Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) vs Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)
A side-by-side comparison of ratings, customer experience, products, fees, and pros & cons to help you choose the right bank.
VS
Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) edges ahead on our overall rating (4.1 vs 3.9), but the right pick depends on which products and fees matter most to you.
Overview
Scotiabank provides well-rounded banking, offering a large branch network and one of the strongest rewards ecosystems among the biggest banks in Canada. As a full-service institution, the bank has investment management and award-winning private banking.
Scotia provides tailored accounts for everyone from students and youth to seniors, while the Scotiabank StartRight® Program is a top pick for newcomers to Canada. The bank also boasts a premium banking experience through the Scotiabank Ultimate Package Chequing. Some fee waiver options are available when you maintain a minimum balance but its interest rates on savings tend to be lower than what you can find through online banks. That said, its network access is more competitive as it is part of the Global ATM alliance.
Scotia’s credit card offering stands out for its travel lineup as well as its partnership with Scene+ rewards. FinlyWealth recently named the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card as our pick for the best overall travel and no foreign transaction fees credit card. In addition to credit cards, Scotia maintains a competitive edge within the mortgage and loan space through flexible financing solutions.
Toronto Dominion, known as TD, delivers a strong all-around banking experience through a broad product lineup and extensive branch networks including 1,100 branches throughout the United States. The bank boasts consistency across many categories with few major weaknesses.
Offering a range of banking products, TD has accounts for Canadian newcomers, youth, students, and even international students. It provides banking starting at a cost of $0 for specific groups up to an “All-Inclusive Banking Plan” with premium features and a much higher price tag. Fee waivers are available for those who maintain a certain balance in their account. Long-term savings rates may be less competitive than online banks and fintechs though.
TD has a smaller credit card offering in comparison to some of the other biggest banks in Canada. It does, however, have some strong products, including the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card, which FinlyWealth ranks as the best overall Aeroplan credit card.
With a broad lending offering, TD receives recognition for its Canada-US cross-border services as well as various lending products. Its mortgage and lending breadth is amongst the strongest in Canada, though the bank doesn’t always have the lowest rates.
Overall rating
4.1
3.9
Customer experience
2.7
3.2
Best for
Scotiabank is an ideal pick for Canadians looking for full-service banking with a strong lineup of Scene+ rewards credit cards and international banking capabilities. Its extensive branch network and broad range of banking as well as its lending and investment products make Scotia a suitable option for a range of customers.
TD Bank is best for Canadians looking for full-service banking with a vast offering of lending products, premium chequing accounts, branch access and cross-border banking support in the US.
Pros & cons
Pros
Strong offering of travel and rewards credit cards with the Scene+ program being a market differentiator
Provides a distinctive newcomer banking program
Access to the Global ATM alliance allowing for no-fee ATM withdrawals at specific international banks
Full-service banking allowing customers to get their entire banking, lending and investing needs met at a single institution
Wide range of flexible borrowing options
Premium banking available with fee-waiver opportunities
Well-ranked mobile application
Significant international retail presence, particularly in Latin America
Cons
Lower savings rates than those offered by online banks and fintechs
Applicable account fees can be expensive unless you meet the fee-waiver threshold
Worst TrustPilot rating out of the Big Six with many dissatisfied customers
Fees are comparable to the other Big Six, though higher than fintechs and digital banks
More expensive lending rates than digital-first institutions
Many premium banking benefits require a substantial minimum balance
Pros
TD Canada’s mobile app ranks well with consumers
Extensive branch network
Availability of premium banking options and fee-waiver options
Stand-out credit cards despite a limited offering
Promotional pricing periodically available for better rates and rewards
Extensive mortgage and lending offerings with flexible products
Strong retail presence in the United States and cross-border support
Cons
Elevated fees compared to fintechs and digital banks (though competitive amongst the Big Six)
Monthly account fees on most chequing accounts unless minimum balance maintained
Minimum balance waiver set at a higher balance compared to the other major banks
Savings accounts have a lower interest rate, even amongst the Big Six
Elevated mortgage and loan rates in comparison to digital-first lenders
Every credit card charges a foreign transaction fee
Historically extended branch hours were pared back post-Covid
Premium banking benefits available, though they come at a cost or require high account balances
Top chequing accounts
Best for: No fees and earning points on debit transactions
on Scotiabank's website
+ Earn up to $200(1) or up to $625 in value*
Limited offer · ends
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $200(1) or up to $625 in value*
Monthly Fee
$0
Account Type
Chequing • Student
Earn up to $200 welcome bonus when you open a new Preferred Package for Students and Youth ¹
To qualify for the $200 bonus offer:
- Open a new Preferred Package for Students and Youth (an “Eligible Account”) between July 2 and November 1, 2026; and
- Complete any two of the following activities in your Eligible Account within 60 days of Eligible Account opening:
o Set up and make at least 1 eligible automated and recurring direct deposit, which will recur monthly for a minimum of three (3) consecutive months, or
o Set up and make at least one (1) eligible recurring pre-authorized transaction which will recur monthly for a minimum of three (3) consecutive months, or
o Complete at least five online (5) Visa* Debit purchases using your ScotiaCard® anywhere Visa* Debit is accepted. Only the following Visa Debit transaction types are eligible: online debit purchases and in-store purchases made outside of Canada.
