How to activate your American Express Card (Canada)
Activate your American Express card (Canada) online, in the app or by phone — what you need, step-by-step instructions and fixes if activation fails.
Quick answer: Activate your American Express Card (Canada) online at americanexpress.com, in the Amex (American Express App) app or by phone using the number on the card sticker. Have ready: Card number; Security code. Use only americanexpress.com or the official app, never a link sent by text or email.
What you need
- Card number
- Security code
- Personal details for verification
Activate your American Express Card (Canada) online
- Open Amex Canada's online activation page (linked from americanexpress.com/en-ca)
- Enter your card number and security code
- Verify your details
- Optionally set up an Online Services account at the same time
- Confirm. You can use the card right away
Activate in the Amex (American Express App) app
- Open the Amex app and sign in
- Choose to activate your new card
- Follow the prompts
Activate by phone
Call the activation number printed on the sticker on the front of your new card (or the customer-service number on the back) and follow the automated prompts. You will usually be asked for the card number and a piece of identity information such as the last four digits of your SIN or date of birth.
After you activate
- Set up an Online Services account
- Add the card to your mobile wallet
- Update pre-authorized payments
If your Amex Bank of Canada card won't activate
- Using the US site: Canadian cards use the en-CA activation page
- Card not recognised: call the number on the back
American Express Card (Canada) activation FAQs
How do I activate my American Express Card (Canada)?
You can activate it online at americanexpress.com, in the Amex (American Express App) app, by phone. Online or in-app activation is usually fastest: sign in, choose the new card, and confirm the details requested.
Is there a phone number to activate a Amex Bank of Canada card?
Use the activation number printed on the sticker on the front of your new card, or the number on the back of the card. Only call numbers shown on the card itself or on americanexpress.com — scammers publish look-alike numbers.
Can I use my Amex Bank of Canada card before activating it?
Generally no. A new card is blocked until it is activated, although some issuers activate a replacement automatically the first time you use it with your PIN, and some let you use a virtual card number in the app straight away.
Does activating a American Express Card (Canada) affect my credit score?
No. Activation is not a credit check. Any hard inquiry happened when you applied; activating simply switches the card on. Not activating a new account does not close it, so it can still appear on your credit report.
Why won't my Amex Bank of Canada card activate?
Using the US site: Canadian cards use the en-CA activation page Card not recognised: call the number on the back
Is it safe to activate my card online?
Yes, provided you are on the issuer's real website (americanexpress.com) or official app. Type the address yourself rather than following links in texts or emails. Your bank will never ask for your full PIN or a one-time passcode by phone or text.
Amex Bank of Canada cards we review
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Intro APR | Foreign fee | Credit needed | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Platinum Card from American Express (Canada)Heavy spenders who will reach $20,000 to keep unlimited lounge access |
C$799/yr | Membership Rewards points (see issuer for rates) | None | See issuer | See issuer | — |
Sources: www.americanexpress.com · www.americanexpress.com. Steps change; if your screen looks different, follow the official instructions.