifies and confirms your acceptance of the modified terms and conditions.

Upon booking an Activity, you will receive a confirmation email and PDF voucher. The PDF voucher is your ticket and includes your booking reference and PIN Code, booking information, Supplier contact details, relevant cancellation policies, and other important details. We may offer promotions or curated offers in connection with the website. Any promotions or offers will be denoted accordingly on the website and will be subject to additional terms and conditions. Other restrictions may apply.

The personal information used to make your booking will be handled by GetYourGuide in accordance with GetYourGuide’s Privacy Policy. GetYourGuide may share certain information regarding any GetYourGuide booking you make through the website (e.g., cardholder name, transaction date, transaction amount, etc.) with American Express to provide insight into your use of the website. Any personal information American Express receives about you will be used by American Express in accordance with the American Express Online Privacy Statement. If American Express determines in its sole judgmentthat you engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with promotions or offers or that you may attempt to do so, it may suspend your ability to redeem promotions or offers in the future or cancel your American Express cards.

American Express acts solely as a marketing partner for GetYourGuide and does not operate the website or act as a commercial agent for GetYourGuide or Suppliers. GetYourGuide operates as a commercialagent and an intermediary platform on which Activities are offered online and fulfilled by a variety of Suppliers around the world. American Express does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and will have no liability with respect to, the website, Activities, or actions or inactions of GetYourGuide or Suppliers.

Additional terms and conditions apply to you and Co-Travellers which release American Express from liability and exclude or limit certain damages. American Express can be referred to as a distribution partner in those additional terms and conditions.

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Advertiser Disclosure

American Express travel insurance benefits

The right Amex card can save you money if a trip gets interrupted unexpectedly

Published: May 13, 2022

Author: Ana Staples

Editor: Barri Segal

Reviewer: Kaitlyn Tang

How we Choose

American Express cards offer valuable travel insurance benefits, with premium cards providing higher levels of protection.

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Please review our list of best credit cards , or use our CardMatch™ tool to find cards matched to your needs.

COVID-19 disrupted the travel industry and kiboshed many travel plans around the globe. Having to cancel a vacation or postpone an important trip indefinitely isn’t only frustrating – it can be expensive, too. Can travel insurance benefits offered with your credit card cover the costs?

Most American Express cardholders enjoy some kind of travel insurance benefit, though it varies by card. Read on to learn more about which travel insurance benefits are available with each Amex card and how they can help you cover unexpected costs during your trip.

Types of Amex travel insurance vary by card

On Jan. 1, 2020, American Express dropped travel accident insurance and roadside assistance from its cards’ travel insurance benefits. Fortunately, the issuer replaced them with arguably more valuable protections: trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance. Each benefit is offered on select cards.

What American Express trip delay insurance covers

Trip delay insurance covers expenses caused by delays resulting from the following:

• Weather conditions that prevent you from continuing the trip – for example, if your flight was rescheduled due to severe weather
• Terrorist action or hijacking
• A carrier’s equipment failure, as documented by the airline
• Stolen or lost passports or other travel documents

This type of travel insurance covers expenses such as meals, hotel stays, medication and personal-use items.

Amex cards that include trip delay insurance

What american express trip cancellation and interruption insurance covers.

If a trip that you booked using a qualifying Amex card gets interrupted or canceled, American Express can reimburse you for nonrefundable round-trip tickets. These can include everything from airfare to train tickets, plus tickets you booked through a tour operator – and more.

Note that in order to be covered, your trip must be canceled or interrupted due to one of the following reasons:

• Accidental injury, illness or death
• Severe weather
• Military orders
• Jury duty or subpoena by the courts that can’t be postponed or waived
• Traveler’s home has been made uninhabitable
• Quarantine imposed by a doctor for health reasons

Tip: Note that if you’re canceling your trip because you’re still worried about COVID-19, you might not be eligible for this coverage. According to a Coronavirus FAQ published on the company’s website, “American Express travel insurance covers only specified covered reasons. Fear of contracting the coronavirus is not a covered reason under the American Express travel insurance certificate of insurance/policy.”

