Best Scotiabank Credit Cards In Canada

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• Summary of the best Scotiabank credit cards
• How Scotiabank credit cards work
• How to get a Scotiabank credit card
• FAQs about Scotiabank credit cards

8 of the best Scotiabank credit cards

Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card

• Annual Fee
  $120

  Open a new Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* credit card account by April 30, 2023 to qualify.

  Waived first year
• Interest Rates
  20.99% / 22.99%

  20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
• Rewards Rate
  1%-10%

  10% intro offer (Ends April 30, 2023), Earn 4% for every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments, and subscription purchases. Earn 2% for every $1 you spend on gas purchases and daily transit purchases. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit.
• Intro Offer
  Up to $200

  Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first three months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). Must open a new account by April 30, 2023.

Apply Now

Our Take

Why we like it

Earn up to $1,000 in cash back on grocery shopping and recurring bill payments with a 4% rewards rate in both categories.

Pros

• It’s rare for a credit card to offer 4% cash back on two major spending categories. It’s even rarer to set a $25,000 annual limit to that 4% — a $1,000 value — before reverting to the healthy 1% base rate.
• You can waive the $120 annual fee every single year by using the Scotiabank Ultimate Package.

Cons

• The cash back earned is hands-off. You have to wait until November, and then it’s only redeemable as a statement credit. If you have a Scotiabank account, that annual payout can be deposited into your bank account.
• The 4% rate won’t mean much to you if you don’t buy a lot of groceries or often buy your food at somewhere that Visa doesn’t classify as a grocery store or supermarket, such as Canadian Tire, FreshCo, London Drugs, Walmart and No Frills.

Product Details

• SPECIAL OFFER: Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). No annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards. Offer ends April 30, 2023.
• Earn 4% for every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments, and subscription purchases.
• Earn 2% for every $1 you spend on gas purchases and daily transit purchases.
• Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit.
• Redeem cash back as a statement credit in November.
• Visa Infinite benefits, including Visa Infinite* Concierge, Visa Infinite* Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite* Dining Series, and entertainment and lifestyle offers.
• Save up to 25% off base rates at participating AVIS locations and at participating Budget locations in Canada and the U.S.
• Access to Scotia SelectPay™.
• To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required, or $250,000 minimum assets under management. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

• Annual Fee
  $120

  Must open an account by April 30, 2023. Get an additional annual fee waiver by using the Scotiabank Preferred Package or Ultimate Package.

  Waived first year
• Interest Rates
  20.99% / 22.99%

  20.99% on purchases. 22.99% on cash advances.
• Rewards Rate
  1x-6x Points

  Earn 6X Scene+ points for each $1 CAD charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op. Earn 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible grocery stores, restaurants, fast food, and drinking establishments. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions. Earn 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre, and ticket agencies. Earn 3X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subway, and more. Earn 1X Scene+ point for every $1 spent on every other purchase.
• Intro Offer
  Up to 45,000 Points

  To qualify for the 45,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: 1. Earn 25,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. 2. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $7,500 in everyday eligible purchases in your first year. Offer ends April 30, 2023.

Apply Now

Our Take

Why we like it

Not only does the Scotiabank Gold American Express card reward you with impressive rates in six popular spending categories, but it also comes with no foreign exchange fees.

Pros

• No foreign exchange fee on any foreign currency purchases while travelling abroad or shopping online — you just have to pay the exchange rate.

Cons

• The bonus rewards rates drop down to the 1x flat rate after a $50,000 annual spend. This sounds like a lot, but much of your daily spending is probably included in the six bonus categories, so you might hit the limit faster than you’d think.
• Your points will expire if you don’t use them within 12 months of the purchase date.

