American Express Cobalt® Card vs Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card

Which one is better? Both cards worked out on the same spending: rewards, welcome bonus, fees and perks, line by line.

American Express Cobalt® Card
Finly rebate
$75

4.9

Apply nowGet $75 Finly rebate
Scotia Momentum Visa
Finly rebate
$60

3.1

Apply nowGet $60 Finly rebate

Welcome bonus

Each offer as the issuer words it. The numbers below show whether your spending reaches it.

The offer

The offer

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.

  • Get a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 9 months (2% fee per cash advance; 22.99% after that; annual fee $39).1
  • Offer valid from Jul 2, 2026 - Jan 3, 2027.

What each card is worth

Rewards, the welcome bonus and any Finly rebate in, the annual fee and FX fees out, all on your spending.

Worked out on a typical $2,000 a month of spending. Enter yours to see your own numbers.

$1,147

First-year value

$346

$787

Every year after

$286

Amex Cobalt is worth $801 more to you in year one.

It stays ahead after that, by $501 a year.

How the first year adds up

Annual rewards

$979.03

51,528 points a year

Welcome bonus

+ $285

first year only

Annual fee

− $191.88

Finly rebate

+ $75

paid by FinlyWealth

First-year value

$1,147.15

1.9¢ a pointAmerican Express Membership Rewards, redeemed for Transfer to Airline Partners

Annual rewards

$324.83

cash back a year

Welcome bonus

+ $0

no welcome offer

Annual fee

− $39

Finly rebate

+ $60

paid by FinlyWealth

First-year value

$345.83

Where each card earns

A year of your spending at each card's own reward rates, most first.

5xFood, drinks and groceries in Canada

32,604 pts

$619.48

2xGas, transit & ride share in Canada

4,692 pts

$89.15

3xStreaming subscriptions in Canada

1,440 pts

$27.36

1xAll other purchases

12,792 pts

$243.05

2%Groceries, Pharmacy, Gas, Recurring Transactions, Rental Car & Taxi, Public Transportation

$183.44

1%All other purchases

$141.39

Fees, rates and eligibility

What each card costs to hold and to use abroad, and who it's for.

$191.88
billed monthly

Annual fee

Better of the two$39
$0

Additional cards

$15

Interest rates

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%.

Purchase:

19.99%

Cash Advance:

22.99%

Balance Transfer:

22.99%

Recommended credit score

Recommended credit score

300
Poor
693
Fair
743⁎
Good
790⁎
Very Good
833⁎
Excellent
⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring
300
Poor
560
Fair
660⁎
Good
725⁎
Very Good
760⁎
Excellent
⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

Income required

Income required

Min Personal Income:

N/A

Min Household Income:

N/A

Min Personal Income:

$12,000

Min Household Income:

N/A

How each card earns

The earn rates and caps, as each issuer sets them.

  • 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
  • 2% cash back on gas, groceries, transit, rideshare, food delivery, drug store and recurring payments (maximum $500 annually)
  • 1% cashback on all other credit card purchases.
  • Rates, fees, offers and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026.  Subject to change.

Points and how we value them

Points become dollars at each card's best redemption. Here's the value we used, and every other way to spend them.

Loyalty program

Loyalty program

We count each point at 1.9¢ a point, what it's worth redeemed for Transfer to Airline Partners, its best value. Every dollar figure above uses that value.

Cash back: every dollar it earns counts as a dollar, so there's nothing to convert.

Point redemption options

Point redemption options

  • Most Optimal

    plane

    Transfer to Airline Partners

    1.9¢ / point
  • travel - plane

    Fixed Point Travel Program

    1.16¢ / point
  • hotel

    Transfer to Hotel Partners

    1.08¢ / point
  • travel svg

    Flexible Points Travel Program

    1¢ / point
  • cash coins

    Statement Credits (Cash)

    1¢ / point
  • gift card

    Gift Cards

    0.91¢ / point
  • amazon logo

    Amazon.ca

    0.7¢ / point
  • online shop

    Merchandise

    0.63¢ / point

Nothing to redeem: it pays cash back.

Insurance and perks

What both cards include comes first in each list.

Insurance

Insurance

  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days

  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $500
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    yes
  • heart lock

    Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

    $250,000
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,000
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $500
  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

    15 days, up to $5M (if under age 65)
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days

Perks

Perks

  • Amex logo

    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™
  • car rental

    Car Rental Discount

    25% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
  • gas station

    Gas Discount2

    Get up to 7¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations

Our take

Why we like it

Why we like 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 Aeroplan® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.