The maximum reimbursement amount is $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per year. This coverage is secondary, meaning it kicks in only after any other applicable policy you have offers reimbursement.

Here’s the list of American Express cards that offer this travel insurance benefit:

• The Platinum Card from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

What American Express baggage insurance covers

Another valuable travel insurance benefit available to some Amex cardholders is baggage insurance. It’s also secondary coverage, meaning you can receive compensation after being reimbursed by the carrier.

The level of protection varies by card, with premium cards offering more coverage.

What American Express car rental loss and damage insurance covers

If you rent a car during your trip and charge it on your eligible Amex card, you can be reimbursed if the vehicle is damaged or stolen. Premium cards, such as the Platinum and Business Platinum cards, offer up to $75,000 in coverage. The rest of the American Express cards that provide this benefit can cover up to $50,000.

To calculate the amount needed to cover repairs, Amex compares the actual cost of repairs, the car’s wholesale book value and purchase invoice price. The most cost-effective option becomes the reimbursement amount.

Note that the policy only covers rentals for up to 30 consecutive days, and not all cars are included. For example, the policy excludes commercial vehicles, certain types of vans and trucks, cars that are at least 20 years old, limousines and some other types of vehicles. Additionally, this travel benefit doesn’t work for car rentals in Australia, Italy, New Zealand or any country that’s subject to U.S. sanctions.

It’s essential to read your benefits guide carefully since there are many other instances in which damage to your car rental won’t be covered. And keep in mind that like other travel insurance benefits American Express offers, its car rental insurance policy is secondary to any other coverage you may have.

What American Express Global Assist offers

Last but not least, American Express cards offer Global Assist, a hotline that can help cardholders with valuable information and advice during their travels. This can include translation services, help with missing luggage, medical referrals and more.

You can call the hotline toll-free at 1-800-333-AMEX (2639).

If you have a premium Amex card, such as the Platinum or Business Platinum, you get access to the Premium Global Assist hotline. It offers the same assistance as the basic version does but can fully cover some of the services. For instance, it can provide reimbursement for medical transportation.

The following co-branded Amex cards also offer Premium Global Assist:

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

You can call the Premium Global Assist Hotline at 1-800-345-AMEX (2639).

How to make a travel insurance claim with American Express

Before filing a claim using your Amex travel insurance benefits, you need to use your primary policy or file with the common carrier first. Remember that the coverage provided by your American Express card is secondary, meaning you won’t be reimbursed until you’ve exhausted your other policies first.

After that, file a claim with Amex as soon as possible. Check your benefits guide to find out how long you have to make a claim and read about the terms of your policy.

You can start your claim using the following numbers and websites:

• For baggage insurance claims: 1-800-645-9700 or online
• For car rental insurance claims: 1-800-338-1670 or online
• For trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance claims: 1-844-933-0648

Next, American Express will provide you with claim forms and instructions for filing proof of loss. You can find examples of which documentation may be required in your benefits guide.

Which is the best card for American Express travel insurance benefits?

Premium cards like the Platinum card offer the most comprehensive travel insurance benefits of all American Express cards. If you travel a lot and want to have the highest level of protections available, this kind of coverage may justify high annual fees . On the other hand, if you only travel occasionally, it might make more sense for you to find a travel credit card with a lower or no annual fee and invest more in your primary travel insurance.

Note that some Amex cards don’t offer all of these benefits, so make sure you examine a card’s terms before you apply.

Bottom line

If you’re an Amex cardholder, you’ll find the card issuer can assist you in many situations when you travel. With an abundance of travel insurance benefits across its suite of cards, American Express is a great addition to your wallet wherever you go. Make sure to put all major travel purchases on your qualifying card, and always read the terms and conditions in full to be aware of the benefits it offers. That way, you can rely on those benefits in case of unexpected events.