Product Details

• Earn up to $850* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived¹ . Offer ends April 30, 2023.
• You will not pay 2.5% foreign transaction fees on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when travelling abroad. Only the exchange rate applies.
• Earn 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible grocery stores, restaurants, fast food, and drinking establishments. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
• Earn 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre, and ticket agencies.
• Earn 3X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subway, and more.
• Earn 1X Scene+ point for every $1 spent on every other purchase.
• You’ll earn 6X Scene+ points for each $1 CAD charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
• You must redeem a minimum of 5,000 points per travel-related rewards redemption, equivalent to $50 in travel savings. Points must be redeemed within 12 months of the purchase date.
• Discounted Priority Pass™ membership, which grants you access to over 1200 VIP lounges around the world.
• Score deals on shopping, dining, travel and more with Amex Offers®, and experience special events and discounts with American Express Invites®.
• Access to Amex Front Of The Line® presale and reserved tickets.
• To be eligible, $12,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card

• Annual Fee
  $399
• Interest Rates
  9.99%

  9.99% on purchases and cash advances.
• Rewards Rate
  2x Points

  Earn 2X Scene+™ points for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.
• Intro Offer
  Up to 60,000 Points

  To qualify for the 60,000 bonus Scene+ points: 1. Earn 50,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. 2. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $10,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 14 months. Offer ends April 30, 2023.

Apply Now

Our Take

Why we like it

With low rates and a generous rewards program, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express card is a unicorn for frequent travellers seeking luxury perks, premier travel benefits and exceptional interest rates on purchases and cash advances.

Pros

• Low interest rates, no foreign transaction fees, and an impressive insurance package that includes comprehensive travel insurance coverage and newly-added mobile device insurance.
• Luxury travel privileges include 10 free VIP airport lounge visits per year with a complimentary Priority Pass membership.

Cons

• The $399 annual fee is quite a bit higher than other rewards cards, but frequent travellers seeking a low rate on purchases and cash advances can easily make the yearly cost worthwhile.

Product Details

• Earn up to $2,100* in value in your first 14 months, including up to 60,000* bonus Scene+ points. Offer ends April 30, 2023.
• You will not pay 2.5% foreign transaction fees on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when travelling abroad. Only the exchange rate applies.
• Earn 2X Scene+™ points for every $1 CAD you spend on all your eligible purchases.
• Scene+ points can be redeemed for travel purchase, merchandise and other non-travel rewards such as gift cards and prepaid cards.
• You must redeem a minimum of 5,000 points per travel-related rewards redemption, equivalent to $50 in travel savings. Points must be redeemed within 12 months of the purchase date.
• $399 annual fee.
• Redeem points for any flight, any time through Scene+ Travel, a full-service travel agency. Plus, take advantage of a best price guarantee on airfare.
• Get a Hertz #1 Club Gold membership for special privileges and rental car benefits at over 8,500 locations in 147 countries.
• Enjoy culinary events and experiences, entertainment, luxury fashion, tours, and more through American Express benefits, including American Express Invites, Platinum VIP offers and access to 24/7 premium concierge services for restaurant reservations, show tickets, and gift purchases.
• Lounge access at over 600 VIP airport lounges around the world with a complimentary Priority Pass membership, which includes 10 free visits per year.
• 12 types of insurance provided, including 31-day travel medical benefits — up to $2 million in coverage — for you, your spouse and any dependent children under the age of 65. 10-day coverage available for those over the age of 65.
• Preferred rates: 9.99% for purchases, 9.99% for cash advances.
• To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card

• Annual Fee
  $150

  Offer Ends April 30, 2023.

  Waived first year
• Interest Rates
  20.99% / 22.99%

  20.99% on purchases. 22.99% on cash advances.
• Rewards Rate
  1x-3x Points

  Earn 3X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés TradItIon, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op. Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more). Earn 1 Scene+ point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
• Intro Offer
  Up to 40,000 Points

  To qualify for the 40,000 bonus Scene+ points: 1. Earn 30,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. 2. Plus, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite cardholder, you are eligible to earn an annual 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $40,000 in everyday net eligible purchases annually. Offer Ends April 30, 2023.

