American Express Membership Rewards® are the most valuable transferable points in Canada. It’s a flexible rewards program that lets you earn points whenever you use an eligible American Express® card.
Cards like the American Express® Cobalt, Gold, and Platinum give you the best opportunities to earn rewards 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 MR® Points With a Welcome Bonus
You’ll earn plenty of Membership Rewards® points fast with welcome bonuses.
The American Express Platinum® offers some of the biggest bonuses in Canada, often 100,000 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 to qualify.
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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Fuel your adventures with points
Sign up to get your free guide. Get our newsletter with credit cards and points tips. See how easy it is to travel for nearly free.
The AWP Newsletter
Fuel your adventures with points
Sign up to get your free guide. Get our newsletter with credit cards and points tips. See how easy it is to travel for nearly free.
Membership Rewards® Welcome Offers
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Welcome Points: 120,000
Welcome Value: $5,100
Annual Fee: $799
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Welcome Points: 40,000
Welcome Value: $1,300
Annual Fee: $199
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Welcome Points: 15,000
Welcome Value: $590
Annually 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 MR® Points 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 option in Canada, giving you 5 points per dollar on groceries, dining, and food delivery.
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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
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Best Luxury Business Travel Card
Annual Value: $2,385
Annual Fee: $799
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Best mid-range Amex® MR business card
Annual Value: $420
Annual Fee: $199
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Best for occasional lounge access
Annual Value: $832
Annual Fee: $250
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Best Everyday Card
Annual Value: $260
Annually Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
More Ways To Earn MR® Points
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’ll find them right in your account and can opt in with a click.
You’ll also find opportunities to earn bonuses through card upgrade promotions, giving you extra Membership Rewards® when you move to a higher-tier card. Plus, referring family or friends can also earn you bonus Membership Rewards® when they’re approved.
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You can refer family and friends to any Membership Rewards® card as long as you hold at least one yourself.
For example, I referred my spouse to the American Express Gold® from my American Express Platinum® during a promotion. I earned the elevated referral bonus points on the Platinum, and he received a higher welcome bonus through the referral.
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’ll still earn Membership Rewards® by using bill payment services like PaySimply, Chexy, or Plastiq.
Beginner’s Guide
From points newbie to booking your first trip.
Learn how easy it’s for Canadians to earn and redeem points with the best reward credit cards and programs. Make your first redemption for almost free travel in no time.
Beginner’s Guide
From points newbie to booking your first trip.
Learn how easy it’s for Canadians to earn and redeem points with the best reward credit cards and programs. Make your first redemption for almost free travel in no time.
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 of your American Express® accounts into one balance, making it easier to manage and redeem.
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.
