Comparing the Amex Cobalt vs TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is tricky, but the Cobalt comes out on top. Both are well known for high rewards and excellent insurance coverage, but the Cobalt's incredible earn rate far surpasses the Aeroplan card's rate.
These cards have different networks, participate in different rewards programs, and have specific income and eligibility requirements. The best way to compare is to compare them category by category and note their finer details
This article presents this comparison information in easy-to-understand formats, explains why you might choose one card over the other, offers another travel card alternative, and more.
Key Takeaways
- The American Express Cobalt Card is the fastest earner on the Canadian market, but it offers fewer benefits than its Aeroplan counterpart.
- The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card provides premium travel and lifestyle perks along with the ability to collect Aeroplan points.
- The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is another top travel credit card that has more benefits than the Cobalt card and earns more points than the Aeroplan card.
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Amex Cobalt vs. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite overview
| American Express Cobalt Card | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $191.88, charged in monthly installments | $139 (first year free) |
| Welcome bonus | Up to 15,000 bonus points (terms) | Up to 45,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Rewards | Up to 5 Amex Membership Rewards points per $1 spent | Up to 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 spent |
| Highest earning categories | * Groceries * Restaurants | * Gas * Groceries * Air Canada |
| Insurance types included | 10 | 12 |
| Special features | * American Express benefits | * Air Canada benefits * Visa Infinite benefits * $100 CAD NEXUS credit every 4 years |
| Income requirements | None | * $60,000 personal * $100,000 household |
| Best for | * General spenders * Occasional travellers | * Frequent Air Canada flyers |
| Get started | Apply now | Apply now |
While their differences are obvious at first glance, if you keep looking, you'll find a few subtle similarities between the Amex Cobalt and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card's rewards and insurance packages.
Aeroplan rewards
The Aeroplan Rewards program enables frequent Air Canada flyers to collect points for future travel, vacation packages, and merchandise. It's one of the best rewards programs in Canada because redeeming points for air travel can yield up to 4 cents per point (CPP).
Value of reward in CAD / cost in points x 100 = value in cents per point (CPP)
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card collects Aeroplan points, and Cobalt cardholders can transfer their points to Aeroplan for free on a 1:1 basis. To make comparison easier, we'll use the average value of an Aeroplan point (2 CPP) to evaluate the returns of both cards later.
Credit card insurance
Credit card shopping and travel insurance eliminate the need to buy separate policies, covering multiple purchases and trips per year with a single annual fee. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card and American Express Cobalt Card provide great value, with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card offering more types of credit card insurance with slightly different coverage limits:
| Insurance | American Express Cobalt Card coverage limit | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card coverage limit | Estimated value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extended warranty | 1 year | 1 year | $72 |
| Purchase protection | 90 days | 90 days | $48 |
| Mobile device | $1,000 | $1,000 | $50 |
| Travel accident | $250,000 | $500,000 | $10 |
| Emergency medical term | 15 | 21 | $128 |
| Emergency medical maximum coverage | $5,000,000 | $1,000,000 | N/A |
| Emergency medical over 65 | None | 4 days | $247 |
| Flight delay | $500 | $500 | $6 |
| Baggage delay | $500 | $1,000 | $9 |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $500 | $1,000 | $2 |
| Hotel burglary | $500 | $2,500 | $2 – $3 |
| Theft and damage rental car insurance | 48 days | 48 days | $140 |
| Trip cancellation | None | $1,500 | $42 |
| Trip interruption | None | $5,000 | $27 |
What we love about the American Express Cobalt Card
Pros:
- American Express benefits
- Much higher returns
- No income requirements
- Lower cash advance interest rate
Cons:
- $2,500 monthly cap for certain spending categories
- Higher annual fee
- Higher purchase interest fees
- Less insurance coverage
- Lower acceptance for American Express
We can't talk about the American Express Cobalt Card without acknowledging its many titles, including best rewards, best travel, and overall best credit card in Canada – all of which stem from its stellar earn rate. Choosing the Amex Cobalt means choosing high returns over just about everything else, including benefits and insurance.
Higher returns, more flexibility
- 5 points per $1 spent on eligible groceries and restaurants (up to $2,500 spent per month)
- 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming services
- 2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit, and ride share purchases
- 1 point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
The American Express Cobalt Card earns more points than the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card in more spending categories without losing value. American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Aeroplan for free on a 1:1 basis, and you can use the Amex Fixed Points Travel program to get up to 2 CPP without needing to fly Air Canada.
