How to Sell Amex Cobalt Points: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Want to convert your Amex Cobalt MR Select points to cash? This detailed walkthrough shows you exactly how to sell Cobalt points in Canada, including the simple Aeroplan conversion step that confuses many cardholders.
Quick Process Summary
Step 1: Link your Aeroplan account in Amex portal (one-time setup)
Step 2: Transfer MR Select to Aeroplan at 1:1 ratio (instant)
Step 3: Get your cash quote from Mega Miles Broker
Step 4: Complete the Aeroplan Family Sharing transfer
Step 5: Receive payment via Interac e-Transfer (24-48 hours)
Timeline: 1-3 days total | Current rates: $0.011-0.015 CAD per point
Understanding the Cobalt Points Limitation
If you've tried to sell your Amex Cobalt points and felt confused, you're not alone. The Cobalt Card earns Membership Rewards Select (MR Select) points, not regular Membership Rewards points. This matters because of one key limitation:
MR Select Can ONLY Transfer to Aeroplan
Unlike regular Amex MR points (from Platinum or Gold cards), Cobalt's MR Select points can only transfer to two partners: Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy. They cannot be pooled with other Amex cardholders or transferred to British Airways, Cathay Pacific, or other airline programs.
The good news: This doesn't prevent you from selling your Cobalt points for cash. It just means there's one simple extra step—converting your MR Select to Aeroplan points first (at a perfect 1:1 ratio), then selling those Aeroplan points through the normal process.
The Solution: Convert First, Sell Second
Cobalt MR Select
50,000 points
Aeroplan
50,000 points (1:1)
Cash (CAD)
$550-$750
This guide walks you through every single step of the process with screenshots descriptions, timelines, and troubleshooting tips. By the end, you'll have cash in your bank account and complete clarity on how it all works.
Before You Start: What You'll Need
Gather these items before beginning the process to ensure a smooth transaction:
Active Amex Cobalt Card
Your card must be open and in good standing. If you're planning to cancel, complete this entire process BEFORE closing the account.
Aeroplan Account Number
Free to create at aeroplan.com if you don't have one. You'll need your 9-digit Aeroplan member number.
Minimum 25,000-50,000 Points
Most brokers require this minimum to make the transaction economically viable ($275-$750 value).
Canadian Bank Account
For receiving Interac e-Transfer payment. Must match the name on your Amex account.
10-15 Minutes of Time
The actual transfer processes are quick, but allow time to carefully follow each step.
Link Your Aeroplan Account to Amex
This is a one-time setup that takes about 2 minutes. You're telling American Express which Aeroplan account should receive your transferred MR Select points.
Detailed Instructions:
Log into your American Express Canada account
Visit amex.ca and sign in with your username and password
Navigate to Membership Rewards
Look for the "Membership Rewards" tab in the main navigation, or scroll down to the points summary section on your dashboard
Click "Transfer to Partners" or "Use Points"
You'll see options to use your MR Select points for various redemptions. Select the transfer option.
Select Aeroplan as your transfer partner
Click on the Aeroplan logo. You should see "Transfer Ratio: 1:1" and "Transfer Speed: Instant"
Enter your Aeroplan member number
This is your 9-digit Aeroplan account number. Double-check for accuracy—an incorrect number will send points to the wrong account (irreversible).
Save the account link
Amex will save this Aeroplan account for future transfers. You won't need to re-enter it.
Pro Tip:
The Aeroplan account MUST be in the same name as your Amex Cobalt Card. Amex will verify this and reject transfers to accounts with different names.
Don't Have an Aeroplan Account?
No problem. Visit aeroplan.com and click "Join Now" (top right corner). Account creation is free and takes 3-5 minutes. You'll receive your 9-digit member number immediately after registration.
Make sure to register using the exact same name as appears on your Amex Cobalt Card for transfer compatibility.
Transfer MR Select Points to Aeroplan
Now that your Aeroplan account is linked, you'll transfer your Cobalt points at a perfect 1:1 ratio. This transfer is typically instant.
Transfer Ratio
1:1
10,000 MR Select = 10,000 Aeroplan
Processing Time
Instant
Usually appears in seconds
No Fees
$0
Free transfer service
Transfer Steps:
Return to Membership Rewards transfer page
Same location as Step 1. Your linked Aeroplan account should now appear.
Select the amount of points to transfer
Enter the number of MR Select points you want to convert. Most brokers have minimums of 25,000-50,000 points.
Verify the 1:1 conversion ratio
Amex will show you exactly how many Aeroplan points you'll receive. It should be identical to your MR Select amount (e.g., 50,000 MR Select = 50,000 Aeroplan).
Review and confirm the transfer
Double-check the Aeroplan account number, point amount, and that you have sufficient MR Select balance.
Click "Transfer Points" or "Confirm"
The transfer typically processes instantly. You should see confirmation on screen within seconds.
Verify receipt in your Aeroplan account
Log into aeroplan.com and check your points balance. The transferred points should appear within minutes (sometimes instantly).
