American Express Cobalt® Card vs Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard®: Which one is better?

Annual Fees and Requirements

The American Express Cobalt® Card charges a higher annual fee, which reflects its extensive rewards and benefits package. In contrast, the Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® has no annual fee, making it more accessible to budget-conscious consumers. Neither card has specific income requirements, allowing a wide range of applicants to be eligible.

Rewards

The American Express Cobalt® Card offers a higher rewards rate, particularly in categories like dining and groceries, which can lead to significant value over time. It also provides a substantial welcome bonus, making it appealing for those who spend regularly in its high-reward categories. The Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® offers straightforward cashback rewards, particularly on Walmart purchases, but the overall value is significantly lower compared to the Cobalt® Card.

Reward Redemption Options

The American Express Cobalt Card offers multiple redemption options, including transfers to airline and hotel partners, statement credits, and gift cards. These options provide flexibility and value. The Walmart Rewards Mastercard, however, limits rewards redemption to Walmart, reducing flexibility compared to the cashback versatility of the Cobalt Card.

Benefits and Insurance

The American Express Cobalt® Card comes with a robust package of benefits and insurance, including travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty. It also offers unique perks like access to American Express Experiences. The Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® is more basic, with limited benefits primarily focused on purchase protection and an extended warranty, and lacks the extensive insurance coverage provided by the Cobalt® Card.

Network Differences

The American Express Cobalt® Card operates on the American Express network, which is less widely accepted compared to Mastercard which the Walmart Mastercard is on.

Conclusion

For most users, especially those who value high rewards in dining, groceries, and travel, the American Express Cobalt® Card is the superior choice due to its extensive benefits and higher rewards potential. However, the Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® may be better suited for frequent Walmart shoppers who prefer a no-fee card with straightforward rewards and broader acceptance.