American Express Cobalt® Card vs TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card: Which one is better?

Annual Fees and Requirements

The American Express Cobalt® Card and the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card have comparable annual fees, with the Cobalt® Card being slightly higher. However, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card requires a minimum personal or household income, which could limit accessibility for some applicants. The Cobalt® Card has no specific income requirements, making it more broadly accessible to a wider range of users.

Rewards Comparison

The American Express Cobalt® Card shines in everyday spending categories such as dining, groceries, and streaming services, offering a more consistent rewards rate year-round. In contrast, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card delivers higher rewards when used for Air Canada purchases and Aeroplan partners, which is ideal for frequent flyers. Both cards offer strong welcome bonuses, with the TD Aeroplan® card providing a larger initial bonus, although its ongoing rewards may not match the Cobalt® Card for general spending.

Reward Redemption Options

The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card allows users to redeem points primarily through the Aeroplan program, offering excellent value for Air Canada flights and partner airlines. The American Express Cobalt Card provides more flexibility with redemption options, including transferring points to various airline and hotel partners, using points for travel through Amex Travel, or redeeming them for statement credits. This flexibility makes the Cobalt Card more versatile for users who value multiple redemption avenues.

Benefits and Insurance

Both cards come with extensive insurance coverage, including travel-related protections and purchase assurances. However, the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card stands out with additional travel benefits like a free checked bag on Air Canada flights, a Nexus application rebate, and the ability to earn Aeroplan Elite™ Status faster through the Status Lift feature. The American Express Cobalt® Card, while slightly less travel-focused, offers unique perks such as access to American Express Experiences, which may appeal to those interested in exclusive events and offers.

Conclusion

For most users, the American Express Cobalt® Card is the better option due to its excellent rewards on everyday purchases and lack of income restrictions. However, frequent Air Canada travelers or those invested in the Aeroplan program may prefer the TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card for its specific travel benefits, such as the Nexus rebate, free checked bags, and faster path to Aeroplan Elite™ Status.