Apply Now

Our Take

Why we like it

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card offers competitive earn rates and easy-to-understand redemption on travel — 1 point equals 1 cent in travel savings.

Pros

• Complimentary Priority Pass membership, with six free airport lounge visits included every year, which is more than typically included with a credit card.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

• The accelerated rate on travel purchases only lasts three months — but you can earn up to 42,500 points, worth $425 in travel savings.
• The annual $1,000 bonus requires you to spend $40,000 per year on everyday spending on the card.

Product Details

• Earn up to $1,320* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived¹. Offer ends 30 April 2023.
• The only major bank credit card offering you no foreign transaction fees, including for shopping online or abroad.
• Your Award Winning Card For Travel.
• Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more).
• Earn 1 Scene+ point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
• You’ll earn 3X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés TradItIon, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
• Airport lounge access through a complimentary Priority Pass™ membership, plus 6 free visits per year from the date of enrollment.
• Visa Infinite* benefits including Visa Infinite Concierge, Visa Infinite* Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite* Dining Series, and Entertainment & Lifestyle Offers.
• Access to Scotia SelectPay™.
• To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required, or a minimum assets under management of $250,000. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Scotiabank Red American Express® Card

• Annual Fee
  $0
• Interest Rates
  19.99% / 22.99%

  19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
• Rewards Rate
  1x-3x Points

  Earn 3X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op. Earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible grocery stores, restaurants, fast food, and drinking establishments. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions. Earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible entertainment, including movies, theatres and ticket agencies Earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subway, and more. Earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible select streaming services. Earn 1X Scene+ point for every $1 spent on every other purchase.
• Intro Offer
  Up to 12,000 Points

  To qualify for the 12,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: 1. Earn 7,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $750 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. 2. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 5,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $5,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first year. Offer Ends April 30, 2023.

Apply Now

Our Take

Why we like it

Use the Scotiabank American Express® Card to earn flexible Scene+ point rewards on everyday spending categories and redeem rewards for travel, entertainment and more.

Pros

• Great earn rates on everyday purchases.
• Includes mobile device insurance.
• Enjoy special offers, experiences and more with American Express Invites.

Cons

• Insurance is limited to mobile device insurance and purchase security & extended warranty protection.

Product Details

• Earn up to 12,000 bonus Scene+™ points in your first year (that’s up to $120 towards travel) – Offer ends April 30, 2023.
• Earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible grocery stores, restaurants, fast food, and drinking establishments. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
• Earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible entertainment, including movies, theatres and ticket agencies.
• Earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subway, and more.
• Earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible select streaming services.
• Earn 1X Scene+ point for every $1 spent on every other purchase.
• You’ll earn 3X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
• Scene+ points can be redeemed for travel purchase, merchandise and other non-travel rewards such as gift cards and prepaid cards.
• No annual fee.
• Enjoy Special Offers, Access and Experiences with American Express Invites®.
• To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card

• Annual Fee
  $0
• Interest Rates
  19.99% / 22.99%

  19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
• Rewards Rate
  1x-2x Points

  Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on credit card purchases at Cineplex™ theatres or at cineplex.com. Earn 2X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà  by IGA, Voilà  by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op. Earn 1x Scene+ point for every $1 you spend on your everyday credit card purchases.
• Intro Offer
  Up to 10,000 Points

  To qualify for the 10,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: 1. Earn 5,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $750 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. 2. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 5,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $5,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first year. Offer ends April 30, 2023.

Apply Now

Our Take

Why we like it

Perfect for movie-goers, you’ll earn Scene+ points on everyday spending and 2x the points each time you make a Cineplex purchase. Points can be redeemed for more than just movie tickets — rewards include merchandise, dining, entertainment, airfare and even hotel stays.

Pros

• No annual fee.
• Earn up to 10,000 Scene points within the first year.
• Flexible point redemption program.

