Best Scotiabank Credit Cards in Canada For 2024
Kevin Shahnazari
•5 min read
Best Overall Soctiabank Credit Card
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
4.9
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to 45,000 Scene+ points ($450 value)
Annual Fee
$120
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
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 & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No foreign transaction fee saves you 2.5% on all non-CAD purchases.
- Rewards cover all high-spending categories, including food, groceries, entertainment, and gas.
- Comprehensive coverage of all travel insurance.
Cons
- The card network is American Express, which might not be widely accepted in some countries, making it a bit harder to use the no foreign transaction fee benefit.
- Having a lounge pass would have made this card even more perfect, but there is access to a discount code for lounge access pass purchases.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 6 Points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland & Participating Co-ops
- 5 Points per $1 spent on eligible dining, other grocery stores, entertainment purchases including movies, theatre, and ticket agencies
- 3 Points per $1 spent on rides which includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subways and more
- 3 Points per $1 spent on eligible streaming service payments (Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Crave and more)
- 1 Point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
$1M, Up to 25 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$1M, Up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1500/person, $10000/tripTrip Interruption
$1500/person, $10,000/tripLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000/tripBaggage Delay
$500/person, $1,000/trip After 4 hoursFlight Delay
$500/personTravel Accident
$500K/person, $1M/occurrenceCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1000/occurrenceMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the 2.5% foreign transaction fees incurred when spending in non $CADAmerican Express® Experiences
Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass Membership
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$12,000 personal
Best Scotiabank Credit Card for Travellers
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
4.3
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to 35,000 Scene+ points
Rewards Rate
1x - 3x Points
Annual Fee
$150
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is a strong choice for frequent travelers, especially those who value flexibility and premium perks. It stands out with its rare benefit of no foreign transaction fees, making international purchases more cost-effective. Additionally, the card offers a valuable blend of travel perks, including airport lounge access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and flexible rewards, making it an ideal companion for those who frequently travel abroad and want to avoid extra fees while enjoying premium benefits.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High Rewards on Select Purchases: Earn up to 3 points per $1 spent on select categories.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Shop abroad without additional charges.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Includes 11 types of insurance coverage.
- Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy up to 6 airport lounge passes per year through the Visa Airport Companion program.
Cons
- High Income Requirements: Requires $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income.
- Lower Overall Rewards: Rewards potential is lower compared to premium credit cards.
- High Annual Fee: Comes with a significant annual fee.
- Average Insurance Coverage: Insurance benefits are standard, not exceptional.
- Mediocre Earnings Potential: The card’s rewards structure might not offer the highest returns for every spender.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 3 Points on on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland & Participating Co-ops
- 2 Points dining and at other eligible grocery stores,entertainment purchases which includes movies, theatre, and ticket agencies and Rides which includes rideshare,buses,taxis, subways and more
- 1 Point on everything else
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
$2M/insured up to 25 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$2M/insured up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $10,000/tripTrip Interruption
$2,500/person, $10,000/tripFlight Delay
$500/person after 4 hoursLost or Stolen Baggage
$1000Baggage Delay
$1000Travel Accident
$500,000/insured, $1M combinedCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000 up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
6 Free complimentary visitsStatus lift
Avis® Preferred Plus membershipConcierge Services
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
Best Scotiabank Credit Card for Cashback
Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card
4
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
10% Cash Back (up to $200 value)
Rewards Rate
1% - 4%
Annual Fee
$120
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
The 4% cashback offered on groceries and recurring purchases is the highest among all other credit cards. With the first year's annual fee waived, and with the right transactions used on this credit card, a high amount of cashback could be earned.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highest Cashback rates on Groceries and Recurring purchases compared to other cashback credit cards.
- High insurance coverage.
- First year annual fee waived.
Cons
- The base cashback rate (1%) is low for most high spent categories, especially after the first year when the card's annual fee kicks in.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 4% cashback on groceries, recurring payments (maximum $1000 cashback per year)
- 2% cashback on gas, daily transit (maximum $500 cashback per year)
- 1% cashback on all other credit card purchases (unlimited).
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000Travel Accident
$500,000Emergency Out of province Medical
15 daysTrip Interruption
$2,000Trip Cancellation
$1,500Flight Delay
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Baggage Delay
$500Car Rental Damage & Theft
48 daysPurchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Car Rental Discount
25% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A CarVisa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Yes
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
Best Low-Interest Scotiabank Credit Card
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card
3.5
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to 60,000 Scene+ points ($600 value)
Rewards Rate
2x Points
Annual Fee
$399
Interest Rates
9.99% / 9.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express is the perfect choice for those seeking a super premium credit card without steep income requirements. With a high flat rate of rewards on all purchases, extensive insurance coverage, and flexible travel redemption options, it offers full-featured perks that cater to frequent travelers and savvy spenders alike.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low Interest Rate: Offers a competitive interest rate of 9.99%.
