Does American Express (Amex) card work in Canada?

28 Apr 2023

American Express operates in Canada and is known for issuing some of the country's strongest credit cards with an excellent reputation. Fortunately, American Express is accepted by a broad range of stores, restaurants, and service providers across Canada, with over 90,000 locations accepting American Express® Cards in 2019 alone. 

If you plan to purchase using your American Express Card, it's advisable to check American Express Maps to verify store hours and contactless payment acceptance.

Canadian travelers should consider having an American Express credit card in their wallets as it offers industry-leading welcome bonuses, travel benefits, competitive travel insurance, and access to the most potent, transferable airline and hotel rewards currencies in Canada.

American Express credit cards are issued in Canada by two institutions:

• American Express Canada
• Scotiabank

American Express credit cards have consistently ranked among the best credit card deals in Canada. They do, however, have a bad reputation for not being accepted by many merchants.

This was true a few years ago, but American Express has gradually caught up with its rivals Mastercard and Visa since then.

Many Canadian retailers accept American Express in Canada and Quebec, including small businesses through the Shop Small initiative. And, as of 2021, the majority of IGA stores will accept American Express!

Grocery stores accepting American Express Cards in Canada

The following are the major grocery and convenience stores in Canada and/or Quebec that accept American Express Cards:

• Subway
• Metro Plus
• Super C
• Marché Richelieu
• Giant Tiger
• Couche-Tard
• Circle K
• 7-Eleven
• Safeway
• Sobeys
• Whole Foods Market
• Food Basics
• FreshCo
• Save-On-Foods

American Express credit cards have consistently ranked among the best credit card deals. However, they have a bad reputation for not being accepted by many merchants.

Many Canadian retailers accept American Express in Canada and Quebec, including small businesses in the Shop Small initiative. And, as of 2021, most IGA stores will accept American Express!

As of 2021, most IGA grocery stores accept American Express. Cardholders can earn 5 points per dollar at these grocery and convenience stores.

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Types of payment gateway.

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American Express (Amex) payment gateway.