Guide to Scotiabank Credit Cards in Canada
The best Scotiabank credit cards right now:
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ — Best for cash back
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ Card — Best for travel perks and no foreign transaction fees
Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card — Best for no annual fee and newcomers
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card — Best premium Scotiabank card
Scotiabank Value Visa Card — Best for lower interest and balance transfers
The Bank of Nova Scotia, commonly known as Scotiabank, is one of Canada’s Big Six banks. Scotiabank offers credit cards for Scene+ rewards, cash back, travel, students, premium perks, lower-interest borrowing and no-fee spending.
What makes Scotiabank distinctive is the strength of its travel-friendly lineup. Several Scotia cards charge no foreign transaction fees, which is still a relatively uncommon perk among Canadian credit cards.
Scotiabank is also closely tied to Scene+, a rewards program that can be useful if you already spend with partners like Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, Cineplex, Home Hardware, select restaurants and Scene+ Travel.
The tradeoff is that Scotiabank’s best cards are not all useful for the same person. Some earn Scene+ points. Some earn cash back. Some are American Express cards, which may not work everywhere you shop. Some premium cards offer strong perks but charge high annual fees. If you carry a balance, the best Scotia card may be a lower-interest card with no rewards at all.
The best Scotiabank credit cards in Canada right now
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Cash back on every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments, and subscription purchases.
Cash back on every $1 you spend on gas, daily transit purchases, and food delivery.
Cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit.
You can earn a lot of cash back with this card if you max out the spending categories — for example, get up to $1,000 back each year when you spend $25,000 on groceries and recurring payments. The catch: Cash back is only deposited into your account once a year, in November, and the $120 annual fee is higher-than-average for a cash-back card. Best for: Big spenders on groceries and gas who don’t mind reaping their rewards annually.
Pros
- High 4% cash-back rate on groceries.
- Comprehensive insurance coverage included.
Cons
- Can only redeem cash back once a year.
- Earn 15% Cash Back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases)¹. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 12 months (2% fee per cash advance, 22.99% after that).
- No annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards.¹
- 4% for every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments, and subscription purchases.
- 2% for every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance & New Mobile Device Insurance coverage
- 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.
- New 2% Cash Back earn category: You will earn 2% on all eligible purchases of Food Delivery¹.
- New Cash Back Anytime feature: Redeem your cash back that you’ve earned whenever you need it, through the Scotia app or Scotia Online ($25.00 minimum redemption)¹.
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of May 1, 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.
The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ Card is the best Scotiabank card for people who want cash back instead of Scene+ points. It is especially useful for household spending because its strongest categories include groceries, recurring bills, subscriptions, gas, EV charging, transit and food delivery.
This card makes the most sense when your spending lines up with the bonus categories. For flexible travel rewards or no foreign transaction fees, choose a different Scotia card. For low-effort value with a justifiable annual fee, this is the Scotia cash-back card to start with.
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Points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining purchases, entertainment purchases, and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways, taxis and more).
Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
A competitive travel card that earns up to 3x Scene+ points on everyday purchases, and comes with six complimentary airport lounge visits and no foreign transaction fees. While you can earn accelerated points (3x) on travel purchases, they must be made through the Scene+ Travel platform, which may feel limiting for some users. Best for: Frequent travellers who shop regularly at Scene+ partner grocery stores, spend big abroad and are looking for airport lounge access.
Pros
- Free airport lounge membership and six free visits per year.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Free Avis Preferred Plus membership.
Cons
- An above-average $150 annual fee for a travel card.
- Top earn rate (3x on groceries) only applies to Sobeys and its subsidiary stores.
- Must book through Scene+ Travel platform to earn 3x points on travel.
- Earn up to $1,500 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points¹
- Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more.
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways, taxis and more).
- 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.
- Travel with confidence using 10GB of free GigSky global mobile data for 15 days with unlimited Travel Essentials by GigSky for essential travel apps. Visa Infinite cardholders also continue to receive one complimentary 1GB/15-Day GigSky global mobile data plan each year, plus 20% off future GigSky purchases with their Scotiabank Visa Infinite+ card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fee.
- 6 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage.
- Visa Infinite* Concierge Services.
- Visa Infinite* Hotel Collection.
