{"id":78931,"date":"2025-11-18T09:44:53","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T14:44:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/compare-credit-cards\/bank\/american-express-cobalt-card\/"},"modified":"2026-09-21T10:15:05","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T14:15:05","slug":"american-express-cobalt-card","status":"publish","type":"credit-card","link":"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/compare-credit-cards\/amex\/american-express-cobalt-card\/","title":{"rendered":"American Express Cobalt\u00ae Card &#8211; Amex Bank of Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section  class=\" section-p\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"section-head-center mb-20\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"capitalize tracking-[-2px]  mb-10 lg:mb-20\">Pros &#038; <span>Cons<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid lg:grid-cols-2 gap-6 lg:gap-20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rounded-sm p-8 lg:p-10 bg-surface-green\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"text-center mb-10 lg:mb-12\"><span class=\"tag text-primary-dark\">Pros<\/span><\/h6>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"xl:text-2xl\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-4 lg:mb-7 last:mb-0\">\u2705 Up to 15,000 bonus membership rewards points welcome offer<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-4 lg:mb-7 last:mb-0\">\u2705 5x points on eligible eats and drinks including groceries<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-4 lg:mb-7 last:mb-0\">\u2705 Flexible point transfers to airline and hotel partners<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-4 lg:mb-7 last:mb-0\">\u2705 Comprehensive insurance coverage including mobile device protection<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-4 lg:mb-7 last:mb-0\">\u2705 Hotel collection benefits with room upgrades and credits<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rounded-sm p-8 lg:p-10 bg-surface-pink\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"text-center mb-10 lg:mb-12\"><span class=\"tag text-primary-dark\">Cons<\/span><\/h6>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"xl:text-2xl\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-4 lg:mb-7 last:mb-0\">\u274c Limited acceptance vs Visa\/Mastercard networks<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-4 lg:mb-7 last:mb-0\">\u274c Monthly fee structure may feel like subscription billing<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-4 lg:mb-7 last:mb-0\">\u274c No airport lounge access included<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-4 lg:mb-7 last:mb-0\">\u274c Higher annual fee than many competitors<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section  class=\" section-p\">\n\t<div class=\"container-wide relative xl:flex xl:items-start xl:justify-between xl:gap-20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"section-head text-center mb-20 w-full xl:mb-0 xl:text-left xl:sticky xl:top-8 xl:max-w-[700px] 2xl:max-w-[750px]\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"capitalize tracking-[-2px]  mb-10 lg:mb-20\"><span>Rewards<\/span> &#038; Earnings<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"bg-surface-pink rounded px-7 py-9 lg:p-16\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"prose prose-primary max-w-none\"><h3>Getting Your Welcome Bonus<\/h3>\n<p>With the Cobalt, the welcome offer is paid monthly to reward steady use. You earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points in each monthly billing period when at least $750 in net purchases posts by the last day of that period, for up to 15,000 points in the first 12 months. This structure favours consistent everyday spending and is easier to manage than a single lump-sum bonus.<\/p>\n<h3>How You Earn Rewards<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Cobalt Card<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> focuses on maximizing rewards in the categories where Canadians spend the most.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f <\/span><b>5 points per dollar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on eligible eats and drinks, including restaurants, food delivery services, and grocery stores<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83c\udfac <\/span><b>3 points per dollar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on eligible streaming subscriptions such as Netflix, Spotify, and Disney+<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u26fd <\/span><b>2 points per dollar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on eligible gas stations, local transportation, and rideshares in Canada<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83d\udcb3 <\/span><b>1 point per dollar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on all other purchases<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83c\udfe8 <\/span><b>+1 point per dollar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through Amex Travel Online<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>5x earning rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on groceries and dining is among the highest in Canada, turning your everyday purchases into valuable travel rewards.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>How Much Your Points Are Worth<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The value of your <\/span><b>Membership Rewards points<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> depends on how you redeem them.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Airline Transfers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 2+ cents per point<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hotel Transfers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 1.5 to 2 cents per point<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fixed Points Travel Program:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 1 cent per point<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Statement Credits:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 0.7 cents per point<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gift Cards:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Varies by retailer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can transfer points to partners such as <\/span><b>Aeroplan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>British Airways Executive Club<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>Delta SkyMiles<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or to hotel programs like <\/span><b>Marriott Bonvoy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Hilton Honors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Transfers to airline and hotel partners generally provide the best overall value.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Calculating Your Annual Rewards<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is an example of how a typical Cobalt Cardmember can earn strong rewards with regular monthly spending.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Groceries: $400 \u00d7 5 points = 2,000 points<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restaurants and food delivery: $300 \u00d7 5 points = 1,500 points<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Streaming services: $50 \u00d7 3 points = 150 points<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other purchases: $200 \u00d7 1 point = 200 points<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Total:<\/strong> <strong>3,850 points per month<\/strong> or<strong> 46,200 points annually<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>At 2 cents per point via airline transfers, that equals approximately <strong>$924 in travel value<\/strong>, significantly <strong>exceeding the $191.88 annual fee<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section  class=\" section-p\">\n\t<div class=\"container-wide section-p bg-surface-pink rounded\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"section-head-center mb-21 lg:mb-36\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"capitalize tracking-[-2px]  mb-7\">Details and <span>Eligibility<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"px-5 sm:px-10 lg:px-20 xl:px-10 3xl:px-0 xl:max-w-[var(--container-default-2xl)] mx-auto lg:grid grid-cols-2 gap-36\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mb-16 lg:mb-0 lg:flex items-start gap-7\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"tag--filled mb-4\">01<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"inline-block text-2xl mb-10 font-regular\">Do I Qualify?