The American Express Business Green Card is a no-annual-fee charge card designed for Canadian business owners who want to start earning Amex Membership Rewards points without a fee commitment. As a no-fee entry into the Amex business rewards ecosystem, it’s a practical choice for sole proprietors and small businesses exploring Amex for the first time.
Important: The Amex Business Green Card is a charge card, not a credit card. The balance must be paid in full each month. It has no pre-set spending limit, but spending capacity is determined by Amex based on your payment history and financial profile.
Quick Verdict
Best for: Canadian business owners who want a no-fee entry point into Amex Membership Rewards with access to Aeroplan point transfers.
Not ideal for: Businesses that need to carry a balance month-to-month (charge cards require full monthly payment), or those who want premium business travel perks.
Key Card Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 CAD |
| Employee Cards | Additional fee per card |
| Network | American Express |
| Payment Type | Charge card (full payment required monthly) |
| No Pre-Set Spending Limit | Yes |
| Income Requirement | None specified |
Welcome Bonus
Amex Canada periodically offers welcome bonuses for the Business Green Card—typically bonus Membership Rewards points after meeting a minimum spend. Check americanexpress.ca for the current offer.
Earn Rates
| Spending Category | Membership Rewards Points per $1 |
|---|---|
| All eligible business purchases | 1 point |
The flat 1× earn rate is modest but consistent. No category setup required—every dollar earns equally.
Membership Rewards Transfer Partners
The standout feature of any Amex MR card is the ability to transfer points to travel loyalty programs:
| Partner | Transfer Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan (Air Canada) | 1:1 | Best transfer partner for Canadians |
| British Airways Avios | 1:1 | Strong for short-haul and partner redemptions |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 1:1.2 (5,000 MR = 6,000 Bonvoy) | Hotel loyalty |
| Asia Miles | 1:1 | Cathay Pacific; good for Asian routes |
Aeroplan transfers (1:1) are especially valuable—Aeroplan points can be worth $0.015–$0.02 each for business class flights.
Benefits and Perks
- No annual fee — all MR points earned are net value
- No pre-set spending limit — flexibility for variable business expenses
- Employee cards — add employees to earn MR on their business spending (fee may apply)
- Amex Offers — exclusive merchant deals and discounts for cardholders
- Online expense management — access to Amex’s business reporting tools
- Purchase protection — eligible purchases protected against theft or accidental damage
Fees and Rates
| Fee / Rate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 CAD |
| Employee Cards | Verify with Amex |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.5% |
| Late Payment Fee | Applies (charge card—must pay in full) |
Who Is This Card Best For?
The Amex Business Green Card suits:
- Business owners new to Amex who want to explore Membership Rewards at no cost
- Aeroplan collectors who want to pool MR points and transfer to Aeroplan for Air Canada flights
- Businesses with full monthly payment — charge card structure requires discipline
- Low-to-mid spend businesses that don’t yet justify a $199 Business Gold or $799 Business Platinum fee
Alternatives
| Card | Annual Fee | Earn Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Business Edge | $99 | 3× on dining/gas | Accelerated everyday business MR |
| Amex Business Gold Rewards | $199 | 2× on chosen categories | Higher-volume MR earning |
| Amex Business Platinum | $799 | 1.25× all purchases | Ultra-premium business travel |
| TD Business Cash Back Visa Infinite | $149 | 3% on gas/office | Cash back preference |
Bottom Line
The American Express Business Green Card is a solid no-fee entry into the Amex Membership Rewards ecosystem for Canadian businesses. The ability to transfer points to Aeroplan at 1:1 is its defining feature—even at 1× earn, MR-to-Aeroplan transfers can yield excellent travel value. If your business spending grows, upgrading to the Business Edge or Business Gold Rewards delivers meaningfully better returns.
Disclaimer: Card terms, earn rates, and welcome bonus offers are subject to change. Verify all current details at americanexpress.ca before applying.