CRITICAL: This Transfer is Irreversible
Once you transfer MR Select to Aeroplan, you CANNOT reverse it back to Amex points. Only transfer the points after you've agreed to a quote with your broker and are committed to completing the sale. Do not transfer "just to see" if points arrive.
What if the Transfer Doesn't Appear Instantly?
While most Amex to Aeroplan transfers are instant, occasional delays can occur (especially during high-traffic periods). If you don't see your points within 15 minutes, wait 24 hours before contacting Amex support. 99% of "delayed" transfers complete within a few hours.
Get Your Cash Quote from Mega Miles Broker
Now that your points are in Aeroplan, you'll request a quote to see exactly how much cash you'll receive.
Current Aeroplan Cash Rates (February 2026)
25,000-100,000 pts
1.1-1.3¢
per point
100,000-500,000 pts
1.3-1.5¢
per point
500,000+ pts
1.5-1.55¢
per point
Example: If you transferred 50,000 Cobalt points to Aeroplan, you can expect approximately $550-$750 CAD in cash.
How to Request Your Quote:
Visit the Mega Miles Broker quote form
Navigate to our sell page or use the button below
Select "Aeroplan" as your loyalty program
Since you've already converted your Cobalt MR Select to Aeroplan, you're now selling Aeroplan points
Enter your Aeroplan points quantity
Input the number of points that just transferred from Amex (the amount now showing in your Aeroplan account)
Provide your contact information
Email and phone number so we can send your personalized quote
Receive your quote within 24 hours
We'll email you the exact CAD amount you'll receive, along with next-step instructions
Quote Validity Period:
Quotes are typically valid for 48-72 hours. Market rates fluctuate based on supply and demand, so if you wait several days, you may need to request an updated quote. Lock in your rate by accepting the offer quickly.
Complete the Aeroplan Transfer
Once you accept the quote, you'll transfer your Aeroplan points to our account using Aeroplan's Family Sharing feature. This is a legitimate Aeroplan program that allows point transfers between accounts.
Important Note About Family Sharing:
Aeroplan's Family Sharing allows you to pool points with up to 8 people. When selling points, you're adding the broker's account to your "family," transferring points, then removing them. This is a normal use of the feature and complies with Aeroplan's terms for personal point management.
Aeroplan Family Sharing Transfer Process:
We'll provide detailed step-by-step instructions when you accept your quote. Here's the general process:
Log into your Aeroplan account
Visit aeroplan.com and sign in
Navigate to Family Sharing settings
Usually found under "My Account" or "Manage Points"
Add the broker's Aeroplan account to your family
We'll provide the specific Aeroplan member number to add. This creates a temporary "family" connection.
Transfer points to the designated account
Select "Share Points" or "Transfer to Family Member" and enter the agreed-upon point amount
Confirm the transfer
Review all details and confirm. Aeroplan Family Sharing transfers typically process within 24-48 hours.
Notify Mega Miles Broker
Send us a quick confirmation email or message so we can monitor for the points arrival
Processing Timeline
Aeroplan Family Sharing transfers typically complete within 24-48 hours. Peak periods (weekends, holidays) may see slight delays up to 72 hours.
Transfer Confirmation
You'll receive an email from Aeroplan confirming the transfer completion. We'll also confirm receipt on our end and initiate your payment.
First Time Using Family Sharing?
Don't worry—we provide screenshot guides and live support to walk you through the entire Aeroplan Family Sharing process. Our team has helped thousands of Canadians complete this exact transfer. Learn more about how it works.
Receive Your Payment
The final step! Once we confirm receipt of your Aeroplan points, we'll send your payment via secure Interac e-Transfer.
Payment Details:
Payment Method
Interac e-Transfer
Direct to your Canadian bank account
Payment Timeline
24-48 hours
After transfer confirmation
What Happens Next:
We verify the Aeroplan points arrived in our account (usually within 24-48 hours of your transfer)
We send you an Interac e-Transfer to the email address you provided (must match your Aeroplan account name)
You receive an email notification from your bank with instructions to accept the e-Transfer
Log into your online banking and accept/deposit the transfer (funds appear instantly)
Transaction complete—your former Cobalt points are now cash in your bank account
Payment Security:
Interac e-Transfer is Canada's most trusted digital payment method, processed through your bank's secure infrastructure. The email address you provide must match the name on your Aeroplan account for fraud prevention. All transactions are trackable and reversible if any issues arise.
Congratulations!
You've successfully converted your Amex Cobalt MR Select points to cash. Typical total timeline from start to finish: 2-4 days.
Complete Timeline: Start to Cash
Link Aeroplan Account
2 minutesTransfer MR Select → Aeroplan
Instant to 1 hourReceive Quote
Up to 24 hoursFamily Sharing Transfer
24-48 hoursPayment Received
24-48 hours after Step 4Total Timeline:
2-4 Days
Most transactions complete within 3 business days from initial Aeroplan link to cash in your bank account.
What Are Your Cobalt Points Worth?