Cons

• Insurance coverage isn’t included — it must be opted into.
• No option to earn cash back.

Product Details

• Earn up to 10,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first year.¹ Offer ends April 30, 2023.
• Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on credit card purchases at Cineplex™ theatres or at cineplex.com
• Earn 1x Scene+ point for every $1 you spend on your everyday credit card purchases.
• You’ll earn 2X Scene+ points for each dollar charged to your account on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà  by IGA, Voilà  by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op. 
• Redeem Scene+™* points for travel, shopping, entertainment, dining, banking, and more.
• As a SCENE®* Visa* Cardholder, you can save up to 25% off base rates at participating AVIS locations and at participating Budget locations in Canada and the U.S. when you pay with your SCENE®* Visa* card.
• No annual fee.
• Preferred rates: 19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
• To be eligible, $12,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* card

• Annual Fee
  $0
• Interest Rates
  19.99% / 22.99%

  19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
• Rewards Rate
  0.5%-1%

  Earn 1% cash back on all eligible gas stations, grocery stores, drug stores purchases and recurring payments. Earn 0.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
• Intro Offer
  Up to $100

  Earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). Must open a new account by April 30, 2023.

Apply Now

Our Take

Why we like it

The Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card doesn’t provide any bells or whistles, but it also doesn’t charge an annual fee, making it an option for people looking to build credit while earning cash back on everyday purchases.

Pros

• No annual fee.
• Benefit from a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months (22.99% after that).
• Earn up to 1% cash back on eligible purchases and recurring bill payments.
• Opportunity to earn 5% cash back for a limited time with new cards opened by April 30, 2023.

Cons

• No premium perks or benefits.
• The balance transfer promotional period cannot be used to transfer a balance from another Scotiabank Account.

Product Details

• Earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). Plus get a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months (22.99% after that, annual fee $0). Offer ends April 30, 2023.
• No annual fee.
• Earn 1% cash back on all eligible gas stations, grocery stores, drug stores purchases and recurring payments.
• Earn 0.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
• Save up to 25% off base rates at participating AVIS locations and at participating Budget locations in Canada and the U.S.
• Preferred rates: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
• To be eligible, $12,000 (individual) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident that is the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
• Terms and Conditions Apply. Click ‘Apply Now’ for complete details.

Scotia Momentum® for Business Visa* Card

• Annual Fee
  $79
• Interest Rates
  19.99% / 22.99%

  19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
• Rewards Rate
  1%-3%

  3% cash back on recurring bill payments and eligible gas station, restaurant and office supply store purchases (maximum spend $50,000). 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
• Intro Offer
  N/A

Our Take

Why we like it

Growing companies should look at the Scotia Momentum for Business Visa card for its low annual fee, impressive introductory rate for balance transfers, and strong cash back earn rate on common business purchases.

Pros

• A low introductory interest rate on balance transfers, plus 25-day interest-free grace periods on new purchases.
• Plenty of opportunities to earn cash back.
• Potential credit limits range from $500 to $100,000.

Cons

• No reward bonuses upon card approval.
• Few perks beyond relatively limited insurance options.
• The 3% cash back only applies to the first $50,000 in eligible purchases.

Product Details

• Intro offer: 2.99% interest rate on balance transfers, Scotia® Credit Card Cheques and cash-like transactions for the first six months (22.99% after that). This rate cannot be used to transfer a balance from another Scotiabank Account, or to make a payment or deposit to another Scotiabank Account. Offer ends January 3, 2023.
• Earn 3% cash back on recurring bill payments and eligible gas station, restaurant and office supply store purchases — up to a maximum spend of $50,000. 1% cash back after that.
• 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
• Cash back rewards can be redeemed as deposits into eligible Scotiabank Canadian Dollar bank accounts or as credits against credit card balances.
• Annual fee: $79 for the primary card and $29 for each supplementary card.
• Credit limit of up to $100,000.
• Insurance offered: out-of province/territory travel emergency medical insurance (up to $1 million each for cardmembers, spouses and dependent children), rental car collision loss/damage insurance (eligible only for rental vehicles valued at less than $65,000), purchase security and extended warranty protection.
• Optional Scotia Business Loan Protection coverage up to $2,000,000.
• Save up to 25% off base rates on car rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations in Canada or the U.S.
• Visa SavingsEdge: receive discounts on business purchases at participating stores.
• Preferred rates: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, including balance transfers and Scotia Credit Card Cheques.

