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Published January 1, 2024
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Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card Review 2024: Is It Worth It?

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card earns Scene+ points and offers travel perks, such as no foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

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4.0

NerdWallet Rating

Good pick for Scene+ point collectors who spend money abroad.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and offers six complimentary airport lounge passes, plus 3x Scene+ points when you shop at eligible grocery stores.

Learn more about how we evaluate cards.

    The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is a travel rewards card that earns Scene+ points, a reward program from Scotiabank and Cineplex. Points can be redeemed for entertainment, travel, dining and more.

    Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card

    Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card
    • Annual Fee
      $150
    • Interest Rates
      20.99% / 22.99%
    • Rewards Rate
      1x-3x Points
    • Intro Offer
      Up to 35,000 Points
    Card details
    • Earn up to $1,100+ in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points and first year annual fee waived on your first supplementary card. Offer Ends January 3, 2024.
    • 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 complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership, plus six complimentary lounge visits per year from the date of enrollment, providing you with access to 1,200+ airport lounges globally, including participating Plaza Premium Lounges.
    • 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 Passport Visa Infinite Card full review

    Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is one of three Visa credit cards offered from Scotiabank that earn Scene+ points. It has the highest earn rate of the three cards, with 3x Scene+ points per dollar spent at eligible grocery stores.

    Benefits of the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

    Drawbacks of the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

    Who should get the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card?

    People who travel regularly, spend money abroad and shop at eligible grocery stores will get the most value out of the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card.  

    Is the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card worth it?

    The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card may be worth it if the benefits and perks offset the annual fee. According to the issuer’s website, cardholders can earn $387 in travel rewards ($100 annual bonus and $287 from an average annual spend in 2x earn rate categories), as well as save $104 in foreign transaction fees and $343 in airport lounge fees per year. The combined $834 value far exceeds the cost of the card. 

    However, these savings are only applicable if you travel regularly, typically pay for airport lounge access and spend money abroad. 

    » MORE: Best credit cards with airport lounge access

    Our Nerd’s verdict: Ideal for globetrotters who want to avoid foreign exchange fees

    The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is optimal for travellers seeking perks to enhance their international adventures. Cardholders don’t pay foreign exchange fees. Plus, they get comprehensive travel insurance alongside six complimentary airport lounge visits annually — not bad for a card with a $150 annual fee.  

    The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite stands up as a general rewards card, too. It earns accelerated Scene+ points on money spent on groceries, restaurants and entertainment, with redemption options that span cash-back, travel rewards, account credits and more. 

    Now, as far as travel cards are concerned, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is missing a few perks that may be a dealbreaker for the seasoned jet-setter, like free checked bags, priority boarding and unlimited airport lounge access. Still, I think it shines as a mid-tier travel card with plenty to offer everyday spenders and travel enthusiasts alike.

    —Shannon Terrell

      Scotiabank customer ratings

      Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card eligibility

      Who qualifies for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card?

      To apply for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, you must:

      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. However, higher scores generally mean better chances of approval, and that’s true regardless of the type of credit you’re applying for.

      Want to learn more? Visit our “What Credit Score is Needed for a Credit Card?” page.

      Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card rewards

      Earn 35,000 bonus Scene+ points in the first year. 

      • Earn 25,000 bonus Scene+ points when you spend at least $1,000 in the first three months. 
      • Earn 10,000 bonus Scene+points when you spend at least $40,000 annually. 

      Offer expires Jan. 3, 2024. 

      • Earn 3x Scene+ points at select grocery stores. 
      • Earn 2x Scene+ points on dining and groceries. 
      • Earn 2x Scene+ points on entertainment, such as movie tickets. 
      • Earn 2x Scene+ points on transit, such as taxis and subways. 
      • Earn 1x Scene+ point on everything else. 

      In the first year of ownership, you can earn up to $1,134 in savings and rewards, according to the issuer’s website:

      • $637 in travel rewards ($250 welcome bonus, $100 annual bonus and $287 from an average annual spend in 2x earn rate categories). 
      • $343 in savings due to the complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership and six lounge passes.
      • $50 when you order an additional card (first year’s fee is waived).
      • $104 in foreign transaction fees.

      Point value breakdown

      The value of Scotiabank Scene+ points may vary based on the redemption method you choose, but you can expect to get around one cent per point on travel, movies, dining, entertainment, banking, and retail, pharmacy and grocery shopping, according to NerdWallet’s analysis. 

      How to apply for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

      Follow the below steps to apply for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card:

      Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card vs TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

      These two cards share similar annual fees, interest rates and Visa Infinite perks, but differ when it comes to rewards. If you’re keen on racking up Scene+ points, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is the better choice, but if you’re an Air Canada fan, TD’s Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card can help you earn Aeroplan points. 

      Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite CardTD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
      Annual fees$150.$139.
      APR20.99% / 22.99%.20.99% / 22.99%.
      Rewards1x-3x Points.1x-1.5x Points.
      Benefits

      • No foreign transaction fees.

      • Complimentary membership to the Visa Airport Companion Program, and six free airport lounge passes per year.

      • Complimentary Avis Preferred Plus membership.

      • Access to Visa Infinite Concierge Service, Visa Infinite Hotel Collection, which includes automatic room upgrades and in-room Wi-Fi, and Visa Infinite Dining and Wine Country — an exclusive dining program.


      • First checked bag free on Air Canada flights.

      • Access to Visa Infinite Concierge Service, Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, Visa Infinite Dining Series, Visa Infinite Wine Country Program, Visa Infinite Entertainment Access and Visa Infinite Troon Golf.

      • Discounts at Avis and Budget rental locations.

      • Earn 50% more Aeroplan and Stars at Starbucks.

      Reasons you might want a different card

      You may want a different card if:

      Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card facts

      Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
      Card typeTravel credit card.
      Fees and interest rates
      Annual fee$150.
      Regular/purchase APR20.99% / 22.99%.
      Penalty APR25.99% if you miss two payments within 12 months. This penalty APR will stay in place until you’ve made 12 consecutive payments on time.
      Cash advance APR22.99%.
      Cash advance fee$5 to $7.50 per transaction.
      Balance transfer APR22.99%.
      Balance transfer fee3% or $5 per transaction, depending on the amount.
      Foreign transaction feeNo foreign transaction fee.
      Rewards and benefits
      Intro offerUp to 35,000 Points.
      Reward earn rates1x-3x Points.
      Insurance coverage
      Travel accidentUp to $1 million, per occurrence.
      Travel medicalUp to $2 million.
      Flight delayUp to $500.
      Trip interruptionUp to $10,000.
      Trip cancellationUp to $10,000.
      Lost, stolen or delayed baggageUp to $1,000.
      Hotel burglaryUp to $1,000.
      Rental car theft/damageFor up to 48 days.
      Extended warrantyUp to one additional year.
      Purchase protection90 days.

      Rating Methodology

      NerdWallet Canada rates credit cards according to overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodology include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as airline or hotel perks or the ability to transfer points.

        Frequently asked questions about Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

        Who is eligible for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card?

        To apply for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, you must be at least the age of majority in your territory, be a Canadian resident, have not filed for bankruptcy in the last seven years and have an annual income of at least $60,000 ($100,000 for households), or have at least $250,000 in managed assets.

        Does the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card have lounge access?

        The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card offers complimentary membership to the Visa Airport Companion Program, plus six free airport lounge passes per year.

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