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Side by Side Credit Cards Comparison
Which one is better?

American Express CobaltĀ® Card
4.9

RBC ION+ Visa
4.5
Welcome Bonus
Earn 1,250 Membership RewardsĀ® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases on your amex cobalt credit card in the first Year. That's up to 15,000 Membership RewardsĀ® points.
Welcome Bonus
Get up to $150 in groceries(1). Apply byĀ March 31, 2026. Get 14,000 Avion points upon approval ā thatās up to $100 of value in gift cards(1). Get 6,250 Moi points upon linking to your Moi Rewards card ā a value of $50(1)
Our Cash Offer
N/A
Our Cash Offer
$50 Cash Rebate offer from FinlyWealth
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$1,037.82
American Express Membership Rewards
First Year Bonus Value
+
$300
American Express Membership Rewards
Annual Fee
-
$191.88
First Year Value
$1,145.94
$845.94 in years after
Based on a hypothetical $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$433.74
RBC Avion (Premium) Rewards
First Year Bonus Value
+
$140
RBC Avion (Premium) Rewards
Annual Fee
-
$48
Finly Rebate
+
$50Exclusive Offer
First Year Value
$575.74
$385.74 in years after
Based on a hypothetical $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
How to Earn Rewards
How to Earn Rewards
Insurance Included
Mobile Device Insurance
Extended Warranty
Purchase Protection
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Baggage Delay
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Travel Medical Insurance
Flight Delay
Insurance Included
Mobile Device Insurance
Extended Warranty
Purchase Protection
Extra Benefits
Travel Credit
Amex Experiencesā¢
Extra Benefits
Gas Discount
Discount
Extra points
Extra points
Interest Rates
Purchase:
21.99%1
Cash Advance:
21.99%1
1 If you have 2 separate missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate missed payments, the applicable rates will be 29.99%.
Interest Rates
Purchase:
20.99%
Cash Advance:
22.99%
Balance Transfer:
22.99%
Annual Fee
$191.88 (paid monthly)
Annual Fee
$48
Income Required
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Income Required
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Loyalty Program
Loyalty Program
Point Redemption Options
Statement Credits (Cash)
Gift Cards
Merchandise
Most Optimal
AeroplanĀ® Flights
Transfer to Airline Partners
Fixed Point Travel Program
Transfer to Hotel Partners
Amazon.ca
Point Redemption Options
Gift Cards
Merchandise
Statement Credits (Cash)
Most Optimal
Transfer to WestJet
Financial Products
Travel
Is this card worth it?
This card was voted one of the Best Credit Card in Canada by FinlyWealth. The rewards earned on this card for a person with average spending exceed those of other credit cards in Canada by a huge margin! In addition, this card has a good benefits coverage, a flexible amex cobalt bonus points redemption program (1:1 transfer to AeroplanĀ® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.
Is this card worth it?
The RBC Ion+ Visa delivers exceptional value for its modest $48 annual fee, offering an impressive 3x Avion points on a comprehensive range of everyday spending categories including groceries, dining, gas, streaming, and transit. What makes this card particularly appealing is its standout mobile device insurance coverage up to $1,000 for two years, plus the fee waiver for students with qualifying RBC accounts. While the card earns Avion Premium points, they can be converted 1:1 to the more valuable Avion Elite points when paired with an eligible RBC Avion card, unlocking premium travel redemptions and airline transfers, making this one of the best low-cost rewards cards available in Canada.
Pros
Pros
Cons
Cons
vs Marriott BonvoyĀ® American ExpressĀ®* Card
vs Neo World EliteĀ® MastercardĀ®
vs American Express Platinum CardĀ®
vs SimplyCashĀ® Card from American Express
vs American ExpressĀ® AeroplanĀ®* Reserve Card
vs American ExpressĀ® AeroplanĀ®* Card
vs Scotia MomentumĀ® Visa* Card
vs CIBC Costco Mastercard
vs CIBC AeroplanĀ® Visa Infinite* Card
vs BMO CashBackĀ® World EliteĀ® MastercardĀ®
vs Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard
vs Amazon.ca Rewards MastercardĀ®
vs SimplyCash⢠Preferred Card from American Express
vs TD First Class TravelĀ® Visa Infinite* Card
vs TDĀ® AeroplanĀ® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
vs Scotia MomentumĀ® Visa Infinite* Card
vs MBNA Rewards World EliteĀ® MastercardĀ®
vs PC World Elite Mastercard
vs American ExpressĀ® Green Card
vs Simplii Financial⢠Cash Back Visa* Card
vs Neo MastercardĀ®
vs American Express Gold Rewards CardĀ®
vs Walmart Rewards⢠World Mastercard®
vs Walmart Rewards⢠Mastercard®
vs Rogers Red World EliteĀ® MastercardĀ®
vs Scotiabank PassportĀ® Visa Infinite* Card
vs RBC ION Visa
vs Scotiabank Gold American ExpressĀ® Card
vs Rogers Red MastercardĀ®
vs TD AeroplanĀ® Visa Infinite* Card
The American Express CobaltĀ® Card has a higher annual fee compared to the RBC ION+ Visa. Both cards do not have a minimum income requirement, making them accessible to a wide range of applicants. However, the difference in annual fees should be considered based on how much you value the rewards and benefits offered by each card.