- Visa Infinite* Dining and Wine Country program.
- Get up to 10¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Jan 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.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ Card is the cleanest Scotia travel pick for most people because it combines no foreign transaction fees, airport lounge access, travel insurance and Visa acceptance.
It does not earn as aggressively as some options (cough, cough: the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card), but it is easy to use as a primary travel card. The value is practical: fewer FX fees, lounge visits, travel insurance and a rewards setup that works best if you are comfortable redeeming through Scene+.
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Points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more.
Points for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca.
Points for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com.
Point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.
This no-fee option could be a practical entrypoint for those interested in the Scene+ program. Despite its most generous rates being reserved for travel spending, cardholders still earn 2x at select grocery and home improvement stores. Best for: Budget-conscious Scene+ collectors.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Up to 25% off Avis and Budget rental vehicles.
- Up to 4x Scene+ points on everyday purchases.
Cons
- No insurance coverage.
- Highest earn rate only applies to travel spending.
- Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months¹
- No annual fee
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca
- Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com
- 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.
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 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.
The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card is the best fit if you want a no-fee Scotia card that is easy to use. It earns Scene+ points, has no annual fee and runs on the Visa network, so it avoids the acceptance issue that can come with American Express cards.
It is also a reasonable starter option for students, newcomers or anyone who wants to build credit without paying an annual fee. The rewards are not as strong as Scotia’s premium cards, but that isn't the point: this card is simple, accessible and low-commitment.
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Points for every $1 you spend on all your eligible purchases.
Scotiabank’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.
- Earn up to $3,000* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 100,000¹ 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 July 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.
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is the best premium Scotiabank card for people who want a high-end mix of travel perks, airport lounge access, no foreign transaction fees and a lower interest rate than most rewards cards.
This card is not the best fit for someone who wants the lowest annual fee or the highest bonus-category earn rates. Its value is in the premium package: lounge access, travel benefits, flat Scene+ earning, no foreign transaction fees and a low purchase interest rate compared with most Scotia rewards cards. It makes the most sense if you can use enough of those benefits to offset the high annual fee.
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The card’s low 13.99% interest rate on purchases, cash advances and balance transfers can help you pay down debt quicker compared to a card with higher interest rates. But that’s all you're getting from this card. Besides discounts at participating car rental companies, there are no perks, no rewards and no complimentary insurances. Best for: Cardholders who typically carry a balance and want a simple, no-frills credit card.
Pros
- Low 13.99% APR.
- Low $29 annual fee.
Cons
- No rewards.
- No insurance coverage.
- 0% promotional interest rate on balance transfers for the first 9 months with a 1% balance transfer fee.
- Plus no annual fee for the first year.¹
- Save hundreds of dollars in interest a year.
- Pay down balances faster.
- Simplify your monthly payments.
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 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.
The Scotiabank Value Visa Card is for interest savings, not rewards. It may be worth considering for people who carry a balance, expect to carry one or want access to a balance transfer promotion.
Skip this card when paying in full every month and maximizing rewards is the priority. A lower interest rate matters less without a carried balance, and this card gives up the rewards, insurance and travel perks that Scotia’s higher-fee cards offer.
Compare Scotiabank credit cards
BACK TO TOP| Card | NerdWallet rating | Intro offer | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | ||
 APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | 5.0/5 | Up to 50,000 Points | |
| Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite+* Card | APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | ||
 APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | 5.0/5 | Up to 60,000 Points | |
| Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* card | APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | ||
 APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | 4.4/5 | Up to $100 | |
| Scotiabank American Express® card | APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | ||
 APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | 5.0/5 | Up to 10,000 Points | |
| Scotia Momentum® for Business Visa* Card | APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | ||
 APPLY NOW on Scotiabank's website | 3.4/5 | N/A | |
Methodology
BACK TO TOPBest Scotiabank Business Credit Cards
Compare business Scotiabank credit card side-by-side to find perks and benefits that will meet your needs.Why choose a Scotiabank credit card
BACK TO TOPScotiabank’s biggest advantage as a credit card issuer is its mix of Scene+ rewards, cash-back cards and travel-friendly features. If you want a card from a Big Six bank and care about no foreign transaction fees, Scotia has more obvious options than many competing issuers.
