For travel enthusiasts, finding the right credit card can be the difference between paying full price for a vacation and traveling for free. The American Express Cobalt Card is one of the most rewarding travel credit cards in Canada, offering lucrative points on everyday spending, flexible redemption options, and valuable perks. If used strategically, this card can cover flights, hotels, and more—without breaking the bank.

In this guide, we’ll explore exactly how the Amex Cobalt Card can help you travel for free and the best ways to maximize its benefits.

Earning Points: The Key to Free Travel

The Amex Cobalt Card is well-known for its generous earning structure, especially on categories like dining and groceries. Unlike many credit cards that limit their highest rewards to specific retailers, Amex Cobalt gives you the flexibility to earn more where you already spend the most. Here’s how the earning structure works:

• 5X Points on dining, groceries, and food delivery services.
• 3X Points on streaming services.
• 2X Points on travel and transit, including flights, taxis, and public transportation.
• 1X Point on all other purchases.

This means that if you regularly spend on dining, groceries, and transit, you can accumulate thousands of points each month. Since the value of Amex Membership Rewards points can be quite high, these earnings quickly translate into free travel.

Redeeming Points for Travel

Once you’ve accumulated a healthy balance of Membership Rewards points, it’s time to redeem them for travel. The Amex Cobalt Card provides several ways to do this:

1. Transfer to Airline and Hotel Loyalty Programs

One of the most powerful ways to use Amex Cobalt points is by transferring them to travel partners. American Express Membership Rewards points can be converted into several frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs, including:

• Aeroplan (Air Canada) – 1:1 transfer ratio.
• British Airways Avios – 1:1 transfer ratio.
• Delta SkyMiles – 1:0.75 transfer ratio.
• Marriott Bonvoy – 1:1.2 transfer ratio.

Transferring your points to these programs can unlock significant value, especially when booking business class flights or high-end hotels. For example, 60,000 Amex points could translate into a round-trip flight within North America when transferred to Aeroplan.

2. Use the Fixed Points Travel Program

American Express offers a Fixed Points Travel Program, where you can redeem points for flights at set values. This can be an excellent way to book economy flights while maximizing value.

For instance, a round-trip flight from Toronto to Vancouver may cost 40,000 Amex points (instead of fluctuating with airline prices). This ensures you get a predictable and often advantageous redemption value.

3. Pay with Points for Any Travel Purchase

If you prefer flexibility, you can use Amex points to cover travel expenses directly. Simply book flights, hotels, or car rentals with your Amex Cobalt Card and redeem points at a rate of 1 cent per point to erase the charge.

While this method isn’t always the best value, it allows you to book with any airline or hotel without worrying about award availability.

Maximizing Travel Perks

Beyond earning and redeeming points, the Amex Cobalt Card offers several perks that make travel more enjoyable. Here are some benefits that can enhance your trips:

1. Travel Insurance Coverage

When booking flights or hotels with your Amex Cobalt Card, you gain access to a robust insurance package, including:

• Travel Medical Insurance (Up to $5,000,000 in coverage).
• Flight Delay Insurance (Up to $500 per trip).
• Baggage Loss Insurance (Up to $500 per person).
• Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance (Covers rentals up to $85,000 in value).

This means fewer out-of-pocket expenses in case of unexpected travel hiccups.

2. Amex Offers and Exclusive Experiences

Cardholders get access to Amex Offers, which frequently include travel-related discounts and cash-back opportunities. These can save you money on flights, hotels, and rental cars. Additionally, Amex Cobalt members can enjoy special event access, from VIP concert tickets to exclusive dining experiences.

3. No Foreign Transaction Fees (When Using Points to Offset Charges)

While the Amex Cobalt does charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee, you can offset these charges by redeeming points to cover them, effectively making it a no-fee card when traveling internationally.

Example: How to Earn a Free Flight in 6 Months

Let’s break down a real-world example of how someone can earn a free round-trip flight within 6 months using the American Express Cobalt Card Points Calculator.

Assume you spend the following per month:

• Groceries & Dining: $1,000 → Earns 5,000 points
• Streaming Services: $50 → Earns 150 points
• Public Transit & Rideshares: $200 → Earns 400 points
• Other Purchases: $300 → Earns 300 points

Total monthly earnings = 5,850 points.

In 6 months, you would have 35,100 points, which is enough for a domestic round-trip flight if transferred to Aeroplan or used through the Fixed Points Travel Program. By continuing this strategy for a year, you could easily accumulate enough points for an international trip.

Final Thoughts: Is the Amex Cobalt Card Worth It for Travelers?

Absolutely. If you spend regularly on groceries, dining, and transit, the Amex Cobalt Card is one of the best credit cards for free travel. The combination of high rewards rates, flexible redemption options, and built-in travel perks makes it a must-have for anyone looking to maximize their travel rewards.

By leveraging its generous earning potential and smart redemption strategies, you can turn everyday expenses into unforgettable travel experiences—without spending extra money. If free flights and hotel stays sound appealing, the Amex Cobalt Card could be the perfect addition to your wallet.

Ready to start earning points for your next adventure? Apply for the American Express Cobalt Card today and begin your journey toward free travel!