Best Scotiabank Credit Cards in Canada
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Choosing the right credit card from one of Canada’s largest banks can significantly impact your rewards earnings, travel savings, and overall financial flexibility. Scotiabank offers a diverse portfolio of credit cards designed for different spending patterns—from grocery shoppers and frequent travellers to students and those managing debt.
For Scotiabank’s best seller, see our full Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite review.
To weigh Scotiabank against the competition, see our best cash back credit cards, best travel credit cards and best American Express cards rankings.
Scotiabank credit cards stand out for their participation in the Scene+ rewards program, which offers flexible redemption options for travel, groceries, and entertainment. The bank also provides several cards with no foreign transaction fees—a valuable feature for cross-border shoppers and international travellers.
This guide breaks down the best Scotiabank credit cards across key categories, helping you identify which option aligns with your financial goals and spending habits.
Best Scotiabank Cards by Category
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150 | |||
| $120 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $399 | |||
| $199 | |||
| $79 |
Scotiabank offers 17 different credit cards, but a handful stand out as optimal choices depending on your primary financial objectives. Here’s how the top options compare across different use cases.
| Category | Card Name | Annual Fee | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Rewards | Scotiabank Gold American Express | $120 | 6x points at Sobeys stores, no FX fees |
| Cash Back | Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite | $120 | 4% on groceries, bills, subscriptions |
| No Fee | Scotiabank Scene+ Visa | $0 | 2x points at Sobeys and Cineplex |
| Low Interest | Scotiabank Value Visa | $29 | 13.99% interest rate |
| Premium Travel | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card | $150 | No FX fees, 6 lounge passes |
Best for Travel Rewards
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card
With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you get up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points (a $600 value):
Then, each year, if you make at least $40,000 in purchases on the card, you’ll earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 points, a value of $100.
With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per dollar spent 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’ll also earn 2 points for every dollar you spend, including on foreign purchases, in the following categories:
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card is an excellent Visa credit card for this type of purchase.
These points can be used against any travel purchase at the rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb). You can also redeem your points for cash back at Scene+, for example, at your local grocery store checkout at the same rate of 1,000 points = $10.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers :
We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Scotiabank® Gold American Express® Card
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card offers an excellent welcome bonus.
Until July 1, 2026, you can get up to 45,000 Scene+ points as a bonus, distributed as follows:
This represents a value of up to $450 for travel (including Airbnb).
With the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card, you earn 6 points per dollar spent 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.
Also, you earn 5 points per dollar for:
And 3 points per dollar on gas, transit and streaming services purchases.
You can redeem your points on travel purchases (flights, hotels, all-inclusive and even Airbnb). You can also use your points as cash back rewards with Scene+.
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card also offers no foreign currency transaction fees, excellent travel and purchase insurance, concierge service and exclusive American Express benefits such as the Front of the Line program.
Best for Cash Back
Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* card
The Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* card is recognized year after year as one of the best cash-back credit cards in Canada.
Currently, there is no annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards. And you can earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first three months (up to $2,000 in total purchases).
With the Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* card, you get:
For example, if you spend $1,000 per month on groceries and/or recurring payments, you’ll earn $40 cash back per month, or $480 cash back per year with this card for this category of purchases! And that’s not counting the other purchases you’ll make with this card and the advantages it offers (particularly in terms of insurance).
The Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* card is an excellent Visa credit card for cash back.
And its insurance benefits are excellent!
Best No Annual Fee Option
Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card
Are you looking for a Scene+ credit card with no annual fee? The Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card is ideal for students or those who do not wish to pay annual fees.
For a limited time, you can get up to 10,000 Scene+ points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. This is enough to give you $100 towards travel or your grocery purchases.
With the Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card, you get 2 points per dollar spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà par IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! grocery stores. FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
You’ll also earn 2 points for every dollar you spend at Home Hardware stores!
And you get 1 point Scene+ on all your other purchases.
It’s a great Visa credit card with no annual fee to get Scene+ points.
Best for Low Interest
Scotiabank Value® Visa* Card
Scotia Value Visa Card is one of the best credit cards for cash advances (including balance transfers) in Canada.
You can get an introductory interest rate of 0.99% on cash advances for the first nine months (including balance transfers, with a 2% transfer fee). You pay no annual fee for the first year with this Visa credit card.