*All information about the American Express Green Card, Business Green Rewards Card from American Express and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

Editorial Disclaimer

The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective assessment of our writers and is not driven by advertising dollars. It has not been provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.

Ana Staples is a staff reporter and young credit expert reporter for CreditCards.com and covers product news and credit advice. She loves sharing financial expertise with her reader and believes that the right financial advice at the right time can make a real difference. In her free time, Anastasiia writes romance stories and plans a trip to the French Riviera she'll take one day—when she has enough points, that is.

On this page

• Trip delay insurance coverage
• Trip cancellation coverage
• Baggage insurance coverage
• Car rental insurance coverage
• American Express Global Assist
• How to make a travel insurance claim with Amex
• Best card for Amex travel insurance

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Airline credit cards vs. travel credit cards: Which are best?

Credit cards aimed at travelers come in various forms, the two most popular being airline credit cards and travel credit cards . While both types of cards can help you pay for travel, several differences may affect your choice.

Choosing a card that best suits your travel needs can be challenging considering how competitive the landscape has become regarding welcome offers, card rewards and other benefits. We review the ins and outs of airline and travel credit cards to help you determine which type of card is right for you.

What is an airline credit card?

Airline credit cards are cobranded cards offered by the issuer and a partner airline that provide benefits for flying with that specific airline. Airline credit cards earn miles associated with the airline's frequent flyer program , which you can redeem for flights on that carrier or its partner airlines.

The annual fee for airline credit cards can range from no annual fee to upward of $500. Usually, an airline credit card with a higher annual fee includes impressive benefits such as increased earning rates, free checked bags and statement credits, among other perks.

For example, the United Quest℠ Card has an annual fee of $250 and offers 8 miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases, up to $125 annual statement credit for United purchases, priority boarding and other impressive benefits.

Related: Are airline credit cards worth it anymore?

Pros and cons of airline credit cards

When comparing airline and travel credit cards, there are several reasons why you might prefer an airline credit card. Although not an exhaustive list, the following table highlights the pros and cons of airline credit cards.

When does an airline credit card make sense?

Several factors may play a role in dictating whether an airline credit card makes sense. As a cardholder, if you live near an airport with a hub for a specific airline, having a card for that airline makes sense to maximize your benefits.

For example, residents who live near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), a United hub, should consider a United credit card , such as the United Club℠ Infinite Card or the United℠ Explorer Card , to take advantage of lounges, free checked bags, priority boarding and redemption options for award flights.

If you don't live near an airline hub and aren't committed to a particular carrier, an airline credit card might not be your best option.

Related: The best credit cards to reach elite status

What is a travel credit card?

A travel credit card earns rewards on all purchases, including bonus-earning categories. You can use your rewards to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more. A travel credit card earns rewards within the issuer's own ecosystem rather than through a specific airline frequent flyer program.

Examples of credit card programs include American Express Membership Rewards , Chase Ultimate Rewards , and Capital One Miles .

Annual fees for travel credit cards can range from nothing to $700, corresponding to the card's perks and benefits. Typically, the higher the annual fee, the more valuable the benefits, whereas the lower the annual fee, the opposite is true.

For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express has an annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees ) but offers perks and benefits that can easily top $1,000. Benefits include an annual up to $200 hotel credit, an annual up to $200 airline credit, up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit (up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December; enrollment required), a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit and an entertainment credit for select streaming services.

Travel credit cards can offer other travel-related perks, such as complimentary travel insurance, including emergency travel medical, trip delay or cancellation**, and baggage insurance***.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

***Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Related: The best time to apply for these 10 popular travel credit cards, based on offer history

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

Based on your personal preferences, travel credit cards may be more appealing than airline cards. Although not an exhaustive list, consider the following travel credit card pros and cons before you apply.

Travel credit cards maximize flexibility for cardholders thanks to their ability to earn transferable currency points . In addition to not being limited to one airline, you can often redeem your points toward hotels, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages and more.

