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American Express Essential™ Credit Card review

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Advertiser Disclosure

Annual Fee
$25.00
Interest Rate: Purchases
12.99%
Interest Rate: Purchases
12.99%
Balance Transfer
12.99%
Balance Transfer
12.99%
Rewards
-
Rewards
-
Signup Bonus
-
Signup Bonus
-


8.7/10
Informr score
The American Express Essential™ Credit Card currently has an Informr score of 8.7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 7 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

Am I eligible?


American Express Essential™ Credit Card is typically available to those with good credit scores (650 or greater).
To get this card, you must also:
Yes Be at least 18 years of age (AB, MB, ON, PE, QA, SK). 19 in all other provinces.
Yes Be a permanent or temporary resident of Canada
Yes Have a minimum personal income of $15000.

Note: This information is only intended as a guide. The final decision is up to the bank and your application could still be rejected even if you can answer 'Yes' to all the minimum criteria above. Always consider your options and your financial situation before you apply for a credit card.

What the Critics Are Saying...


Money.ca
Money.ca

For those who are having difficulty paying off their purchase balance and want a tool that doesn’t make it so painful, there are few better options than the one offered by American Express with their American Express EssentialTM Credit Card. A low regular rate gives cardholders a break from the high...

- Money.ca
GreedyRates.ca
GreedyRates.ca

For those who are having difficulty paying off their purchase balance and want a tool that doesn’t make it so painful, there are few better options than the one offered by American Express with their American Express EssentialTM Credit Card. A low regular rate gives cardholders a break from the high...

- GreedyRates.ca
Money We Have
Money We Have

My American Express Essential credit card review is positive. The card is aimed at people who typically carry a balance and want to have a lower interest rate. The included American Express Invites is a perk that is often overlooked, but cardholders will love it.

- Barry Choi, Money We Have
creditcardGenius
creditcardGenius

Getting on top of credit card debt is difficult, but hopefully, with cards like the American Express Essential, it can be a little easier. You max your savings with a 12.99% interest rate that doesn’t depend on your credit score. You either qualify or you don’t - no bait and switch with low teaser r...

- creditcardGenius
LowestRates.ca
LowestRates.ca

For those who want to make the most out of their everyday shopping, the lack of rewards or cash back make the American Express Essential credit card an unattractive choice as a primary card. On the other hand, it can work well as a secondary card.

- Dominic Licorish, LowestRates.ca

Details


Interest Rates
Regular APR Interest Rate 12.99%
Balance Transfer Interest Rate 12.99%
Cash Advance Interest Rate 12.99%
Rates & Fees
Annual Fee $25.00
Balance Transfer Fee 3%

Maximum

Cash Advance Fee $2.75
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5%

Transactions made in a foreign currency will be converted and posted to your account in Canadian currency.

Over Limit Fee $29.00
Late Payment Fee $0.00
Promotions
Sign up bonus No
Rewards
All Purchases No
Restaurants No
Gas No
Groceries No
Hotels No
Travel No
Pharmacy No
Bills No
Features & Benefits
Additional Card Holders Yes
Travel Accident Insurance Yes
Car Rental Insurance No
Car Rental Discount No
Extended Warranty Yes
Purchase Protection Yes
Zero Liability Yes
No Foreign Transaction Fees No
Emergency Assistance No
Concierge Service No
Price Protection No
Fraud Protection Yes
Free Credit Scores No
Wireless Payments Apple Pay
Virtual Cards No
Eligibility
Minimum Security Deposit $0
Minimum Age

18 years in AB, MB, ON, PE, QA, SK. 19 years in all other provinces.

Minimum Personal Income $15,000 per year
Temporary Residents No
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Information in this article is believed to be accurate at the time it was written, but terms and conditions may change at any time. All information is presented without warranty or guarantee. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.

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