Amex Cobalt vs Scotiabank Gold Amex
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The Amex Cobalt and Scotiabank Gold Amex are two of the most popular mid-tier rewards cards in Canada. Both earn 5x points on dining and groceries, but their rewards programs, fees, and perks differ significantly. Here's how they compare.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Network | Groceries | Gas | Dining | Travel | Welcome Bonus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Gold American Express Card | $120/year | amex | 5x | 3x | 5x | 1x | Earn up to 40,000 Scene+ points | Apply |
| American Express Cobalt Card | $156/year | amex | 5x | 2x | 5x | 2x | Earn up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points | Apply |
Earn Rates Compared
Both cards offer 5x points on groceries and dining, making them evenly matched for these top spending categories. The Cobalt edges ahead with 5x on food delivery apps, while the Scotia Gold offers 3x on gas, transit, and streaming versus the Cobalt's 2-3x.
For base spending (everything else), both earn 1x, making a secondary card important for non-bonus purchases.
Rewards Programs
The Cobalt earns Amex Membership Rewards, which can be transferred to airline and hotel partners like Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, and British Airways. This flexibility can yield high-value redemptions for experienced travellers.
The Scotia Gold earns Scene+ points, which can be redeemed for movies, groceries at Sobeys/FreshCo, and travel through the Scene+ Travel portal. Scene+ is simpler but potentially less valuable per point for travel.
Who Should Get Which
Get the Amex Cobalt if: You spend heavily on dining and food delivery, want transferable points with airline partners, and value flexibility in redemptions.
Get the Scotia Gold Amex if: You prefer the Scene+ ecosystem, shop at Sobeys/FreshCo, want slightly lower annual costs, and prefer simpler redemptions.
Our Verdict
Both cards are excellent, but the Cobalt wins for foodies and frequent diners thanks to its 5x on food delivery, while the Scotia Gold Amex is better for those who prefer the Scene+ ecosystem and want a slightly lower effective annual fee.
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Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
AmexScotiabank · $120/year
Earn up to 40,000 Scene+ points
Pros
- +Exceptional earn rate on everyday spending
- +Scene+ points are versatile (travel, movies, groceries)
- +Strong welcome bonus
Cons
- –$120 annual fee
- –American Express not accepted everywhere
American Express Cobalt Card
AmexAmerican Express · $156/year
Earn up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points
Pros
- +Industry-leading 5x on dining and food delivery
- +Monthly fee structure is easier to manage
- +Amex Membership Rewards points are very flexible
Cons
- –Annual fee of ~$156
- –Amex not accepted everywhere in Canada
Offers and terms can change. Always confirm details on the issuer's website before applying.