Overall rating
First year value
$196
Get this card if you:
- want to earn rewards on groceries, dining and entertainment
- want extensive travel insurance
- enjoy travel perks like airport lounge access
Scores by category
Cash Back 4.4
Rewards 3.3
Gas 3.3
Groceries 3.0
At a glance
The Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard® is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated cash back rates on categories such as groceries, dining and entertainment. Cardholders benefit from comprehensive travel insurance, access to Desjardins Odyssey Lounges and no foreign transaction fees.
Highlights
$196
First year value
$130
Annual fee
Interest Rates
20.9%
Purchase APR
21.9%
Cash advance APR
Eligibility
Fair
Recommended credit score
$80,000
Required annual personal income
$150,000
Required annual household income
Quick overview of the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard
The Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard is a great travel rewards credit card with comprehensive travel insurance and lounge access.
The card has an annual fee of $130. However, the fee for supplementary cards is waived for Desjardins clients, and said clients will also benefit from further perks (read below for more details). The card may not come with a generous sign-up bonus—the carrot typically dangled by most high-end travel card issuers—but its core benefits will justify the annual fee for many Canadian travellers.
Who can benefit from the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard?
If you’re already a Desjardins client, if you’re an active traveller, or if you’re looking for a comprehensive travel insurance package, the Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard might be a particularly good fit for you.
Pros and cons
Pros
-
Get 3% cash back on groceries in BONUSDOLLARS, 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment and alternative transportation in BONUSDOLLARS and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases in BONUSDOLLARS
-
20% BONUSDOLLARS® bonus for Desjardins members
-
Mobile device insurance included
-
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Supplementary card fee
-
No sign-up bonus
-
Limited lounge access
Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard welcome bonus
The Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard does not currently offer a welcome bonus for new accounts.
How to earn rewards with Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard
One thing that makes the Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard appealing is the fact that its rewards structure is easy to understand. Cardholders earn the following on all purchases:
- Get 3% cash back on your groceries in BONUSDOLLARS (up to $10,000).
- Get 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, and alternative transportation in BONUSDOLLARS (up to $6,000).
- Get 1.5% cash back on all other purchases in BONUSDOLLARS.
If you’re a Desjardin Credit Union member, you get a special additional perk of 20% BONUSDOLLARS® (up to $200) on any annual BONUSDOLLARS® you’ve earned for the year. To qualify, you must pay at least the minimum payment listed on your credit card statement every month.
How to redeem rewards with Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard
BONUSDOLLARS® act like cash back and can be used to redeem travel, show tickets, financial products, and merchandise. If you’re redeeming for travel, you don’t need to go through a specific portal. That means you can simply charge any travel purchases to your Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard and then have the points applied to your credit card statement. There are no blackout dates and you can even use your BONUSDOLLARS® to pay for public transportation passes.
What’s also unique about BONUSDOLLARS® is that you can use them to purchase a variety of financial products or services as long as they’re with Desjardins. That means you can use your BONUSDOLLARS® to top up your RRSP, RESP, or TFSA, pay for any home or auto insurance, or even pay down your mortgage.
The Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard insurance benefits
The Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard easily ranks as one of the best travel insurance credit cards in Canada.
- Emergency medical: This insurance provides up to $5 million in coverage for 60 days if you're 64 and under.
- Trip cancellation insurance: You have up to $2,500 in coverage, per person.
- Trip interruption insurance: You have up to $2,500 per person if the trip is cancelled before departure and unlimited coverage if the trip is cancelled after the departure date.
- Common carrier accident: You have up to $1 million in coverage.
- Baggage insurance: You can get up to $1,000 per person for theft or damage or delays.
- Purchase protection and extended warranty: This covers the loss or damage of items for 90 days from the purchase date.
- Auto rental collision/loss damage insurance: This coverage is for up $65,000.
Other benefits of the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard
Besides its comprehensive travel insurance, the Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard has a few additional benefits that further justify its annual fee for some Canadians:
- Airport lounge access: Access to Desjardins Odyssey Lounges.
- Wifi perks: Stay connected with over 1 million Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide. Sign up on the Mastercard website for complimentary access to this network.
- Special experiences: Discover exclusive experiences near you, worldwide, and online through Mastercard's Priceless.com. Create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.
What people say about the Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard
"I had 3 BMO ccs too much hassle, so I moved to Desjardins cashback WE and never look back, every other month I got $100 cash back."
virtual007
RedFlagDeals user virtual007 explains they consistently receive cash back rewards with the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard, easily offsetting the card's annual fee and saving money in the process. This exemplifies the financial advantages of owning a high-quality cash back credit card.
How the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard compares
Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard vs Tangerine Money-Back Visa
$484
First Year Value
$384
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get a bonus 10% cash back for the first 2 months – up to $100. Plus, a 1.95% promotional balance transfer interest rate for the first 6 months.
Get this card if you...