Current Aeroplan market rates determine your Cobalt point cash value (since you convert MR Select to Aeroplan first):
Cash Value Calculator
25,000 Cobalt Points
$275-$390
After 1:1 transfer to Aeroplan
50,000 Cobalt Points
$550-$775
After 1:1 transfer to Aeroplan
100,000 Cobalt Points
$1,100-$1,550
After 1:1 transfer to Aeroplan
200,000 Cobalt Points
$2,200-$3,100
After 1:1 transfer to Aeroplan
ROI Analysis:
The Amex Cobalt annual fee is $156/year ($12.99/month). If you sell just 15,000-25,000 Cobalt points per year, you've already covered the card's cost. Everything beyond that is pure profit, making Cobalt one of Canada's highest-value earning cards even when selling points.
Common Questions About Selling Cobalt Points
Should I keep some Cobalt points or sell everything?
If you're keeping your Cobalt card active and plan to use Aeroplan for travel in the next 6-12 months, consider keeping 25,000-50,000 points for redemptions. If you're cancelling the card or don't have concrete travel plans, sell all your points to avoid expiration.
What's the best time to sell Cobalt points?
Rates are relatively stable year-round, with slight increases during peak travel planning seasons (January-March for summer travel). The "best" time is when you've accumulated enough points to meet broker minimums (25,000-50,000) or when you're planning to cancel your card. Read more in our guide: Best time to sell loyalty points.
Can I sell my Cobalt welcome bonus points?
Yes. Cobalt's welcome bonus (typically 40,000-50,000 points after meeting minimum spend) can be sold just like regular earned points. Many cardholders sign up specifically to earn the welcome bonus, sell it for $440-$775 cash, then decide whether to keep the card based on their spending patterns.
Will selling points affect my credit score?
No. Transferring and selling loyalty points has zero impact on your credit score. Your credit report doesn't track point balances or redemptions. Only opening/closing credit cards and payment history affect your credit score.
Pro Tips for Selling Cobalt Points
Accumulate Before Selling
Wait until you have at least 50,000-100,000 points before selling. Larger quantities command better per-point rates and make the process more worthwhile. With Cobalt's 5x earning on groceries/dining, this only takes a few months of normal spending.
Maximize Monthly Earning Potential
Cobalt earns 5x on the first $30,000 per year on eats and drinks (groceries, restaurants, bars, food delivery). That's 150,000 points/year worth $1,650-$2,325 when sold—nearly 10x the $156 annual fee.
Combine with Welcome Bonus Strategy
Sign up for Cobalt during a strong welcome bonus offer (50,000+ points), earn the bonus over 3-6 months, sell immediately for $550-$775 cash, then evaluate if the card fits your long-term strategy. This essentially gives you a paid trial period.
Keep 5,000-10,000 Points as Buffer
If you're keeping your Cobalt card active, leave a small point balance (5,000-10,000) for occasional small redemptions or as emergency travel funds. Sell everything else for cash.
Understand Card Cancellation Timing
If cancelling your Cobalt, complete the entire selling process (including receiving payment) BEFORE contacting Amex to close your account. Points are forfeited immediately upon card closure with no grace period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I sell Cobalt points directly to a broker?
Amex Cobalt earns MR Select points, which can only transfer to Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy (not to other people's Amex accounts). Brokers need airline points to resell, so you first transfer your MR Select to Aeroplan (1:1, instant), then sell those Aeroplan points. This adds just 2 minutes to the process and doesn't reduce your cash value.
Is the MR Select to Aeroplan transfer reversible?
No. Once you transfer MR Select points to Aeroplan, the transfer is permanent and cannot be reversed. This is why it's critical to confirm your quote and agree to terms with your broker BEFORE initiating the Aeroplan transfer.
How long does the entire process take from start to cash?
Total timeline is 1-3 days: Step 1 (MR Select to Aeroplan) takes seconds to process instantly. Step 2 (get quote) takes up to 24 hours. Step 3 (transfer Aeroplan via Family Sharing) takes 24-48 hours to process. Step 4 (receive payment) happens within 24 hours after transfer confirms. Most transactions complete in 48-72 hours total.
What's the minimum amount of Cobalt points I can sell?
Most Canadian brokers require a minimum of 25,000-50,000 points. At current rates ($0.011-0.015 per point), this translates to approximately $275-$750 CAD. Smaller amounts aren't economically viable due to processing time and coordination costs.
Will this process close my Amex Cobalt account?
No. Transferring MR Select points to Aeroplan is a normal, legitimate feature of the Cobalt card. Your card remains open and active. However, if you're planning to CANCEL your Cobalt card, you must complete this entire process BEFORE cancelling, as points are forfeited immediately upon card closure.
Do I have to link my Aeroplan account permanently?
Once you link your Aeroplan account in the Amex Membership Rewards portal, it stays linked for future transfers. This is actually convenient—if you accumulate more Cobalt points later, you can transfer them to Aeroplan instantly without re-entering account details.
Have more questions? Check our comprehensive FAQ page or contact us directly.
Related Resources
Mega Miles Broker Team
Points Brokerage Specialists
Loyalty points experts with 10+ years experience and 10,000+ transactions since 2014.