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Summary of the best Scotiabank credit cards

Best Scotiabank Business Credit Cards

Compare business Scotiabank credit card side-by-side and find out the best card that will meet your need with special perks and benefits.

Explore Scotiabank Business Cards

How Scotiabank credit cards work

The Bank of Nova Scotia, commonly known as Scotiabank, is one of Canada’s Big Six banks. Most Scotiabank credit cards are on the Visa or American Express networks and can be used anywhere those brands are accepted.

Some Scotiabank credit cards earn cash back, while others earn points through Scotiabank’s Scene+ rewards program. Scene+ points can be redeemed for travel, dining, groceries, entertainment, gift cards, general merchandise or account credits.

Types of Scotiabank credit cards

Scotiabank offers a wide selection of credit cards for both personal and business use. Most Scotiabank cards earn some form of reward, while others offer benefits like lower interest rates and can be used to build credit.

Scotiabank’s credit cards fall into the following general categories:

• Scotiabank Scene+ rewards cards. Rewards credit cards typically generate points to be used with a bank’s own loyalty program. In Scotiabank’s case, credit card users earn Scene+ points that can be redeemed for a variety of merchandise, including travel purchases. 
• Scotiabank travel credit cards. The bank’s travel cards combine the points-earning feature of many of its rewards cards with added travel perks, like lounge access and insurance coverage.
• Scotiabank cash-back cards. Cash-back credit cards earn cardholders a percentage of the amount spent on eligible purchases. Multiple Scotiabank cash-back cards have “Momentum” in their name.
• Scotiabank student credit cards. Student credit cards generally offer lower interest rates and fees, making them a good option for college and university students who may not have much income to work with. 
• Scotiabank low-interest credit cards. Cards that charge a lower-than-normal interest rate are an option for people who want to minimize debt or are concerned about the cost of carrying a credit card balance.
• Scotiabank U.S. dollar cards. Cards specifically intended for making purchases south of the border can help consumers avoid currency conversion fees. 
• Scotiabank business credit cards. Business credit cards typically offer higher credit limits than personal credit cards, helping business owners cover the cost of operations. Scotiabank’s business credit cards also allow business owners to earn cash back rewards or Scene+ points. 
• Scotiabank credit cards for newcomers. These cards are meant for new arrivals to Canada looking for an opportunity to build credit and get accustomed to the country’s credit card landscape.

Common features of Scotiabank credit cards

Brand affiliations

Most Scotiabank credit cards are either Visa or American Express cards, although the bank does currently provide one cash-back Mastercard.

Scene+ rewards program

Scene+ is Scotiabank’s proprietary rewards program, which it operates with movie theatre chain Cineplex Odeon. While Scene+ points can be collected and redeemed at Cineplex theatres, that’s only part of the program. 

Scene+ points can also be earned at a variety of grocery stores and their associated pharmacies, including large national chains like Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland and FreshCo; and at restaurants like Harvey’s, Swiss Chalet and Montana’s. Rewards can also be earned by booking travel through Scene+ Travel and making online purchases with Scene+ Rakuten.

Scene+ points can be redeemed for merchandise, travel purchases, entertainment experiences and account credits. 

Average interest rates

Most Scotiabank credit cards offer an interest rate of either 19.99% or 20.99% on purchases. But there are some low-interest rate cards that charge between 9.99% and 12.99%. Scotiabank also offers a card for businesses with a variable rate tied to the bank’s prime rate.

