Scotiabank

by Anshul
a woman sitting on a rock looking at the valley

Scotiabank – An introduction

Scotiabank continues to be a trusted partner for millions of Canadian households, offering a wide range of banking and financial services. Among the many services, their credit cards stand out for flexibility, rewards, and tailored benefits. Whether you’re a frequent traveller, a cashback enthusiast, or enjoy dining out and entertainment, Scotiabank has a credit card to suit your lifestyle. A key feature of many Scotiabank credit cards is the Scene+ points program. This innovative loyalty program allows cardholders to earn points on everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for various rewards. Scene+ points can be used for travel, entertainment, dining, and even at partner retailers. The program’s flexibility and wide range of redemption options make it a popular choice for those looking to maximize the value of their spending.

Scotiabank Gold American Express Card – Apply Now 

It is one of the strongest travel cards in Canada and offers the highest returns on groceries, dining, and entertainment. This would be it if you had to pick one Scotia card to supercharge your Scene+ points. Scotia is the only major bank that saves you 2.5% on foreign transaction fees.

Scotiabank Credit Cards

    • Annual Fee: $120 First Year Annual fee waived
    • Welcome Bonus: 45,000 bonus Scene+ points (Apply by December 31, 2024)
      • 25,000 points with $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
      • 20,000 points with $7,500 in everyday eligible purchases in the first year of Cardmembership
    • Earning Rate:
      • 6X at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, and more
      • 5X on other Grocery stores, Dining and Entertainment (Canada only)
      • 3X Gas, Daily Transit, Select Streaming Services (Canada only)
      • 1X on all other purchases
    • Other Key Benefits:

A detailed list of benefits and perks of the Card is listed here

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite – Apply Now 

Dubbed the best No Foreign Transaction fee card in Canada, this Visa card is fast becoming a travel favourite because of its worldwide acceptance. With complimentary lounge access and the ability to earn points on everyday spending, it’s easy to see why the Card enjoys the accolades it does.

Scotiabank Passport

    • Annual Fee: $150
    • Welcome Bonus: 35,000 bonus Scene+ points (Apply by December 31, 2024);
      • 25,000 points with at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in the first 3 months.
      • 10,000 points with at least $40,000 in everyday net eligible purchases annually.
    • Earning Rate:
      • 3X at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, and more
      • 2X on other eligible grocery, dining, entertainment and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more)
      • 1X on all other purchases
    • Other Key Benefits:
      • Foreign currency purchases, whether made online or outside Canada, do not incur an FX markup; only the exchange rate applies.
      • Complimentary Priority Pass™ membership, plus 6 free visits per year from the date of enrollment
      • Comprehensive Travel and shopping Insurance coverage

A detailed list of benefits and perks of the Card is listed here

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card – Apply Now

A premium travel credit card in the Scotia portfolio that offers an elevated 2X earn on all purchases (without restrictions), along with complimentary lounge access, no foreign transaction fees, and comprehensive travel insurance.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express

    • Annual Fee:
      • Primary Card: $399/year
      • Supplementary Card: $99/year
    • Welcome Bonus:
      • 60,000 bonus Scene+ points (Apply by October 31, 2025);
        • 50,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months
        • 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $10,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 14 months
    • Earning Rate:
      • 2X Scene+ points for every $1 spent on ALL eligible purchases
    • Other Key Benefits:
      • No FX markup: Foreign Currency Conversion Fee of 0%
      • Airport Lounge Access – Priority Pass™ and Plaza Premium lounges
        • Primary cardholders get 10 free visits per year from the date of enrolment
        • Supplementary cardholders get 4 free visits per year from the date of enrolment
      • Comprehensive Travel and shopping Insurance coverage
        • Travel Emergency Medical Insurance
        • Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
        • Flight Delay Insurance
        • Rental Car Collision Loss/Damage Insurance
        • Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance
        • Travel Accident Insurance
        • Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance
        • Mobile Device Insurance
        • Purchase Security & Extended Warranty Protection

A detailed list of benefits and perks of the Card is listed here

Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card – Apply Now

Last but not least, the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite card is hands down the best cashback card in Canada. No annual fees and 10% cashback on all purchases (up to $2000 in purchases) for the first three months make this a must-have card for all households.  After that, this card is a powerhouse for household expenses, with a 4% cash back on groceries, bill payments, and subscription payments and a 2% cash back on gas and daily transit.

Scotiabank Credit Cards

 

    • Annual Fee: $120 First Year Annual fee waived
    • Welcome Bonus: 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases) (Apply by June 30, 2025)
    • Earning Rate:
      • 4% on Groceries (incl. Supermarket), Recurring Bills, and Subscription payments ($25k annual limit)
      • 2% on Gas, Daily Transit ($25k annual limit)
      • 1% on all other eligible everyday purchases

Scotiabank Credit Cards

    • Insurance Coverage:
      • Travel Emergency medical coverage for persons under 65
      • Trip Interruption
      • Trip Cancellation
      • Flight Delay
      • Delayed or Lost Luggage
      • Rental Car Collision/Lost Damage
      • Extended Warranty
      • Purchase Security
      • Mobile Device Insurance

Note: The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite cashback program is an annual program. The amount earned under the Cash Back Bonus Rate is credited within 7 months from the account opening date. Regular Cash Back accumulates each month and is awarded at the end of each 12-month period directly (November) into an Eligible Account or as a credit on the statement.

A detailed list of benefits and perks of the Card is listed here

Redeeming Scene+ points

If I had to describe Scene+ points in one word, it would be Flexible. Members can use the points towards travel, statement credits, or to purchase gift cards. I exclusively use my Scene+ points for travel because it allows me to book with any provider without restrictions and redeem my points toward the transaction.

    • Book directly through Scene+ Rewards® Travel Service (a full-service travel agency): 1 cent a piece, 10,000 points for $100, and so on.
    • Book with ANY Travel Provider:  Apply points at 1 cent a piece (10,000 points = $100)
    • Redeem as Statement Credit: Redemption value can range from 0.6-0.8 cents per point.
    • Redeem for gift cards, prepaid cards or other merchandise