American Express Cobalt Card: how to apply
Find out the requirements to apply for the card
The American Express Cobalt® Card is built for Canadians who want to earn rewards on day-to-day spending, not only on big trips.
It earns Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, with the highest rate on food and drinks, including groceries, restaurants and food delivery.
If you like keeping most of your expenses on one card and tracking them in one place, this card can be a practical option. As with any credit product, approval depends on the issuer’s credit review.
Who is the American Express Cobalt for?
The American Express Cobalt credit card makes sense for people who use a card often, in person and online, and want to collect flexible points.
It fits people who prefer to put regular bills and everyday costs on one card, then pay and manage everything from a single account.
The card earns 5 points per $1 on eligible eats and drinks in Canada (on up to $2,500 in purchases per month), 3 points per $1 on eligible streaming subscriptions, 2 points per $1 on eligible gas, transit and ride share purchases in Canada, and 1 point per $1 on everything else. If a large part of your spending falls into these categories, points can add up quickly.
This card also works for someone who values clear tracking of spending, since you can review your activity, payments and rewards in your Amex account and mobile app.
Requirements to apply for the card
To apply for the American Express Cobalt card, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident;
- Have reached the age of majority in your province or territory of residence.
Approval depends on American Express’s credit assessment.
Fees and interest rates
- Monthly fee: $15.99, which totals $191.88 per year. Quebec residents pay an annual fee of $191.88;
- Annual interest rate for purchases and cash advances: 21.99%;
- Foreign currency conversion fee: 2.5%;
- Supplementary cards: $0, with a maximum of 9 per account.
Rates and fees checked on September 22, 2026, against American Express Canada’s website. Confirm current terms on the American Express website before applying.
Benefits of the American Express Cobalt
A rewards card is only useful if the benefits are easy to use in real life.
Below are some of the card’s main features. Details and eligibility rules apply, so it’s worth reading the official terms before relying on any benefit.
Membership Rewards Points
With the American Express Membership Rewards program, you earn points on eligible purchases made with the card.
You can redeem them in several ways. When used as a statement credit toward eligible purchases, 1,000 points are worth $10. You can also use points for travel booked through American Express, gift cards, merchandise or purchases at Amazon.ca.
For travel, you can transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and loyalty programs, including Aeroplan. Transfer ratios vary by program.
Exclusive perks
Cobalt cardmembers can see Amex Offers in their online account or app, which may include extra points or statement credits at selected merchants.
These offers change over time and usually need to be added to your card before you use them.
You also get access to Front Of The Line® Amex Presale Tickets and Amex Reserved Tickets for concerts, theatre and special events, often before the general public.
Travel and purchase insurance
When you charge your travel to the card, you may be covered by Out of Province/Country Emergency Medical Insurance of up to $5,000,000. This coverage applies to cardholders under age 65 and only for the first 15 consecutive days of a trip.
The card also includes Flight Delay and Baggage Delay Insurance, Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance, and $250,000 in Travel Accident Insurance. For purchases, you get Purchase Protection for 90 days and Buyer’s Assurance, which extends the manufacturer’s warranty by up to one year.
Mobile device insurance
If you buy an eligible mobile device and charge it to your American Express Cobalt card, you may be covered for loss, theft or accidental damage.
Coverage is up to $1,000 per insured person and lasts for up to 2 years from the date of purchase, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions in the Certificate of Insurance.
Enjoy The Hotel Collection
The Hotel Collection is a travel benefit for stays of two or more consecutive nights at participating properties booked through American Express Travel.
According to the official terms, you receive up to $100 USD in hotel credit to use on amenities like dining or spa services charged to your room, plus a one-category room upgrade, 12 p.m. check-in and late check-out when available.
Benefits depend on the property, availability and booking method, so it’s smart to review the rules before you confirm a reservation.
Insurance coverage is subject to the terms, limits and exclusions in the Certificate of Insurance provided with the card.
How to apply for this credit card?
You can apply for the American Express Cobalt card online.
On the application form, you’ll be asked for details such as your Canadian residential address, contact details, employment status and financial information that helps the issuer review your request.
After you submit the form, American Express will review your credit and may ask for more details to verify your identity.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail. You can then set up your online account and the mobile app to track purchases, pay your statement and manage rewards.
How to contact American Express?
There are several ways to get in touch with American Express for assistance:
- Account inquiries, lost or stolen cards and general information in Canada and the U.S.: 1-800-668-2639;
- Montreal: (514) 329-4444;
- From outside Canada and the U.S.: call collect at (905) 474-9380;
- Online: through the American Express App or Online Services.
Conclusion
The American Express Cobalt credit card is a strong option for Canadians who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases, especially food and drinks.
Its Membership Rewards program lets you earn points on eligible spending, like the 5 points per $1 on eats and drinks, and use them in flexible ways.
When redeemed as statement credits, those 5 points are worth about 5%, so you’d need to spend around $320 per month on eligible eats and drinks to offset the monthly fee.
The card also includes benefits beyond points, such as Mobile Device Insurance, emergency medical coverage for cardholders under 65, and access to The Hotel Collection.
Before applying, factor in the $15.99 monthly fee, the $2,500 monthly cap on the 5x rate, and the 21.99% interest rate if you carry a balance. The card offers the most value if you pay your statement in full each month.
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Legal Disclaimer: This website is independent and purely informational, and its content does not constitute financial advice. Finvyu is not affiliated with American Express. We do not guarantee credit approval or card issuance, which are subject solely to the risk analysis of Amex Bank of Canada. Finvyu Editorial Team.
