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7 Best Scotiabank Credit Cards of November 2025
Published Oct 31, 2025 10:59 AM • 5 min read
Fact Checked
Written By
Credit Card Expert
Edited By
Lead WriterEvery credit card caters to different needs. Scotiabank has some strong contenders in each category. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, points enthusiast or counting on cashback – there’s a card created with you in mind.
Data-driven rankings of 120+ credit cards using a proprietary algorithm
Comprehensive analysis using 25+ data points including terms and conditions, points programs, and more
Objective editorial approach - we strive for unbiased reviews following our editorial guidelines
FinlyWealth's credit cards content, including rankings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of engineers and writers who specialize in credit cards, banking, and personal finance. Our work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, GoBankingRates, and AOL. Our proprietary analysis systems evaluate product features, terms, and conditions to deliver comprehensive reviews and comparisons while maintaining strict editorial standards for accuracy and integrity.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card: Best Overall
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card: Best for Travel
Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card: Best for Cashback
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Privilege Card: Best for Premium Travel
Scotiabank Value® Visa* Card: Best for Balance Transfers
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Business* Card: Best for Business
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card: Best for Accessible Premium Perks
Scotiabank American Express® Card: Best for No Annual Fee
Our choice for: Best Overall
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on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 50,000 Scene+ points ($500 value)
Annual Fee
$120 $0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
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 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.
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
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance
$1M, Up to 25 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65+)
$1M, Up to 3 days
Trip Cancellation
$1500/person, $10000/trip
Trip Interruption
$1500/person, $10,000/trip
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1000/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
$1000/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
American Express® Experiences
.svg)
Concierge Services
Discount
Discount on PriorityPass Membership
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$12,000 personal or $12,000 household
*†With minimum spend in the 1st year. ◊Conditions apply. See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Terms and conditions apply. 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. Check here for full details and current product information.
Our choice for: Best for Travel
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on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 45,000 Scene+ points ($450 value)
Annual Fee
$150
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
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
- 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.
Rewards
- Earn 3x Scene+™ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and moreScotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Review: Benefits & Lounge Access†
- Earn 2x Scene+™ points 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†
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance
$2M/insured up to 25 daysTravel Medical Insurance (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
$1000Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$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
Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of Canada
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
6 Free complimentary visits.svg)
Status lift
Avis® Preferred Plus membershipConcierge Services
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
**†Terms and conditions apply. 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. Check here for full details and current product information.
Our choice for: Best for Cashback
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on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
10% Cash Back (up to $200 value)
Annual Fee
$120 $0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
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
- 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.
- Cashback is paid out once per year in November
Rewards
- 4% cashback on groceries, recurring payments (up to $25,000 in purchases, equals to $1000 cashback per year then drops to 1%)
- 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
$1,000Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000Travel Medical Insurance
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
*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. Check here for full details and current product information.
Our choice for: Best for Premium Travel
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on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 80,000 Scene+ points (up to $800 value)
Annual Fee
$599
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
For frequent flyers who want a single card that handles almost every travel need, this one’s hard to beat. It offers a hefty intro bonus of up to 80 k Scene+ points (worth roughly $800 toward travel), an annual $250 Scene+ Travel credit that’s as good as cash when you book through Expedia, and ten complimentary DragonPass lounge visits each year. Pair that with no 2.5% foreign‑currency markup, rich earn rates on travel (3x) and dining/entertainment (2x), and unusually comprehensive travel insurance, and the $599 fee can pay for itself quickly for anyone who travels a few times a year.
Pros
- No foreign‑transaction surcharge on any purchase made in a currency other than CAD—saves 2.5% every time.
- Up to 80k Scene+ welcome points after meeting tiered spending targets (up to $800 in value).
- $250 annual travel credit you can apply to flights, hotels, cars, or packages booked through Scene+ Travel.
- 10 free DragonPass lounge visits per membership year (primary cardholder and each supplementary card have their own quota).
- Accelerated earn rates: 3x points on travel and 2x on dining & entertainment, 1x everywhere else.
- Extensive protection: $5M emergency medical (31 days, 10 days if 65+), trip‑cancel/interruption, flight & baggage delay, car rental‑LDW, mobile‑device, purchase security & extended warranty.
