Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card Review: Is It Worth It?
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card earns Scene+ points and comes with airport lounge passes, insurance coverage and no foreign transaction fees.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeScotiabank’s Platinum Amex doesn’t just offer top-tier travel perks — such as emergency medical coverage and airport lounge access — it also comes with a low 9.99% interest rate on purchases and a flat earn rate of 2x Scene+ points per $1 spent. The high $399 annual fee, however, may be too steep for some users. Best for: Frequent travellers who spend big abroad, want airport lounge access and don’t mind using the Scene+ Travel platform to book travel.
Pros
- Low 9.99% APR.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 10 free airport lounge passes per year.
Cons
- High $399 annual fee.
- Must book through Scene+ Travel platform to earn extra 3x points.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000¹ bonus Scene+ points.
- Plus earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- Mobile Device Insurance coverage
- 10 complimentary Airport Lounge Passes per year
- Platinum VIP Offers+
- American Express Invites®
- Premium Complimentary Concierge Services
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of October 31, 2025. Subject to change.
- *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.
A good fit for travel bugs who frequently spend money overseas.
Not a good fit if a lack of free checked bags or priority boarding is a deal-breaker.
What our Nerds think
"The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card’s high annual fee ($399) requires almost $20,000 in spending per year to earn an equivalent dollar amount in Scene+ points. But the card’s lower interest rate can help offset the annual fee, especially if you’re working to pay down credit card debt or typically carry a balance on your card."
- Clay Jarvis, Lead Writer & Spokesperson
Note: This card is scored as a Travel card, which means 46% of the star rating is based on the card's travel perks, 30% on rewards and 24% on fees and interest rates. You can read more about how we evaluate travel credit cards on our methodology page.
Fees and rates
"EXCELLENT"
You might balk at the annual fee, but it pays to take a closer look. The Scotiabank Platinum Express Card’s purchase, cash advance and balance transfer interest rates are attractive by almost any standard.
Annual fee:
$399
Purchase APR:
9.99%
Foreign transaction fee:
0%
🤓 Get nerdy: Read more about fees and rates
Annual fee: $399
The average annual fee for a travel card in Canada: $124*
Purchase interest rate: 9.99%
The average purchase interest rate for a travel card in Canada: 21.40%*
Cash advance interest rate: 9.99%
Cash advances apply to cash-like transactions, such as ATM withdrawals, and start accruing interest immediately.
Balance transfer interest rate: 9.99%
This is the ongoing rate, outside of any promotions the issuer is running.
Penalty APR: 19.99%
If you miss two payments within 12 months, the rate increases to 19.99%. This penalty APR will stay in place until you’ve made 12 consecutive on-time payments.
Foreign transaction fee: 0%
No foreign transaction fees are charged on purchases made in foreign currencies or overseas. The average foreign transaction fee for a travel card in Canada: 2.3%*
Additional card fee: $99
You can add up to nine additional cardmembers to your account for $99 each, per year.
*according to NerdWallet’s analysis of over 200 credit cards, as of this writing.
Travel perks
"EXCELLENT"
The lack of free checked bags is a bit of a bummer, but airport lounge access and comprehensive travel coverage provide ample value.
Airport lounge access:
10 complimentary airport lounge passes through Priority Pass (membership included), plus complimentary access to Plaza Premium lounges
Free checked bags:
No
Travel insurance:
Comprehensive
🤓 Get nerdy: Read more about travel perks
Travel coverage includes:
Travel accident: Up to $500,000 per insured person to a maximum of $1 million.
Travel medical: Up to $2 million per insured person per trip.
Flight delay: Up to $1,000 per insured person for expenses incurred if a delayed flight or missed connection results in a delay of four hours or more.
Trip cancellation: Up to $2,500 per person to a maximum of $10,000 per trip.
Trip interruption: Up to $5,000 per person to a maximum of $25,000 per trip.
Baggage delay: Up to $1,000 per insured person if your checked luggage is not delivered within four hours from your time of arrival at your final destination.
Lost/stolen baggage: Up to $1,000 per trip for all insured persons.
Hotel burglary: Up to $1,000.
Rental car theft/damage: Up to 48 days.
Extended warranty: Up to two additional years.
Purchase Protection: Up to 120 days.
Mobile Device Protection: Up to $1,000.
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card also offers access to a range of exclusive programs, like Amex Offers, Amex Experiences and Premium Lifestyle Experiences.
Rewards
"GOOD"
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card offers a decent earn rate, and Scene+ points have a higher monetary value than some competing programs. But to get the most bang for your buck, you’ll need to book car rentals and hotel bookings through the Scene+ Travel platform.
Reward earn rate:
2 Scene+ points per $1 spent
Reward value:
1 point = $0.01
Reward program:
Scene
🤓 Get nerdy: Read more about rewards
Earning rewards
Earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases.
