You can apply for any American Express Canada card online at americanexpress.com/ca. Applications take 5–10 minutes and most receive a decision within seconds — though some applications are reviewed manually and can take up to 7–10 business days.
Step-by-Step: Applying Online
- Choose your card — Compare Amex Canada credit cards. Review our income requirements guide (note: Amex has no stated income minimums)
- Go to americanexpress.com/ca — Click “Apply Now” on your chosen card page
- Existing Amex cardholders — Log in to pre-fill personal details and speed up the application
- Complete the form — Full name, date of birth, address, income, employment details, email
- Submit — Amex runs a hard credit inquiry. Many applicants receive an instant decision.
Required Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal name | As on your government ID |
| Date of birth | |
| Social Insurance Number (SIN) | Required for identity verification |
| Annual gross income | All sources (employment, self-employment, pension, investment) |
| Employment status | Employed, self-employed, retired, homemaker, student |
| Employer details | Name, tenure |
| Home address | Must be a Canadian address |
| Monthly housing cost | Rent or mortgage payment |
| Email address | Required — Amex is paperless by default |
Amex vs. Bank Applications: Key Differences
| Amex | TD / CIBC / RBC | |
|---|---|---|
| Income requirement | None stated | $60K–$150K for premium cards |
| Credit score focus | High — creditworthiness-based | Income + credit score |
| Decision speed | Usually instant | Usually instant |
| Application channel | Online only (or phone) | Online, app, or branch |
Monthly Fee Cards: Special Notes
Two Amex cards charge monthly fees:
- Amex Cobalt Card: $12.99/month — billed monthly, not annually
- Amex SimplyCash Preferred Card: $9.99/month — billed monthly
You can cancel either card at any time and pay only for months used. This is unlike bank cards where the annual fee is charged upfront.
After You Apply
| Outcome | Timing | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Approved instantly | Seconds | Card mailed; arrives in 5–7 business days |
| Under review | 7–10 business days | Amex may call or email for documents |
| Declined | Immediate or 7–10 days | Consider the SimplyCash ($0 no-fee option) or rebuild credit |
To check application status or follow up: 1-800-668-2639 (Amex Canada Customer Service).
Tips for a Successful Application
- Have a good credit score — Amex uses creditworthiness rather than income thresholds, so a strong credit history (700+) matters significantly
- Start with SimplyCash if unsure — The no-fee SimplyCash Card is the easiest Amex to qualify for; it builds a relationship with Amex that can help future applications
- Apply for one card at a time — Multiple applications in 30–60 days can result in declines even for qualified applicants
- Accept the Cobalt’s monthly fee structure — The $12.99/month charge is easier to cancel than an annual fee if you change your mind
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Application process current as of June 2026. Amex may update its process at any time. See our Advertiser Disclosure.