Student Bundle Offer: Earn up to $625 in value* with the Scene+TM Student Banking Bundle
1. $200 cash offer for new Preferred Package for Students and Youth customers
2. Earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in everyday purchases for the first 3 months (up to $100 value) on a Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa Card * (other Bundle eligible cards have different welcome offers)
3. 2,500 Scene+ points ($25 value) for new customers who combine the Preferred Package for Students and Youth Account with a new Money Master Savings Account
4. 30,000 Scene+ points ($300 value) when you bundle all 3 of the above accounts and complete certain qualifying transactions as part of the Scene+ Student Banking Bundle Bonus Offer
Offer Expiry: November 1, 2026
- You are eligible for the Preferred Package for Students and Youth (chequing account) if you are under 25 years of age or are enrolled full-time in a university, community college, or another recognized post-secondary institution in Canada or the United States. You will be required to confirm your student status by providing proof of enrollment.
- No monthly account fee*, unlimited debit and Interac e-transfer transactions
- Earn points on everyday purchases with the Scene+™ program
- Free trades for students and youth with Scotia iTRADE
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$0
eStatement
Included
Transactions
Transactions
Unlimited free
Interac e-Transfers
Unlimited free
ATM Fees
Own Network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$2
USA
$3
International
$5
International & Currency
Foreign Currency Conversion
2.5%
Other Fees
NSF (Non-sufficient Funds)
$10
Overdraft Interest
21% annually (if used)
Bank Draft
$9.5
Best for: Canadian permanent residents, international students, and foreign workers.
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $2,300 in value in the first year(1)
Monthly Fee
$16.95 (waivable)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
Qualify and earn up to $2,300 in first year value, including up to $580 with the StartRight Program2.
StartRight Program2 benefits
Worth up to $580 in value1
- No monthly account fee of $16.95 on the Preferred Package chequing account for the first year8. Valued at $200.
- Unlimited no-fee international money transfers10. Valued at $280.
- 10 free Scotia iTrade equity trades9. Valued at $100.
Chequing account welcome offer
Earn up to $7001
- Open a new eligible Scotiabank chequing account and complete 2 qualifying chequing account transactions. Valued at $500.
- Bundle your new chequing account with a new Money Masters Savings Account and set up a smart savings tool. Valued at $100.
- Bundle your new chequing account with an eligible registered account. Valued at $100.
Credit card welcome bonus
Worth up to $1,0801
Open a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card to qualify for a welcome bonus offer. Earn Scene+ points and other benefits.17
- Up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points with minimum spend. Valued at $600.
- Average foreign transaction fee savings on foreign currency purchases. Valued at $130.
- 6 Complimentary lounge visits. Valued at $350.
- Offer subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.
Total Value Combined
Up to $2,360
- Up to $2,300 in first year value1 when banking with Scotiabank, including up to $580 in value with the StartRight® Program2.
- Waive the monthly account fee for the first year5 when you open a Preferred Package chequing account.
- 24/7 banking through the Scotia app, phone, or chatbot, plus over 900 branches across Canada offering help in more than 50 languages.
- Collect rewards on everyday purchases with a Scene+ credit or debit card6 and get rewarded with travel, groceries, and more.
- Leverage your credit history from home to apply for a higher credit limit on your Scotia credit card3 with Nova Credit4.
How to Qualify for StartRight®
Qualifications
- Canadian permanent resident for five years or less
- International student
- Foreign worker
Required Documentation
Gather these documents prior to applying:
Permanent Resident
- Resident card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Foreign passport or Canadian government-issued photo ID, like your driver's license
Foreign Worker
- Work permit
- Foreign passport or Canadian government-issued photo ID, like your driver's license
- If applying for a credit card, you'll also need a letter from your Canadian employer confirming your annual income
International Student
- Study Permit (IMM 1442) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
- One additional piece of government photo ID such as your passport or Canadian driver’s licence
- Proof of enrollment from your Canadian Educational Institution such as your Student ID card or your course timetable
Pros
- Impressive first-year value
- 24/7 banking
- Everyday optimization opportunities
- Leverage credit history to apply for higher credit limit
Cons
- High fees after first year (without minimum balance)
- Credit card fees and income requirements
- Lower credit limits without Nova Credit credit history leverage
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$16.95
Fee Waiver: StartRight Program Fee Waiver
Full waiver
No monthly account fee of $16.95 on the Preferred Package chequing account for the first year as part of the StartRight Program.
