Which has the lower annual fee, American Express Cobalt Card or Scotiabank Platinum American Express?

The American Express Cobalt Card has a $192 annual fee, while the Scotiabank Platinum American Express charges $399/year.

Which card is better for groceries, American Express Cobalt Card or Scotiabank Platinum American Express?

The American Express Cobalt Card earns 5x on groceries, while the Scotiabank Platinum American Express 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.

American Express Cobalt Card vs Scotiabank Platinum American Express — 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 $1,606/yr — strongest in groceries

American Express Cobalt Card earns $1,074 more on groceries
American Express Cobalt Card earns $277 more on dining & restaurants
$207 lower annual fee

Groceries: +$1,074Dining & Restaurants: +$277Gas: +$158

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

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

Scotiabank Platinum American Express: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Scotiabank Platinum American Express (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

$926

/first year

2.2% effective$77/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: +$507

Annual rewards earned+$555

Welcome bonus+$800

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$399

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

+$1,606 more than Scotiabank Platinum American Express

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Earn Rates by Category

Wallet Optimizer

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The Bottom Line

American Express Cobalt Card wins by $1,606/yr — strongest in groceries

American Express Cobalt Card earns $1,074 more on groceries
American Express Cobalt Card earns $277 more on dining & restaurants
$207 lower annual fee

Groceries: +$1,074Dining & Restaurants: +$277Gas: +$158

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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