American Express Credit Card Flowchart

American Express offers by far the most generous signup bonuses here in Canada, as well as a lucrative refer-a-friend program. By maximizing both of these points-earning techniques, you can rack up a spectacular amount of points in a short time.

American Express Credit Card Families

The various Amex cards can be grouped into a few different “families”. The refer-a-friend program only allows you to refer from/to the specific cards within each family.

The Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, Gold Rewards Card, Business Gold Card, Cobalt Card, and Business Edge Card can refer among each other.
- Exception: The Platinum Card can only refer to itself or to the Business Platinum.
- Exception: The Business Platinum can only refer to itself, the other business cards, or the Platinum Card.
- Exception: The Business Edge can only refer to the other business cards.
The Aeroplan Reserve, Aeroplan Business Reserve, and Aeroplan Card can refer among each other.
- Exception: The premium Reserve cards cannot refer to the core Aeroplan Card.
The Bonvoy Card and the Bonvoy Business Card can refer among each other.

Below you’ll find a comprehensive flowchart showing you the optimal strategy for applying for, and referring to, the various Amex cards, based on the specific welcome bonus and referral bonus offers on each card.