- Premium extras such as Avis President’s Club, Relais & Châteaux, Visa Infinite Privilege concierge, wine‑country and dining‑series perks.
Cons
- High annual fee: $599 for the primary card and $199 per supplementary card.
- Steep qualification bar: personal income $150k, household $200k, or $400k in assets.
- Scene+ points are fixed‑value, so there’s no “first‑class sweet‑spot” like with airline programs.
- Not suited to carrying a balance – 20.99% purchase rate and 22.99% cash‑advance/BT.
- Lounge benefit is visit‑based (no restaurant credits) and relies on DragonPass locations and capacity.
Rewards
- Earn 3X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible travel purchases. Plus, earn an extra 3X the points on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do when you book through Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia. That's a total of 6X the points!
- Earn 2X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible dining and entertainment.
- Plus, earn 1X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000Travel Medical Insurance
$5M/insured up to 31 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65+)
$5M/insured up to 10 daysTrip Cancellation
$2,500/person, $10,000/tripTrip Interruption
$5,000/person, $25,000/tripFlight Delay
$1000/personLost or Stolen Baggage
$2,500/person (max $5,000 per trip)Baggage Delay
$1000/personHotel Burglary Insurance
$2,500Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000/insuredCar Rental Damage & Theft
Covers vehicles MSRP ≤ $85k, rentals ≤ 48 daysPurchase Protection
180 daysExtended Warranty
2 years
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of Canada.svg)
Travel Credit
$250 annual Scene+ Travel credit – automatic statement credit on your first Expedia‑powered booking each membership year.Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
10 Free complimentary visitsStatus lift
Avis President’s Club membership – two class upgrades, priority service.Concierge Services
24/7 Visa Infinite Privilege concierge (English & French)Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Priority Travel
Dedicated security and taxi lanes, valet and parking discounts at select Canadian airports.
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household
*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. Check here for full details and current product information.
Our choice for: Best for Balance Transfers
APPLY NOW
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
0.99% interest on balance transfers for 9 months + first year fee rebate
Rewards Rate
0%
Annual Fee
$29 $0
Interest Rates
13.99%* / 13.99%*
This is a great card for those who carry a balance every month and want to take advantage of much lower interest rates compared to most other cards. It also comes with a great introductory balance transfer rate for a limited number of months.
Pros
- A great low introductory interest rate on balance transfers
- Only 13.99% interest rate on purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances.
Cons
- No rewards on daily purchases
- Limited insurance
Rewards
This card does not earn rewards on purchases but instead offers much lower interest rates.
Insurance
Coverage
Balance Protection
optional
Benefits
Details
Car Rental Discount
Avis car rental discount up to 25% worldwide
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
*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. Check here for full details and current product information.
Our choice for: Best for Business
APPLY NOW
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points [1]
Annual Fee
$199
Interest Rates
19.99% / 22.99%
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business Card stands out as one of the few business cards offering no foreign transaction fees, making it exceptional for companies with international operations or frequent business travel. With a solid 1.5% earning rate on all purchases (1.5 Scene+ points per $1) and a generous 40,000-point welcome bonus, it's ideal for businesses that value travel flexibility over category bonuses. The $199 annual fee is justified by comprehensive travel insurance, six annual lounge visits, and savings on foreign transactions. However, businesses focused purely on maximizing rewards in specific categories may find better options elsewhere.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees (saves 2.5% on international purchases)
- Strong 1.5% earning rate on all purchases (no categories to track)
- Generous welcome bonus up to 40,000 Scene+ points ($400 value)
- Six complimentary annual airport lounge visits via Visa Airport Companion Program
- Comprehensive travel insurance ($1M medical coverage)
- Scene+ points have flexible redemption at 1¢ each for any travel expense
- First additional card free ($50 value)
- Visa Infinite benefits including concierge service
Cons
- High $199 annual fee
- High spending thresholds for full welcome bonus ($60,000 for 10,000 bonus points)
- Scene+ points can't be transferred to airline partners
- Higher income requirements ($60K individual/$100K household)
- Additional employee cards cost $50 each after the first
- Limited to Scene+ ecosystem vs. more flexible points programs
Rewards
- Earn 1.5X the Scene+TM‡ points for every $1 spent2 on purchases for your business
- Enjoy no Foreign Transaction Fees3 whether you make purchases online or outside of Canada
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance
$2M/insured up to 25 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65+)
$2M/insured up to 10 daysTrip Cancellation
$2,500/person, $10,000/tripTrip Interruption
$2,500/person, $10,000/tripFlight Delay
$500/person after 4 hoursLost or Stolen Baggage
$1000Baggage Delay
$1000Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$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
Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of CanadaAirport 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
*Terms and conditions apply. 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. Check here for full details and current product information.
