American Express Cobalt Card vs Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
The short answer: for most people the American Express Cobalt Card is the better overall card — we rate it 4.8/5 and it shines if you want foodies and everyday spenders who want maximum points on dining and groceries. Choose the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite instead if your priority is travellers who want lounge access and zero fx fees.
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| Our rating | 4.8 | 4.6 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $156/yr | $150/yr |
| Welcome bonus | ~$300 | ~$500 |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% | None |
| Rewards type | points | points |
| Top earn rates |
|
|
| Purchase interest | 21.99% | 20.99% |
| Income required | None stated | $60,000 personal |
| Best for | Foodies and everyday spenders who want maximum points on dining and groceries | Travellers who want lounge access and zero FX fees |
| Apply now | Apply now |
American Express Cobalt Card
Our winnerThe Cobalt is the gold standard for food-and-grocery earning in Canada. If you spend heavily at restaurants and supermarkets and value flexible, transferable points, nothing else comes close.
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
A traveller's workhorse: no foreign transaction fees, six free lounge passes, and solid everyday earning. The lounge passes alone can justify the fee for frequent flyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the American Express Cobalt Card or the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite better?
For most Canadians, the American Express Cobalt Card is the better overall pick (we rate it 4.8/5 vs 4.6/5). It's especially strong if you want foodies and everyday spenders who want maximum points on dining and groceries. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite can still win if you specifically want travellers who want lounge access and zero fx fees.
Which card has the lower annual fee?
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite has the lower annual fee (a $150 annual fee vs a $156 annual fee).
Do either of these cards charge foreign transaction fees?
American Express Cobalt Card: 2.5% foreign transaction fee. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite: no foreign transaction fee.