The American Express CobaltĀ® Card offers significantly higher rewards, especially in categories like dining, groceries, and travel. It also has a more substantial welcome bonus. In contrast, the RBC ION+ Visa offers fewer rewards overall, though it does provide points for everyday purchases like groceries and gas. The CobaltĀ® Card is more suitable for those who spend heavily in its bonus categories, while the ION+ Visa is better for moderate spenders looking for a low-cost option.
When it comes to redeeming rewards, the American Express Cobalt Card offers more flexibility and potentially higher value. It allows you to redeem points for statement credits, travel, gift cards, merchandise, and even transfer to airline and hotel partners, providing multiple ways to maximize the value of your points. On the other hand, while the RBC ION+ Visa also offers various redemption options, including travel, financial products, and gift cards, its point value is generally lower, and the redemption flexibility is not as robust as the Cobalt Card. For users who prefer straightforward and high-value redemptions, the Cobalt Card's options are superior, especially since statement credits offer greater flexibility compared to other forms of redemption.
The American Express CobaltĀ® Card offers more extensive benefits, including a wider range of travel insurance options and additional perks like exclusive experiences. The RBC ION+ Visa includes some basic insurance and a modest gas discount, but its benefits are limited in comparison. For those who prioritize insurance coverage and unique perks, the CobaltĀ® Card is the better choice.
The CobaltĀ® Card, being an American Express, is not as widely accepted as the RBC ION+ Visa, which is a Visa card. Visa is generally accepted almost everywhere, whereas American Express is not. If acceptance and flexibility in spending locations are crucial to you, the RBC ION+ Visa may be more convenient.
For most users, the American Express CobaltĀ® Card is the better option due to its superior rewards, benefits, and insurance coverage, despite the higher annual fee. However, those who prefer a lower-cost card with broader acceptance might find the RBC ION+ Visa to be a better fit.
Legal
*Terms and conditions apply.
If you have 2 separate missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate missed payments, the applicable rates will be 29.99%.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
® / ⢠Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ┠All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner(s).
1āUp to $150 in groceriesā represents the combined value of the following promotional offers when you apply by March 31, 2026 and are approved for the RBC ION+ Visa: (a) 14,000 Avion points, which can be redeemed for most $100 gift cards though Avion Rewards, including Metro gift cards, plus (b) 6,250 Moi points, which are worth $50 in value, based on a redemption rate of 500 Moi points for $4. Point redemption values may fluctuate. For complete terms and conditions that apply to the Moi Rewards program, please visitĀ programmemoi.ca/en/program-terms. For complete terms and conditions that apply to the Avion Rewards Program, please visitĀ avionrewards.com/terms-and-conditionsĀ or callĀ 1-800-769-2512.
This offer only applies to new applications for an RBC ION+ Visa credit card submitted throughĀ rbc.com/moirewardsĀ by March 31, 2026 (āOffer Periodā) and approved by Royal Bank of Canada (āRoyal Bankā), subject to the conditions below. Additional cardholders(s) (co-applicant and authorized user(s)) on the RBC ION+ Visa credit card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC Royal Bank personal credit card transferring to an RBC ION+ Visa credit card during the Offer Period, are not eligible for this offer.
14,000 welcome Avion points (āWelcome Pointsā) will appear on your first credit card statement after your application has been approved, provided that your RBC ION+ Visa credit card account (āCredit Card Accountā) remains open and in good standing at the time the Welcome points are credited to your account, āgood standingā meaning that your Credit Card Account must not be past due for more than two (2) consecutive credit card account statement periods, closed, charged off or in credit revoked status. If you close or change your RBC ION+ Visa credit card for another type of RBC Royal Bank credit card before the Welcome Points have been credited to your account, you may lose the benefit of this offer. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer with the exception of offers available onĀ rbc.com/moirewards. Royal Bank reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time without notice, even after your application has been approved, including if we suspect that you may be manipulating or abusing it, or engaging in any suspicious or fraudulent activity, as determined by Royal Bank in its sole discretion. For complete terms and conditions that apply to the Avion Rewards Program, please visitĀ avionrewards.com/terms-and-conditionsĀ or callĀ 1-800-769-2512.
To get $100 worth of gift cards/certificates, you will need a total of 14,000 Avion points, based on a minimum redemption of 1,400 Avion points for most $10 gift cards/certificates. Some exceptions apply. Point redemption values may fluctuate. For general redemption terms, conditions and restrictions that apply to the Avion Rewards program, as well as for current point redemption values, please visitĀ avionrewards.com/terms-and-conditionsĀ or callĀ 1-800-769-2512.
