Which has the lower annual fee, American Express Cobalt Card or American Express Gold Rewards Card?

The American Express Cobalt Card has a $192 annual fee, while the American Express Gold Rewards Card charges $250/year.

Which card is better for groceries, American Express Cobalt Card or American Express Gold Rewards Card?

The American Express Cobalt Card earns 5x on groceries, while the American Express Gold Rewards Card earns 1.5x. The better choice depends on your grocery spending and the specific merchants you shop at.

Is the American Express Cobalt Card accepted everywhere in Canada?

The American Express Cobalt Card runs on the American Express network, which is not accepted at some Canadian retailers like Costco and Loblaws. Visa and Mastercard have broader acceptance in Canada.

American Express Cobalt Card vs American Express Gold Rewards Card — Which Is Better? | Churnr

Header Quick Take Value Earn Rates Merchants Wallet Bonus FX Benefits Eligibility Perks Downgrade Verdict

American Express Cobalt Card wins by $401/yr — strongest in groceries

American Express Cobalt Card earns $895 more on groceries
American Express Cobalt Card earns $132 more on dining & restaurants
$58 lower annual fee

Groceries: +$895Dining & Restaurants: +$132Gas: +$108

American Express Cobalt Card: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

American Express Cobalt Card (Amex) — not accepted at Costco, Loblaws, No Frills, Walmart

American Express Gold Rewards Card: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

American Express Gold Rewards Card (Amex) — not accepted at Costco, Loblaws, No Frills, Walmart

Showing Year 1 analysis

Dollar Value

Winner

$2,532

/first year

6.0% effective$211/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: +$2,113

Annual rewards earned+$2,454

Welcome bonus+$300

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$192

$2,131

/first year

5.1% effective$178/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: +$1,713

Annual rewards earned+$1,211

Welcome bonus+$1,200

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$250

Best for your spendingAmerican Express Cobalt Card—$2,532Year 1 value

+$401 more than American Express Gold Rewards Card

Scroll down for the full breakdown

Earn Rates by Category

Wallet Optimizer

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The Bottom Line

American Express Cobalt Card wins by $401/yr — strongest in groceries

American Express Cobalt Card earns $895 more on groceries
American Express Cobalt Card earns $132 more on dining & restaurants
$58 lower annual fee

Groceries: +$895Dining & Restaurants: +$132Gas: +$108

Showing Year 1 analysis

American Express Cobalt Card wins in both Year 1 and Year 2+ — consistent long-term value.

Data Sources

Issuer terms & conditions (verified Feb 2026)

Merchant MCC verification (239 merchants)

Insurance certificates (PDF review)

Reward program documentation

User-reported acceptance data

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