Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
Scotiabank
- Annual fee
- $120
- Foreign fee
- 0%
- Annual fee
- $120
- Base Rewards Rate
- 1x
- Welcome bonus
- 50,000 points
Scene+
(Up to)
Applications are submitted to Scotiabank
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card vs Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
A field-by-field comparison of Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card and Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, built from the same card data that powers our comparison tools. Every figure below traces back to a data field — nothing here is an editorial estimate.
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Scotiabank
- Annual fee
- $599
- Foreign fee
- 0%
- Annual fee
- $599
- Base Rewards Rate
- 1x
- Welcome bonus
- 80,000 points
Scene+
(Up to)
Applications are submitted to Scotiabank
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Scotiabank | Scotiabank |
| Network | ||
| Program | Scene+ | Scene+ |
| Point default value | 1¢/point | 1¢/point |
| Annual fee | $120Better on this row | $599 |
| Foreign transaction fee | 0.0 % | 0.0 % |
| Min. annual income | $12,000+ | $150,000+ |
| All purchases | 1x | 1x |
| Groceries | 5xBetter on this row | 1x |
| Gas | 3xBetter on this row | 1x |
| Purchase interest rate | 21.99% | 20.99%Better on this row |
The short answer
- Year oneScotiabank Gold American Express® Card wins 6 of 6 profiles, Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card wins 0, and 0 are too close to call.Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
- Every year afterScotiabank Gold American Express® Card wins 6 of 6 profiles, Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card wins 0, and 0 are too close to call.The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
- Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card costs $120 a year — $479 less than Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card at $599.
- Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card asks for a personal income of $150,000 — $138,000 more than Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card at $12,000.
- Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card asks for a household income of $200,000 — $188,000 more than Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card at $12,000.
Where each card wins
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
In its favour
- Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card costs $120 a year — $479 less than Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card at $599.
- Groceries: Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card earns 5x (5% back per dollar), against 1x (1% back per dollar) on Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card.The ceilingThat rate runs to $50,000 of spending a year. Past the ceiling, Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card earns 1x (1% back per dollar) and Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card pulls ahead.
- Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card unlocks its bonus after $7,500 of spending over 12 months, $12,500 less than Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card at $20,000 over 6 months.
- Restaurants: Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card earns 5x (5% back per dollar), against 2x (2% back per dollar) on Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card.The ceilingThat rate runs to $50,000 of spending a year. Past the ceiling, Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card earns 1x (1% back per dollar) and Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card pulls ahead.
- Entertainment & streaming: Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card earns 5x (5% back per dollar), against 2x (2% back per dollar) on Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card.The ceilingThat rate runs to $50,000 of spending a year. Past the ceiling, Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card earns 1x (1% back per dollar) and Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card pulls ahead.
- Gas & EV: Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card earns 3x (3% back per dollar), against 1x (1% back per dollar) on Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card.The ceilingThat rate runs to $50,000 of spending a year. Past the ceiling, Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card earns 1x (1% back per dollar) and Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card pulls ahead.
- Transit: Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card earns 3x (3% back per dollar), against 1x (1% back per dollar) on Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card.The ceilingThat rate runs to $50,000 of spending a year. Past the ceiling, Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card earns 1x (1% back per dollar) and Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card pulls ahead.
- Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card opens Priority Pass (0 visits a year); Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card grants no lounge access.
Against it
No material difference in this card's favour was found in the data we compare.
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
In its favour
- Travel: Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card earns 3x (3% back per dollar), against 1x (1% back per dollar) on Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card.
- Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card opens Visa Airport Companion Program (10 visits a year); Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card grants no lounge access.
Against it
- Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card asks for a personal income of $150,000 — $138,000 more than Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card at $12,000.
- Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card asks for a household income of $200,000 — $188,000 more than Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card at $12,000.
