Introduction
The Amex Cobalt Card in Canada is one of the most rewarding credit cards, especially the 5x points multiplier on groceries, restaurants and food delivery. You’ll earn points on everyday purchases that can add up fast. So what does it take to get approved?
- 5x points on food and drinks
- 3x points on streaming services
- 2x points on gas, transit & ride sharing
- 1x points on everything else
Learn More with the Complete Guide: How to Earn Amex Cobalt Membership Reward Points
Amex Cobalt Approval Checklist
The Amex Cobalt is a mid-level Card so it is relatively easy to get approved for if you have a good credit score.
Amex Cobalt Card Requirements
- You are a Canadian resident and have a Canadian credit file.
- You are the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Amex Cobalt Card Recommendations
- A good credit score of 700+.
- While there’s no publicly advertised minimum income requirement for the Amex Cobalt, it’s recommended that you have a steady income.
- You can check your credit score for free with Credit Karma before applying.
Learn More: Read our Amex Cobalt Card Review
If you’re still building your credit profile, it’s also helpful to understand why Amex applications get denied in Canada, including common issues like high credit utilization or too many recent applications.
You can also learn how to get approved for an Amex card in Canada and what Amex typically looks for across all cards.
Still Deciding if an Amex Cobalt Card is Right For You?
Approval isn’t just about your credit score, it’s about choosing the right card tier for your spending habits. See how all Amex categories compare in our Best Amex Cards in Canada (2026 Guide) before applying.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved?
When you apply for the Amex Cobalt Card online, in most cases, you’ll receive an immediate decision, allowing for instant approval.
Typically, Amex Canada is strict with the initial application for their credit cards. However, once they recognize a pattern of responsible spending and repayment behaviour, subsequent applications often result in instant approval. The assigned credit limits tend to align more closely with your income and credit history.
Learn More: How to Earn the Amex Cobalt Welcome Bonus
- 5x points on food and drinks
- 3x points on streaming services
- 2x points on gas, transit & ride sharing
- 1x points on everything else
Amex Cards with Lower Credit Score Requirements
The Amex Cobalt Card is a mid-level Card, so a good credit score of 700+ is preferred.
If you’re looking for a stronger chance of getting approved with a lower credit score, consider applying for these entry-level American Express Cards instead:
Conclusion
The bottom line is if you have a credit score of 700 or higher, and are a Canadian resident with a steady income, you should be in great shape to get approved for the Amex Cobalt Card.
Keep in mind that only new applicants are eligible to earn the welcome bonus:
With an instant decision and no risk of impacting your credit score, you can see if you’re approved for the rewarding Cobalt Card right now.