Our choice for: Best for Accessible Premium Perks
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on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 80,000 Scene+ points ($800 value)
Annual Fee
$399
Interest Rates
9.99% / 9.99%
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
- 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.
Rewards
- 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
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance
$2M, Up to 31 daysTravel Medical Insurance (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/personCommon Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$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 Member
Extra points
Extra 4 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
GoodAnnual Income
$12,000 personal or $12,000 household
*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. Check here for full details and current product information.
Our choice for: Best for No Annual Fee
APPLY NOW
on Scotiabank's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points ($50 value towards travel)
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
19.99% / 22.99%
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
- 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
- Limited Insurance Coverage: Insurance is confined to mobile devices and purchase security & extended warranty protection.
- Lower Acceptance: Due to being an American Express network card, less merchants may accept it.
Rewards
- Earn 3x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco and more
- Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
- Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
- Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
- Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend 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
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
*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. Check here for full details and current product information.
From our editors: The best Scotiabank credit cards in Canada
1. Best Overall: Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is renowned for its extensive rewards program, earning cardholders strong Scene+ points on groceries, dining, food delivery, entertainment, gas, transit, streaming, and more. To top it off, travellers can also collect extra points per dollar spent on hotel bookings, car rentals, and experiences booked through Scene+ Travel, powered by Expedia.
The card complements its rewards program with comprehensive insurance and valuable perks like no foreign transaction fees. This contender also comes with low annual income requirements and a first-year-fee rebate. Learn more in our Scotiabank Gold American Express Card Review.
2. Best for Travel: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
Deemed one of the best travel credit cards in Canada, it's no wonder that the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card also tops this list. This competitor earns you solid Scene+ points on groceries, dining, entertainment, transit, and travel booked through Scene+ Travel. Alongside commendable coverage, the card boasts benefits like no foreign transaction fees, Dragon Pass lounge access, and an Avis Preferred Plus status lift. Just note that the income requirements on this card are slightly higher. Get the full details in our Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card Review.
3. Best for Cashback: Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card
If you prefer cashback over points, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card has you covered. Particularly, this card earns competitive cashback on groceries and recurring payments, two common spend categories for Canadians. In fact, this contender is considered one of the best recurring transaction credit cards in Canada. It also collects decent cashback on gas and daily transit.
To incentivize an application, the annual fee is waived for the first year of membership. Find out more in our Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card Review.
4. Best for Premium Travel: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Maybe you want to add a bit more luxury to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card; enter the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card. This premium contender earns plenty of Scene+ points on travel, dining, and entertainment. These points are paired with several exclusive perks, like an annual Scene+ Travel credit, tons of Dragon Pass lounge access, priority travel, and no foreign transaction fees.
Of course, a premium credit card comes with a premium annual price tag, not to mention high annual income requirements. Discover more in our Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card Review.
5. Best for Low Interest: Scotiabank Value Visa Card
On the other end of the spectrum, you'll find the Scotiabank Value Visa Card, a top low-interest contender, and one of the best balance transfer credit cards in Canada. While this card lacks a rewards program, it offers a low interest rate on balance transfers for the first several months of membership, not to mention a first-year-fee rebate. Cardholders can also opt in to balance protection insurance and take advantage of rental car discounts. See more in our Scotiabank Value Visa Card Review.
6. Best for Business: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business Card
If you're using your card in the corporate world, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business Card might be your top pick. This contender earns you decent Scene+ points per dollar spent on business purchases, but the real pull is its perks. Enjoy premium benefits like no foreign transaction fees, Dragon Pass airport lounge access, and an Avis Preferred Plus membership. Read more in our Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business Card Review.