Welcome offer
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome bonusNot comparable in the same units | Up to 50,000 points | Up to 80,000 points |
| Our valuationDepends on how you spend | $500 | $850 |
Income required
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Min. annual income | $12,000+ | $150,000+ |
| Min. household income | $12,000+ | $200,000+ |
Earning rewards
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | 5xBetter on this row | 1x |
| Restaurants | 5xBetter on this row | 2x |
| Gas | 3xBetter on this row | 1x |
| Local transit | 3xBetter on this row | 1x |
| Travel | 1x | 3xBetter on this row |
| Pharmacies | 1x | 1x |
| Convenience stores | 1x | 1x |
| Streaming | 3xBetter on this row | 1x |
| Telecom | 1x | 1x |
| Entertainment | 5xBetter on this row | 2x |
| Recurring payments | 1x | 1x |
| Online purchases | 1x | 1x |
| Office supplies | 1x | 1x |
| With the partner brand | 6xBetter on this row | 1x |
| All purchases | 1x | 1x |
Benefits
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Airport lounge access | Priority PassMembership only | Visa Airport Companion Program10 visits |
| Priority boarding | — | — |
| Wi-Fi access | — | — |
Annual fee and rates
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $120Better on this row | $599 |
| Additional card | $29 | $199 |
| Foreign transaction fee | 0.0 % | 0.0 % |
| Purchase interest rate | 21.99% | 20.99%Better on this row |
| Purchase rate (Quebec) | 21.99% | 20.99% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.99% | 22.99% |
Insurance
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Travel accident | $500,000 | $500,000 |
| Travel medical | $1,000,000 | $5,000,000Better on this row |
Card details
Which one wins, by spending profile
Grocery-heavy household
A family basket weighted towards groceries and everyday spending.
Assumes $54,000 of card spending a year
Year one
Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card comes out ahead
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $1,590 | $660 |
| Annual fee | −$120 | −$599 |
| Welcome bonus | $500 | $600 |
| Net value | $1,970 | $661 |
Every year after
The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card comes out ahead
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $1,590 | $660 |
| Annual fee | −$120 | −$599 |
| Recurring credits | $0 | $450 |
| Net value | $1,470 | $511 |
Show the per-category math
| Category | Spending | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | Value | Rate | Value | ||
| Groceries | $13,800 | 5x | $690 | 1xbase rate | $138 |
| Gas & EV | $4,200 | 3x | $126 | 1xbase rate | $42 |
| Transit | $2,700 | 3x | $81 | 1xbase rate | $27 |
| Restaurants | $4,800 | 5x | $240 | 2x | $96 |
| Pharmacy | $900 | 1xbase rate | $9 | 1xbase rate | $9 |
| Travel | $1,500 | 1xbase rate | $15 | 3x | $45 |
| Bills & recurring payments | $5,100 | 1xbase rate | $51 | 1xbase rate | $51 |
| Telecom | $4,800 | 1xbase rate | $48 | 1xbase rate | $48 |
| Entertainment & streaming | $4,200 | 5x | $210 | 2x | $84 |
| Office supplies | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Online advertising | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Other | $12,000 | 1xbase rate | $120 | 1xbase rate | $120 |
Light spender
A modest basket where an annual fee weighs heavily.
Assumes $21,000 of card spending a year
Year one
Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card comes out ahead
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $600 | $258 |
| Annual fee | −$120 | −$599 |
| Welcome bonus | $500 | $300 |
| Net value | $980 | −$41 |
Every year after
The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card comes out ahead
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $600 | $258 |
| Annual fee | −$120 | −$599 |
| Recurring credits | $0 | $450 |
| Net value | $480 | $109 |
Show the per-category math
| Category | Spending | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | Value | Rate | Value | ||
| Groceries | $4,800 | 5x | $240 | 1xbase rate | $48 |
| Gas & EV | $1,800 | 3x | $54 | 1xbase rate | $18 |
| Transit | $900 | 3x | $27 | 1xbase rate | $9 |
| Restaurants | $2,100 | 5x | $105 | 2x | $42 |
| Pharmacy | $600 | 1xbase rate | $6 | 1xbase rate | $6 |
| Travel | $600 | 1xbase rate | $6 | 3x | $18 |
| Bills & recurring payments | $2,100 | 1xbase rate | $21 | 1xbase rate | $21 |
| Telecom | $2,400 | 1xbase rate | $24 | 1xbase rate | $24 |
| Entertainment & streaming | $1,500 | 5x | $75 | 2x | $30 |
| Office supplies | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Online advertising | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Other | $4,200 | 1xbase rate | $42 | 1xbase rate | $42 |
Everyday couple
A balanced two-person basket across groceries, dining and bills.
