American Express Cobalt® Card vs Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard®: Which one is better?

Annual Fees and Requirements

The American Express Cobalt® Card has a notable annual fee, while the Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard® comes with no annual fee. In terms of requirements, the Rogers Red card has higher income thresholds, making it harder for some users to qualify. However, the Cobalt card does not specify a minimum income, making it potentially more accessible for those with lower incomes or varying credit scores.

Rewards Comparison

The American Express Cobalt® Card excels in offering high rewards rates, especially for dining and groceries. It also comes with a generous welcome bonus, which can significantly boost its first-year value. On the other hand, the Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard® provides solid cashback rewards, particularly for those who frequently spend in U.S. dollars or have Rogers, Fido, or Shaw services. While the Cobalt card generally offers higher rewards overall, the Rogers Red card stands out for its strong cashback rates with no annual fee.

Reward Redemption Options

The American Express Cobalt Card provides multiple redemption options, including travel, statement credits, and transferring points to airline and hotel partners, giving users flexibility in maximizing their rewards. Cashback, available through the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard, is straightforward and can be applied directly to your bill, making it more versatile and convenient for most users. Therefore, for those who prioritize flexibility, cashback redemption is more advantageous.

Benefits and Insurance

Both cards offer a wide range of insurance coverage, but the American Express Cobalt® Card is more comprehensive, including various travel insurances and purchase protections. The Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard® also offers valuable benefits like trip cancellation insurance, which is uncommon for no-fee cards. However, the Cobalt card includes unique perks like access to American Express Experiences, which might appeal to those seeking exclusive events and services.

Card Networks

The American Express Cobalt® Card operates on the Amex network, which has limited acceptance compared to Mastercard. The Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard® benefits from wider acceptance, including at places like Costco, which do not accept Amex.

Conclusion

For users seeking maximum rewards, particularly in dining, groceries, and travel, the American Express Cobalt® Card is likely the better choice despite its annual fee. It suits those who want extensive benefits and are comfortable with the Amex network's limitations. Conversely, the Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard® is ideal for those prioritizing no annual fee and strong cashback, especially for U.S. dollar spending and for Rogers, Fido, or Shaw customers. This card is also better for users needing a widely accepted card with robust travel insurance without the cost.