What’s more, this Visa credit card offers a low interest rate: 13.99% on purchases, balance transfers and cash advances.
Understanding Scene+ Rewards
Most Scotiabank credit cards participate in the Scene+ loyalty program, which allows members to earn and redeem points across a network of partners. Scene+ points are valued at 1 cent each when redeemed for travel, making the earning structure straightforward to calculate.
Points can be redeemed for travel on any airline or hotel (including Airbnb), statement credits at grocery stores, movie tickets at Cineplex, or merchandise through the Scene+ marketplace. This flexibility allows cardholders to optimize redemptions based on current needs rather than being locked into a single redemption category.
- Scene+ points maintain consistent 1 cent value for travel redemptions.
- No blackout dates or restrictions when booking travel with points.
- Points can be combined with cash at grocery store checkouts for flexible use.
- Members earn additional points through grocery shopping at Empire stores even without purchases on the credit card.
Premium Travel Options
For travellers willing to pay higher annual fees for enhanced benefits, Scotiabank offers two premium cards that eliminate foreign transaction fees while providing comprehensive travel insurance and lounge access.
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card ($150 annual fee) provides six complimentary DragonPass lounge visits annually, comprehensive travel insurance, and earning rates of 3x points at Sobeys stores and 2x points on groceries, dining, entertainment, and transit elsewhere.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express
The Platinum American Express ($399 annual fee) represents Scotiabank’s highest-tier offering with 10 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits, Hertz Gold membership, and a flat 2x earning rate on all purchases.
| Feature | Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card | Platinum Amex |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $150 | $399 |
| Lounge Visits | 6 (DragonPass) | 10 (Priority Pass) |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
| Grocery Earning | 3x at Sobeys, 2x elsewhere | 2x everywhere |
| Purchase Interest Rate | 20.99% | 9.99% |
Business Credit Cards
Scotiabank extends its credit card portfolio to business owners with dedicated cards designed for expense tracking and business rewards.
- Business cards help separate personal and company expenses for accounting purposes.
- Scene+ points earned on business cards can be redeemed for business travel or statement credits.
- Higher spending thresholds for welcome bonuses reflect typical business purchase volumes.
- Annual fee rebates available through Scotiabank business banking packages.
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Business* Card mirrors many features of its personal counterpart, including no foreign transaction fees and Scene+ earning at 1.5x on all business purchases.
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Business* Card
With the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Business* Card, you can get up to 40,000 Scene+ points as a welcome bonus and the first year free:
With the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Business* Card, you pay no foreign transaction fees.
Additionally, you receive six complimentary annual airport lounge accesses worldwide.
The Scotia Momentum for Business Visa Card focuses on cash back, earning 3% at gas stations, restaurants, and office supply stores—common business expense categories. This card provides 2% back on shipping services, accounting services, and recurring bill payments.
Scotia Momentum® for business Visa* Card
The Scotia Momentum for business Visa Card is one of the best cash back options for business owners in Canada.
You can earn up to 3% cash back on your business expenses:
What’s more, you currently benefit from an introductory rate of 2.99% on balance transfers for the first six months.
With the Scotia Momentum for business Visa Card, you also benefit from protections for your purchases:
The card also offers practical financial management tools for your business:
Application Requirements
Scotiabank evaluates several criteria when reviewing credit card applications. Understanding these requirements helps you determine which cards you’re likely to qualify for before applying.
- Minimum personal income ranges from $12,000 for basic cards to $60,000 for Infinite-level products.
- Credit score expectations vary from 660 for entry-level cards to 725+ for premium options.
- Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents at the age of majority in their province.
- A residential address known to TransUnion is required for credit bureau verification.
- Previous bankruptcy on your credit report may affect approval decisions.
Annual Fee Rebates
The Scotiabank Ultimate Package banking bundle provides annual fee rebates for several Scotiabank credit cards, including the Gold American Express, Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, Momentum Visa Infinite, and Value Visa. This package costs $30.95 monthly but includes unlimited transactions, free Interac e-Transfers, and the credit card fee waiver—potentially saving $120 to $150 annually on card fees alone.
For customers already using Scotiabank for primary banking, this bundle could offset costs while providing additional banking conveniences. Calculate whether the combined value of banking features and card fee savings exceeds the package’s annual cost before committing.
Who Should Consider Scotiabank
Scotiabank credit cards align particularly well with specific consumer profiles based on shopping patterns, travel frequency, and banking relationships.