As cards become more premium, so do their benefits, which translates to high annual fees. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a $300 annual credit and Priority Pass lounge access but has an annual fee of $550.

When does a travel credit card make sense?

If you are flexible about the airline carriers you choose to fly with, a travel credit card makes sense. You'll benefit from bonus points for travel-related purchases, such as airfare, hotels, rental cars and sometimes parking meters and tolls.

When contemplating between travel and airline credit cards, remember that travel credit cards won't help you earn elite status, unlike some airline cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® . The biggest benefit of a travel credit card is the flexibility you get when redeeming your points or miles.

Unlike an airline credit card, travel credit cards have a variety of transfer partners you can use to book your next adventure.

Related: How many credit cards should I have?

Should you get both?

Both airline credit cards and travel credit cards have pros and cons. For example, it pays to have an airline credit card if you regularly check bags for domestic flights, especially considering the increase in checked bag fees across numerous carriers . Meanwhile, travel credit cards offer various travel insurance coverages that can provide peace of mind while traveling.

My very first travel-orientated card was the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® because I found value in American Airlines' award chart and had several American flights lined up for the year in which I needed checked bags.

The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Soon afterward, I opened a Chase Sapphire Reserve for its lounge access, transfer partners and annual travel credit. Nowadays, I use both cards. However, since I have elite status with American, the Citi card's free checked bag is less important. That said, I still hold onto the card to earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles.

Bottom line

Both airline credit cards and travel credit cards offer benefits. They can offset travel costs and provide perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, lounge access and various statement credits. We recommend choosing a card based on your travel needs and circumstances. You may even benefit from holding both types of cards, as long as you're maximizing the perks.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here .

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Credit Card Travel Insurance Vs. Separate Travel Insurance

Updated: Aug 23, 2023, 4:07pm

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Table of Contents

What travel policies have in common, credit card travel insurance, separately purchased travel insurance policies.

You’ve probably heard about the importance of travel insurance . If you get sick or injured while travelling outside of Canada, your provincial or territorial health insurance has limited coverage. Or if you’re halfway through your dream vacation and a family member back home is hospitalized, without travel insurance the costs to get to their bedside are yours alone. But where’s the best place to buy travel insurance?

Airlines and online booking platforms offer coverage as an add-on when you reserve your trip and it’s available through banks, travel agencies and insurance companies. Many credit cards also offer various forms of travel insurance as part of the benefits you pay for in your annual fee.

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On World Nomad’s Website

Emergency medical

$5 million, $10 million

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)

Baggage insurance (Maximum)

$1,000, $3,000

Each option protects you in different scenarios. With so much variation in coverage and price, it’s hard to compare. Fortunately, we did the heavy lifting for you, examining the included benefits offered by a few popular credit cards against separately purchased policies.

Before we look at the differences, let’s look at what the policies have in common.

First, travel insurance is meant to protect against sudden, unforeseen, or unexpected situations. This means that any personal pre-existing medical conditions aren’t covered unless your coverage includes a waiver or offers a pre-existing condition exclusion. Also, travelling for elective surgery or medical treatments of any kind is also not covered.

Secondly, all policies have time limits for when you can initiate a claim (plan on filing within 30 days of the incident, although in some cases you may have longer). You’ll then have additional time to compile and submit supporting documentation. Expect to share an elaborate paper trail detailing what happened and any related expenses you incurred. Receipts are non-negotiable.

Lastly, coverage is null and void anytime it’s a result of illegal activity. You may also be denied if the cause of the incident included alcohol or drugs. It’s important to read each insurer’s list of exclusions to be clear on what is and isn’t covered. As always, an ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure.

Credit cards tout travel benefits as a way to offer value in exchange for annual fees. Here, we’re comparing three popular cards that offer travel insurance: The TD®Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card , the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card and the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard .

With all of these cards, eligible non-refundable expenses, such as flights or hotel accommodations, must be charged to the credit card to be included in the coverage. You must also remain a cardmember at the time you file your claim and have an account in good standing. Immediate family members are covered, assuming you paid for their travel with your card. Keep an eye on age limits for children: This varies not only by card, but by benefit. All benefits cover children up to 18, but some benefits will cover older adult children if they’re still students.