The Scotiabank Momentum Visa is a low annual fee cash back card that offers impressive earn rates on a variety of everyday spending categories, making it an excellent choice for those who want to maximize rewards without the higher cost of its Visa Infinite counterpart.

Pros

Pros

  • Impressive optimization
  • 1:1 Aeroplan point transfer
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Flexible high value redemptions
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Highly ranked
  • Instant decision. No credit impact.
  • Decent optimization
  • Low balance transfer rate
  • Low annual fee
  • Car rental discounts

Cons

Cons

  • Limited acceptance
  • Lacks valuable coverage categories
  • Limited insurance
  • Annual redemption

American Express Cobalt® Card vs Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card: When to go for one over the other


Annual Fees and Requirements

The American Express Cobalt Card and the Scotia Momentum Visa Card have a significant difference in annual fees. The Cobalt Card comes with a higher annual fee, reflecting its premium offerings and benefits. On the other hand, the Scotia Momentum Visa Card has a much lower annual fee, making it more accessible to a broader range of users. The Cobalt Card does not specify income requirements, while the Momentum Visa Card requires a minimum income, potentially restricting eligibility for some applicants.

Rewards Comparison

The American Express Cobalt Card offers a robust rewards program, particularly excelling in categories like dining and groceries, with higher points per dollar spent. This card also features a substantial welcome bonus for new users. Conversely, the Scotia Momentum Visa Card focuses on cashback rewards, providing a straightforward return on purchases like gas, groceries, and recurring bills. However, even if the Cobalt points are turned into cash, which isn't the best redemption method, the overall reward would still be substantially higher than what the Scotia Momentum offers for average spend users.

Reward Redemption Options

The American Express Cobalt Card provides flexible redemption options, allowing cardholders to convert points into travel rewards, statement credits, and more. This flexibility can be a significant advantage for those who frequently travel or seek to maximize the value of their rewards. In contrast, the Scotia Momentum Visa Card offers cashback that is typically redeemed once a year as a statement credit. While less flexible, this straightforward redemption is ideal for those who prefer a simpler rewards structure.

Benefits and Insurance

The American Express Cobalt Card outshines the Scotia Momentum Visa Card in terms of benefits and insurance coverage. It includes comprehensive travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranties, making it a strong choice for frequent travelers and those seeking extensive coverage. The Momentum Visa Card offers basic insurance, covering essentials like purchase protection and extended warranties, but lacks the more extensive benefits found with the Cobalt Card.

Card Network and Acceptability

The American Express Cobalt Card and the Scotia Momentum Visa Card differ in their acceptance. Visa is widely accepted globally and across a broad range of merchants. However, American Express is not as widely accepted, especially by smaller merchants, making the Cobalt Card less accepted than the Momentum Card. Therefore, it makes sense to carry a backup card alongside the Cobalt for situations where it isn’t accepted.

Conclusion

For most users, the American Express Cobalt Card is the better option due to its superior rewards program and comprehensive benefits, making it ideal for those who spend heavily in its bonus categories and seek travel perks. However, the Scotia Momentum Visa Card is a great choice for individuals who prefer a low-fee card with straightforward cashback rewards, especially if they do not require the extensive benefits offered by the Cobalt Card.

More comparisons

Other cards we've put each of these up against.

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.

^Additional 3¢/L Fuel Discount Offer: Offer Valid from October 5, 2026  to December 31, 2026 ("Promotional Period"), eligible Scotiabank credit and debit cardholders enrolled in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program who have linked an eligible Scotiabank payment card (an "Eligible Card") to their Shell Go+ account will receive an additional instant fuel discount of 3 cents per litre on eligible fuel purchases at participating Shell-branded retail locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories (the "Eligible Provinces") excluding Shell Flying J locations. Fuel purchases made outside the Eligible Provinces are not eligible for this offer.

To receive the additional fuel discount, customers must pay with their linked Eligible Card at the time of purchase.

The additional fuel discount is in addition to the fuel savings available through the Shell Fuel Benefits Program and may be combined with other eligible fuel discounts, rewards programs, and promotional fuel offers unless otherwise stated in the applicable offer terms and conditions.

The additional fuel discount is available on up to 1,000 litres of eligible fuel purchases per calendar month for each Eligible Card. The 1,000-litre limit resets at the beginning of each calendar month.

The additional fuel discount is non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be substituted or exchanged.

Participation in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program is subject to the applicable program terms and conditions available at Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.

Shell Canada reserves the right to make changes to this offer and to terminate the offer at any time, for any reason and without notice.

All other applicable terms and conditions of the Shell Fuel Benefits Program, Shell Go+, Scotiabank continue to apply.

®™ Shell trademarks are owned by Shell Brands International AG. Used under license.