Credit Card Rebate
Up to $150
eStatement
Included
Transactions
Transactions
Unlimited free
Interac e-Transfers
Unlimited free
ATM Fees
Own Network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$1.5
USA
$3
International
$3
International & Currency
Foreign Currency Conversion
2.5%
Other Fees
NSF (Non-sufficient Funds)
$10
Overdraft Interest
21% annually (if used)
Bank Draft
$9.5
4.8 Our rating
on TD's website
Welcome Bonus
Receive value of up to $560 with a Student Banking Package
Regular Interest
Up to 0.01%
Monthly Fee
$0
Account Type
Chequing • Student
Get as much as $560 in value with a Student Banking Package:
- Cash offering of $125 when you open a new Student Chequing Account and complete two of the following by August 31, 2026:
Arrange a recurring direct deposit and receive payment from either your employer or the Government
Initiate or receive an e-Transfer for $30 or more
Use your Visa Debit to make an online purchase
Establish Pre-Authorized Transfer Service or Simply Save Service on your TD Savings Account
- Cash Back Dollars of up to $100 if you open an eligible TD Cash Back Visa before June 29, 2026
- Get up $250 in value when you open your first TD Direct Investing Account
- Savings of $60 with no monthly fees annually on TD Monthly Plan Overdraft Protection services on a new Student Chequing Account
- $25 gift card for Uber when you (a) establish a TD Student Chequing Account and meet eligibility criteria before August 31, 2026 (b) open a qualifying credit card before June 29, 2026. You must also keep the Student Chequing Account and your credit card active for five months after the account opening.
Offer expires June 29, 2026
- Made for students and youth under the age of 23
- No monthly fee on the account or overdraft protection
- Free Interac e-Transfers
- Minimum balance not required
- Interest earned on all balances
- Receive 0.5 bonus stars for every dollar of spending at participating Starbucks6
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$0
eStatement
Included
Transactions
e-Transfer Fee
$0
ATM Fees
Own Network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$2
USA
$3
International
$5
on TD's website
Welcome Bonus
Receive up to $750 in value on new accounts(§)
Regular Interest
Up to 0%
Monthly Fee
$17.95 (waived with $4,000 balance)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
Earn up to $750 in value for new TD Unlimited Chequing Accounts.
Interest rates
All balances 0%
- No limit on transactions
- Full fee rebate if you meet the minimum balance requirement of $4,0001, 2
- Free Interac e-Transfers3
- No charge from TD for ATM transactions within Canada5
- Paper statement $2.00 monthly
- Account holders get a first year fee rebate on eligible TD credit cards4
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$17.95
Fee Waiver: Full fee rebate if you meet the minimum balance requirement
$4,000 min. balance
eStatement
Included
Transactions
e-Transfer Fee
$0
ATM Fees
Own Network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$0
USA
$3
International
$5
Top savings account
Best for: High interest savings at Big 5 bank
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 5.00%* for the first 3 months
Regular Interest
Up to 2.2%
Monthly Fee
$0
You can earn up to 5.00%* for the first 3 months if you are not a current Scotia HISA or MomentumPLUS Savings Account holder and haven’t held either account in the last two years.
Regular interest rate
Up to 2.2%
$10,000 minimum Total Relationship Balance1 required to earn interest3
Promo interest rate
Earn an extra 2.8%
Get the promo rate for 3 months, on top of our regular tiered interest rates2 when you keep a Total Relationship Balance1 of at least $10,000. Conditions Apply.2
Not all savings accounts are created equal.
The Scotia High Interest Savings Account (HISA) is different - the more you deposit and invest with us, the higher your interest rate on your HISA account.
It's simple: keep a Total Relationship Balance1 of at least $10,000 to start earning a high interest rate. As the balances across your eligible accounts grow, so will the interest rate on your HISA.
Your HISA interest rate is determined by your Total Relationship Balance1, which is the combined daily closing balance in your eligible chequing, savings, and investment accounts.
