American Express Business Edge Card Review

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Editorial Note: DollarWise may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page.





Performance test results





At DollarWise, for each credit card we test 7 different factors including the rewards, value for money, perks, insurance, strengths and weaknesses of the card.





You can see our full testing methodology here to learn why we're the most trusted source for credit card reviews.





The {{card.name}} has earned a {{ranking}} DollarWise Rating out of 5. This score is based on a weighted average of the two highest scoring factors (excluding acceptance and approval).









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The highest scoring categories for the {{card.name}} are {{score_1}} and {{score_2}}.





These factors are weighted 70% to the highest scoring factor and 30% to the second highest score to get an overall review score.





This weighting allows us to judge cards on their merits and the customers they are designed for.





For the {{card.name}} the most important factors for scoring this card are its {{score_1}} and {{score_2}}.





Rewards





With the {{card.name}}, here's the rates at which you earn rewards for different spending categories per dollar you spend:





Bills{{reward_bills}}
Pharmacy{{reward_drug}}
Gas{{reward_gas}}
Groceries{{reward_grocery}}
Restaurants{{reward_restaurant}}
Specific Stores{{reward_store}}
Travel{{reward_travel}}
All Other Spend{{reward_other}}




Calculating your annual rewards





We estimate that spending {{monthlyspend}} per month with the {{card.name}} would earn {{card.rewards}} in rewards over the year.





Our performance testing research uses an accurate estimation of the average Canadian households spending patterns to predict the rewards a card will earn.





We found that you'd earn this per category:





Bills{{bills_dollarrewards}}
Pharmacy{{drug_dollarrewards}}
Gas{{gas_dollarrewards}}
Groceries{{grocery_dollarrewards}}
Restaurants{{restaurant_dollarrewards}}
Specific Stores{{store_dollarrewards}}
Travel{{travel_dollarrewards}}
All Other Spend{{other_dollarrewards}}




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Our study investigating the value found that each dollar spent on the {{card.name}} is worth up to {{card.max_reward}}, depending on how you redeem.





This {{card.rewards}} in rewards value puts the {{card.name}} in the {{decile.annual_rewards}} of credit cards in Canada based on rewards earned.





The average credit card in our database earns {{averages.mean_annual_rewards}} in rewards for the same spend that the {{card.name}} earns {{card.rewards}} in rewards value.





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We can compare this card to other options by looking at the earn rate by category.





This earn rate is the percentage return that you would get when you spend on this card, assuming you redeem at the predicted maximum value.





For example, if a card earned 5 points per dollar on gas and each point is worth up to $0.02, then the earn rate is 5 points multiplied by $0.02 each, divided by the dollar you spent.





In this example, that's a 10% earn rate on gas.





SpendThis CardAverage
Bills{{bills_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_bills_earnrate}}
Pharmacy{{drug_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_drug_earnrate}}
Gas{{gas_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_gas_earnrate}}
Groceries{{grocery_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_grocery_earnrate}}
Restaurant{{restaurant_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_restaurant_earnrate}}
Store{{store_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_store_earnrate}}
Travel{{travel_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_travel_earnrate}}
Other{{other_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_other_earnrate}}
Above, we've calculated the earn rate for the {{card.name}} for every spend category and compared it to the average for all Canadian credit cards.




Redemption methodAnnual rewards
Transfer to partner airlines{{transfer_airlines}}
Fixed points travel{{fixed_points_travel}}
Transfer to partner hotels{{transfer_hotel}}
Redeem for travel{{redeem_travel}}
Apply to statement credit{{statement_credit}}
Ticketmaster{{ticketmaster}}
Charity{{charity}}
Gift cards{{gift_cards}}
Amazon.ca{{amazon}}
Merchandise{{merchandise}}
Make investments{{investments}}
Enjoy experiences{{experiences}}
Car rentals{{car_rental}}
Vacations{{vacation}}
Attractions{{attractions}}
Cash rewards{{cash_rewards}}
Grocery rewards{{grocery_rewards}}
Restaurant rewards{{restaurant_rewards}}
Movie rewards{{movie_rewards}}
Apple / BestBuy{{apple_bestbuy}}
Flight rewards{{flight_rewards}}
Airlines Rewards (Charts){{airlines_rewards_chart}}
CIBC financial products{{cibc_financial_products}}
Air travel - redemptions (scheduled){{air_travel_redemptions_schedule}}
RBC travel{{rbc_travel}}
Transfer to WestJet{{transfer_westjet}}
Transfer to Hudson Bay{{transfer_bay}}
RBC financial products{{rbc_financial_products_rewards}}
Air Canada gift cards{{aircanada_gift_card}}
Air Canada vactions{{air_canada_vacations}}
Electronics gift cards{{electronics_gift_cards}}
Cash - World Elite{{cash_worldelite}}
Cash - Platinum Plus{{cash_platinumplus}}
Banking plans{{banking_plans}}
Desjardins financial products{{desjardins_financial_products}}
Expedia travel{{expedia_td}}
Educational rewards{{education_rewards}}
HSBC financial products{{hsbc_financial_products}}
Walmart{{walmart_rewards}}
Triangle (Canadian Tire){{triangle_rewards}}
Meridian travel{{meridian_travel}}
Direct deposit{{direct_deposit_rewards}}
Costco gift cards{{costco_gift_cards}}
Wireless Rogers rewards{{wireless_rogers_rewards}}
1 Rogers rewards{{1_roger_rewards}}
Other Rogers rewards{{other_roger_rewards}}
Other 1 Rogers rewards{{other_1_roger_rewards}}