Scotiabank also makes more sense if you already use the Scene+ ecosystem. Scene+ points can be easier to use if you shop at participating grocery stores, go to Cineplex, redeem for travel or like the option to apply points toward account credits.
There may also be value in keeping more of your products with Scotia if you already bank there. Some Scotiabank banking packages offer annual fee rebates on select credit cards, which can change the math on a premium card.
The tradeoff is that Scotiabank’s lineup can split quickly. Scene+ points, Scotia Momentum cash back, low-interest cards, premium cards and U.S. dollar cards all solve different problems. Choosing the rewards type and card purpose first is usually more useful than choosing the card brand first.
Scotiabank rewards programs and card features
BACK TO TOPScene+
Scene+ is Scotiabank’s main points program. Scotia credit cards that earn Scene+ points can be useful for groceries, entertainment, travel, dining, gift cards, merchandise and account credits.
Choose Scene+ if you already spend with Scene+ partners or want a flexible bank rewards program that is not tied to one airline. Pay attention to redemption options, though. Scene+ can be simple to use, but it is not the same as a transferable travel points program.
Eligible Scotiabank cards can be linked to Shell Go+ for fuel savings and Scene+ value at participating Shell stations. Linked cards save 3¢/L on fuel, while eligible Scene+-earning Scotia cards may unlock extra Shell V-Power savings and earn Scene+ value, depending on the card, fuel type and offer terms. The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card offers the highest Shell value, at up to 12¢/L.
Scotia Momentum cash back
Scotia Momentum cards earn cash back instead of Scene+ points. This is the simpler option if you want rewards you can understand without managing a points program.
Choose Scotia cash back if your spending fits the card’s bonus categories and you prefer statement credits or deposits to travel redemptions. The premium Momentum card has stronger earn rates, while the no-fee version is better if you want a low-commitment card.
No foreign transaction fees
No foreign transaction fees are one of the strongest reasons to consider select Scotiabank cards. Several Scotia cards avoid the typical 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, including the Passport Visa Infinite+, Passport Visa Infinite Privilege, Gold American Express and Platinum American Express cards.
This can matter if you travel, shop online in other currencies or make purchases outside Canada. But no foreign transaction fees should not be the only thing you compare. Annual fees, earn rates, travel insurance, lounge benefits and card acceptance still matter.
American Express vs. Visa
Some of Scotia’s strongest rewards cards are American Express cards. That can be good for earn rates and Amex benefits, but it may be less convenient if the places where you spend the most do not accept Amex.
Choose a Scotia Amex if the rewards fit your spending and acceptance is not a problem. Choose a Scotia Visa if you want broader acceptance or a more practical travel card.
Premium cards
Scotiabank’s premium cards may offer stronger travel perks, lounge access, no foreign transaction fees, insurance and other benefits. The tradeoff is usually a higher annual fee and, in some cases, higher income or credit requirements.
Choose a premium Scotia card if you will actually use the benefits. If you rarely travel, do not value lounge access or want a simple everyday card, a lower-fee Scotia card may be a better fit.
Lower-interest cards
Scotiabank also offers lower-interest credit cards for people who carry balances or want to pay down debt. These cards may not look exciting because they usually skip rewards, but they can be more useful than a rewards card if you are paying interest.
If you carry a balance, start with the interest rate and balance transfer terms. Rewards should be secondary.
How to manage a Scotiabank credit card
BACK TO TOPThe Scotiabank app and Scotia Online can be used for everyday credit card tasks, including checking your balance, reviewing transactions, making payments and managing account details. Exactly what you can do may depend on your card, account access and whether you are using the app or online banking.
How to activate a Scotiabank credit card
You can usually activate a Scotiabank credit card through Scotia Online, the Scotiabank app or by following the activation instructions that come with your card. Activate the card before using it, then sign the back if your physical card includes a signature panel.
» MORE: How to apply for a credit card
How to pay a Scotiabank credit card
You can pay a Scotiabank credit card through a Scotiabank bank account, through Scotia Online or the Scotiabank app, or from another financial institution by setting Scotiabank as a bill payee.
How to pay a Scotiabank credit card from another bank
To pay from another bank, add your Scotiabank credit card as a bill payee through your other bank’s online banking or mobile app. Use your credit card number as the account number. Payments from another bank may take a few business days to post, so avoid waiting until the due date.
