The American Express Cobalt® Card has become one of the most attractive credit cards for Canadians who value rewards, travel perks, and flexible redemption.
With bonus categories focused on food, streaming, and travel, it’s tailored for modern urban lifestyles.
In this article, you’ll learn how to apply for the Cobalt Card, what to expect during the process, and how to maximize its features once approved.
What Makes the Cobalt Card Special?
This card isn’t just about earning points.
It’s about enjoying real-life experiences, exclusive access, and value-added rewards that fit your daily routine and travel dreams.
Key Features:
- 5x points on eligible food and drink purchases, including groceries and restaurants.
- 3x points on select streaming subscriptions.
- 2x points on travel and daily transit.
- 1x point on everything else.
- Up to $60 in Instacart Credits: Earn up to $60 in statement credits for Instacart purchases made with your card through December 31, 2027.
- The Hotel Collection: Get special benefits when booking two or more consecutive nights at participating hotels through American Express Travel.
- Front Of The Line® Access: Enjoy early access and reserved seating for concerts, theater, and cultural events via American Express Experiences.
Who Is Eligible?
Before applying, make sure you meet these basic requirements.
Must be a Canadian resident with a Canadian credit file and have reached the age of majority in your province or territory.
No official income threshold, but a stable source of income is expected. Ideally, have a credit score above 700 to increase approval odds.
How to Apply for the American Express Cobalt Card
Navigate to the official Amex Canada site and locate the Cobalt Card under “Personal Cards”.
Click “Apply Now,” and you must review and accept American Express’ terms and disclosures. This takes you to the secure application portal.
Complete the Application Sections:
- About You: Enter your full name, date of birth, Social Insurance Number (optional), and employment details.
- Contact Details: Provide your phone number, email, and residential address.
- Finances and Options: Share information about your income, housing costs, and any other credit card preferences (e.g., balance transfers).
- Review: Go over your entries for accuracy.
- Accept Terms: You must review and accept American Express’ terms and disclosures.
- Submit: Finalize the process by submitting your application. A decision is often delivered instantly, but some cases may require additional verification.
Fees, Interest Rates & Other Charges
Understanding the cost of ownership is crucial for any credit cardholder. Here’s a breakdown of the American Express Cobalt Card’s fees:
- Annual Fee: $155.88 (charged monthly at $12.99)
- Purchase APR: 21.99%
- Cash Advance APR: 21.99%
- Penalty APR: 25.99%–28.99% if you miss 2–3 payments within 12 months
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.5% on purchases outside Canada
- Late Payment Fee: May apply depending on the outstanding amount
Tip: Paying your statement balance in full each month helps you avoid interest charges entirely.
Premium Experiences and Benefits
Here is a deep look at the exclusive extra perks for the most lucrative clients of the American Express Cobalt Card.
Front Of The Line® Access
Cardmembers receive exclusive access to tickets before they go on sale to the public.
This includes presale access and reserved seating for top events such as concerts, theatrical performances, and live entertainment across Canada.
Offered via American Express Experiences, this benefit is particularly valuable for those who enjoy cultural and entertainment outings.
The Hotel Collection
When you book two or more consecutive nights through American Express Travel, you unlock added value.
Room upgrade upon arrival (when available) and a $100 USD hotel credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities.
This perk is perfect for frequent travelers who appreciate both luxury and added savings.
Instacart Statement Credits
Grocery shopping just got more rewarding. You can earn up to $60 in statement credits for eligible Instacart purchases made using your Cobalt Card.
Spread out over a 12-month period, available through December 31, 2027.
No enrollment is required, making this benefit effortlessly valuable.
Comparison Table: Amex Cobalt vs Competitor Cards
While choosing, consider:
| Feature | Amex Cobalt® | Scotiabank Gold Amex® | TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite | BMO eclipse Visa Infinite |
| Annual Fee | $155.88 (billed $12.99/month) | $120 | $139 (rebated 1st year) | $120 |
| Points on Dining & Food | 5x on eats, drinks, groceries | 5x on groceries, dining, food delivery | 3x on restaurants | 5x on dining, groceries, food delivery |
| Points on Travel & Transit | 2x on travel and transit | 3x on transit and streaming | 9x on ExpediaforTD.ca, 3x elsewhere | 3x on travel |
| Streaming Services | 3x on select streaming | 1x–3x on streaming (varies) | Not included | 1x–2x depending on category |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | 2.5% | No foreign transaction fees | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| Signup Bonus | Up to 15,000 points in first year | Up to 40,000 points | Up to 100,000 TD Points | Up to 60,000 points |
| Travel Perks | The Hotel Collection, Front Of The Line® | Amex Travel, concierge access | ExpediaforTD benefits | Visa Infinite Travel Services |
| Instacart Credits | ✔ Up to $60/year (until Dec 31, 2027) | ✘ Not included | ✘ Not included | ✘ Not included |
| Lounge Access | ✘ Not included | ✘ Not included | ✘ Not included | ✘ Not included |
| Insurance Coverage | Strong: travel, theft, and rental car | Strong: travel, trip cancellation | Strong: travel, accident, rental | Moderate: fewer trip protections |
Customer Service and Support
If you have questions about your application or the card’s features, American Express offers several ways to get help:
- Toll-Free (Canada): 1-800-869-3016
- International (Collect): 1-905-474-0870
- Mailing Address: Amex Bank of Canada P.O. Box 3204, Station F Toronto, ON M1W 3W7
- Customer Service Website: americanexpress.com/ca
Conclusion
The American Express Cobalt Card is a smart choice for those who want to be rewarded for daily spending while enjoying access to exclusive experiences.
From flexible point redemption to special perks like Instacart credits and hotel upgrades, this card brings tangible value.
If you’re ready to elevate your financial tools, now is the time to request your Cobalt Card and experience what it offers.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Terms, fees, and conditions may change, so it’s recommended to review the official American Express Canada website for the most current information before applying.