Earn 3X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
Redeeming rewards
Travel: Points can be redeemed at any travel provider, site or operator to cover trip-related costs within 12 months of the date of the travel purchase.
Beyond travel: Points can be redeemed at over 800 restaurants, more than 60 retailers and various Cineplex locations.
Points for credit: Points can be redeemed for statement credits.
Welcome offer
You can earn up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points by hitting two spending thresholds in the first 14 months of Cardmembership.
Estimated $ of offer:
$800
Spend requirement:
$3,000 in the first three months; $10,000 in the first 14 months
Reward type:
Scene+ point
Offer effective until July 1, 2026.
🤓 Get nerdy: Read more about the welcome offer
Earn 60,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first three months of cardmembership.
Earn 20,000 Scene+ points when you spend at least $10,000 in everyday eligible purchases in the first 14 months.
Estimated dollar value of Scene+ bonus points: $800.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card you must:
✓ Be a Canadian resident
✓ Be at least the age of majority in your province or territory
✓ Have no history of bankruptcy in the past seven years
🤓 Get nerdy: Read more about how to apply
How to apply for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
Applying for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card can be done by visiting the Scotiabank website. You’ll need to review the card’s terms and conditions, enter your personal details and submit the application.
If you aren’t currently a Scotiabank customer, you’ll have to set up an account with the bank before you can get started.
Approximate credit score needed for approval
Canadian credit card issuers rarely disclose required credit scores, which makes it hard to know your chances of approval when comparing credit cards. What we do know is that higher scores have better chances of approval — that’s true no matter what type of credit you’re applying for.
Want to learn more? Visit our “What Credit Score is Needed for a Credit Card?” page.
» MORE: How to Check Your Credit Score
Customer ratings and Reddit chatter
Below average in customer satisfaction: Scotiabank ranks 8th out of 14 issuers in J.D. Power’s 2025 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study
Low Trustpilot rating: Scotiabank scored 1.2 out of 5 possible stars based on more than 1,400 customer reviews, as of this writing.
Low Better Business Bureau rating: 1.2 out of 5 possible stars based on more than 45 customer reviews, as of this writing.
What Reddit has to say
We know expert recommendations matter — but so do real-life experiences. On Reddit, Canadian users have expressed a fairly lukewarm response to the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card. The high annual fee is a common sticking point, but Redditors say they appreciate the card’s low interest rates.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card vs Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card charges higher interest rates than its Platinum counterpart, but its annual fee is much lower and it offers a wide array of accelerated earn rates that can help you rack up rewards at a faster clip.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeScotiabank’s Platinum Amex doesn’t just offer top-tier travel perks — such as emergency medical coverage and airport lounge access — it also comes with a low 9.99% interest rate on purchases and a flat earn rate of 2x Scene+ points per $1 spent. The high $399 annual fee, however, may be too steep for some users. Best for: Frequent travellers who spend big abroad, want airport lounge access and don’t mind using the Scene+ Travel platform to book travel.
Pros
- Low 9.99% APR.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 10 free airport lounge passes per year.
Cons
- High $399 annual fee.
- Must book through Scene+ Travel platform to earn extra 3x points.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000¹ bonus Scene+ points.
- Plus earn 2X Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- Mobile Device Insurance coverage
- 10 complimentary Airport Lounge Passes per year
- Platinum VIP Offers+
- American Express Invites®
- Premium Complimentary Concierge Services
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of October 31, 2025. Subject to change.
- *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.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on dining & food delivery. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
Points for every $1 you spend at other eligible grocery stores.
Points for every $1 you spend in Canada on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas purchases.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more.
Points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.
Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeA well-rounded rewards earner that stands out for its top-tier rates in popular categories, like groceries and entertainment spending. Its waived foreign exchange fees and travel insurance will appeal to travellers, but there’s no complimentary airport lounge access, just discounted membership to Priority Pass. Best for: Travellers and families who spend big on groceries, restaurants and commuting and want to collect Scene+ points.
Pros
- Generous rewards rates of up to 6x Scene+ points.
- No FX fees.
- Priority Pass airport lounge membership discount.
Cons
- No complimentary airport lounge access.
- Highest earn rate only applies to dollars spent at Sobeys and its subsidiary stores.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to $850 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value and up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points.¹
- Earn 6x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
- Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
- Earn 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
- Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Earn additional benefits + up to 4X Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage
- AMEX Offers®
- AMEX Front of the Line®
- American Express Invites®
- Complimentary Concierge Services
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 2, 2026. Subject to change.
- *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.
Methodology
BACK TO TOPFrequently asked questions
What is the minimum credit limit of the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card?
There is a $10,000 minimum credit limit for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card.
Is the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card the same as the Scotiabank American Express Platinum?
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card and Scotiabank American Express Platinum Card are the same product. Scotiabank refers to the credit card on its site both ways.
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Shannon Terrell
