American Express EssentialTM Credit Card

Low interest, low annual fee
Financial Information
Card Type
Credit Card
Annual Fee
$25
Annual Interest Rate
12.99% on purchases and funds advances*
Additional Cards
No annual fee1
Made to back life’s big moments
For all things big and small, the American Express EssentialTM Credit Card can help carry the weight.
Featured Benefits
Low annual interest rate of 12.99%
Take advantage of a 12.99% interest rate, if you choose to carry a balance and make your minimum monthly payments on time.
Access unforgettable experiences
Enjoy exclusive ticket access, virtual events, live performances and more with American Express® Experiences.2
Shop with confidence
Benefit from coverage that can help protect your eligible card purchases – from your favourite local boutique to your online shopping cart.
All Benefits
$100,000 Travel Accident Insurance3†
You can be covered up to $100,000 of Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance when you fully charge your common carrier (plane, train, ship or bus) tickets to your American Express EssentialTM Credit Card.
†: All insurance coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the respective master policies. Certain limitations, exclusions and restrictions apply. Please read your Certificates of Insurance carefully. If you are a Quebec resident, please read your Insurance Summary and Fact Sheet.Front Of The Line® Presales
Front Of The Line Presale tickets with American Express Experiences2 can get you access to some of the most in-demand concerts, theatre productions, restaurants and special events before the general public.Front Of The Line® Reserved tickets
Get access to Front Of The Line Reserved tickets from a block of great seats reserved exclusively for Cardmembers during the public on-sale period for many major events with American Express Experiences.2Entertainment with American Express® Experiences
Enjoy a variety of special offers and events with American Express Experiences.2 From advance screenings of blockbuster movies to theatre packages, it’s easy to have an experience you’ll never forget.Dining with American Express® Experiences
American Express Experiences2 is a food lover's perfect companion. From special access, to fantastic food festivals, to sampling some of the country's best and hottest restaurants, we continue to serve up curated events for Cardmembers.Retail with American Express® Experiences
American Express Experiences2 keeps you stylish with specially curated private shopping experiences and exclusive online offers for Cardmembers to make sure you look and feel your best.Wellness with American Express® Experiences
Focus on your wellbeing with American Express Experiences’2 special curated offers and experiences for Cardmembers that focus on you taking care of yourself.Onsite benefits with American Express® Experiences
Enjoy Cardmember benefits with American Express Experiences, like breezing through the front gate at Budweiser Stage4 and sitting back and relaxing in the luxurious American Express Lounge.5 Make your night out at a Mirvish Production with express concession service at the AMEX Priority Line in the Royal Alexandra Theatre and exclusive Priority Bars in the Princess of Wales and Ed Mirvish Theatres.6Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan7†
Your coverage can automatically extend the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one additional year when you fully charge eligible items to your American Express EssentialTM Credit Card.Purchase Protection® Plan8†
You can be insured for eligible items charged to your American Express EssentialTM Credit Card for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of accidental physical damage or theft for up to $1,000 per occurrence (for all purchased items combined).
†: All insurance coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the respective master policies. Certain limitations, exclusions and restrictions apply. Please read your Certificates of Insurance carefully. If you are a Quebec resident, please read your Insurance Summary and Fact Sheet.24/7 Customer service
Your life doesn’t keep regular office hours, so neither do we. If you want to reach us, there is always someone local to speak with you about whatever you need, big or small. Wherever you are in the world, we're here for you 24/7.Fraud Protection Guarantee9
Use your American Express EssentialTM Credit Card online or off, and you won’t be held responsible for any fraudulent charges, as long as you’ve taken reasonable care to protect your account details, PIN and any device on which you have added your account information.Emergency Card Replacement
If your Card or Additional Card gets lost or stolen, no worries. Simply call the number on the back of your Card and we’ll arrange to get you a replacement Card. If you are travelling, we’ll work with your itinerary to get a Card to you as soon as possible. Call 1-800-869-3016. Outside of Canada (please call collect) 905-474-0870. For Corporate Cardmembers, please call 1-800-716-6661, or for outside of Canada (please call collect) 905-474-9329.American Express SafeKey®
Shop even more confidently, with an extra layer of protection while shopping online at participating merchants.Manage your account online
With Online Services from American Express, you can stay on top of your account. Check statements, get Online-Only statements as soon as they are ready, set account alerts and more.The American Express® App
The American Express® App10 is the easier way to manage your Account from your mobile.- Register your eligible Card for offers to your Card with one click so you get rewarded at the places you like to shop, dine, travel, and more11
- Get quick access to your Account with Touch ID12, Face ID13 or Fingerprint Login for Android
- Manage your Account, including multiple Card Accounts, and pay your bill14
- Receive notifications for payment reminders, balance updates or statement ready
- Even activate your Card and create your Online Services Account
Amex Offers15
Make everyday purchases more rewarding with offers that are tailored to you for dining, shopping, and more through the Amex App or Online Services. New offers are always being added, so be sure to check regularly.American Express Travel Online16
Your American Express EssentialTM Credit Card can help take you places. With deals on select hotel and car rental bookings, plus offers that earn you statement credits on your eligible purchases, you can turn your future travel plans into travel realities.- Your American Express Card has borrowing features that provide payment flexibility. You can also take advantage of certain borrowing offers or options if you are eligible. To learn more about whether these options could be appropriate for you click here.
Plan It™ - The American Express® Installment Program
Find control and flexibility with Plan ItTM. Split large purchases into monthly installments. Terms and conditions apply
- No additional credit checks or applications
- No additional interest and a fixed monthly fee
- Earn rewards as usual
- Learn more at amex.ca/installments
Unsure about which Card is appropriate for you? Use our Help Me Choose tool to find a Card for your wallet
Eligibility
- You are a Canadian resident and have a Canadian credit file
- You are the age of majority in the province or territory where you live
Important Information
*Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 12.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have 2 separate Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 24.99% for purchases and 23.99% for funds advances. If you have 3 or more separate Missed Payments, the applicable rates will be 26.99% for purchases and funds advances. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details.

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