How to Earn the Amex Cobalt Welcome Bonus

Introduction

Are you eyeing the Amex Express Cobalt Card? Before you apply, it’s crucial to be aware of the current landscape. At present, the welcome bonus for the Cobalt Card is at an all-time low of 15,000 Membership Rewards points. So is now the best time to apply, or is it PointsWise to wait for a higher offer? Let’s take a look.

How the Amex Cobalt Welcome Bonus Works

First, here’s how you can earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year.

What’s in it for You?

• For every monthly billing period where you spend $750 in purchases on your Cobalt Card, you’ll earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points.
• Over the course of a year, that adds up to 15,000 points.
• With an annual fee of $155.88 ($12.99 paid monthly), you’ll essentially break even with the welcome bonus points.

What Can You Do With 15,000 Points?

• 15,000 points is $150 in cash value, you can put towards your next weekend getaway.

Who’s Eligible?

• This offer is exclusively for new American Express Cobalt Cardmembers.
• If you currently hold a Cobalt Card or have been a Cardmember in the past, you won’t be eligible to receive the welcome bonus again.

How to Secure The Welcome Bonus:

• Meet the minimum spend requirement of $750 each monthly billing period.

What to Keep in Mind:

• Your account must be in good standing throughout the bonus earning period.
• Allow up to eight weeks for those bonus points to post to your Membership Rewards account.

Tips for Maximizing the Welcome Bonus

Strike While the Iron is Hot

Historically, January and August have proven to be lucrative months, offering welcome bonus points of 45,000 and 50,000, respectively.

Beware of Devaluations

In July 2021 and March 2022, the welcome bonus points took a dip to 30,000 points. The welcome bonus tends to fluctuate, and the Card will not very likely get devalued twice in a row. You can generally expect a higher welcome bonus after a dive.

Keep an Eye on Trends

In November 2023, the welcome bonus took a major hit and dropped to 15,000 points. Over the last three years, the Amex Cobalt welcome bonus has seen five changes. That’s an average of one new welcome bonus offer every seven months.

Knowing these trends can help you anticipate when the offer might go up again.

Plan Strategically

Consider applying for the Amex Cobalt Card with higher bonus offers, but also weigh it against your own financial plans and needs.

Assess whether a substantial bonus is worth the wait or if a more immediate application fits your timeline.

Remember, the credit card landscape can be dynamic, so staying informed and strategic will help you make the most out of your American Express Cobalt Card application.

Add a Supplementary Cardmember

While certain Amex Cards provide extra points for adding a supplementary Cardmember, the Cobalt Card currently does not offer additional points for this. However, having a second Cardmember can expedite meeting the minimum spend requirement. There’s no annual fee for adding a second card to your account.

Conclusion

The American Express Cobalt Card’s welcome bonus, currently at an all-time low of 15,000 Membership Rewards points, should have potential cardholders considering their timing and strategy.

Ultimately, the decision to apply for the Amex Cobalt Card should align with your financial plans and needs. Whether you choose to apply now and start earning points, or patiently await a higher offer, which could take several months or close to a year, now is a great time to define your credit card goals and make the choice that’s best for you.

While the welcome bonus is underwhelming right now, the Cobalt Card makes up for it with these spending bonus categories:

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