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-data=\"horizontalScrollShadows\" x-init><div x-ref=\"scroller\" @scroll.passive=\"onScroll\" class=\"overflow-x-auto\"><table class=\"basic-table\"><tbody><tr class=\"\"><td>Estimated Credit Score:<\/td><td>650+<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><td>Minimum Income:<\/td><td>Not specified<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><td>Canadian Residency:<\/td><td>Required<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><td>Minimum Age:<\/td><td>18\u201319 (depending on province)<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><td>Bankruptcy Status:<\/td><td>None<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><td>Credit History:<\/td><td>Required<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mb-16 lg:mb-0 lg:flex items-start gap-7\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"tag--filled mb-4\">02<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"inline-block text-2xl mb-10 font-regular\">Interest Rates<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-data=\"horizontalScrollShadows\" x-init><div x-ref=\"scroller\" @scroll.passive=\"onScroll\" class=\"overflow-x-auto\"><table class=\"basic-table\"><tbody><tr class=\"\"><td>Purchase:<\/td><td>21.99%<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><td>Cash Advance:<\/td><td>21.99%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mb-16 lg:mb-0 lg:flex items-start gap-7\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"tag--filled mb-4\">03<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"inline-block text-2xl mb-10 font-regular\">Fees<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-data=\"horizontalScrollShadows\" x-init><div x-ref=\"scroller\" @scroll.passive=\"onScroll\" class=\"overflow-x-auto\"><table class=\"basic-table\"><tbody><tr class=\"\"><td>Fee:<\/td><td>$15.99 monthly<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><td>Annual Fee (Quebec):<\/td><td>$191.88<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><td>Supplementary Cards:<\/td><td>Free<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><td>Foreign Transaction Fee:<\/td><td>2.5%<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><td>Cash Advance Fee:<\/td><td>Varies by transaction type<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section  class=\" section-p\">\n\t<div class=\"container-wide bg-surface-blue section-p rounded\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"section-head-center mb-20\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"capitalize tracking-[-2px]  mb-10 lg:mb-20\">Insurance <span>Coverage<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"px-5 sm:px-10 lg:px-20 xl:px-10 3xl:px-0 xl:max-w-[var(--container-default-2xl)] mx-auto\">\n\t\t\t<div x-data=\"horizontalScrollShadows\" x-init><div x-ref=\"scroller\" @scroll.passive=\"onScroll\" class=\"overflow-x-auto\"><table class=\"simple-table\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">\n                <span class=\"table-header\">\n                    <span>Type of Insurance<\/span>\n                <\/span>\n            <\/th><th scope=\"col\">\n                <span class=\"table-header\">\n                    <span>Coverage<\/span>\n                <\/span>\n            <\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr class=\"bg-white\"><th scope=\"row\" class=\"font-regular\">Emergency Medical (Travel)<\/th><td>Up to $5,000,000 for eligible medical expenses (first 15 days, under 65)<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><th scope=\"row\" class=\"font-regular\">Flight Delay<\/th><td>Up to $500 for 4-hour+ delays<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"bg-white\"><th scope=\"row\" class=\"font-regular\">Baggage Delay<\/th><td>Up to $500 for 6-hour+ delays<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><th scope=\"row\" class=\"font-regular\">Lost or Stolen Baggage<\/th><td>Up to $500 per trip<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"bg-white\"><th scope=\"row\" class=\"font-regular\">Hotel Burglary<\/th><td>Up to $500 for stolen personal items<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><th scope=\"row\" class=\"font-regular\">Travel Accident<\/th><td>Up to $250,000 coverage<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"bg-white\"><th scope=\"row\" class=\"font-regular\">Car Rental Theft &amp; Damage<\/th><td>Up to $85,000 for rentals \u2264 48 days<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><th scope=\"row\" class=\"font-regular\">Mobile Device Insurance<\/th><td>Up to $1,000 for theft, loss, or damage (2 years max)<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"bg-white\"><th scope=\"row\" class=\"font-regular\">Buyer\u2019s Assurance (Extended Warranty)<\/th><td>Extends manufacturer\u2019s warranty by 1 year<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"\"><th scope=\"row\" class=\"font-regular\">Purchase Protection<\/th><td>90 days for theft or accidental damage (up to $1,000 per occurrence)<\/td><\/tr><tr class=\"bg-white\"><th scope=\"row\" class=\"font-regular\">Purchase Protection<\/th><td>90 days against theft or damage<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<section  class=\" section-p\">\n\t<div class=\"container relative xl:flex xl:items-start xl:justify-between xl:gap-20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"section-head xl:sticky xl:top-8 xl:max-w-[700px] 2xl:max-w-[750px]\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"capitalize tracking-[-2px]  mb-6\">Our <span>Rating<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/credit-cards-illustration.svg\" class=\"max-w-[600px] w-[90%] h-auto mb-24 xl:mb-0\" alt=\"credit-cards-illustration\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bg-surface-green rounded-sm p-7 lg:px-9 lg:py-12 max-w-[600px] xl:max-w-none mx-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex  mb-10 last:mb-0 gap-4 items-center justify-between\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"font-medium text-lg lg:text-2xl w-[120px] lg:w-[170px]\">Rewards:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-6 rounded-2xl w-[180px] xs:w-[280px] bg-white overflow-hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-full bg-primary-dark\" style=\"width: 90%\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"text-[18px]\">4.5<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex  mb-10 last:mb-0 gap-4 items-center justify-between\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"font-medium text-lg lg:text-2xl w-[120px] lg:w-[170px]\">Fees:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-6 rounded-2xl w-[180px] xs:w-[280px] bg-white overflow-hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-full bg-accent-green\" style=\"width: 70%\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"text-[18px]\">3.5<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex  mb-10 last:mb-0 gap-4 items-center justify-between\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"font-medium text-lg lg:text-2xl w-[120px] lg:w-[170px]\">Insurance:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-6 rounded-2xl w-[180px] xs:w-[280px] bg-white overflow-hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-full bg-accent-green\" style=\"width: 80%\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"text-[18px]\">4<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex  mb-10 last:mb-0 gap-4 items-center justify-between\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"font-medium text-lg lg:text-2xl w-[120px] lg:w-[170px]\">Interest:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-6 rounded-2xl w-[180px] xs:w-[280px] bg-white overflow-hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-full bg-accent-green\" style=\"width: 60%\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"text-[18px]\">3<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex  mb-10 last:mb-0 gap-4 items-center justify-between\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"font-medium text-lg lg:text-2xl w-[120px] lg:w-[170px]\">Perks:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-6 rounded-2xl w-[180px] xs:w-[280px] bg-white overflow-hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-full bg-accent-green\" style=\"width: 80%\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"text-[18px]\">4<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex  mb-10 last:mb-0 gap-4 items-center justify-between\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"font-medium text-lg lg:text-2xl w-[120px] lg:w-[170px]\">Approval:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-6 rounded-2xl w-[180px] xs:w-[280px] bg-white overflow-hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-full bg-accent-green\" style=\"width: 70%\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"text-[18px]\">3.5<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex  mb-10 last:mb-0 gap-4 items-center justify-between\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"font-medium text-lg lg:text-2xl w-[120px] lg:w-[170px]\">User Reviews:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-6 rounded-2xl w-[180px] xs:w-[280px] bg-white overflow-hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-full bg-accent-green\" style=\"width: 80%\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"text-[18px]\">4<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex  mb-10 last:mb-0 gap-4 items-center justify-between\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"font-medium text-lg lg:text-2xl w-[120px] lg:w-[170px]\">Overall Rating:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-6 rounded-2xl w-[180px] xs:w-[280px] bg-white overflow-hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"h-full bg-accent-green\" style=\"width: 74%\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"text-[18px]\">3.7<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section  class=\" section-p rounded\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"section-head-center\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"capitalize tracking-[-2px] mb-20\">Our <span>Expert<\/span> Review<\/h2>\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bg-surface-blue py-11 px-9 lg:p-20 rounded prose prose-primary max-w-[var(--section-head-w)] mx-auto\">\n\t\t\t<h3>Overview<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The American Express Cobalt has established itself as Canada\u2019s premier lifestyle rewards card by focusing relentlessly on the spending categories that matter most to everyday consumers. Rather than competing on travel perks or status benefits, the express cobalt maximizes value through impressive earning rates on groceries, dining, and digital subscriptions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This strategic focus makes the cobalt card particularly appealing to young professionals, families, and anyone who prioritizes rewards on regular monthly expenses over occasional travel purchases.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Earning Membership Rewards Points<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The standout feature of the amex cobalt card remains its 5x earning rate on eligible eats and drinks. This category encompasses restaurants, food delivery apps, and grocery stores, representing some of the largest recurring expenses in most Canadian households.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The monthly welcome bonus structure of 1,250 points per monthly billing period for $750 in spending creates consistent engagement rather than front-loading rewards. This approach benefits both new cobalt cardmembers and american express by encouraging sustained card usage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 3x rate on eligible streaming subscriptions recognizes modern spending patterns where digital entertainment services have become standard monthly expenses. Combined with 2x earning on transportation expenses, the card covers the majority of regular consumer spending categories.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Redeeming Your Points<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The flexibility to transfer points to airline and hotel partners represents the cobalt card\u2019s greatest strength. Transfer ratios typically offer 1:1 exchanges with partners like Aeroplan, allowing you to redeem points for premium travel experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those preferring simplicity, the fixed points travel program allows direct booking through amex travel online at a rate of 1 cent per point. While this offers lower value than transfers, it provides straightforward redemptions without learning complex partner award charts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Statement credit redemptions offer the lowest value at 0.7 cents per point but provide immediate cash value for cardholders who prefer reducing their bill rather than accumulating points for travel.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Premium Benefits and Perks<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Front of the Line access provides early ticket purchasing for concerts, sporting events, and theatrical performances at major Canadian venues. This perk proves invaluable for popular events that sell out quickly during general public sales.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The hotel collection program offers benefits at participating properties including potential room upgrades, late check out privileges, and property credits. For a weekend getaway or business travel, these perks enhance the overall experience beyond just earning points.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amex Offers provide personalized bonus reward offers throughout the year, often delivering statement credits that can offset a significant portion of the annual fee. Additionally, eligible Instacart purchases can earn up to $60 in annual statement credits for cobalt cardmembers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Acceptance Considerations<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Express acceptance is more limited than Visa or Mastercard in Canada. Costco warehouses accept only Mastercard in-store, and many Loblaws-affiliated banners do not accept American Express; carry a backup Visa or Mastercard. Acceptance is broad with many restaurants, gas stations, and online merchants, and you can check participating stores on the Amex Maps site before you shop.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Is the Monthly Fee Structure Right for You?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The unique monthly billing approach of $15.99 per month creates a subscription-like experience that many consumers find more manageable than traditional annual fees. For non Quebec residents, this totals $191.88 annually, while Quebec residents pay $191.88 annually due to provincial regulations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This structure can make the cost feel less significant compared to paying a lump sum, though the total annual cost remains identical. The psychological impact varies by individual preference and budgeting style.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section  class=\" bg-white section-p\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"section-head-center mb-20\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"capitalize tracking-[-2px]  mb-10 lg:mb-20\"><span>Frequently Asked Questions<\/span> about the American Express Cobalt Card<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul x-data=\"accordionGroup([0])\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-5 rounded bg-surface-blue hover:shadow-(--shadow) transition-shadow duration-300\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div @click=\"toggle(0)\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center gap-5 lg:gap-11 min-h-[150px] pl-8 lg:p-12 pr-5 lg:pr-11 cursor-pointer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"text-xl lg:text-2xl flex-grow\">What is the annual fee for the Amex Cobalt card?<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"!isOpen(0)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center border-1-primary rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/plus.DA-S4See.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Open expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"isOpen(0)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-white rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/minus.D5WUGqkk.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Close expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isOpen(0)\" x-transition>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose prose-primary max-w-none lg:prose-xl pb-9 pl-8 pr-20 lg:pl-12 lg:pr-26\"><p>The annual fee is $191.88 for most Canadians, charged as a monthly fee of $15.99.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-5 rounded bg-surface-blue hover:shadow-(--shadow) transition-shadow duration-300\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div @click=\"toggle(1)\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center gap-5 lg:gap-11 min-h-[150px] pl-8 lg:p-12 pr-5 lg:pr-11 cursor-pointer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"text-xl lg:text-2xl flex-grow\">How do I earn the welcome bonus?<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"!isOpen(1)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center border-1-primary rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/plus.DA-S4See.