American Express® Cobalt Card Review

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Essential Guide to the Amex® Cobalt® Card in Canada

How You Earn Points

Maximize your American Express Cobalt® Card rewards by shopping for groceries at stores that accept American Express, like Metro and FreshCo, to earn 5x points on every purchase.

Keep in mind, however, that not every retailer selling groceries qualifies for the 5x rate. Large stores like Walmart are typically categorized as general merchandise, not groceries, so you’ll only earn 1x points there. For stores that don’t accept Amex® in-store, like Costco, you can still earn bonus points by ordering Costco groceries via Instacart and paying online with your Amex®. Please note that fees and higher prices may apply, so consider them versus the value of the points.

The Cobalt Card also earns bonus points beyond groceries and dining. Eligible gas, transit, and ride-share purchases in Canada earn 2x the points per dollar spent. This makes it a great option for commuters and drivers alike.

Additionally, streaming service subscriptions such as Netflix, Spotify, and Disney+ qualify for 3x points, helping you earn faster on your entertainment expenses.

Praia d'El Rey Golf & Beach, Portugal — Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, Obidos, Portugal

How to Maximize the Welcome Bonus

To earn the full welcome bonus on your American Express Cobalt® Card, make sure to meet the monthly spending requirement during your first year. Any purchase counts, but spending in high-earning categories like groceries, dining, gas, and transit will maximize your points. Track your monthly spend to stay on pace and avoid last-minute rushes.

Use your card for everyday expenses, including bills and essentials, to naturally meet the minimum spend each cycle, maximize the welcome offer, and build a strong points balance.

For step-by-step strategies and tips on meeting the minimum spend for your Cobalt® Card bonus, visit our in-depth guide on How to Meet Credit Card Minimum Spend Requirements.

First Year Earning Example

Meet the Minimum Spend

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Best Ways to Use Your Points

With the American Express Cobalt® Card, you earn flexible Membership Rewards® points that can be redeemed in many ways, with top value from transfers to airline and hotel partner reward programs like Air Canada Aeroplan®, Air France KLM Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy®, Hilton Honors and more.

For a comprehensive guide on Membership Rewards® points, including effective strategies for earning and redeeming, advice on partner transfers, tips to maximize value, and real-world examples, be sure to visit our full Amex® Membership Rewards® Guide.

Insurance & Amex® Perks

The American Express Cobalt® Card comes with a helpful mix of insurance coverage and special perks that can add real peace of mind and extra value to your everyday purchases and travels. Whether you are shopping at home or heading out on a trip, these benefits are designed to keep you protected and help you get more from your card.

Insurance

Amex® Perks and Extras

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JW Marriott Resort & Spa, The Rosseau Muskoka, Ontario — Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, Obidos, Portugal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You earn American Express Membership Rewards® points with the Cobalt® Card. These points are versatile and flexible, allowing you to redeem them for travel, statement credits, gift cards, and transfers to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs like Aeroplan®, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy®. Points are earned at different rates depending on the spending category, giving you great value for everyday purchases.

The Cobalt® Card rewards you generously on everyday spending with 5 Membership Rewards® points on groceries and dining (up to a typical monthly limit), 3 points on Canadian streaming subscriptions, and 2 points on gas, transit, and ride-sharing. Points earned are flexible and can be transferred to major airline and hotel programs or redeemed for statement credits and gift cards. The card also includes valuable travel and purchase insurance, plus access to exclusive American Express Offers and experiences.

There is no limit to the points you can earn. However, the 5X bonus on groceries and dining is capped at $2,500 in monthly purchases, which is $30,000 annually.

You can transfer your points to a broad selection of airline and hotel loyalty programs, giving you great flexibility to redeem them for travel and other rewards. Be sure to check out our complete guide to transferring American Express Membership Rewards® for detailed tips and step-by-step instructions.

The American Express Cobalt® Card is a credit card and counts toward the maximum number of credit cards you can hold. In Canada, American Express limits cardholders to 4 revolving credit cards at any given time. Given the Cobalt® Card’s strong earning rates, flexible points, and valuable benefits, it is worth reserving one of your credit card slots for it.

The card has a monthly $12.99 fee, which is more than offset by the high earning potential and included benefits.

Additional authorized users can be added without extra cost, making it easier to accumulate points across your household.

Bottom Line

The American Express Cobalt® Card is a top pick for earning Membership Rewards® points fast on dining, groceries, and transit. With strong insurance coverage and flexible redemptions, it is great for both new and experienced cardholders. Now is a great time to apply, so check out our guides to maximize your welcome bonus, meet spend requirements, and use Amex® Offers for the best value.

The Best Welcome Offers

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