Which has the lower annual fee, American Express Cobalt Card or Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite?

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite has a $150 annual fee, while the American Express Cobalt Card charges $192/year.

Which card is better for groceries, American Express Cobalt Card or Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite?

The American Express Cobalt Card earns 5x on groceries, while the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite earns 1.6x. 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.

Which card is better for international purchases?

The American Express Cobalt Card has a 2.5% foreign transaction fee, while the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite has no foreign transaction fee. The card with no FX fee is better for international purchases.

American Express Cobalt Card vs Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite — 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 $1,536/yr — strongest in groceries

American Express Cobalt Card earns $1,074 more on groceries
American Express Cobalt Card earns $277 more on dining & restaurants
Saves $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Groceries: +$1,074Dining & Restaurants: +$277Gas: +$187

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

American Express Cobalt 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

$996

/first year

2.4% effective$83/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: +$578

Annual rewards earned+$396

Welcome bonus+$600

First-year fee waiver+$150

FX costsNo FX fee

Annual fee−$150

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

+$1,536 more than Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite

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Earn Rates by Category

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The Bottom Line

American Express Cobalt Card wins by $1,536/yr — strongest in groceries

American Express Cobalt Card earns $1,074 more on groceries
American Express Cobalt Card earns $277 more on dining & restaurants
Saves $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Groceries: +$1,074Dining & Restaurants: +$277Gas: +$187

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 Mar 2026)

Merchant MCC verification (239 merchants)

Insurance certificates (PDF review)

Reward program documentation

User-reported acceptance data

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