✓ Store list checked October 2026
Quick answer
Costco and Loblaw-owned grocery stores don’t accept American Express. That includes Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaws, No Frills, Zehrs, Fortinos, Maxi and Provigo. Most other large grocers do, including Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, IGA, Foodland, Metro, Food Basics and Farm Boy, and so does Walmart. Keep a Visa or Mastercard with you as a backup.
American Express cards earn some of the best grocery and dining rewards in Canada, but not every store takes them. This page lists which major Canadian stores accept Amex, store by store, so you know before you reach the till.
Acceptance can change, and a single franchise or independently owned store may set its own rules. Where sources disagree or we couldn’t confirm a store, we say so.
Grocery stores that accept Amex (and those that don’t)
| Store | Amex? | Owner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Canadian Superstore | ✗ No | Loblaw | Visa and Mastercard only |
| Loblaws | ✗ No | Loblaw | Visa and Mastercard only |
| No Frills | ✗ No | Loblaw | Visa and Mastercard only |
| Zehrs | ✗ No | Loblaw | Visa and Mastercard only |
| Fortinos | ✗ No | Loblaw | Visa and Mastercard only |
| Maxi and Provigo | ✗ No | Loblaw | Quebec banners; Visa and Mastercard only |
| Costco | ✗ No | Costco | Mastercard is the only credit card accepted in warehouses. Details below |
| Sobeys | ✓ Yes | Empire | |
| Safeway | ✓ Yes | Empire | Western Canada and northwestern Ontario |
| FreshCo | ✓ Yes | Empire | Ontario and Western Canada |
| IGA | ✓ Yes | Sobeys (Quebec) | Most IGA stores accept Amex, but some independently owned stores may not |
| Foodland | ✓ Yes | Empire | Ontario and Atlantic Canada |
| Farm Boy | ✓ Yes | Empire | Ontario |
| Thrifty Foods | ✓ Yes | Empire | British Columbia |
| Metro | ✓ Yes | Metro Inc. | At least one franchise group in Quebec has been reported not to |
| Food Basics | ✓ Yes | Metro Inc. | Ontario |
| Super C | ✓ Yes | Metro Inc. | Quebec |
| Longo’s | ✓ Yes | Empire (majority owner) | Ontario |
| Whole Foods Market | ✓ Yes | Amazon | Ontario and British Columbia |
| Walmart | ✓ Yes | Walmart | Details below |
| Save-On-Foods | ? Check | Pattison | Most sources say yes; one says Visa and Mastercard only. Confirm at your store |
| T&T Supermarket | ? Check | Loblaw | We couldn’t find a reliable source either way. Bring a backup card |
Why don’t Loblaw stores take Amex? Stores pay a fee on every card transaction, and American Express has historically charged merchants more than Visa and Mastercard. Loblaw also has its own credit card, the PC Financial Mastercard.
Does Costco accept Amex?
No. Costco Canada doesn’t accept American Express anywhere:
- In the warehouse: Mastercard is the only credit card accepted. Debit cards, cash and Costco Shop Cards also work.
- At Costco gas stations: Mastercard credit cards, debit cards and Costco Shop Cards. No cash.
- On costco.ca: Mastercard and Visa credit cards, debit cards and Costco Shop Cards. Still no Amex.
Costco’s credit card partnership in Canada is with Mastercard. Its earlier deal with American Express ended in 2014. If Costco is a big part of your spending, you’ll need a Mastercard for it. Check the earn rate first, because many cards don’t count Costco as a grocery store; see merchant category codes.
Does Walmart accept Amex?
Yes. Walmart Canada lists American Express as an accepted payment method for orders on Walmart.ca, and stores accept it too.
One thing to know: Walmart is reported not to count as a grocery store for Amex cards, so your Amex will probably earn its base rate there, not its grocery rate.
Other everyday stores
| Store | Amex? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shoppers Drug Mart | ✓ Yes | Owned by Loblaw but reported to accept Amex. One source contradicts this, so confirm at your store |
| Canadian Tire | ✓ Yes | |
| Dollarama | ✓ Yes | |
| Winners, HomeSense, Marshalls | ✓ Yes | |
| Best Buy | ✓ Yes | |
| Home Depot, IKEA, Staples | ✓ Yes | |
| Amazon.ca | ✓ Yes | |
| Starbucks | ✓ Yes | |
| Esso, Petro-Canada, Shell | ✓ Yes | Gas stations |
| Rexall, London Drugs, Jean Coutu | ✓ Yes | Pharmacies |
How to use Amex without getting stuck at the till
- Carry a backup Visa or Mastercard. A no-fee card is enough. It covers Costco, Loblaw stores and anywhere else that turns Amex away.
- Check before a big shop. Look for the Amex logo at the entrance or on the payment terminal, or ask at customer service.
- Don’t assume one store speaks for the whole chain. Franchised and independently owned stores, like some IGA and Metro locations, can set their own policy.
- Know where you earn the bonus. A store that accepts Amex may still not count as a grocery store for rewards. It depends on the store’s merchant category code.
Frequently asked questions
Does Superstore accept Amex?
No. Real Canadian Superstore is owned by Loblaw, and Loblaw grocery stores accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards, not American Express.
Does No Frills accept Amex?
No. No Frills is a Loblaw banner and doesn’t accept American Express.
Does FreshCo accept Amex?
Yes. FreshCo is owned by Empire, the company behind Sobeys, and accepts American Express.
Does Sobeys accept Amex?
Yes. Sobeys and its sister stores, including Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and Farm Boy, accept American Express.
Does Metro accept Amex?
Yes. Metro and Food Basics accept American Express, though at least one franchised Metro group in Quebec has been reported not to.
Does Canadian Tire accept Amex?
Yes. Canadian Tire accepts American Express.
What grocery stores accept Amex in Canada?
Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, IGA, Foodland, Farm Boy, Thrifty Foods, Metro, Food Basics, Super C, Longo’s, Whole Foods Market and Walmart. Costco and Loblaw-owned stores don’t.
Related reading
- Merchant acceptance: what it means and why it matters for your rewards
- Cash back vs. travel points: which type of card pays more for your spending
- Start here: how to choose your first rewards card
How we checked: store payment policies were checked against retailer and issuer websites and recent Canadian credit card guides in October 2026.
Last checked: October 2026. Store payment policies change. If you spot something out of date, email hello@bestcanadiancreditcards.com.