Which has the lower annual fee, American Express Gold Rewards Card or BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard?

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard has a $150 annual fee, while the American Express Gold Rewards Card charges $250/year.

Which card is better for groceries, American Express Gold Rewards Card or BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard?

The American Express Gold Rewards Card earns 1.5x on groceries, while the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard earns 0.7x. The better choice depends on your grocery spending and the specific merchants you shop at.

Is the American Express Gold Rewards Card accepted everywhere in Canada?

The American Express Gold Rewards Card runs on the American Express network, which is not accepted at some Canadian retailers like Costco and Loblaws. Visa and Mastercard have broader acceptance in Canada.

American Express Gold Rewards Card vs BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard — Which Is Better? | Churnr

Header Quick Take Value Earn Rates Merchants Wallet Bonus FX Benefits Eligibility Perks Downgrade Verdict

American Express Gold Rewards Card wins by $2,022/yr — strongest in groceries

American Express Gold Rewards Card earns $321 more on groceries
American Express Gold Rewards Card earns $152 more on dining & restaurants
$1,200 welcome bonus advantage
$100 higher annual fee, offset by rewards

Groceries: +$321Dining & Restaurants: +$152Shopping: +$105

American Express Gold Rewards Card: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

American Express Gold Rewards Card (Amex) — not accepted at Costco, Loblaws, No Frills, Walmart

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Showing Year 1 analysis

Dollar Value

Winner

$2,131

/first year

5.1% effective$178/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: +$1,713

Annual rewards earned+$1,211

Welcome bonus+$1,200

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$250

$109

/first year

0.3% effective$9/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: −$310

Annual rewards earned+$289

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$150

Best for your spendingAmerican Express Gold Rewards Card—$2,131Year 1 value

+$2,022 more than BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

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Earn Rates by Category

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The Bottom Line

American Express Gold Rewards Card wins by $2,022/yr — strongest in groceries

American Express Gold Rewards Card earns $321 more on groceries
American Express Gold Rewards Card earns $152 more on dining & restaurants
$1,200 welcome bonus advantage
$100 higher annual fee, offset by rewards

Groceries: +$321Dining & Restaurants: +$152Shopping: +$105

Showing Year 1 analysis

American Express Gold Rewards Card wins in both Year 1 and Year 2+ — consistent long-term value.

Data Sources

Issuer terms & conditions (verified Feb 2026)

Merchant MCC verification (239 merchants)

Insurance certificates (PDF review)

Reward program documentation

User-reported acceptance data

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