1. Offer Description and Conditions: The Introductory 0.99% Balance Transfer Rate Offer (the “Offer”) applies only to eligible cash advances (including balance transfers and cash-like transactions) (collectively “Cash Advances”) subject to the conditions below. This introductory rate applies if the new Account is opened between July 2, 2026 and January 3, 2027 (regardless of the date you apply for the Account) and will continue for 9 months from date of Account opening (the “Promotional Period”). After the Promotional Period, the promotional 0.99% interest rate on any Cash Advances (including any amount of those Cash Advances that remain unpaid after the Promotional Period ends) will increase to the preferred interest rate on Cash Advances (currently 22.99%). A balance transfer fee of 2% of the amount of each Cash Advance transferred or made during the Promotional Period applies (minimum fee of $5.00).   


This Offer is subject to any Cash Advance limits on your Account. This Offer is also subject to the approved credit limit that is being offered to you as of the date of this Offer.  This means if a balance transfer amount(s) requested exceeds your approved credit limit as of the date this Offer was provided to you, it may not be processed. This Offer cannot be used for any Scotiabank account including to transfer a balance from another Scotiabank account, or to make a payment or deposit to another Scotiabank account. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers. 


Losing your promotional rate: If we don’t receive  the minimum payment on your Account by the payment due date on your statement, two consecutive times , you will lose the benefit of this promotional rate Offer and the interest rates that apply on any unpaid balance will increase to the standard annual interest rates that apply to your Account (currently 24.99%  on purchases and 27.99% on Cash Advances). All other terms and conditions of the Program Terms continue to apply during the Offer period.


How we apply payments:  Your payment cannot be applied to the balance(s) of your choice. For Quebec residents: In general, if you have different interest rate(s) that apply to your Account, we apply payments to transactions based on the interest rate(s) that applies to those transactions on your Account (from highest to lowest rates). For non-Quebec residents: In general, if you make a payment that exceeds the minimum payment on your statement, we will apply your payment on a proportionate basis among each group of billed charges on your Account. We group charges based on the interest rate that applies to the group of charges. See your credit card agreement for more information about how we apply payments to your Account. 


Eligibility and Exclusions: Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switched to an existing Scotiabank personal credit card are not eligible for the Offer (and subject to these exclusions, individuals with a Scotiabank business credit card are also eligible for the Offer). By accepting this Offer you confirm you meet all Offer eligibility requirements. We reserve the right to revoke this Offer at any time if we determine you do not meet the Offer eligibility requirements, including after you have accepted the Offer or been approved for the Account.


Rates and Fees: The current annual fee is $39 for the primary card and $15 for each additional card (including those issued to co-borrowers and supplementary cardholders). The current preferred annual interest rates for the Account are: 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on Cash Advances. All rates, fees, features and benefits are outlined in the Application Disclosure Statement and are subject to change. 


2.Cardholders with a Scene+ membership who link their Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card and their Scene+ account to a Shell Go+ Account can get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts, Cash Back, and Scene+ points value when they purchase eligible fuel with their linked credit card: 


Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.

Earn 2 cents per Litre in Cash Back: When you use your Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) you will earn 2% Cash Back on eligible Net Purchases (up to an annual spend limit of $25,000) at Gas Stations (Merchant Category Codes (“MCC”): 5541, 5542). Assumes an average fuel price of at least $1.00/L. “Net Purchases” means eligible new purchases charged and posted on the Account during a statement period less, returns (including credit vouchers), refunds or other credits. Balance Transfers, Cash Advances, Cash-Like Transactions, interest charges, fees, and insurance premiums posted to your Credit Card Account are not eligible to earn Cash Back. This benefit is subject to the Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card Cash Back Program Terms and Conditions.

Scene+ Members earn up to 2 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value: Scene+ Members earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades) when they present or make available their Scene+ account number or Scene+ membership card at the time of purchase. Plus, Scene+ Members who link their Scene+ account to the Shell Go+ app will automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre of V-Power® gasoline or V-Power® diesel purchased (“Premium Fuel Purchases”). Scene+ points value is based on an average redemption value of $10 for every 1000 Scene+ points redeemed on fuel purchases. Actual value may be lower depending on how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points. Earn and redemption limits may apply. See the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available at sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditionsopens in a new tab for full details including redemption options and additional terms.

 


Note: Highest value of 7 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase (minimum price of $1.00 per litre) made with your Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account and with your Scene+ account also linked to the Shell Go+ account. Actual value will vary depending on whether or not the credit card is linked, fuel grade purchased, cost of fuel at time of purchase, whether or not you are a Scene+ member, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.


See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.