To be eligible to receive 6,250 Moi points ("Bonus Moi points"), your application for the RBC ION+ Visa must be submitted throughĀ rbc.com/moirewardsĀ by March 31, 2026 ("Offer Period") and be approved by us, and you must link your new RBC ION+ Visa to your Moi Rewards card within 30 days from the date your credit card application has been approved. Additional cardholder(s) (co-applicant and authorized users(s)) on the RBC ION+ Visa credit card account, as well as existing cardholders on any RBC personal credit card transferring to the RBC ION+ Visa as of the Offer Period, are not eligible for the Bonus Moi points. moi RBC Visa cardholders applying for the RBC ION+ Visa as of the Offer Period are not eligible for the Bonus Moi points. To link your new RBC ION+ Visa to your Moi account, you must be enrolled in RBC Online Banking or the RBC Mobile app. Card linking may take up to 2 business days to process. Please allow up to 2-9 weeks for the Bonus Moi points to be awarded to your linked Moi account. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer, with the exception of offers available onĀ rbc.com/moirewards. Offer may be amended or withdrawn without notice at any time, prior to your acceptance. For complete details, including the definition of the capitalized terms used in the disclosures below, please see fullĀ Terms and Conditions.
To redeem your Moi points, you must have at least 500 Moi points to get $4 off your transaction at participating Moi Rewards stores. To redeem more than 500 Moi points in one transaction, you may only do so in increments of 125 Moi points thereafter, at a redemption rate of 125 Moi points for $1. Other conditions and restrictions apply. Moi point redemption values may fluctuate. For complete terms and conditions that apply to the Moi Rewards program, please visitĀ programmemoi.ca/en/program-terms.
2 You will earn 3 Avion points for every $1.00 in Grocery, Dining, Food Delivery, Rides, Gas, Electric Vehicle Charging, Streaming, and Digital Gaming & Subscriptions Purchases you make on your RBC ION+ Visa credit card at merchants classified by Visaās āMerchant Category Codeā (MCC). Depending on how certain merchants are categorized by Visaās āMerchant Category Codeā (MCC) they may not qualify as an eligible MCC. Eligible MCCs are listed as:
(i) āGrocery Stores and Supermarketsā (MCC 5411), āEating Place sand Restaurantsā (MCC 5812), āDrinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) ā Bars, Taverns, Nightclubs, Cocktail Lounges, and Discothequesā (MCC 5813), āFast Food Restaurantsā (MCC 5814), are āGrocery, Dining, and Food Delivery Purchasesā. Government liquor agencies and package stores that sell beer, wine, and liquor do not qualify as part of the āDrinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)ā Bars, Taverns, Nightclubs, Cocktail Lounges, and Discothequesā MCC;
(ii) āService Stations (With or without Ancillary Services)ā (MCC 5541), āAutomated Fuel Dispensersā (MCC 5542), āTaxicabs and Limousinesā (MCC 4121), āLocal and Suburban Commuter Passenger Transportation, Including Ferriesā (MCC 4111), āElectric Vehicle Chargingā (MCC 5552) are āRides, Gas & Electric Vehicle Charging Purchasesā. Non-commuter passenger railway purchases and non-commuter bus line purchases do not qualify as part of āRides, Gas & Electric Vehicle Charging Purchasesā.
(iii) āDigital Goods Media ā Books, Movies, Musicā (MCC 5815), āDigital Goods ā Gamesā (MCC 5816), āDigital Goods ā Applications (Excludes Games)ā (MCC 5817), āDigital Goods ā Large Digital Goods Merchantsā (MCC 5818), āCable, Satellite and Other Pay Television/Radio/Streaming Servicesā (MCC 4899) are āStreaming, Digital Gaming & Subscriptions Purchasesā. The āDigital Goods āGamesā MCC does not include games of chance and gambling.
You will earn 1 Avion point for every $1.00 on all other purchases (including pre-authorized bill payments) you make on your RBC ION+ Visa credit card. Even though some merchants may sell Grocery, Dining, Food Delivery, Rides, Gas, Electric Vehicle Charging, Streaming, Digital Gaming & Subscriptions merchandise, purchases made at these locations may not necessarily qualify as Eligible MCCs if the merchant is not classified as such by Visa. Also, you may make a purchase at a merchant that is not classified as an Eligible MCC but is located on the premises of a merchant that is classified as an Eligible MCC, in which case your purchase would not qualify as an Eligible MCC. We cannot guarantee that any merchant, operating in whole or in part as a Grocery, Dining, Food Delivery, Rides, Gas, Electric Vehicle Charging, Streaming, and Digital Gaming & Subscriptions merchant is classified as an Eligible MCC and in no event will we be liable or responsible for any claims with respect to a Grocery, Dining, Food Delivery, Rides, Gas, Electric Vehicle Charging, Streaming, and Digital Gaming & Subscriptions Purchase made at a merchant that is not classified as an Eligible MCC. Avion points are earned on net purchases only; they are not earned on cash advances (balance transfers, cash-like transactions and bill payments that are not pre-authorized charges that you set up with a merchant), interest charges or fees, and credits for returns and adjustments will reduce or cancel the points earned by the amounts originally charged.
Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions. The Website may engage in affiliate marketing, which is done by embedding tracking links into The Website. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions.
Last chance to earn up to $650 in value (50,000 Scene+ points & $150 cash back) with the Scotiabank Amex Gold!
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