- Strong Rewards: Earn 2x Scene+ points on all purchases.
- Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy 10 complimentary lounge visits, including Plaza Premium Lounges, through Priority Pass (membership required).
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Includes extensive coverage for travel-related needs.
- Flexible Travel Rewards: Points can be redeemed for travel bookings with any provider.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Shop internationally without extra charges.
Cons
- High Annual Fee: The annual fee is steep compared to similar cards offering similar perks.
- Limited Premium Perks: Lacks top-tier travel benefits like free checked baggage and priority boarding.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 2 points on all eligible purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Out of province Medical
$2M, Up to 31 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
$2M, Up to 10 daysTrip Cancellation
$2500/person, $10000/tripLost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000/tripTrip Interruption
$5000/person, $25000/tripBaggage Delay
$1000 After 4 hoursFlight Delay
$1000/personTravel Accident
$500K/person, $1M/occurrenceCar Rental Damage & Theft
$65K up to 48 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1000/occurrenceMobile Device Insurance
$1000Purchase Protection
120 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a year
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium
10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Priority pass)Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Plaza Premium)American Express® Experiences
Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass MembershipStatus lift
Hertz #1 Club Gold MemberExtra points
Extra 3 Scene+ points per Canadian dollar spent on hotel and car rental bookings made through Scene+ Travel using your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
Eligibility
Credit Score
ExcellentAnnual Income
$12,000 personal
Best No Annual Fee Scotiabank Credit Card
Scotiabank American Express® Card
3.2
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to 5,000 Scene+ points ($50 value)
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
19.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
If you're looking to earn travel rewards without an annual fee, the Scotiabank American Express® Card is a great choice. It offers flexible Scene+ points on everyday purchases, allowing you to redeem rewards for travel, entertainment, and more—all while enjoying plenty of perks at no extra cost.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong Rewards: Earn flexible Scene+ points on all everyday purchases.
- Mobile Device Insurance: Comes with coverage for your mobile devices.
- Exclusive Perks: Access special offers, experiences, and more through American Express Invites.
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy all these benefits without paying an annual fee.
Cons
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 3 Points on on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland & Participating Co-ops
- 2 Points dining and at other eligible grocery stores, entertainment purchases which includes movie theaters, and ticket agencies
- 2 Point on Rides which includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subways and more
- 2 Points on eligible streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Crave and more)
- 1 Point on everything else
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$500Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Up to a year
Benefits
Details
American Express® Experiences
Car Rental Discount
25% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$12,000 personal
Scotiabank® Scene+ Visa Card
3.3
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
Up to 5,000 Scene+ points
Rewards Rate
1x - 2x Points
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
We like this card because it offers solid rewards with no annual fee, including the opportunity to earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within the first 3 months. With 2x Scene+ points on purchases at popular grocery stores, home improvement retailers, and Cineplex, plus 1x points on all other purchases, it's a great option for maximizing everyday spending.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy all the benefits without any yearly cost.
- Universal Rewards: Earn rewards on every purchase, no matter where you shop.
- Flexible Redemption: Redeem your rewards with a variety of options tailored to your needs.
Cons
- Limited Accelerated Categories: Fewer opportunities to earn bonus points in specific categories.
- Specific Grocery Partners: Rewards at grocery stores are limited to select partners.
- Lacks Travel Insurance: Missing some of the common travel insurance coverages offered by other cards.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 2 Points on on every $1 you spend at Cineplex, Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland & Participating Co-ops
- 1 Point on everything else
Benefits
Details
Car Rental Discount
25% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card
3
Finly Rating
Welcome Bonus
5% Cash Back (up to $100 value)
Rewards Rate
0.5% - 1%
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
19.99% / 22.99%
Why we like it
Why we like it
The Scotiabank Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card is ideal for those seeking a straightforward, entry-level credit card to build their credit while earning modest cash back on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and bills. With no annual fee, a competitive balance transfer offer, and a high spending cap, it's a practical choice for young adults or newcomers who want to earn rewards without the complexities of more premium cards.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy cash back rewards without any annual cost.
- Welcome Offer: Get 5% cash back on purchases for the first three months (up to $100).
- Cash Back Rewards: Earn up to 1% cash back in select categories.
Cons
- Lower Earn Rate: Offers a below-average cash back rate compared to other cards.
- Annual Redemption: Cash back can only be redeemed once per year.
- Lacks Insurance Coverage: No travel or consumer insurance, including purchase protection and extended warranty.
Product Details
Product Details
Rewards
- 1% cashback on gas, groceries, drug store and recurring payments
- 0.5% cashback on all other credit card purchases (unlimited).
Benefits
Details
Car Rental Discount
25% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a certain credit score to get a Scotiabank credit card?
How do I apply for a Scotiabank credit card?
Can annual fees be waived for Scotiabank credit cards?
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