For an annual spend of {{annualspend}}, we estimated annual rewards value at up to {{total_net_rewards}}.





That's equivalent to a {{total_earn_rate}} return on spending.





The {{card.name}} has an annual fee of {{card.annualFee}}. After deducting this, we predicted net annual rewards of {{net_after_fee}}.





This puts it in the {{decile.net_annual_rewards}} of credit cards for net rewards after fees.





In comparison, the average card earns net annual rewards of {{averages.mean_net_annual_rewards}}.





Fees





The {{card.name}} has a {{card.annualFee}} annual fee.





The average card charges {{averages.mean_annual_fee}}. So, the {{card.name}} is in the {{decile.annual_fee}} of cards based on the cost of the annual fee.





Perks





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We manually review the perks of each credit card to determine how they compare to other cards.





The {{card.name}} scored a {{factor_score_perks}} out of 5 for perks, putting it in the {{decile.factor_score_perks}} of cards.





The average card scores {{averages.mean_factor_score_perks}} out of 5 for perks.





Interest Rates





Purchase{{purchase_interest_rate}}%
Cash Advance{{cash_advance_interest_rate}}%
Balance Transfer{{balance_transfer_interest_rate}}%




The average (median) credit card has a purchase interest rate of {{averages.median_purchase_interest_rate}} and so the {{card.name}} charges {{purchase_interest_diff}} than the average.





For cash advances it costs {{cash_advance_interest_rate}}% compared to the average of {{averages.mean_cash_advance_interest_rate}}.





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Testing the {{card.name}} with a $2,000 starting balance, you can see in the graph how the {{purchase_interest_diff}} in interest rates impacts the interest over a year, compared to the average card.





Insurance coverage





InsuranceThis CardAverage
Extended Warranty{{warranty}}{{averages.median_warranty}}
Purchase Protection{{purchase_protection}}{{averages.median_purchase_protection}}
Travel Accident{{travel_accident}}{{averages.median_travel_accident}}
Emergency Medical Term{{emergency_medical_term}}{{averages.median_emergency_medical_term}}
Emergency Medical over 65{{emergency_medical_65}}{{averages.median_emergency_medical_65}}
Trip Cancellation{{trip_cancellation}}{{averages.median_trip_cancellation}}
Trip Interruption{{trip_interruption}}{{averages.median_trip_interruption}}
Flight Delay{{flight_delay}}{{averages.median_flight_delay}}
Baggage Delay{{baggage_delay_insurance}}{{averages.median_baggage_delay_insurance}}
Lost or Stolen Baggage{{stolen_baggage}}{{averages.median_stolen_baggage}}
Event Cancellation{{event_cancel}}{{averages.median_event_cancel}}
Rental Car Theft & Damage{{rental_theft_damage}}No
Rental Car Personal Effects{{rental_personal}}{{averages.median_rental_personal}}
Rental Car Accident{{rental_accident}}{{averages.median_rental_accident}}
Hotel Burglary{{hotel_burglary}}{{averages.median_hotel_burglary}}
Mobile Phone Insurance{{mobile_insurance}}{{averages.median_mobile_insurance}}
Personal Effects Insurance{{personal_effects}}{{averages.median_personal_effects}}
Price Protection Insurance{{price_protection}}{{averages.median_price_protection}}




We scored it {{factor_score_insurance}} out of 5 for insurance.





It offers {{insurance_count}} types of insurance, whereas the average card has {{averages.insurance_count}} types of coverage.





Approval and qualifying







Do I qualify?
Estimated Credit Score{{credit_score_low}} - {{credit_score_high}}
Personal Income{{personal_income}}
Household Income{{household_income}}






Fees
Annual Fee{{card.annualFee}}
Extra Card Fee$0
Card type{{card_type}}






We scored it {{factor_score_approval}} out of 5 for approval.





We predict that you will require a credit score of at least {{credit_score_low}} to qualify for the {{card.name}}, while the average card requires {{averages.mean_credit_score_low}} to qualify.