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Open expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"isOpen(1)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-white rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/minus.D5WUGqkk.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Close expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isOpen(1)\" x-transition>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose prose-primary max-w-none lg:prose-xl pb-9 pl-8 pr-20 lg:pl-12 lg:pr-26\"><p>You earn 1,250 membership rewards points each month when you spend at least $750 on net purchases during your first 12 months of membership, totaling up to 15,000 points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-5 rounded bg-surface-blue hover:shadow-(--shadow) transition-shadow duration-300\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div @click=\"toggle(2)\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center gap-5 lg:gap-11 min-h-[150px] pl-8 lg:p-12 pr-5 lg:pr-11 cursor-pointer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"text-xl lg:text-2xl flex-grow\">What are the best ways to redeem Membership Rewards points?<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"!isOpen(2)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center border-1-primary rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/plus.DA-S4See.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Open expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"isOpen(2)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-white rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/minus.D5WUGqkk.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Close expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isOpen(2)\" x-transition>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose prose-primary max-w-none lg:prose-xl pb-9 pl-8 pr-20 lg:pl-12 lg:pr-26\"><p>Transfer points to airline partners like Aeroplan or hotel programs like Marriott Bonvoy for maximum value, typically worth 2+ cents per point for premium travel redemptions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-5 rounded bg-surface-blue hover:shadow-(--shadow) transition-shadow duration-300\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div @click=\"toggle(3)\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center gap-5 lg:gap-11 min-h-[150px] pl-8 lg:p-12 pr-5 lg:pr-11 cursor-pointer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"text-xl lg:text-2xl flex-grow\">Which transfer partners offer the best value?<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"!isOpen(3)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center border-1-primary rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/plus.DA-S4See.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Open expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"isOpen(3)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-white rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/minus.D5WUGqkk.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Close expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isOpen(3)\" x-transition>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose prose-primary max-w-none lg:prose-xl pb-9 pl-8 pr-20 lg:pl-12 lg:pr-26\"><p>Aeroplan provides excellent value for domestic and international flights, while British Airways works well for short-haul travel. Hotel transfers to Marriott and Hilton offer good redemption options for weekend getaways.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-5 rounded bg-surface-blue hover:shadow-(--shadow) transition-shadow duration-300\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div @click=\"toggle(4)\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center gap-5 lg:gap-11 min-h-[150px] pl-8 lg:p-12 pr-5 lg:pr-11 cursor-pointer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"text-xl lg:text-2xl flex-grow\">Where is American Express not accepted?<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"!isOpen(4)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center border-1-primary rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/plus.DA-S4See.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Open expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"isOpen(4)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-white rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/minus.D5WUGqkk.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Close expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isOpen(4)\" x-transition>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose prose-primary max-w-none lg:prose-xl pb-9 pl-8 pr-20 lg:pl-12 lg:pr-26\"><p>Major limitations include Costco, many Loblaws-owned grocery stores, and some smaller merchants. Always carry a backup Visa or Mastercard for these situations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-5 rounded bg-surface-blue hover:shadow-(--shadow) transition-shadow duration-300\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div @click=\"toggle(5)\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center gap-5 lg:gap-11 min-h-[150px] pl-8 lg:p-12 pr-5 lg:pr-11 cursor-pointer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"text-xl lg:text-2xl flex-grow\">Can I get additional cards for free?<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"!isOpen(5)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center border-1-primary rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/plus.DA-S4See.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Open expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"isOpen(5)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-white rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/minus.D5WUGqkk.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Close expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isOpen(5)\" x-transition>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose prose-primary max-w-none lg:prose-xl pb-9 pl-8 pr-20 lg:pl-12 lg:pr-26\"><p>Yes, supplementary cards for family members are included at no additional cost, allowing you to share benefits and accumulate points faster across multiple users.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-5 rounded bg-surface-blue hover:shadow-(--shadow) transition-shadow duration-300\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div @click=\"toggle(6)\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center gap-5 lg:gap-11 min-h-[150px] pl-8 lg:p-12 pr-5 lg:pr-11 cursor-pointer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"text-xl lg:text-2xl flex-grow\">How does the monthly fee structure work?<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"!isOpen(6)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center border-1-primary rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/plus.DA-S4See.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Open expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"isOpen(6)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-white rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/minus.D5WUGqkk.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Close expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isOpen(6)\" x-transition>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose prose-primary max-w-none lg:prose-xl pb-9 pl-8 pr-20 lg:pl-12 lg:pr-26\"><p>Instead of a single annual payment, the $15.99 fee is charged monthly, creating a subscription-like experience rather than a large upfront cost. For Quebec residents, the fee is structured as an annual charge totaling $191.88.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-5 rounded bg-surface-blue hover:shadow-(--shadow) transition-shadow duration-300\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div @click=\"toggle(7)\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center gap-5 lg:gap-11 min-h-[150px] pl-8 lg:p-12 pr-5 lg:pr-11 cursor-pointer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"text-xl lg:text-2xl flex-grow\">What income do I need to qualify?<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"!isOpen(7)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center border-1-primary rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/plus.DA-S4See.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Open expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"isOpen(7)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-white rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/minus.D5WUGqkk.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Close expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isOpen(7)\" x-transition>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose prose-primary max-w-none lg:prose-xl pb-9 pl-8 pr-20 lg:pl-12 lg:pr-26\"><p>American Express doesn\u2019t specify a minimum income requirement for the cobalt card, making it more accessible than many premium rewards cards that typically require $60,000+ in annual income.