April 26, 2026
We’ve all heard the saying, “No one accepts American Express.” This phrase has created a fear among Canadians that has carried on through generations. I remember hearing my mom say this growing up, and guess what we both have an American Express card now.
I want to go over some of the most common comments I hear about American Express and offer a new perspective.
No one accepts American Express
While American Express used to be mainly for businesses, and a lot of places didn’t accept it, times have changed. Big chains, Shopify, and Squarespace all accept American Express. A small shop may choose to opt out on their platform, and in those scenarios, you likely have a Visa or Mastercard you’re earning points on.
My mom just got a card and said, “I need to figure out who accepts American Express.” My strategy is to try the card unless there’s a clear sign posted that they don’t accept American Express. Lots of retail workers don’t even realize they accept it. Use the card, and if you get the “Card not accepted” pop-up, then pull out your Mastercard or Visa. If the thought of your card not being accepted makes you anxious, look at the machine before you pay, many terminals show the icons of all payment types they accept.
The annual fees are too high
It’s true, American Express can have higher fees, but they can make up for it with welcome offers and rotating promotions. They often have some of the highest welcome offers in Canada, especially when offers are elevated.
They also have cards like the Marriott card, which offers a free night certificate once a year. That free night more than covers your annual fee.
There’s been a lot of fearmongering around American Express, but that doesn’t mean you need the Platinum card with its $799 annual fee. The Cobalt card is a high-earning card and costs $191.88 per year. If you’re getting into points and miles, American Express Membership Rewards can be very valuable to have. This transferable currency lets you earn points without having to know exactly where (or when) you want your next trip to be.
I hope this cleared up some misconceptions and opens your mind to the idea of American Express, I don’t want you missing out on travel opportunities.
-Alexis