- Frequent shoppers at Empire grocery stores (Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, FreshCo) benefit from elevated earning rates.
- Travellers who want to eliminate foreign transaction fees without paying ultra-premium annual fees.
- Consumers who value flexible redemption options across travel, groceries, and entertainment.
- Students seeking accessible no-fee cards with basic rewards earning.
- Existing Scotiabank customers who can leverage banking package benefits for fee rebates.
Consider Alternatives If
- You primarily shop at non-Empire grocery stores and want maximum grocery rewards.
- You prefer transferable points to airline programs rather than fixed-value redemptions.
- You want premium lounge access without meeting high spending thresholds.
- American Express acceptance limitations at your regular merchants create inconvenience.
Conclusion
Scotiabank’s credit card portfolio offers solid options across multiple categories, with particular strength in grocery rewards and travel benefits. The Scene+ program provides straightforward value without complex transfer partners or fluctuating redemption rates. Cards like the Gold American Express and Momentum Visa Infinite deliver competitive earning rates on common spending categories, while the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card addresses traveller needs with no foreign transaction fees and lounge access at a moderate annual fee.
The best Scotiabank card for you depends on your primary spending categories and whether you value travel flexibility or cash back simplicity. Before applying, review your monthly expenses to identify which card’s earning structure aligns with your largest spending categories. Compare welcome bonus offers against historical promotions to ensure you’re applying during a competitive promotional period.
Before applying, compare our full list of the best credit cards in Canada to make sure this card is the right fit for your wallet.
Scotiabank Credit Cards – FAQ
What is the best Scotiabank credit card for groceries?
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card earns the highest grocery rewards at 6 Scene+ points per dollar spent at Empire-owned stores (Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, FreshCo, Foodland) and 5 points per dollar at other grocery stores. This represents a 6% return on Empire purchases and 5% elsewhere, making it one of the strongest grocery cards in Canada.
Do Scotiabank credit cards charge foreign transaction fees?
Several Scotiabank cards eliminate foreign transaction fees, including the Gold American Express, Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, and Platinum American Express. These cards save you the typical 2.5% fee charged on purchases made in foreign currencies, making them valuable for international travellers and cross-border online shopping.
How much are Scene+ points worth?
Scene+ points are valued at 1 cent each when redeemed for travel purchases, including flights, hotels, and Airbnb bookings. This consistent valuation makes it easy to calculate the return on your credit card spending. Points can also be redeemed at the same rate for statement credits at participating grocery stores or for entertainment options at Cineplex.
What credit score do I need for a Scotiabank credit card?
Entry-level Scotiabank cards like the Scene+ Visa typically require a credit score of 660 or higher. Premium cards including the Momentum Visa Infinite, Gold American Express, and Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card generally require scores of 725 or higher. The Platinum American Express has the highest requirement at approximately 760 or above. Income requirements also vary by card tier.
Can I get the annual fee waived on Scotiabank credit cards?
Most Scotiabank credit cards waive the annual fee for the first year as part of promotional offers. After the first year, customers enrolled in the Scotiabank Ultimate Package banking bundle receive annual fee rebates on select cards including the Gold American Express, Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, Momentum Visa Infinite, and Value Visa. The package costs $30.95 monthly but includes unlimited banking transactions and other benefits.
Which Scotiabank card is best for students?
The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card is designed for students with no annual fee and a low minimum income requirement of $12,000 annually. It earns 2 Scene+ points per dollar at Sobeys stores and Cineplex, plus 1 point per dollar elsewhere. The lower credit score requirement (660) also makes it more accessible for students building their credit history.
What is the difference between Scotiabank Visa and American Express cards?
Scotiabank offers both Visa and American Express cards, with the primary difference being merchant acceptance. Visa cards are accepted more widely in Canada and internationally, while American Express cards may not be accepted at some smaller retailers. Scotiabank’s American Express cards often feature higher earning rates in specific categories (like the Gold American Express with 6x points at Sobeys) compared to their Visa counterparts.
How long does it take to receive a Scotiabank credit card after approval?
Once approved, Scotiabank credit cards are typically mailed to your address within 5 to 10 business days. After receiving the card, you can activate it through the Scotiabank mobile app, online banking, or by calling the activation number included with your card. You can often access your account details and card number digitally before the physical card arrives.
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