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-5 rounded bg-surface-blue hover:shadow-(--shadow) transition-shadow duration-300\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div @click=\"toggle(8)\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center gap-5 lg:gap-11 min-h-[150px] pl-8 lg:p-12 pr-5 lg:pr-11 cursor-pointer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"text-xl lg:text-2xl flex-grow\">How does this compare to the Amex Gold card?<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"!isOpen(8)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center border-1-primary rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/plus.DA-S4See.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Open expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"isOpen(8)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-white rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/minus.D5WUGqkk.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Close expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isOpen(8)\" x-transition>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose prose-primary max-w-none lg:prose-xl pb-9 pl-8 pr-20 lg:pl-12 lg:pr-26\"><p>The gold rewards card typically focuses more on travel benefits and higher annual fees, while the cobalt card specializes in everyday spending rewards with a lower fee structure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"mb-5 rounded bg-surface-blue hover:shadow-(--shadow) transition-shadow duration-300\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div @click=\"toggle(9)\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center gap-5 lg:gap-11 min-h-[150px] pl-8 lg:p-12 pr-5 lg:pr-11 cursor-pointer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"text-xl lg:text-2xl flex-grow\">Is the Cobalt card worth the annual fee?<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"!isOpen(9)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center border-1-primary rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/plus.DA-S4See.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Open expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span x-show=\"isOpen(9)\" class=\"shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-white rounded-full w-[45px] h-[45px]\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/minus.D5WUGqkk.svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"17\" alt=\"Close expandable\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isOpen(9)\" x-transition>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose prose-primary max-w-none lg:prose-xl pb-9 pl-8 pr-20 lg:pl-12 lg:pr-26\"><p>For households spending $600+ monthly on groceries and dining combined, the 5x earning rate typically generates enough value to justify the $191.88 annual fee, especially when transferring points to airline partners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section  class=\"section-p \">\n\t<div class=\"container-wide section-p bg-white rounded-md px-2 xs:px-6 md:px-12 lg:px-20 xl:flex xl:gap-20 items-center\">\n\t\t<div class=\"text-center mx-auto mb-16 xl:text-left xl:mb-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"section-head mx-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"capitalize tracking-[-2px]  mb-10 lg:mb-20\">Final <span>Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"text-xl prose prose-primary max-w-none \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The American Express Cobalt continues to stand out as Canada\u2019s top choice for maximizing rewards on everyday spending.<\/p>\n<p>Its focused approach to grocery, dining, and streaming rewards, combined with comprehensive insurance coverage and flexible redemption options, makes it an excellent choice for consumers who want to earn substantial rewards without changing their spending habits.<\/p>\n<p>While the monthly fee structure and limited acceptance require consideration, the card\u2019s earning potential and benefits package provide strong value for its target audience of everyday spenders.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/ca\/en\/credit-cards\/cobalt-card\/?linknav=ca-en-amex-cardshop-allcards-learn-cobaltCard\" class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled mt-8\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Apply Now<\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/credit-cards-illustration.svg\" class=\"w-full h-auto max-w-[600px] mx-auto rounded-sm\" alt=\"credit-cards-illustration\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\" section-p\">\n\t<div class=\"container-wide bg-surface-pink relative section-p px-5 sm:px-10 lg:px-20 rounded relative lg:flex items-start gap-20\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shrink-0\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Mathieu-LR-300x300.webp\" width=\"190\" height=\"190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Mathieu-LR-768x768.webp 2x\" alt=\"Mathieu Laliberte-Robert\" class=\"avatar avatar-190 wp-user-avatar wp-user-avatar-190 alignnone photo rounded-full mb-7 lg:mb-0\" \/>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"grow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-end justify-between mb-4 border-b pb-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"leading-none text-2xl\">Mathieu Laliberte-Robert<\/h6>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"absolute lg:static top-16 right-6 items-end flex flex-col lg:flex-row gap-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"mailto:info@plutera.ca\" class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-sm-base button-link-outline \" >Email<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"mt-8 2xl:flex items-start justify-between\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"2xl:max-w-[800px]\">Mathieu is a finance and digital marketing professional with experience across banking, investment services, and financial product marketing. He previously worked with organizations such as National Bank, Manulife Securities, and Accenture. He is part of the leadership team at Hardbacon, where he contributes to editorial strategy and financial content aimed at helping Canadians make informed decisions.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section  class=\" bg-white section-p overflow-hidden\">\n\t<div class=\"container-wide\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<header class=\"section-head-center mb-20\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"capitalize tracking-[-2px]  mb-10 lg:mb-20\"><span>Insights<\/span> and Useful Articles<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"text-xl prose prose-primary max-w-none \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Hardbacon makes managing your money easier by combining comprehensive financial tools, unbiased comparisons and personalized insights.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div x-data=\"tabs(0)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex flex-wrap justify-center gap-4 lg:gap-6 mb-20 lg:mb-24 borer-b border-primary-dark\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-sm-base button-link-outline font-regular \" @click=\"setTab( 0 )\" :class=\"isActive( 0 ) ? &#039;bg-primary-accent text-white font-medium&#039; : &#039;&#039;\">Credit Cards<\/button>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-sm-base button-link-outline font-regular \" @click=\"setTab( 1 )\" :class=\"isActive( 1 ) ? &#039;bg-primary-accent text-white font-medium&#039; : &#039;&#039;\">Budget<\/button>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-sm-base button-link-outline font-regular \" @click=\"setTab( 2 )\" :class=\"isActive( 2 ) ? &#039;bg-primary-accent text-white font-medium&#039; : &#039;&#039;\">Banking<\/button>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-sm-base button-link-outline font-regular \" @click=\"setTab( 3 )\" :class=\"isActive( 3 ) ? &#039;bg-primary-accent text-white font-medium&#039; : &#039;&#039;\">Financial planning<\/button>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isActive(0)\" x-transition x-cloak >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper !overflow-visible\" x-data=\"swiper\" x-ref=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/credit-cards\/wealthsimple-cash-review-2021-go-or-no-go\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Wealthsimple-Prepaid-Card-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"Wealthsimple prepaid card showed on an iPhone screen and besides is a pile of coins\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Wealthsimple-Prepaid-Card-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Wealthsimple-Prepaid-Card-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Wealthsimple-Prepaid-Card-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Wealthsimple-Prepaid-Card.