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege is a top-of-the-line travel credit card that offers comprehensive trip insurance, making it ideal for frequent flyers seeking extensive additional rewards. The downside? The steep $599 annual fee.

This card offers up to $5 million in emergency medical coverage for the first 31 days of your trip if you are 64 years of age or under. (If you’re 65 years of age or older, coverage is for the first four consecutive days of your trip.) Benefits under this coverage include fees for hospital accommodation, physician’s services, lab tests and other diagnostics, ambulance transportation and emergency return home. There’s also specific provisions for private duty nursing (up to $5,000) accidental dental ($2,000 maximum), costs to bring a bedside companion to you if you’re hospitalized (round-trip air fare and up to $1,500 for meals and accommodation), and return of your travelling companion, vehicle and/or dependent children.

Another valuable included benefit is  Trip Cancellation and  Trip Interruption Insurance . This coverage reimburses you for nonrefundable, prepaid expenses you incurred if you unexpectedly have to cancel the trip or have to cut the trip short. You can be reimbursed up to $2,500 per traveller with a maximum of $5,000 per trip for a trip cancellation, and up to $5,000 per traveller with a maximum of $25,000 for all insured travellers for trip interruption. Some examples of covered reasons include hospitalization or death of an immediate family member or a court subpoena.

The last major coverage this card includes is Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance. This insurance pays out a lump sum if you lose your sight, speech, hearing, a limb, or life while travelling. The coverage maxes out at a generous $500,000.

All travellers have experienced trip delays at one point or another, for example when thunderstorms cancel your flight or your airplane has mechanical issues. With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege card, you can be reimbursed up to $1,000 if you’re delayed four hours or more for eligible causes (most commonly severe weather or mechanical issues). It will cover costs such as hotel rooms, taxis and meals.

The card also offers generous coverage  of up to $2,500 per passenger for lost luggage or $1,000 for delayed luggage after four hours so you can buy what you need while waiting for your suitcase to arrive.

• Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is one of the top rewards cards in Canada with comprehensive travel insurance coverage and only a $120 annual fee.

Starting with the travel emergency medical coverage, this card offers up to $1 million in benefits for 25 days of consecutive travel for cardholders 64 and under, and for three days for cardholders aged 65 and above. While this maximum benefit is less than other cards, it has a long list of eligible expenses following treatment for a medical emergency including:

• Hospital accommodation, medical expenses and doctor charges
• Private duty nursing
• Diagnostic services, including laboratory testing and X-rays
• Ambulance services
• Emergency air transport to the nearest hospital or home
• Prescription drugs
• Emergency dental care due to a blow to the mouth, up to $2,000
• Medical appliances, including a sling, brace, splints or local rental of crutches, a walker or wheelchair
• A bedside companion if you’re hospitalized for more than three days, including round-trip airfare and a subsistence allowance of up to $100 per day (maximum $1,500)
• Vehicle return, maximum $1,000
• Car accident assistance, if your car is disabled due to an accident, with a maximum of $200 per day for three days for accommodation, food or commercial transportation/car rental
• Return of deceased, up to $5,000

If you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, such as the death of an immediate family member or a missed connection due to a mechanical delay, trip interruption coverage and trip cancellation coverage offers up to $1,500 per insured person and $10,000 per trip. And if your flight is delayed for more than four hours due to a covered reason, such as bad weather, mechanical breakdown or overbooking, this card pays up to $500 per person for expenses such a hotel, meals and sundry items, like magazines and snacks.