How to increase your Scotiabank credit limit
You may be able to request a Scotiabank credit limit increase through online banking, the Scotiabank app or by contacting Scotiabank. Approval is not guaranteed. Scotiabank may review your income, credit history, account history and current debt before increasing your limit.
How to add a Scotiabank card to a digital wallet
You may be able to add an eligible Scotiabank credit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. Once added, you can use the card with your mobile device where contactless payments are accepted.
How to close a Scotiabank credit card
To close a Scotiabank credit card, contact Scotiabank directly. Before closing the card, redeem any rewards you do not want to lose, update recurring payments and make sure the balance is paid.
Is a Scotiabank credit card worth it?
BACK TO TOPA Scotiabank credit card may be worth it for Scene+ points, a strong cash-back card, no foreign transaction fees or a lower-interest card from a major Canadian bank.
Scotiabank may be less appealing for one simple flat-rate cash-back card, airline transfer partners or a rewards program you already use outside Scotia. In that case, compare Scotiabank cards against the best credit cards in Canada in the category you actually want.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best Scotiabank credit card?
The best Scotiabank credit card depends on what you need. The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ Card is best for cash back, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ Card is best for travel perks and no foreign transaction fees, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is best for premium Scotia benefits, the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card is best for no annual fee and the Scotiabank Value Visa Card is best for lower interest.
What’s a good credit score for a Scotiabank credit card?
A credit score of 660 is typically considered “good” and may help you qualify for many Scotiabank credit cards. But different cards have different approval criteria. Premium cards may have higher income, credit score or credit history requirements than student, newcomer or no-fee cards.
What is the Scotiabank credit card interest rate?
Scotiabank credit card interest rates vary by card. Scotiabank’s posted purchase interest rates range from 9.99% to 21.99% across its personal credit cards, while cash advance rates range from 9.99% to 22.99%.
Rewards cards often have higher purchase interest rates, while low-interest cards like the Scotiabank Value Visa are designed for people who may carry a balance. The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card also has a low posted purchase rate, but it charges a premium annual fee.
What is Scotiabank credit card protection?
Scotiabank Credit Card Protection is optional creditor insurance that may help cover your credit card balance or monthly payments when certain events happen, such as death, critical illness, hospitalization, disability or job loss. It is not the same thing as travel insurance or purchase protection, and it comes at an additional cost.
Does a Scotiabank credit card have travel insurance?
Some Scotiabank credit cards include travel insurance, but coverage varies by card. Premium travel cards are more likely to include benefits like emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation or interruption insurance, flight delay coverage, delayed and lost baggage insurance and rental car collision/loss damage insurance. Check your card’s certificate of insurance before relying on coverage.
Does a Scotiabank credit card cover rental car insurance?
Some Scotiabank credit cards include rental car collision/loss damage insurance, but coverage varies by card. You may need to charge the rental to the card and decline the rental agency’s collision damage waiver for coverage to apply. Check your card’s insurance certificate for limits, exclusions and eligibility rules.
Does Scotiabank offer a secured credit card or prepaid card?
Scotiabank does not currently list a secured or prepaid credit card in its main personal credit card lineup right now. Scotiabank is better known for standard credit cards, debit cards and bank accounts, but its card lineup can change. Availability may also depend on your credit profile and whether you apply online, in branch or as a newcomer to Canada.
What is the best Scotiabank credit card for students?
The best Scotiabank credit card for students depends on whether you want Scene+ points, cash back or a lower interest rate. The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for students may suit students who want Scene+ rewards, while the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card for students may be better for simple cash back.
Where can I find Scotiabank credit card offers?
Scotiabank credit card offers are usually listed on Scotia’s credit card pages and may change throughout the year. Offers can include welcome bonuses, first-year annual fee waivers, promotional balance transfer rates or elevated cash-back rates for new cardholders. Read the offer terms carefully, including spending requirements and eligibility rules.
The best Scotiabank credit cards right now:
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ — Best for cash back
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ Card — Best for travel perks and no foreign transaction fees
Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card — Best for no annual fee and newcomers
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card — Best premium Scotiabank card
Scotiabank Value Visa Card — Best for lower interest and balance transfers
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Siddhi Bagwe