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Credit Cards<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    Wealthsimple Prepaid Mastercard: My Experience with Wealthsimple Chequing account                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">Wealthsimple is a Canadian fintech known for its investment app. Today, it offers many other products. I&#8217;ve had a Wealthsimple account for several years and applied for the Wealthsimple prepaid Mastercard in August 2025. How does it compare with the\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/credit-cards\/koho-visa-vs-wealthsimple-cash\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/KOHO-vs-Wealthsimple-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"KOHO prepaird card on the left againts yellow background and Wealthsimple Cash card on the right against a blue background\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/KOHO-vs-Wealthsimple-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/KOHO-vs-Wealthsimple-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/KOHO-vs-Wealthsimple-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/KOHO-vs-Wealthsimple.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Credit Cards<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    KOHO Mastercard Versus Wealthsimple Cash: Which Prepaid Card Is Right for You?                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">KOHO and Wealthsimple are some of the first names that come to mind when you think of prepaid cards in Canada. These two companies are often compared despite the fact that they are not similar. On the one hand, KOHO\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/credit-cards\/black-card\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-cottonbro-3944405-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"black credit cards\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-cottonbro-3944405-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-cottonbro-3944405-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-cottonbro-3944405-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pexels-cottonbro-3944405.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Credit Cards<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    The 8 Best Black Credit Cards in Canada                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">Black credit cards are the ultimate status symbol. Often rare and exclusive, they\u2019re designed for the rich and are considered prestigious. Plus, they come with some great perks including special discounts and premium benefits not available with a standard card.\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/credit-cards\/easiest-credit-card-to-get-in-canada\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/piggybank-oqkmdriPiHM-unsplash-scaled-1-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"Credit Cards\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/piggybank-oqkmdriPiHM-unsplash-scaled-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/piggybank-oqkmdriPiHM-unsplash-scaled-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/piggybank-oqkmdriPiHM-unsplash-scaled-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/piggybank-oqkmdriPiHM-unsplash-scaled-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/piggybank-oqkmdriPiHM-unsplash-scaled-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Credit Cards<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    The 8 Easiest Credit Cards to Get in Canada                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">Qualifying for a new credit card can be tough. What are the easiest credit cards to get in Canada? Whether you have insufficient credit history or a poor credit score, it can be difficult to determine exactly which cards you\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/credit-cards\/costco-credit-card\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/cibic-1-1024x683.png\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"New CIBC Costco Credit Card\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/cibic-1-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/cibic-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/cibic-1-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/cibic-1.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Credit Cards<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    The CIBC Costco Credit Card: Benefits and Alternatives                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">The CIBC Costco credit card comes with great rewards and can reduce your bill if you shop at Costco often. But if you shop at several different locations, take the time to compare it to other store credit cards. Quick\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"relative flex justify-between lg:justify-end items-center mt-7 lg:mt-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/category\/credit-cards\/\" class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-outline lg:absolute-center\">See all news<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex gap-3 lg:gap-none justify-end \">\n\t\t\t<div x-ref=\"prev\" class=\"swiper-navigation w-16 h-16 lg:w-20 lg:h-20 flex items-center justify-center bg-primary-accent rounded-full cursor-pointer hover:shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/arrow-left.CiTjgOBi.svg\" class=\"w-6 h-5 lg:w-6 lg:h-5\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div x-ref=\"next\" class=\"swiper-navigation w-16 h-16 lg:w-20 lg:h-20 flex items-center justify-center bg-primary-accent rounded-full cursor-pointer hover:shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/arrow-right.C81RnIJA.svg\" class=\"w-6 h-5 lg:w-6 lg:h-5\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isActive(1)\" x-transition x-cloak >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper !overflow-visible\" x-data=\"swiper\" x-ref=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/budget\/tariffs-canada-what-costs-more\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tariffs-label-check-flags-3.webp\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tariffs-label-check-flags-3.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tariffs-label-check-flags-3-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tariffs-label-check-flags-3-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Budget<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    Tariffs in Canada, explained: which ones actually raise your prices (and what to do)                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">Prices are up, and every headline says &#8220;tariffs&#8221;. But two sets of tariffs are in the news, and only one of them can show up on a store shelf. This guide explains which one reaches your cart, how to tell\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/budget\/couponing-sites-in-canada\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/canadian-couponing-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"canadian couponing\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/canadian-couponing-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/canadian-couponing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/canadian-couponing-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/canadian-couponing.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Budget<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    The 25 Best Canadian Coupon Sites and Apps in Canada                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">Whether you need to or just like to save, there are countless canadian coupon sites and apps that offer the same thing: savings, points, coupons, or some combination of the three. In times like these, saving money is at the\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/budget\/sell-gift-cards-canada\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/adam-winger-b1wqPO2qKUY-unsplash-scaled-e1640027321941-1024x684.jpg\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"a group of cards with flowers on them next to a green plant\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/adam-winger-b1wqPO2qKUY-unsplash-scaled-e1640027321941-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/adam-winger-b1wqPO2qKUY-unsplash-scaled-e1640027321941-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/adam-winger-b1wqPO2qKUY-unsplash-scaled-e1640027321941-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/adam-winger-b1wqPO2qKUY-unsplash-scaled-e1640027321941.