Assumes $36,000 of card spending a year
Year one
Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card comes out ahead
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $1,092 | $456 |
| Annual fee | −$120 | −$599 |
| Welcome bonus | $500 | $300 |
| Net value | $1,472 | $157 |
Every year after
The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card comes out ahead
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $1,092 | $456 |
| Annual fee | −$120 | −$599 |
| Recurring credits | $0 | $450 |
| Net value | $972 | $307 |
Show the per-category math
| Category | Spending | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | Value | Rate | Value | ||
| Groceries | $9,000 | 5x | $450 | 1xbase rate | $90 |
| Gas & EV | $2,400 | 3x | $72 | 1xbase rate | $24 |
| Transit | $1,800 | 3x | $54 | 1xbase rate | $18 |
| Restaurants | $3,600 | 5x | $180 | 2x | $72 |
| Pharmacy | $600 | 1xbase rate | $6 | 1xbase rate | $6 |
| Travel | $1,200 | 1xbase rate | $12 | 3x | $36 |
| Bills & recurring payments | $3,000 | 1xbase rate | $30 | 1xbase rate | $30 |
| Telecom | $3,600 | 1xbase rate | $36 | 1xbase rate | $36 |
| Entertainment & streaming | $3,600 | 5x | $180 | 2x | $72 |
| Office supplies | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Online advertising | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Other | $7,200 | 1xbase rate | $72 | 1xbase rate | $72 |
Retiree
A basket tilted towards groceries, pharmacy and travel.
Assumes $27,000 of card spending a year
Year one
Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card comes out ahead
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $804 | $333 |
| Annual fee | −$120 | −$599 |
| Welcome bonus | $500 | $300 |
| Net value | $1,184 | $34 |
Every year after
The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card comes out ahead
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $804 | $333 |
| Annual fee | −$120 | −$599 |
| Recurring credits | $0 | $450 |
| Net value | $684 | $184 |
Show the per-category math
| Category | Spending | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | Value | Rate | Value | ||
| Groceries | $7,200 | 5x | $360 | 1xbase rate | $72 |
| Gas & EV | $2,100 | 3x | $63 | 1xbase rate | $21 |
| Transit | $1,200 | 3x | $36 | 1xbase rate | $12 |
| Restaurants | $2,400 | 5x | $120 | 2x | $48 |
| Pharmacy | $600 | 1xbase rate | $6 | 1xbase rate | $6 |
| Travel | $900 | 1xbase rate | $9 | 3x | $27 |
| Bills & recurring payments | $2,700 | 1xbase rate | $27 | 1xbase rate | $27 |
| Telecom | $2,700 | 1xbase rate | $27 | 1xbase rate | $27 |
| Entertainment & streaming | $2,100 | 5x | $105 | 2x | $42 |
| Office supplies | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Online advertising | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Other | $5,100 | 1xbase rate | $51 | 1xbase rate | $51 |
International traveller
A couple's basket with a quarter of the spending charged in another currency.