According to our math, the Amex Cobalt offers the highest return rate in Canada. Cardholders can reap 4.5% on average and up to 10% on its best purchase categories, groceries, and restaurants. Every percent of returns is another dollar in your pocket, or $4.50 – $10 in rewards for every $100 spent!
The only downside is that Amex limits the Cobalt's best earning rate to $2,500 of eligible spending per month. Once you earn 12,500 Amex points on groceries and/or restaurants (valued at approximately $250), your earnings will drop to 1 point per $1 until the 1st of the next month.
American Express benefits
The American Express Cobalt Card doesn't match the luxury provided by its Aeroplan rival, but it's not without benefits, including these:
- A $100 USD hotel credit if you stay 2 nights or more, room upgrades, early check-ins, and late check-outs at 1,300+ properties in The Hotel Collection
- Access to special dining, rewards, and shopping rebates through Amex and Member Offers
- Early access to in-demand event tickets, reserved seating, and curated experiences through Amex Front Of The Line, Presale Tickets, and Reserved Tickets
- Exclusive access to dining, entertainment, shopping, and wellness benefits and events through Amex Experiences
Compared to the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, the American Express Cobalt Card's benefits emphasize events and shopping rebates rather than fine dining and travel. You'll get more use from these features if you live in or near a major Canadian city stocked with partner hotels, stores, and venues.
What we love about the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
Pros:
- Air Canada benefits
- Lower purchase interest fees
- More insurance coverage
- Worldwide acceptance for Visa
- Visa Infinite benefits
Cons:
- Lower returns
- Relatively high income requirements
- Higher cash advance interest fees
The main reason why the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is one of the best TD credit cards in Canada is that it's absolutely jam-packed with value, from luxurious Air Canada perks to comprehensive travel insurance coverage. Cardholders receive steady, generous Aeroplan rewards for a moderate annual fee.
Lower returns
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, grocery and direct through Air Canada purchases
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card earns points with every purchase, which is one of many reasons it's a top Aeroplan credit card. Air Canada purchases – air travel, car rentals, hotel stays, vacation packages, in-flight services, gifts from the duty-free boutique – are where you'll earn the most rewards.
Although the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card earns fewer points than the Cobalt, a big benefit is that it's a more widely accepted card for merchants across the globe. It's much easier to find a business that accepts Visa than one that accepts American Express, and this is an important detail since purchases are how you earn those valuable points.
More benefits
If there's one reason to prefer the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card over the Cobalt, it's the credit card benefits. TD customers receive:
- A $100 NEXUS credit every 4 years
- 600 bonus Starbucks Stars
- 5% – 10% off at Avis and Budget car rentals
On the Aeroplan side, you'll receive:
- Preferred pricing for flights
- Points that never expire
- 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits per $20,000 spent
- Automatic Avis Preferred Plus status
Finally, you and up to 8 travelling companions on the same reservation will receive a free first checked bag whenever you fly Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express.
Off the tarmac, you'll be treated to a range of luxury perks courtesy of the Visa Infinite program, including:
- 24/7 Visa Infinite Concierge services
- Automatic Silver Status in Troon Rewards
- Complimentary tastings, tours, and other benefits courtesy of Visa Infinite Wine Country
- Preferred pricing, complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and in-room Wi-Fi at 1,300+ properties in the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
- Primetime reservations and access to exclusive in-person dining events through the Visa Infinite Dining Series
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card provides an estimated $3,000+ of additional value in credit card benefits. If you have a taste for the finer things in life, it's worth considering a Visa Infinite credit card.
More travel insurance
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card provides an estimated $661 worth of coverage and 3 extra types of insurance compared to the Cobalt.
Remember, in addition to the same coverage as the Amex Cobalt, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card also gives:
- 4 days of emergency medical travel insurance for seniors
- $1,500 of trip cancellation insurance
- $5,000 of trip interruption insurance
- An additional week of emergency medical term coverage
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
| Extended Warranty | 1 year |
| Purchase Protection | 90 days |
| Mobile Device | $1,000 |
| Travel Accident | $500,000 |
| Emergency Medical Term | 21 days |
| Emergency Medical Maximum Coverage | $1,000,000 |
| Emergency Medical over 65 | 4 days |
| Trip Cancellation | $1,500 |
| Trip Interruption | $5,000 |
| Flight Delay | $500 |
| Baggage Delay | $1,000 |
| Lost or Stolen Baggage | $1,000 |
| Hotel Burglary | $2,500 |
| Rental Car Theft & Damage | Yes |
Please review your insurance certificate for details, exclusions and limitations of your coverage.