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Budget<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    The 5 Best Websites to Sell Gift Cards in Canada                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">Gee, thanks for the gift card. I mean, a gift card is a nice gift to receive but it may not always be the right one. There are many reasons why someone may wish to sell gift cards in Canada.\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/budget\/its-time-to-say-goodbye\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/hardbacon-application-financiere-1024x1024.png\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/hardbacon-application-financiere-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/hardbacon-application-financiere-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/hardbacon-application-financiere-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/hardbacon-application-financiere-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/hardbacon-application-financiere.png 1079w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Budget<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    The End of a Chapter for Hardbacon                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">It is with a heavy heart that I write my last post for Hardbacon. Indeed, all employees of Hardbacon (Bacon Financial Technologies Inc.) have been let go, and our operations are now suspended. The company will declare bankruptcy in the\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/budget\/how-much-does-it-cost-to-support-a-future-figure-skating-athlete\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cout-patinage-artistique-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cout-patinage-artistique-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cout-patinage-artistique-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cout-patinage-artistique-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cout-patinage-artistique.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Budget<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    How Much Does it Cost to Support a Future Figure Skating Athlete?                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">With only 1 in 5 young people in Quebec considered active, the cost of recreational sports is one of the main factors holding them back. Having the support of their parents, on the other hand, acts as a propellant for\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"relative flex justify-between lg:justify-end items-center mt-7 lg:mt-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/category\/budget\/\" class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-outline lg:absolute-center\">See all news<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex gap-3 lg:gap-none justify-end \">\n\t\t\t<div x-ref=\"prev\" class=\"swiper-navigation w-16 h-16 lg:w-20 lg:h-20 flex items-center justify-center bg-primary-accent rounded-full cursor-pointer hover:shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/arrow-left.CiTjgOBi.svg\" class=\"w-6 h-5 lg:w-6 lg:h-5\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div x-ref=\"next\" class=\"swiper-navigation w-16 h-16 lg:w-20 lg:h-20 flex items-center justify-center bg-primary-accent rounded-full cursor-pointer hover:shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/arrow-right.C81RnIJA.svg\" class=\"w-6 h-5 lg:w-6 lg:h-5\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isActive(2)\" x-transition x-cloak >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper !overflow-visible\" x-data=\"swiper\" x-ref=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/banking\/easiest-bank-to-get-a-loan-canada\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/easiest-bank-to-get-a-loan-canada-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"Logos of various banks and credit cards displayed together, representing financial institutions.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/easiest-bank-to-get-a-loan-canada-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/easiest-bank-to-get-a-loan-canada-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/easiest-bank-to-get-a-loan-canada-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/easiest-bank-to-get-a-loan-canada.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Banking<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    The 5 Easiest Banks to Get a Loan From in Canada                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">If you have ever found yourself in need of a personal loan, you probably found that different banks have different criteria for being approved. When you are in a financial pinch, you want to know exactly which institution will approve\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/banking\/koho-vs-eq-bank\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/KOHO-vs-EQ-Bank.jpg\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"KOHO vs EQ Bank\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/KOHO-vs-EQ-Bank.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/KOHO-vs-EQ-Bank-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Banking<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    KOHO vs EQ Bank: Which One Takes the Crown?                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">It\u2019s time to compare two of Canada\u2019s leading neobanks &#8211; KOHO vs EQ Bank. Loyalty is an excellent quality to have, except when it comes to your cash. Sticking to one of the Big Five without exploring other options is\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/banking\/best-bank-for-students-in-canada\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Best-student-bank-account-Canada-1024x683.png\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"Best Banks for Students in Canada\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Best-student-bank-account-Canada-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Best-student-bank-account-Canada-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Best-student-bank-account-Canada-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Best-student-bank-account-Canada.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Banking<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    The 10 Best Banks for Students in Canada                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">The best bank for students in Canada shouldn\u2019t just give you a free account with unlimited transactions, it should reward you too. Why? Because people rarely change banks, even when there are better deals out there. That makes you a\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/banking\/koho-vs-neo-financial\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/KOHO-vs-NEO-Cover-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"Koho vs Neo Financial\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/KOHO-vs-NEO-Cover-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/KOHO-vs-NEO-Cover-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/KOHO-vs-NEO-Cover-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/KOHO-vs-NEO-Cover.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Banking<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    KOHO vs Neo Financial: Who Wins the Battle for Your Buck?                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">Both KOHO and Neo are Canadian fintech startups that offer out-of-the-box digital banking services. These two platforms are becoming increasingly popular among millennials and younger Canadians because they provide an alternative to traditional banking with low or no fees, a\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/banking\/online-banks\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-48-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"Online Banks\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-48-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-48-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-48-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-48.