Amex Cobalt Card: Travel Multiplier Reduced to 1 Membership Rewards Point per Dollar

Updated Oct 30, 2024
Fact checked by
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc
American Express Cobalt voyage
To the point On October 8, 2024, the accumulation rate for travel expenses made with the American Express Cobalt card was reduced from 2 points per dollar to 1 point per dollar.

American Express Cobalt Card - From 2 Points per Dollar for Travel to 1 Point per Dollar

The point accumulation rate for travel purchases is changing on the American Express Cobalt® Card. Until now, this card earned 2 points per dollar on qualifying gas station, transit and travel transactions.

As of today, October 8, 2024, travel purchases now earn only 1 point per dollar spent, instead of 2 points.

It’s sad news, and a slight devaluation for one of Canada’s best credit cards.

2X Multiplier Maintained for Gas and Transit Expenses

The drop in the multiplier only affects travel expenses, i.e. bookings for:

  • Flights;
  • Hotels and accommodation;
  • Ferries and cruises;
  • Train;
  • Vacations and other travel packages.

These transactions now earn only one Reward Point per dollar.

However, gasoline and transportation purchases still earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar. Eligible expenses include:

  • Autonomous automobile service stations in Canada;
  • Local public transit in Canada, including subways, streetcars, cabs, limousines, and online car-sharing services.
carte cobalt audrey

American Express Cobalt Card - Alternatives for Travel Expenses

With this devaluation, the Cobalt® Card becomes less attractive to use for travel expenses. If you’re looking for an alternative, check out our selection of the best cards for this type of purchase.

The American Express Gold Rewards® Card continues to offer 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar for travel, transportation, grocery, and drugstore expenses in Canada. In addition, it offers:

With all these benefits, the American Express Gold Rewards® Card is the perfect companion to the Cobalt® Card in your wallet to earn even more Membership Rewards points on your everyday purchases.

Bottom Line

As of October 8, 2024, the American Express Cobalt® Card now earns only one Membership Rewards point per dollar for travel expenses, instead of 2 points. Gasoline and public transit purchases continue to generate 2 points per dollar.

Even so, it’s a card we recommend keeping year after year because of its other advantages: flexible points that can be transferred to other programs, 5 points per dollar earned at grocery stores and restaurants, and American Express’s various online offers.

To maximize the accumulation of Membership Rewards points on a daily basis, also consider the American Express Gold Rewards® Card. This offers numerous travel benefits, as well as attractive multipliers for transportation, grocery and pharmacy expenses.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Alexandrine Bertrand

Alexandrine Bertrand

Alexandrine Bertrand
An avid solo traveller, Alexandrine is an expert on loyalty programmes such as Aeroplan, Avios, AIR MILES, Flying Blue and Marriott Bonvoy. With a budget-conscious approach, she helps travellers make the most of their points and miles to experience affordable, off-the-beaten-path getaways. She also shares a love of gastronomy and enjoys exploring local flavours and culinary traditions.
All posts by Alexandrine Bertrand

Suggested Reading

Receive our newsletter every week!

Savings are here:

Milesopedia