- Earn competitive interest rates that increase as your Total Relationship Balance1 grows
- Pay no monthly account fees
- Make unlimited self-service transfers between your accounts4
2.6 Our rating
on TD's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn the Boosted Rate on eligible accounts with balances over $5,000
Regular Interest
Up to 1.5%
Monthly Fee
$0
Earn a Boosted Savings Rate for eligible accounts with balances over $5,0001
- Earn a Boosted savings rate for eligible accounts with balances over $5,0001
- Interest a higher rate of interest the more you save
- No monthly account fee
- Unlimited transfers to your TD deposit accounts ($5 charge for other transactions)
Top credit card
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $950 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, and up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points.
Annual Fee
$120
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
5/5
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is one of our favorite cards. It has a very solid rewards program, earning one of the highest rewards among all credit cards in Canada. In addition, it offers comprehensive travel benefits, including the rare and valuable no foreign transaction fee benefit, making it a great and balanced credit card in terms of both rewards and benefits. The first-year annual fee waiver is the cherry on top, providing even greater value to cardholders.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Well-rounded rewards
- Shell Fuel Savings
- Comprehensive insurance
- Flexible redemptions
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Cons
- Limited acceptance
- No lounge access
- Annual fee
Rewards
- Earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more*
- Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.*
- Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.*
- Earn 3x Scene+ points 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+ points 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
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
$1M, Up to 25 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
$1M, Up to 3 days
Trip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $10,000/trip
Trip Interruption
$1,500/person, $10,000/trip
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1,000/trip
Baggage Delay
$500/person, $1,000/trip After 4 hoursFlight Delay
$500/person
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500K/person, $1M/occurrence.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 days
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000/occurrence
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Purchase Protection
90 days
Extended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the 2.5% foreign transaction fees incurred when spending in non $CAD.svg)
Gas Discount2
Get up to 12¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations
American Express® Experiences
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Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass Membership
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$12,000 personal or $12,000 household
on TD's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $1,400 in value†, including up to 160,000 TD Rewards Points† and receive an Annual Fee rebate for the first year†.
Annual Fee
$139 $0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%□
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.7/5
The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card is an excellent option for frequent travelers who book through Expedia For TD and want to maximize rewards on travel purchases. The high welcome bonus and extensive insurance coverage make this card stand out. However, the high income requirements and limited value of TD points may not make it the best fit for everyone.
Pros
- High rewards
- First-year fee rebate
- Extensive insurance
- Annual travel credit
Cons
- High income requirements
- Low point value
- Potentially week booking portal
Rewards
- Earn 8 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†
- Earn 6 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit†
- Earn 4 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media†
- Earn 2 TD Rewards Points For every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card† plus earn an annual Birthday Bonus† of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points
- Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more TD Rewards Points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)†
21 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)†
4 daysTrip Cancellation†
$1,500Trip Interruption†
$5,000Flight Delay†
$500Baggage Delay†
$1,000Lost or Stolen Baggage†
$1,000Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance†
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft†
yesHotel Burglary Insurance†
$2,500Purchase Protection†
90 daysExtended Warranty†
Up to 1 yearMobile Device Insurance†
$1,000
Benefits
Details
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits†
Concierge Services†
Golf Benefit†
Troon Rewards Golf benefits like discounts at over 95 resorts and courses around the world plus access to select private clubs across the U.S
Extra points†
Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more TD Rewards Points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.
Annual Birthday Bonus†
Earn a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points
Car Rental Discount†
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car.svg)
Travel Credit†
Get an annual TD Travel Credit of $100 when you book at Expedia For TD
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass†
Enjoy your time at the airport with global airport lounge access and 4 complimentary lounge visits with Visa Airport Companion Program
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
All products offered
22 products
Savings
Scotiabank Money Master Savings Account
Scotia High Interest Savings Account (HISA)
Scotiabank Momentum Plus Savings Account
Chequing
Scotiabank StartRight® Program
Scotiabank Ultimate Package Chequing
Scotiabank Preferred Package Chequing Account
Scotiabank Basic Plus Bank Account
Scotiabank Basic Bank Account
Scotiabank Preferred Package Chequing for Student and Youth
Credit cards
Scotia Momentum® Mastercard®* Credit Card
Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card
Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite +* Card
Scotia Momentum® for business Visa* Card
Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card
Scotiabank American Express® Card
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Business* Card
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Privilege Card
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card
Scotiabank Value® Visa* Card
Scotiabank® Scene+ Visa Card
17 products
Chequing
TD Unlimited Chequing Account
TD Every Day Chequing Account
TD Minimum Chequing Account
TD Student Chequing Account
Credit cards
TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card
TD Cash Back Visa* Card
TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
TD Low Rate Visa* Credit Card
TD Platinum Travel Visa* Card
TD Rewards Visa* Card
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card
TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card