-
want flexible cash back categories
-
want unlimited cash back
-
want to avoid paying an annual fee
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
19.95% - 24.95%
Purchase
19.95%
Cash Advance
1.95% - 19.95%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a no-annual-fee cash back card that allows cardholders to earn a higher cash back rate in two spending categories of their choice, such as groceries, gas, or restaurants, and a lower rate on all other purchases. By opening a Tangerine Savings Account and directing cash back earnings there, a third higher rate cash back category can be added. Additional benefits include purchase assurance and extended warranty protection, with cash back rewards automatically applied monthly.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
-
Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
-
Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
-
Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
-
1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
-
Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
-
Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
-
Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
-
Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Annual Interest Rates
19.95% - 24.95%
Purchase
19.95%
Cash Advance
1.95% - 19.95%
Balance Transfer
1.95%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
24.95%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$3.5
Cash Advance
$25
Over The Limit Penalty
$25
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Get a bonus 10% cash back – up to $100. Applies to purchases in your first 2 months. Plus, a 1.95% promotional balance transfer interest rate for the first 6 months.
Our Take
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a no-annual-fee cash back card that allows cardholders to earn a higher cash back rate in two spending categories of their choice, such as groceries, gas, or restaurants, and a lower rate on all other purchases. By opening a Tangerine Savings Account and directing cash back earnings there, a third higher rate cash back category can be added. Additional benefits include purchase assurance and extended warranty protection, with cash back rewards automatically applied monthly.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
-
Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
-
Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
-
Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
-
1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
-
Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
-
Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
-
Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
-
Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Annual Interest Rates
19.95% - 24.95%
Purchase
19.95%
Cash Advance
1.95% - 19.95%
Balance Transfer
1.95%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
24.95%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$3.5
Cash Advance
$25
Over The Limit Penalty
$25
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Get a bonus 10% cash back – up to $100. Applies to purchases in your first 2 months. Plus, a 1.95% promotional balance transfer interest rate for the first 6 months.
If you'd like to avoid paying an annual fee on your credit card and still enjoy cash back rewards, you can consider the Tangerine Money-Back Visa card. With this card, you enjoy 2% back on two categories of your choice and 0.5% cash back on all other purchases. Best of all, there's no spending cap!
But it's important to note that the Tangerine Money-Back Visa card just comes with basic insurance coverage like extended warranty and purchase protection. If you'd like more comprehensive insurance benefits and airport lounge access, the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard is a winner.
Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard vs Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
up to $1,300* value
Welcome Bonus
$926
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points* Expires Jul 01, 2025
Get this card if you...
-
travel often and want premium travel perks like lounge access
-
want to avoid paying foreign exchange fees
-
appreciate a good welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$150
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated Scene+ points on eligible grocery store purchases, dining, entertainment, and daily transit, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from no foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Scene+
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Insurance Benefits
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,300 in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*.
Potential First Year Value = up to $1,345 |
Our Take
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated Scene+ points on eligible grocery store purchases, dining, entertainment, and daily transit, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from no foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Scene+
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Insurance Benefits
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,300 in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*.
Potential First Year Value = up to $1,345 |
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a great travel rewards credit card. This card allows you to earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating co-ops and 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options. As well as, 1x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases. Actual offers, savings and rewards earned will depend on individual card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply*.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card also comes with airport lounge access, giving you 6 annual passes through the Visa Airport Companion. The insurance coverage is pretty similar to the Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard, but the Scotiabank card also includes hotel/motel burglary insurance. If you love watching movies at Cineplex, you can also use your Scotiabank SCENE rewards for free movie tickets.
Disclosures:
- Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card to learn more. *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard vs American Express Cobalt Card
up to 15,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$679.02
First Year Value
$529.02
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
Get this card if you...
-
quickly rack up rewards on dining and grocery purchases
-
want a flexible rewards program with travel rewards
-
want access to exclusive events and robust travel insurance
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$155.88
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$155.88
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$155.88
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
The American Express Cobalt Card is a great all-rounder! It comes with comprehensive travel insurance and a great rewards earn rate. The rewards reception is also very flexible as you can transfer your Amex Membership reward points to your other travel loyalty programs like Aeroplan and Flying Blue. The annual of is also broken up monthly which makes it a bit affordable. It's important to note that some Canadian retailers in Canada do not accept Amex cards. Here's where Amex is accepted in Canada.
| Card | Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard | American Express Cobalt Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $130 | $155.88 ($12.99/month) |
| Benefits | Get 3% cash back on your groceries in BONUSDOLLARS, 2% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, and alternative transportation in BONUSDOLLARS and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases in BONUSDOLLARS | Earn 5x points per $1 spent on food and groceries, 3x points on eligible streaming subscriptions, 2x the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada. Plus, 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online. |
| Insurance | Out of province/emergency medical, trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance, common carrier accident, baggage insurance | Out of province/country emergency medical insurance, travel accident, flight delay, lost luggage, hotel burglary, rental car insurance, mobile device insurance |
| Review | You are already reading it! | Amex Cobalt Card Review |
| Apply Now | Apply Now | Apply Now |
Disclosures:
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Is the Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard worth it?
If you value travel insurance or you’re already a Desjardins client, you may want to seriously consider the Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard. The annual fee of $130 is easily off-set by the combined value of the card’s rewards accrual rates, lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance package and mobile device insurance.
Eligibility requirements
The Desjardins Odyssey® World Elite® Mastercard has fairly steep eligibility requirements, which is understandable given the impressive rewards and perks it provides:
- 1.
Must be of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live
- 2.
$80,000 (personal) or $150,000 (household) income required
- 3.
Fair credit
Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who makes frequent media appearances. When he's not educating people on how to be smarter with money, he's earning and burning miles and points for luxury travel.
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