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American Express Cobalt® Card vs Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card: Which one is better?
American Express Cobalt® Card
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card
Welcome Bonus
Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® 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 Rewards® points.
Welcome Bonus
New Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Cardmembers earn 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points after you charge $1,500 in purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership. Subject to change at any time to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership. Subject to change at any time.
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$1,096.08
American Express Membership Rewards
First Year Bonus Value
+
$315
American Express Membership Rewards
Annual Fee
-
$155.88
First Year Value
$1,255.2
$940.2 in years after
Based on a hypothetical $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$385.37
Marriott Bonvoy
First Year Bonus Value
+
$430
Marriott Bonvoy
Annual Fee
-
$120
First Year Value
$695.37
$265.37 in years after
Based on a hypothetical $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
How to Earn Rewards
- 5x points per $1 spent on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery (up to 12,500 points per month)
- 3x points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases
How to Earn Rewards
- 5 points per $1 on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 2 points per $1 on all other purchases (i.e. dining, groceries, online shopping, etc.)
Insurance Included
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500
Baggage Delay
$500.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
yes
Travel Accident
$250,000
Extended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Purchase Protection
90 days
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500Flight Delay
$500
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Emergency Out of province Medical
15 days, up to $5M (if under age 65)
Insurance Included
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Baggage Delay
$500Car Rental Damage & Theft
yesTravel Accident
$500,000Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$500Flight Delay
$500
Extra Benefits
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Travel Credit
Book two or more consecutive nights at participating properties through The Hotel Collection with American Express Travel to receive a $100 credit for amenities or a complimentary room upgrade, if available.
Amex Experiences™
Access Front Of The Line® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™
Extra Benefits
American Express® Experiences
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Status lift
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite StatusStatus lift
Upgrade to Gold Elite status when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your card
Free Extra Night at Hotels
Enjoy an Annual Free Night Award after your Card anniversary each yearFree Extra Night at Hotels
Enjoy 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year to use towards attaining the next level of Elite status with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card
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:
21.99%2
Cash Advance:
21.99%2
2 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%.
Annual Fee
$155.88 (paid monthly)⁕
⁕ For Quebec residents, $150/year.
⁕ IMPORTANT NOTICE: Effective November 5, 2025, the monthly fee for non-Quebec residents will increase to $15.99 per month ($191.88 annually), and the annual fee for Quebec residents will increase to $191.88 per year.
Annual Fee
$120
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
Most Optimal
Transfer to Airline Partners
2.1¢ / point
Transfer to Hotel Partners
1.66¢ / point
Fixed Point Travel Program
1.66¢ / point
Statement Credits (Cash)
1¢ / point
Gift Cards
0.91¢ / point
Amazon.ca
0.7¢ / point
Merchandise
0.63¢ / point
Point Redemption Options
Most Optimal
Transfer to Hotel Partners
0.86¢ / pointTransfer to Airline Partners
0.81¢ / pointTravel
0.44¢ / point
Charity
0.4¢ / point
Is this card worth it?
This card was voted 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 Aeroplan® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.
Is this card worth it?
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is a standout for frequent travelers who value luxury and flexibility in their rewards. With access to over 7,000 participating hotels, cardholders can earn generous points on both Marriott Bonvoy bookings and everyday purchases. The card's annual free night award and complimentary Silver Elite status make it even more appealing, offering service upgrades and extra points on eligible stays. For those who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to maximize their travel perks, this card is a top choice.
Pros
- Amex cobalt credit card Points can be transferred to Air Canada Aeroplan® at a 1:1 ratio, making this card a solid Aeroplan® points earner as an alternative to Aeroplan® branded credit cards
- Generous welcome amex cobalt bonus points of up to 15,000
- 4+ different ways of redeeming your points for great value
- 10 different types of insurance, including travel
- Excellent Amex cobalt bonus offers
- Often referred to as the Best Credit Card in Canada
Pros
- Earns high rewards on Marriott Bonvoy hotel stays, with competitive points on other purchases.
- Includes an annual free night certificate, adding significant value to frequent travelers.
- Automatic Silver Elite status provides enhanced benefits during stays, like late checkout and additional points.
- Generous welcome bonus, offering a substantial boost to your rewards balance early on.
Cons
- Less acceptance of American Express at different merchants across Canada
- Not all types of travel insurance are covered, especially trip cancellation and interruption insurance
Cons
- As an American Express card, it may not be as widely accepted as other credit cards, limiting its usability in some locations.
- Travel insurance coverage is comprehensive but may not match the levels offered by other premium cards in the market.
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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.
*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.