How do the American Express Cobalt Card and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card compare?
Comparing the Amex Cobalt vs. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite shows that the Cobalt has a higher rewards earn rate and is slightly easier to qualify for. The Aeroplan card, though, has much better benefits overall.
Best rewards: American Express Cobalt Card
The American Express Cobalt Card earns far more points than the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card – the 4.5% earn rate far outshines the Aeroplan card's 2.33% rate.
Plus, Amex Membership Rewards provides more (and more valuable) redemption options than the Aeroplan rewards program.
Best benefits: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card provides a winning combination of TD, Air Canada, and Visa Infinite benefits to elevate your experience in the air, on the golf course, and many other places.
Best insurance: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card offers superior insurance coverage and claim limits, plus essential travel protection for seniors over 65.
Highest acceptance: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
Although many businesses accept American Express, it has yet to catch up to Visa, the world's leading payment network. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is welcome in more than 170 countries and territories worldwide.
Interest fees: American Express Cobalt Card
While both cards offer the same purchase rate, the American Express Cobalt Card has a lower cash advance rate:
| American Express Cobalt Card interest rate | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card interest rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchases | 21.99% | 21.99% |
| Cash advances | 21.99% | 22.99% |
| Balance transfers | N/A | 22.99% |
Lowest annual fee: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
Not only does the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card charge less per year, but it also includes a first-year fee waiver and a further annual rebate when you open a TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan.
It's also worth noting that the Cobalt's $191.88 annual fee is charged as $15.99 per month, which can be a more convenient way to budget.
It costs $75 per year to add an authorized cardholder for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card and $0 to add one for the Amex Cobalt.
Lowest eligibility requirements: American Express Cobalt Card
The American Express Cobalt Card may be yours with a good credit score – no income amounts required. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, however, demands at least $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income per year.
The winner: American Express Cobalt Card
Rewarding, accessible, and versatile, the American Express Cobalt Card can help more Canadians save faster for their vacations.
Although the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card provides a greater value in benefits and insurance, cardholders must spend 3 times as much on gas, groceries, and/or Air Canada to match the value of the Cobalt's rewards.
Top travel alternative
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3x Award winner If you'd like more benefits than the American Express Cobalt Card and more points than the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, check out the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card. You'll earn tons of Scene+ points to spend on travel, enjoy Amex benefits and airport lounge access, and pay no foreign exchange fees when shopping abroad.
FAQ
How do the American Express Cobalt Card vs. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card cards compare?
Comparing the American Express Cobalt Card vs. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card shows the cards are tied in a few categories, including insurance plans and purchase interest rates. The American Express Cobalt Card has a higher annual fee, though it is charged in monthly installments, which can make it easier for some people to manage.
How can I choose between American Express Cobalt Card Canada and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card?
Since individual credit card needs vary, choosing between the American Express Cobalt Card Canada and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card requires studying their differences category by category. If air travel benefits – Air Canada in particular – the Aeroplan card is the one to choose. If you want a better earn rate and flexible rewards, choose the Cobalt.
What is the American Express Cobalt Card best for?
The American Express Cobalt Card is the best choice for those who want a very high rewards earn rate, as well as multiple high-value options for redeeming those rewards. It's also easier to qualify for, since there aren't any personal or household income requirements.
Is Amex better than TD?
It's difficult to compare Amex and TD since one is a credit card network and the other is a credit card issuer. You can, in fact, get Amex cards that are issued by TD. However, if you're trying to choose a credit card, looking at Amex's roster will give you more and better options than just looking at TD-issued cards.
What's the best Aeroplan credit card in Canada?
Even though it's not an Aeroplan-branded credit card, the American Express Cobalt Card is the best credit card for Aeroplan in Canada. That's because you earn points quickly on popular spending categories and can easily transfer them to Aeroplan at a 1:1 rate.
What do people say about the American Express Cobalt Card and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card on Reddit?
Many Redditors use both cards and argue that the American Express Cobalt Card is a lifestyle credit card that rewards everyday spending, while the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is a better credit card for booking travel. Most users suggest transferring Amex points to Aeroplan.
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