This puts it in the top {{decile.credit_score_low}} of cards by approval difficulty.





The personal income requirements are {{personal_income}}, while the average card requires {{averages.mean_personal_income}}.





This puts it in the {{decile.personal_income}} of cards by the income required to qualify.





The American Express Business Edge Card is a credit card designed for small business owners who are looking to maximize their earning potential through everyday purchases.





As a Canadian credit card expert, I will provide you with an overview of the earning potential, four major benefits, and two drawbacks of this card. Additionally, I will include any other relevant information that could be helpful for potential users.





Earning potential with the card:





The American Express Business Edge Card earns Membership Rewards points for every eligible purchase. Cardholders earn 3x points for every dollar spent on office supplies, electronics, rides, and gas.





They also earn 2x points on client dinners and commute costs, such as taxis and public transportation. All other purchases earn 1x point per dollar spent. This structure allows for significant point accumulation, especially for businesses with higher spending in the rewarded categories.





Benefits






  1. Welcome Bonus: One major advantage of the American Express Business Edge Card is the generous welcome bonus. New cardholders can earn up to 42,000 bonus Membership Rewards points within the first three months of card membership. Conditions apply.




  2. Versatile Redemption Options: The second major advantage of this card is its versatile reward points. Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for a variety of options, including travel, merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits.

    Additionally, points can be transferred to airline and hotel partner programs, potentially increasing their value.




  3. Insurance Benefits: Another advantage of the American Express Business Edge Card is its suite of insurance benefits, such as purchase protection and extended warranty coverage. Cardholders can also opt to add employee cards so that the entire team’s spending can earn rewards.




  4. Access to Exclusive American Express Experiences and Offers: Lastly, the American Express Business Edge Card offers access to exclusive American Express Experiences and offers through Amex Offers, which give cardholders access to discounts, special events, and pre-sale tickets.





Drawbacks






  1. Drawback: A significant drawback of the American Express Business Edge Card is its annual fee of $99. This may be a deterrent for small business owners who prefer a no-fee credit card option.




  2. Drawback: Another significant drawback is the limited acceptance of American Express cards by some merchants, compared to Visa or Mastercard. However, it is worth noting that American Express is continuously expanding its accepting network.





Additional information





The American Express Business Edge Card comes with supplementary employee cards at no additional costs. Cardholders can use the American Express Business App to manage their account on the go, simplifying expense tracking and monitoring spend.





Overall, the American Express Business Edge Card is well-suited for small businesses with a strong emphasis on rewards-earning potential and insurance benefits, despite its drawbacks of an annual fee and limited acceptance.





Not the right fit? You could consider the National Bank Mastercard Business Card. Or, if you’re looking for other options check out the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card, and the BMO World Elite Business Mastercard.





FAQ







With the American Express Business Edge Card, you can redeem your points for a variety of valuable rewards, including:






  • Travel: Use points to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages through American Express Travel Online, or transfer points to select airline and hotel partners.




  • Merchandise and Retail: Redeem points for a wide range of electronics, home goods, fashion items, and more through the American Express online catalog.




  • Gift Cards and Certificates: Exchange points for gift cards from popular retailers, restaurants, and travel providers.




  • Charge Card Balance: Use points to pay down your credit card balance, effectively turning earned rewards into statement credits.







The American Express Business Edge Card in Canada does have a foreign transaction fee. The fee is charged on transactions made in a foreign currency, which is set at 2.5% of the converted amount.





This fee is added to your transaction amount when making purchases in a non-Canadian currency or traveling in other countries.







There is no specific minimum income requirement for the American Express Business Edge Card. However, American Express may take into consideration the applicant’s personal or business income as well as credit history during the application process.







Key benefits






  • Impressive Welcome Bonus: Snag a cool 42,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $5,000 within your initial 3 months




  • Triple Point Bonanza: Rake in 3x points on office essentials, cutting-edge electronics, convenient ride-sharing, and every fuel-up




  • Straightforward Earnings: Reap 1 point per $1 on all other spending that fulfills the eligibility criteria




  • Employee Empowerment: Tailor spending ceilings for each employee card sans additional charges




  • Supplementary Card Goodie: Bolster your earning power with no-cost extra cards




  • Safeguard your Adventures: Enjoy diverse insurance options for unwavering peace of mind




  • Divine Deals with Amex Invites: Delight in unique entertainment spectacles, gastronomical escapades, and retail therapy sessions




  • Inescapable Yearly Fee: $99 knocks on your door without the grace of a first-year waiver




  • Merchant Availability Hiccup: Amex acceptance lags behind Visa and Mastercard, hindering swipes at select stores




  • Lofty Income Threshold: Businesses with modest revenues or individuals facing income prerequisites may find this card elusive



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