American Express Membership Rewards are the most valuable transferable points you can earn in Canada.
It’s a flexible rewards program that lets you earn points whenever you use an eligible American Express card.
You can earn American Express Membership Rewards with cards like the Amex Cobalt, Gold, and Platinum without overspending.
Whether you’re planning family travel, a weekend getaway, or a big trip abroad, you’ll find plenty of ways to earn Membership Rewards in Canada.
Here’s how to maximize how many Membership Rewards you earn.
Earn American Express Membership Rewards With a Welcome Bonus
The fastest way to earn plenty of Membership Rewards points is with welcome bonuses.
The American Express Platinum and Business Platinum typically offer some of the largest bonuses in Canada, often 120,000 points or more. You’ll need to meet a higher minimum spend in a shorter time frame, so timing your application around a big expense makes it easier.
You’ll also find cards like the American Express Cobalt and American Express Gold spread their welcome bonuses out monthly over the first year. That means you’ll earn and spend gradually instead of all at once.
Check out the top offers for generous welcome bonuses, and learn how to meet the minimum spending without overspending.
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Membership Rewards Welcome Offers
Welcome Points: Elevated 170,000
Welcome Value: $6,424
Annual Fee: $799
Welcome Points: 40,000
Welcome Value: $1,300
Annual Fee: $199
Welcome Points: 15,000
Welcome Value: $590
Annual Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
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Membership Rewards® from welcome offers usually post to your account soon after you meet the minimum spend. You don’t have to wait for your statement.
Earn American Express Membership Rewards With Everyday Purchases
You’ll earn plenty of points when you use your American Express Membership Rewards cards for everyday purchases. Paying with cash or debit won’t give you the same value.
Depending on the card, you’ll earn between 1X and 5X points per dollar. The American Express Cobalt is the best everyday card in Canada, giving you 5 points per dollar on groceries, dining, and food delivery, up to $2,500 a month.
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Walmart and other wholesale clubs don’t qualify for the grocery stores earning category.
The Business Platinum earns 1.25 points per dollar on everything, making it a strong choice for business expenses.
You’ll earn Membership Rewards points faster without changing how you spend, simply by using your American Express card on every purchase.
Membership Rewards Earning
Best Luxury Business Travel Card
Annual Value: $2,385
Annual Fee: $799
Best mid-range Amex MR business card
Annual Value: $420
Annual Fee: $199
Best for occasional lounge access
Annual Value: $832
Annual Fee: $250
Best Everyday Card
Annual Value: $260
Annual Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
More Ways To Earn American Express Membership Rewards
You’ll find plenty more easy ways to earn Membership Rewards points.
You can earn more Membership Rewards or statement credits with limited-time American Express Offers when you shop with select retailers. You can find them right in your account and can opt in with a click.
You’ll also have opportunities to earn bonuses through card upgrade promotions, giving you extra Membership Rewards when you upgrade your card to a higher-tier card.
Plus, referring family or friends can also earn you bonus Membership Rewards when they’re approved.
Adding authorized users is another simple way to earn more Membership Rewards. Their spending earns you points, and you’ll sometimes get a bonus for adding users during a promotion.
Have bills that don’t usually take American Express credit cards? You can still earn Membership Rewards by using bill payment services like Chexy.
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Upgrading a card during a promotion lets you double dip on Membership Rewards points.
That’s why you should always open a card outright first and earn the welcome offer. Then consider upgrading a different card to earn Membership Rewards points for the upgrade.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
How to Check Your MR Points Balance
You can check your American Express MR points balance anytime in the Amex app or on the desktop site.
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You can combine Membership Rewards points from all your American Express accounts into a single balance, making them easier to manage and redeem.
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Get more tips & ideas for travelling with points.
Join the AWP community to get guidance, updates, and practical tips on using points for travel.
The AWP Community
Get more tips & ideas for travelling with points.
Join the AWP community to get guidance, updates, and practical tips on using points for travel.
Amex Card Application Tips
To improve your chances of getting approved for an American Express card quickly, keep these tips in mind:
Bottom Line
It’s easier than you think to earn plenty of valuable Membership Rewards with many American Express cards.
You’ll earn points quickly with welcome bonuses and category multipliers on the best everyday cards. American Express Offers, referrals, and authorized users can add even more without overspending.
These simple strategies mean you’ll earn Membership Rewards points faster, save money on travel, and maybe even get your next trip for free.
