American Express Cobalt Card

Referral welcome bonus:
Up to 22,000 Amex MR points

Monthly fee:
$12.99

Amex Membership Rewards earning rate:
5x points on food, drinks and delivery
3x points on streaming subscriptions
2x points on gas, travel and transit
1x points on everything else

Card benefits:
Transfer points 1:1 to frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
Access to book with The Hotel Collection through Amex
Special offers for Cobalt holders periodically

Best use:
Most versatile card to hold and earn with. Highest earn rates on regular spending. Amex MR points can be used to book air travel or hotels directly through Amex Travel, or transfer points to other loyalty programs.

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

Referral welcome bonus:
Up to 95,000 Aeroplan points

Annual fee:
$599

Aeroplan point earning rate:
3x points on purchases made directly with Air Canada
2x points on dining and food delivery
1.25x points on everything else

Card benefits:
Priority checkin-in, baggage handling on Air Canada flights
Zone 2 priority boarding
1st free checked bag
Maple Leaf Lounge access within North America
Preferred pricing on Aeroplan redemption flights

Best use:
Premium card for those that fly primarily with Air Canada. Receives passive benefits on paid or point redemption flights. For individuals focusing on earning points and status through Air Canada Aeroplan program.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

Referral welcome bonus:
Up to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

Annual fee:
$120

Marriott Bonvoy point earning rate:
5x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
2x points on everything else

Card benefits:
Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status
15 Elite qualifying nights
Anniversary Free Night Award worth 35,000 points

Best use:
For individuals that want to stay at Marriott hotels. 15 elite nights gives instant Silver Elite status, with 10 more stays required for Gold Elite. Anniversary Free Night Award value exceeds card annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card

Referral welcome bonus:
Up to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

Annual fee:
$150

Marriott Bonvoy point earning rate:
5x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
3x points on gas, dining and travel
2x points on everything else

Card benefits:
Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status
15 Elite qualifying nights
Anniversary Free Night Award worth 35,000 points

Best use:
For business travellers that want to stay at Marriott hotels. 15 elite nights gives instant Silver Elite status, with 10 more stays required for Gold Elite. Anniversary Free Night Award value exceeds card annual fee.