Lost, delayed or stolen baggage can put a damper on any trip. This card pays a maximum of $1,000 for checked bags lost by a common carrier, and up to $1,000 for the cost of buying essential items, such as clothes and toiletries, if your bags are delayed by more than four hours. This card also offers protection of up to $1,000 if your hotel or motel is burgled in the United States or Canada

While some cards have a provision for accidental death or dismemberment, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card offers Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance, which pays out in the event of catastrophic losses while travelling on an airplane or while in transit to or from the terminal. The maximum benefit for loss of life, total or permanent disability or multiple dismemberment is $500,000, while payout for partial dismemberment is $250,000.

BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard

The BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard is among the best Air Miles credit cards available, offering earn rates on rewards that outpace most other Air Miles cards on the market as well as decent travel insurance for a $120 annual fee.

Whether you’re travelling out of the province or out of the country, this card offers up to $5 million in coverage for eligible medical expenses for the first 15 days of travel if you are age 64 or younger. You are not eligible for coverage if you are 65 or above. Eligible medical expenses include:

• Emergency hospital, ambulance and medical
• Emergency air transportation or evacuation
• Professional services of a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath, chiropodist or podiatrist
• Emergency dental
• Transportation to bedside
• Return of deceased
• Hotel and meals
• Return of vehicle

Under the Common Carrier Insurance provision (similar to Accidental Death and Dismemberment), this card pays out up to $500,000 in the event of accidental injury or death while you are entering or travelling on a common carrier.

If you need to cancel your trip before departure due to a covered reason, such as illness, complications of pregnancy (up to 31 weeks) or cancellation of a business meeting, this card offers up to $1,500 per person ($5,000 per account) in trip cancellation insurance. If you’ve already left on your trip and you need to interrupt or delay your travels, this card reimburses up to $2,000 per person (maximum $10,000 per account) under the trip interruption/trip delay coverage.

Flight Delay Insurance provides $500 in coverage if your flight is delayed more than four hours for expenses such as additional accommodation or meals.

If your bags are lost, stolen or damaged while travelling on a common carrier, Baggage Insurance pays out up to $500 per covered person ($1,000 per account per trip) and up to $500 per covered person ($1,000 per account per trip) if your bags are delayed by more than six hours, compared to four hours for the other two cards. And if your loss is due to a hotel burglary, this card pays up to $1,000 to replace or repair your personal property.

Given the included coverage available with these credit cards, how do paid policies differ? Premium prices vary based on traveller age, destination, coverage amounts and length of trip and add an extra expense to a potentially already big expenditure. Is it worth the extra cost?

Unlike credit cards, the main benefit of a standalone travel insurance plan is choice. Many offer a selection of plan options, such as an all-inclusive plan, emergency medical only or trip cancellation/interruption only. Standalone policies may feature higher coverage limits, or offer additional endorsements, such as a pre-existing condition rider, like the Stable for 3 Months add-on offered by Desjardins , that reduces your stability period (or the amount of time your health must be considered “stable” before you leave on your trip), coverage for adventurous activities that are usually excluded from travel insurance plans ( World Nomads covers more than 250) and Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, such as that offered by CAA Travel Insurance .

While the travel insurance offered with your credit card is covered in the annual fee, you must pay for a standalone travel insurance policy, and premiums vary depending on your age, length of your trip, your answers to a health questionnaire (if required) and the amount of coverage you choose.

Here’s a deeper look at the corresponding standalone available from TD, Scotiabank and BMO to see how they compare to the credit card travel insurance.

TD Insurance Travel Insurance

TD Insurance Travel Insurance offers two single-trip insurance plans for trips outside of Canada: The Medical Plan and the Trip Cancellation and Interruption Plan. You can purchase one or both plans within a single policy. There’s also a multi-trip annual option if you travel several times within a year.

Like the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege card, TD Insurance offers up to $5 million of emergency medical coverage, but there’s no stipulated days of coverage (unless you purchase a multi-trip plan). The maximum payouts are equal for benefits such as accidental dental and the costs to bring a bedside companion to you, but the standalone policy offers additional coverage including:

• Dental treatment due to pain, up to $500
• Paramedical services, such as a physiotherapist, up to $300 per specialist
• Subsistence allowance due to a medical delay, up to $1,500
• Incidental hospital expenses, such as a TV or parking, up to $500

The standalone insurance offers an update for trip cancellation insurance, up from $5,000 per trip with the card to a maximum of $25,000 with the separate policy.