Assumes $36,000 of card spending a year, of which 25% is charged in a foreign currency (a scenario assumption, not measured data)
Year one
Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card comes out ahead
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $1,092 | $456 |
| Annual fee | −$120 | −$599 |
| Welcome bonus | $500 | $300 |
| Net value | $1,472 | $157 |
Every year after
The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card comes out ahead
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $1,092 | $456 |
| Annual fee | −$120 | −$599 |
| Recurring credits | $0 | $450 |
| Net value | $972 | $307 |
Show the per-category math
| Category | Spending | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | Value | Rate | Value | ||
| Groceries | $9,000 | 5x | $450 | 1xbase rate | $90 |
| Gas & EV | $2,400 | 3x | $72 | 1xbase rate | $24 |
| Transit | $1,800 | 3x | $54 | 1xbase rate | $18 |
| Restaurants | $3,600 | 5x | $180 | 2x | $72 |
| Pharmacy | $600 | 1xbase rate | $6 | 1xbase rate | $6 |
| Travel | $1,200 | 1xbase rate | $12 | 3x | $36 |
| Bills & recurring payments | $3,000 | 1xbase rate | $30 | 1xbase rate | $30 |
| Telecom | $3,600 | 1xbase rate | $36 | 1xbase rate | $36 |
| Entertainment & streaming | $3,600 | 5x | $180 | 2x | $72 |
| Office supplies | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Online advertising | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Other | $7,200 | 1xbase rate | $72 | 1xbase rate | $72 |
Frequent foreign spender
A deliberately aggressive scenario: half of all spending charged in another currency.
Assumes $31,800 of card spending a year, of which 50% is charged in a foreign currency (a scenario assumption, not measured data)
Year one
Includes the welcome bonus this profile's spending actually unlocks, and any first-year fee waiver.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card comes out ahead
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $888 | $399 |
| Annual fee | −$120 | −$599 |
| Welcome bonus | $500 | $300 |
| Net value | $1,268 | $100 |
Every year after
The ongoing picture: full annual fee, no welcome bonus, plus any recurring credits.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card comes out ahead
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards earned | $888 | $399 |
| Annual fee | −$120 | −$599 |
| Recurring credits | $0 | $450 |
| Net value | $768 | $250 |
Show the per-category math
| Category | Spending | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | Value | Rate | Value | ||
| Groceries | $6,000 | 5x | $300 | 1xbase rate | $60 |
| Gas & EV | $2,100 | 3x | $63 | 1xbase rate | $21 |
| Transit | $1,800 | 3x | $54 | 1xbase rate | $18 |
| Restaurants | $4,200 | 5x | $210 | 2x | $84 |
| Pharmacy | $600 | 1xbase rate | $6 | 1xbase rate | $6 |
| Travel | $900 | 1xbase rate | $9 | 3x | $27 |
| Bills & recurring payments | $3,000 | 1xbase rate | $30 | 1xbase rate | $30 |
| Telecom | $3,600 | 1xbase rate | $36 | 1xbase rate | $36 |
| Entertainment & streaming | $2,100 | 5x | $105 | 2x | $42 |
| Office supplies | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Online advertising | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 | 1xbase rate | $0 |
| Other | $7,500 | 1xbase rate | $75 | 1xbase rate | $75 |
Frequently asked questions
Which costs less per year, Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card or Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card?
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card charges $120 a year, against $599 for Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card.
Which is better for spending in another currency, Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card or Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card?
Both charge 0% on purchases in another currency.
Which card comes out ahead, Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card or Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card?
It depends on how you spend. Across the 6 spending profiles on this page, Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card wins 6 in year one, Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card wins 0, and 0 are too close to call.
Do these earn rates have spending caps?
Yes — where a card caps a category, the ceiling is stated next to the rate on this page, along with what the card earns beyond it.
How we compare
- Every figure on this page is read from the card data we maintain — annual fees, foreign transaction fees, earn rates, spending caps, welcome offers, insurance and lounge access.
- Points are valued at our published valuation for each card's loyalty program. Cash back is counted at face value.
- The spending profiles are standard baskets, not your spending. The share charged in a foreign currency is a stated scenario assumption.
- Year one and the years after are kept separate: the welcome bonus and any first-year fee waiver only count in year one.
- We may earn a commission when you apply through the links on this page. It never changes the figures above — they come from the same data for every card.
Ready to apply?
Applications are submitted on the issuer's own site. Nothing you read above changes if you apply from here.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Base Rewards Rate
- 1x
- Welcome bonus
- 50,000 points
Scene+
(Up to)
Applications are submitted to Scotiabank
- Annual fee
- $599
- Base Rewards Rate
- 1x
- Welcome bonus
- 80,000 points
Scene+
(Up to)
Applications are submitted to Scotiabank