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Banking<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    The 6 Best Online Banks in Canada for 2024                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">Online banks are digital institutions that do not rely on physical branches. With lower operating costs than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, online banks are able to pass the savings on to us in the form of lower fees and higher interest\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"relative flex justify-between lg:justify-end items-center mt-7 lg:mt-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/category\/banking\/\" class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-outline lg:absolute-center\">See all news<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex gap-3 lg:gap-none justify-end \">\n\t\t\t<div x-ref=\"prev\" class=\"swiper-navigation w-16 h-16 lg:w-20 lg:h-20 flex items-center justify-center bg-primary-accent rounded-full cursor-pointer hover:shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/arrow-left.CiTjgOBi.svg\" class=\"w-6 h-5 lg:w-6 lg:h-5\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div x-ref=\"next\" class=\"swiper-navigation w-16 h-16 lg:w-20 lg:h-20 flex items-center justify-center bg-primary-accent rounded-full cursor-pointer hover:shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/arrow-right.C81RnIJA.svg\" class=\"w-6 h-5 lg:w-6 lg:h-5\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div x-show=\"isActive(3)\" x-transition x-cloak >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper !overflow-visible\" x-data=\"swiper\" x-ref=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/financial-planning\/free-canadian-tax-softwares\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"719\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/canadian-tax-software-featured-imagw-1024x719.jpg\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"Desk with tax forms and calculator for financial planning\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/canadian-tax-software-featured-imagw-1024x719.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/canadian-tax-software-featured-imagw-300x211.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/canadian-tax-software-featured-imagw-768x540.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/canadian-tax-software-featured-imagw.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Financial planning<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    The 5 Best Free Canadian Tax Softwares                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">For most people, doing their taxes is a thankless task. Fortunately, there are free tax software programs that make it easy to calculate and file your taxes online. We recommend that you choose a software that is easy to use,\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/financial-planning\/best-tax-return-software-canada\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/best-tax-return-software-canada-1-1024x683.png\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/best-tax-return-software-canada-1-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/best-tax-return-software-canada-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/best-tax-return-software-canada-1-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/best-tax-return-software-canada-1.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Financial planning<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    The 6 Best Tax Return Software in Canada                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">To file quickly, easily, and without a blinding migraine, choosing the best tax return software in Canada is crucial. Tax season is the most dreaded time of year, with many of us hoping to bypass the annual state of confusion\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/financial-planning\/old-age-security\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Background-24-1024x683.png\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"Guide to old age security in 2023\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Background-24-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Background-24-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Background-24-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Background-24.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Financial planning<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    The New Guide to Old Age Security                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">What is Old Age Security? Times are tough, especially when you stop working. Your income goes down while prices go up. Old Age Security (OAS), sometimes called Old Age Pension, is money you might receive from the government when you\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/financial-planning\/cost-of-divorce-in-canada\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/cost-of-divorce-in-canada-1024x683.png\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"A man and woman standing face to face, displaying depression and anxiety between them\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/cost-of-divorce-in-canada-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/cost-of-divorce-in-canada-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/cost-of-divorce-in-canada-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/cost-of-divorce-in-canada.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Financial planning<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    What Is the Cost of a Divorce in Canada?                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">Going through a divorce can drain you emotionally and financially. By understanding the costs involved, you can decide what to fight for and what to do yourself. In Canada, divorce costs can vary from $1,000 to $25,000 and up, depending\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/financial-planning\/staycation-tax-credit\/\" class=\"swiper-slide !h-auto !w-[355px] lg:!w-[calc(50%-12px)] 2xl:!w-[calc(33%-12px)] mr-2.5 lg:mr-6 last:mr-0 group block bg-white rounded-(--radius-sm) overflow-hidden shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-52 lg:h-80\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/yulia-matvienko-cx-DYkcF_7w-unsplash-scaled-e1649770304844-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover transition duration-300 group-hover:brightness-40\" alt=\"Ontario staycation tax credit\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/yulia-matvienko-cx-DYkcF_7w-unsplash-scaled-e1649770304844-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/yulia-matvienko-cx-DYkcF_7w-unsplash-scaled-e1649770304844-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/yulia-matvienko-cx-DYkcF_7w-unsplash-scaled-e1649770304844-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/yulia-matvienko-cx-DYkcF_7w-unsplash-scaled-e1649770304844.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>                <button  class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-filled absolute-center opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-300\" >Read more<\/button>\t\t\t<\/div>\n            <div class=\"py-9 px-10\">\n                                    <span class=\"tag mb-5\">Financial planning<\/span>\n                                <h3 class=\"font-regular text-xl lg:text-2xl mb-4\">\n                    Ontario Staycation Tax Credit: What You Need To Know in 2022                <\/h3>\n\n                                    <p class=\"excerpt\">If you are a resident of Ontario and are planning a short trip anytime soon, you may consider opting for a staycation in the province. At least you get to receive some money back from the Ontario government for enjoying\u2026<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"relative flex justify-between lg:justify-end items-center mt-7 lg:mt-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/category\/financial-planning\/\" class=\"whitespace-nowrap button-link-base button-link-outline lg:absolute-center\">See all news<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex gap-3 lg:gap-none justify-end \">\n\t\t\t<div x-ref=\"prev\" class=\"swiper-navigation w-16 h-16 lg:w-20 lg:h-20 flex items-center justify-center bg-primary-accent rounded-full cursor-pointer hover:shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/arrow-left.CiTjgOBi.svg\" class=\"w-6 h-5 lg:w-6 lg:h-5\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div x-ref=\"next\" class=\"swiper-navigation w-16 h-16 lg:w-20 lg:h-20 flex items-center justify-center bg-primary-accent rounded-full cursor-pointer hover:shadow-(--shadow)\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/hardbacon\/dist\/images\/arrow-right.C81RnIJA.svg\" class=\"w-6 h-5 lg:w-6 lg:h-5\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"author":164,"template":"","class_list":["post-78931","credit-card","type-credit-card","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/credit-card\/78931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/credit-card"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/credit-card"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}