It’s worth noting that the baggage insurance offered by the credit card is superior to that of the standalone policy. For example, the baggage delay benefit for the standalone policy is up to $400 after a 12-hour delay, while the credit card pays out up to $1,000 after four hours.

Scotia Travel Insurance

Scotia Travel Insurance offers comprehensive coverage in the event of a medical or travel emergency, including an all inclusive plan, emergency medical only and trip cancellation/interruption only plan. There’s also a COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan if you’re worried about testing positive for COVID-19 during your trip.

A big difference between the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card travel insurance and the standalone plan is the maximum emergency medical benefit: While the credit card offers a maximum of $1 million in coverage, the standalone policy offers up to $10 million in coverage, again without the trip duration restrictions of the credit card. While the credit card has a robust list of eligible medical expenses, the standalone policy is even more comprehensive, offering higher limits for emergency dental ($3,000), vehicle return ($3,000) as well additional expenses including:

• Dental treatment due to pain, up to $300
• Paramedical services, such as a physiotherapist, up to $700 per injury
• Subsistence allowance due to a medical delay, up to $2,000
• Incidental hospital expenses, such as a TV or parking, up to $300
• Childcare expenses during hospitalization, maximum $500

Like all insurance policies, the cost of a Scotia Travel Insurance plan depends on factors such as the cost of your trip, your age and the amount of coverage you choose. With a Scotia Travel Insurance plan you can reduce your premium cost by choosing a $500, $1,000, $5,000 or $10,000 deductible, or the amount you pay before your emergency medical coverage kicks in.

While all insurance policies have stipulations and exclusions about pre-existing conditions, essentially any health condition that existed before the start of your coverage, Scotia Travel Insurance offers an Individual Medical Underwriting Plan for travellers of any age who would like their pre-existing medical conditions covered with no stability requirements.

BMO Travel Insurance

BMO Travel Insurance offers three core plans for travelling outside of Canada: The Premium Travel Plan, Travel Medical Plan and Trip Protection Plan.

Similar to the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard, the paid policy offers up to $5 million in emergency medical coverage. The medical coverage options are also similar. While the standalone policy does not offer flight or travel accident coverage, the credit card offers $500,000 in Common Carrier Insurance. However, the paid policies offers superior levels of trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.

A big plus of this plan compared to the credit card is there is no maximum age.

Main Benefits of Paid Policies

There’s no question that a paid policy greatly increases the amount of medical reimbursement available to you in case of injury or illness. In most cases, there’s also more comprehensive coverage, such as reimbursement for childcare costs in the event you are hospitalized or evacuation from a remote area.

Paid policies may provide more opportunities to customize your coverage, and offer additional riders, discounts and even specialized coverage, such as a pandemic plan.

Paid policies offer non-tangible benefits as well. Most companies include extra resources for policyholders to help you plan or research safety issues for your destination before travelling. There are also assistance hotlines you can contact while traveling to get recommendations on doctors or medical facilities abroad.

The biggest downside is that you need to shell out additional money for a standalone policy while credit card travel insurance is included in your annual fee. However, insurance is there to protect your assets in case disaster strikes, so the question remains—how much does peace of mind cost you?

Bottom Line

Credit cards offer real, tangible travel insurance benefits that can protect you from unexpected bills. However, there’s no single credit card that covers every facet of travel coverage and many travellers will prefer a more comprehensive policy, especially if you are older or have pre-existing health issues.

In general, for simple trips, credit card insurance will often suffice. But travellers looking for extensive medical and/or evacuation insurance will need to purchase a separate policy or be prepared to pay for possible expenses out of pocket. A third option is that most standalone policies offer a top-up option where you can purchase insurance in addition to an existing policy, such as a credit card.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits all to travel insurance. But the good news is, with all the many options on the market there is certainly one to fit your needs and your budget.