7. Best for Accessible Premium Perks: Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
Maybe you'd like premium perks without strict income policies. If so, consider the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card. Take advantage of exclusive benefits like airport lounge access, no foreign transaction fees, and a discount on a Priority Pass membership. With this card, you'll also collect a flat rate of Scene+ points on all eligible purchases, plus plenty of points on hotel bookings, car rentals, and experiences booked through Scene+ Travel. While the annual fee is quite high, the annual income requirements are relatively low. Get the full rundown in our Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card Review.
8. Best for No Annual Fee: Scotiabank American Express Card
If you were hoping to avoid annual fees, then you may want to apply for the Scotiabank American Express Card. For starters, this card offers strong Scene+ points on groceries, dining, entertainment, gas, transit, and streaming. You can even earn extra points on bookings made through Scene+ Travel. Coverage and benefits are limited, but there are a couple of notable inclusions, like car rental discounts and mobile device insurance. Check out our Scotiabank American Express Card Review for more details.
The Different Types of Scotiabank Credit Cards
Scotiabank offers tons of different card types, catering to a large clientele. Whether you're a student, a newcomer, or a luxury traveller, there's a Scotiabank credit card for you.
Specific Scotiabank card types include:
- Scene+ Rewards Cards: Earned at Sobeys-branded grocery stores, partners, and on other eligible purchases. Redeemable towards travel, entertainment, groceries, and more.
- Travel Cards: Reward travellers with Scene+ points on common and trip-related expenses. They also tend to provided travel perks and coverage, with premium contenders offering benefits like no foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.
- Cashback Cards: Instead of points, these cards reward you by giving you a percentage of what you spent back on eligible categories.
- Student Cards: Designed specifically for students who still need to build credit. These options often offer low-fee cards with no annual income requirements.
- Newcomer Cards: For those new to Canada and looking to build credit.
- Low-Interest Cards: Made for those who carry a balance and need to pay off debt.
- U.S. Dollar Cards: For cross-border purchases that waive currency conversion fees.
- Business Cards: Built for business purchases and often come with higher credit limits.
Best Applicants for a Scotiabank Credit Card
If you fall under any of the card-type profiles above, there's likely a Scotiabank credit card that will complement your spending habits.
Just note that there are other issuers that offer similar card types, so you'll want to compare Scotiabank's catalogue against other options on the Canadian market. To do this, use our credit card comparison tool to input your spending habits and rank your top contenders.
How to Choose the Best Scotiabank Credit Card
To ultimately select the right Scotiabank credit card for you, make sure the card complements your unique spending habits. For example, if you spend most of your money on gas and groceries, you'll want a card that optimizes both of those earn categories.
If you travel often, you'll want a card that perhaps earns you points on travel that can also be redeemed later towards your next trip. If you like to travel in luxury, you might want to spend more money on a premium credit card that offers comprehensive coverage and exclusive perks like airport lounge access.
Or if you're a more budget-conscious cardholder, you might want to consider a Scotiabank contender with no annual fee.
Tip: As a general rule, if your card comes with an annual fee, you'll want to make sure that the value extracted from the card on a yearly basis offsets the annual cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
The credit score you'll need to qualify will depend on the card in question. To help you get a better idea of where your score should fall, we provide estimates in each card profile. Keep in mind that if you're opting for one of Scotiabank's premium credit cards, you may need a higher score. Alternatively, starter cards for students and newcomers may be more lenient when it comes to credit scores.
Click the "Apply Now" button below any of the above Scotiabank credit cards to get your application started.
Scotiabank has some active promotions where they waive the first-year annual fee for some cards. You can go for one of these cards to earn a high first-year value from the card.
About the author
Kevin Shahnazari
Credit Card Expert
Kevin started FinlyWealth and juggles a bit of everything—digging into data, running our marketing, and keeping the finances on track. Before this, he spent years as a data scientist at tech companies...
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Sara Skodak
Lead Writer
Since graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Sara has built a diverse writing portfolio, covering topics in the travel, business, and wellness sectors. As a self-started freelance content ...
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