Originally Posted by echino

When Amex cards with a chip were first introduced in Canada, chip did not work almost anywhere. The algorithm was to insert chip, get an error message, and then swipe. Contactless worked without limit, but required signature.

Later, new terminals started appearing which supported Amex chip and pin. Contactless worked up to $50 without signature on those.

Now, I am getting mostly this situation: insert chip - error. Then swipe - error (says insert chip). Contactless - no response. The correct algorithm now: try contactless - it will not work, will tell you insert or swipe. Then, insert and it will ask for pin and will work this way.

Using Amex has been and is remaining a major PITA in Canada. I am only keeping it for points.