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Becky Pokora is an avid traveler with a particular love for the outdoors. She's always looking for new ways to make travel easier, more memorable, and more affordable, particularly by using miles and points.

Holly Johnson

Contributor

Holly Johnson is a credit card expert and writer who covers rewards and loyalty programs, budgeting, and all things personal finance. In addition to writing for publications like Bankrate, CreditCards.com, Forbes Advisor and Investopedia, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You'll Love."

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

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Wells Fargo’s newest credit card -- the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card* -- is open for online applicants. It’s a competitive offer that could give incumbent travel credit cards from  Chase ,  American Express  and  Capital One  a run for their money.  

Wells Fargo does one thing better than its competitors: It offers a more flexible rewards program that doesn’t require booking travel in a portal to earn the highest rates.

Here’s why we think the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey could go toe-to-toe with some of  the best travel credit cards , plus four insider tips to help  you  decide if you should add it to your credit card lineup.

Before we dive into the hidden features and benefits, here’s an overview of what you can expect with the Autograph Journey:

• Earn 60,000 welcome bonus rewards points after spending $4,000 in purchases within three months of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airlines, 3x points on other travel and dining and 1x on other purchases.
• Receive an annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Other benefits include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, roadside dispatch and cell phone insurance.
• $95 annual fee.

How other travel cards compare to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

4 important details about the autograph journey .

Here’s a rundown of four facts we discovered about the Autograph Journey that you should know when deciding whether to apply.

1. You can transfer points with Wells Fargo point-based cards

The launch of the Autograph Journey also marks the first transferable points program from Wells Fargo, which joins other card issuers like Chase and Capital One, which have their own pooling programs .

Autograph Journey will be able to do a points transfer with the no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card . This is especially notable since the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers bonus rewards in different categories than the Autograph Journey. 

For example, the Autograph card earns unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans, plus 1x points on other purchases. So you can maximize your point earning across different categories, then transfer your points to your Autograph Journey account to access premium travel redemptions.

2. It offers more options for earning bonus miles on travel than some competitors

The Autograph Journey will offer more flexibility than many travel rewards cards when it comes to earning more points on travel purchases. For example, cardholders earn unlimited 5x points on hotels booked directly with hotel brands and 4x points on airfare booked with airlines. 

This helps the card stand out from other popular travel credit cards that offer the most bonus points only if you book travel through their portals. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * only offer the highest bonus rewards on travel booked through Capital One Travel. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also offers its highest rate of 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, whereas other travel purchases earn 2x points.

Autograph Journey cardholders also earn a minimum of 3x points on other travel purchases, which could include rental cars, cruises and travel booked through online travel agencies like Expedia and Priceline.

3. The card may grow in value as more transfer partners join

The Autograph Journey Card will earn flexible travel rewards points that transfer to a selection of airline and hotel partners, similar to Amex Membership Rewards points or Chase Ultimate Rewards . While the list of transfer partners is limited, Wells Fargo stated in its initial press release that “more partners will continue to be added throughout the year.”

Points transfers could dramatically change the value proposition of the Autograph Journey, especially if new partners include domestic airlines and popular hotel loyalty programs. 

Wells Fargo point transfers will be available to new cardholders starting on April 4. For now, Wells Fargo transfer partners include the following:

4. You may need to wait to apply

If you’ve applied for another Wells Fargo card in the last six months, you’ll likely have to wait a little longer before applying for the Autograph Journey.

Wells Fargo states in its terms and conditions, “If you opened a Wells Fargo Credit Card account within the last six months, then you may not qualify to open an additional Wells Fargo Credit Card account. We may also limit how many open Wells Fargo Credit Card accounts you have.”

So if you want the new Autograph Journey, you should steer clear of applying for other cards from Wells Fargo for now. If you’re approved and use the card responsibly for six months or longer, you can consider adding additional Wells Fargo credit cards to your portfolio.

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* All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.