With the exception of its low-rate cards, Scotiabank’s credit cards charge an interest rate of 22.99% on cash advances. 

Annual fees vary 

Most Scotiabank credit cards charge an annual fee, which gets paid at the beginning of each year a card is used. Unlike Scotiabank’s credit card interest rates, the fees charged for each of its cards vary wildly.

Here’s how the annual fees break down for the cards included in this round-up.

• Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card: $120
• Scotiabank Gold American Express Card: $120
• Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card: $399
• Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card: $150
• Scotiabank American Express Card: $0
• Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card: $0
• Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card: $0
• Scotia Momentum for Business Card: $79

Additional perks

Some of Scotiabank’s travel-focused cards offer fairly sweet travel perks, like lounge access and no foreign transaction fees. Their Amex cards, like all American Express cards, offer a unique suite of perks, like the Front of the Line program, that aren’t offered elsewhere. 

Opportunities to earn rewards

Scotiabank’s credit cards earn two types of rewards: Scene+ points, which can be redeemed for a variety of products and experiences, and cash back.

Scotiabank’s Scene+ cards’ highest earn rates apply to grocery purchases. The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, for example, earns 6 Scene+ points per dollar spent at some of Canada’s best-known grocery chains. 

Scotiabank’s cash-back cards, most of which have “Momentum” in their names, generally offer earn rates of 2% or lower once their introductory periods expire. One exception is the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card, which offers 4% cash back on groceries, subscriptions and recurring bill payments, and 2% cash back on gas and daily transit purchases.

How to choose the best Scotiabank credit card for you

When choosing any credit card, one of the first things to watch out for are any eligibility requirements you may not be able to satisfy, including those related to age, location, income or your credit score. 

You’ll also want to compare cards based on their:

• Annual fees. Fees vary wildly from card to card, from nothing to hundreds of dollars per year. Cards that charge annual fees tend to offer more valuable perks than those that don’t. You’ll have to decide if the perks and rewards offered justify a card’s annual fee.
• Interest rate. If you generally keep a balance on your card from month to month, it’s worth looking for a card with a lower interest rate.
• Rewards structure. If rewards are a priority when applying for a credit card, you’ll typically have to choose between collecting points or earning cash back. It’s important not to chase rewards by overspending. The interest you wind up paying could overwhelm the value of your rewards.

Who should consider a Scotiabank credit card?

Scotiabank has credit cards on the world’s largest credit card networks and offer a nice selection of reward structures, making them a worthy option for Canadians looking for a convenient way to cover their expenses and earn bonuses. And if you’re already a Scotiabank customer, applying for a card should be easier.

Because many of Scotiabank’s rewards are paid out in Scene+ points, they’ll be most valuable to people who shop at Scene+ partner brands and understand the ins and outs of the program. 

How to get a Scotiabank credit card

1. To apply for a Scotiabank credit card, visit the Scotiabank website, find the card you’re interested in and click “Apply Now”. Applying online should take less than 10 minutes. 
2. Early in the application process, you’ll have to confirm that you are a Canadian resident at least the age of majority in your province and have not declared bankruptcy in the past seven years. You may also have to confirm that you meet a minimum income requirement. 
3. Review your card’s terms and conditions.
4. Enter your personal information. If you’re not already a Scotiabank customer, you’ll need to create a username and a password and verify your identity through your regular financial institution.
5. Provide Scotiabank with additional qualifying details, which typically include employment status and finances, including your annual personal income and monthly housing expenses.
6. Review the information you’ve submitted.
7. Submit your application.

» MORE: How to apply for a credit card

About the Author

Clay Jarvis

Clay Jarvis is NerdWallet’s mortgage and real estate expert in Canada. Thus far, his entire professional writing career has revolved around real estate. Prior to joining NerdWallet, he was the…

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