The Amex Cobalt is a good alternative to gold. It's cheaper ($13/month, but GCR has a $120 rebate on now) and earns 5x points on dining and groceries. You also get a 20,000 MR sign-up bonus when you spend $3000. Plus for the first year, you get an extra 2500 MR for each month you spend $500. Points can be transferred 1 to 1 to Aeroplan or to Marriott at a rate of 1 MR to 1.2 Bonvoy.