Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve vs Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card

Both business cards worked out on the same spending: rewards, welcome bonus, fees and perks, line by line.

American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card

American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card

4.7

Apply now
scotia momentum visa no fee for business

Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card

4.4

Apply now

Worked out on a typical small business spending $4,000 a month. Enter yours to see your own numbers.

$1,674

First-year value

$437

$439

Every year after

$302

Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve is worth $1,237 more to your business in year one.

It stays ahead after that, by $137 a year.

How the first year adds up

Rewards and the welcome bonus in, the annual fee, FX fees and employee cards out, at your spending.

$1,217.75Better of the two
in Aeroplan points a year

Annual rewards

$481.8
cash back a year
+ $1,235Better of the two
first year only

Welcome bonus

+ $135
first year only
− $599

Annual fee

Better of the two− $0
no annual fee
− $180
2.5% on $600/mo

FX fees

− $180
2.5% on $600/mo
$1,673.75Better of the two

First-year value

$436.8

Where each card earns

A year of your spending on each card, category by category, biggest spend first.

Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve earns more on 17 of your 17 categories.

$299.14Better of the two
at 1.25x

All Other Business Expenses

$12,600 a year

$126
at 1%
$146.15Better of the two
at 1.25x

US Dollar Purchases

$6,150 a year

$61.5
at 1%
$114Better of the two
at 1.25x

Recurring Bills & Subscriptions

$4,800 a year

$48
at 1%
$85.5Better of the two
at 1.25x

Gas & EV Charging

$3,600 a year

$36
at 1%
$85.5Better of the two
at 1.25x

Dining & Restaurants

$3,600 a year

$36
at 1%
$71.14Better of the two
at 1.25x

Office Supplies

$3,000 a year

$30
at 1%
$57Better of the two
at 1.25x

Phone, Internet & Cable

$2,400 a year

$24
at 1%
$68.4Better of the two
at 2x

Hotels

$1,800 a year

$18
at 1%
$42.64Better of the two
at 1.25x

Shipping & Courier

$1,800 a year

$18
at 1%
$42.64Better of the two
at 1.25x

Accounting & Bookkeeping

$1,800 a year

$18
at 1%
$29.18Better of the two
at 1.25x

Other Foreign Currencies (EUR, GBP, etc.)

$1,230 a year

$12.3
at 1%
$28.5Better of the two
at 1.25x

Electronics & Software

$1,200 a year

$12
at 1%
$68.4Better of the two
at 3x

Air Canada

$1,200 a year

$12
at 1%
$28.5Better of the two
at 1.25x

Transportation

$1,200 a year

$12
at 1%
$14.14Better of the two
at 1.25x

Other Airlines

$600 a year

$6
at 1%
$22.8Better of the two
at 2x

Car Rental

$600 a year

$6
at 1%
$14.14Better of the two
at 1.25x

Other Travel

$600 a year

$6
at 1%
$1,217.75Better of the two

Rewards in a year

$481.8

Welcome bonus

Each offer as the issuer words it, then which milestones your spending reaches.

Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve

  • Earn up to 90,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points
  • Earn 65,000 Aeroplan®* points after spending $10,500 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Cardmember.
  • Plus, earn 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,500 in month 13.
  • You can earn up to $5,600 in value within your first 13 months. When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $1,800 in value, your earn potential in accelerated and everyday spend earn rate categories with approximately $2,825 in value, and the $1,000 in value you get from exceptional benefits, you can earn up to $5,600 or more in value within your first 13 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.

Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card

Earn 10% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases for the first 3 months1

Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve

Worth $1,235 at your spending

65,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $10,500 in the first 3 months

65,000 pts

25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,500 in month 13 (card year 2)

25,000 pts

Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card

Worth $135 at your spending

10% cash back on the first $1,500 in 3 months

$135

Fees, rates and eligibility

What each card costs to hold and to use abroad, and who it's for.

$599

⁕ Notice: As of Jan 12, 2027, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card annual fee will increase to $799. Annual fees charged on or after this date will reflect the new fee. The Employee Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card annual fee will increase to $249. The Employee Aeroplan®* Business Reserve No Fee Card will be renamed to the Employee Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Expense Card and the annual fee will increase to $25. Learn more about new benefits.

Annual fee

Better of the two$0
$0

Employee cards

$0
2.5%

Foreign transaction fee

2.5%
Aeroplan

Rewards

Cash back
American Express

Network

Visa

Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve

Interest rates

Purchase:

21.99%1

Cash Advance:

21.99%1

1 If you have 2 separate missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate missed payments, the applicable rates will be 29.99%.

Recommended credit score

300
Poor
693
Fair
743⁎
Good
790⁎
Very Good
833⁎
Excellent
⁎Estimates based on TransUnion scoring

Income required

Min Personal Income:

N/A

Min Household Income:

N/A

Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card

Interest rates

Purchase:

21.99%

Cash Advance:

23.99%

Recommended credit score

300
Poor
560
Fair
660⁎
Good
725⁎
Very Good
760⁎
Excellent
⁎Estimates based on Equifax scoring

Income required

Min Personal Income:

N/A

Min Household Income:

N/A

How each card earns

The earn rates and caps, as each issuer sets them.

Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve

  • 3x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada® and Air Canada Vacations® purchases
  • 2x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible hotel and car rental purchases in Canada
  • 1.25x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card

  • 1% cash back on everyday purchases for your business4

Insurance and perks

What both cards include comes first in each list.

Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve

Insurance

  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 years
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days

  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $1,000
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1,000/person after 6 hours
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    $85K MSRP up to 48 consecutive rental days
  • heart lock

    Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

    $500,000
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1000
  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

    $5M/insured up to 15 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1,500/person, $3K/trip
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $1,500/person, $6K/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1,000/person after 4 hours

Perks

  • airplane love

    Companion Voucher

    Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's Club
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Get 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $5,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card, up to 25,000 SQC
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Get a 10% Head Start. Starting in 2027, eligible Basic Cardmembers with Aeroplan Elite™* Status will receive a 10% head start toward qualification, based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) accumulated the year before. Roll over any unallocated unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels.
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will benefit from an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, for a total of 24 months from issuance.
  • luggage

    Free first checked bag

    First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on Air Canada branded flight and up to 8 guests
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
  • bed furniture

    Free Extra Night at Hotels

    Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwide
  • border guard

    Nexus Program Rebate

    $100 every 4 years
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    At Toronto Pearson airport get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking and car care.
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    Get Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight (Only AirCanada)
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes

    Unlimited Access for you and one guest
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

    Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
  • Amex logo

    Amex Experiences™

    Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more

Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card

Insurance

  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty*

    Up to a year
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection*

    90 days

  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance*

    Up to 1,000
  • visa zero liability

    Visa Zero Liability5

    Liability for unauthorized transactions is $0. Restrictions and exclusions apply.
  • Business insurance

    Scotia Business Loan Protection 6

    Up to $2,000,000

Perks

  • car rental

    Car Rental Discount8

    Save up to 25% off base rates at participating AVIS and Budget locations
  • gas station

    Gas Discount7

    Get up to 6¢/L in value at Shell
  • discount

    Discount10

    Unlock coupons for savings and rewards at participating retailers with Visa SavingsEdge
  • instalment payments

    Scotia SelectPay9

    Set up monthly installment payments for purchases over $100
  • expense management

    Expense Management Tools11

    Enrol in Visa Spend Clarity to access a suite of Visa tools to manage expenses and savings

Our take

Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve

The most aggressive Aeroplan earning card you can get for a business: 3x on Air Canada, 2x on hotels and car rentals, and 1.25x on everything else. The $599 annual fee is steep, but the perks are hard to match — unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access, Priority Pass membership, free checked bags, and an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass that alone can be worth hundreds. If your business spends heavily on Air Canada flights and travel, this card can return serious value. But be honest about your travel volume — at this fee, light travelers will lose money. This is a card you need to actively use to justify.

  • Premium earning rates
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Unlimited airport lounge access
  • Priority Pass membership
  • Annual companion pass
  • Free first checked bags
  • NEXUS program rebate
  • Priority travel perks
  • High annual fee
  • Benefit limitations and conditions
  • Less valuable for non-travellers

Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card

The Scotia Momentum for business No Fee Visa Card is a solid and affordable business credit card with straightforward cash back, everyday and business-oriented benefits, plus decent coverage. If you don't need a travel or premium-tier business credit card, this is a top option.

  • No annual fee
  • Welcome bonus
  • Business-oriented benefits
  • Business Loan Protection
  • Limited rewards
  • No premium travel perks
  • Foreign transaction fees

More business card comparisons

Each card against every other business card we review.

Legal


Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve

*Terms and conditions apply.


If you have 2 separate missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate missed payments, the applicable rates will be 29.99%.


American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card

1Offer Description and Conditions: The 10% Cash Back Offer (the “Offer”) applies only to new Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card accounts (“Accounts”) that are opened, and any additional cards on the Account issued, between August 17, 2026 and February 28, 2027 (regardless of the date you apply for the Account) subject to the conditions below.


You will earn 10% cash back on the first $1,500 in eligible purchases you spend on your new Account within the first 3 months of the Account open date (the “Promotional Period”). Eligible purchases include purchases (less any refunds, returns or other similar credits) but do not include cash advances (including balance transfers and cash-like transactions), interest, fees or other charges or payments.

After the Promotional Period, you will earn regular cash back on eligible purchases at the regular cash back rate (the “Regular Cash Back Program Rate”) as described in the Scotia Momentum No fee Visa* Cash Back Program Terms and Conditions (the “Program Terms”). The 10% cash back rate for any category is made up of the sum of: (i) the Regular Cash Back Program Rate (variable by category as set out under the Program Terms); and (ii) a bonus rate that will vary depending on the Cash Back Program Rate (the “Cash Back Top Up Rate”). 

Cash back earned under this Offer will be credited to your Account in 2 installments so long as your Account is open and in good standing at time of payout of each:

  1. Bonus Cash Back: The amount earned under the Cash Back Top Up Rate will be credited to your Account within approximately 7 months from the Account open date; and
  2. Regular Cash Back: The amount earned under your Regular Cash Back Program Rate will be credited to your Account as described in  the Program Terms.

The Account is considered in good standing if it is not past due or over limit and the Cardholder(s) is not in breach of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the Account.

EXAMPLE: If the Regular Cash Back Program Rate for gas purchases is 1% then the Cash Back Top Up Rate will be 9% for that category so that you will earn a total of 10% on the amount of all eligible everyday purchases in that category during the Promotional Period up to a total of $1,500 in purchases.

If you make $1,500 in eligible everyday purchases in your first 3 months in the 1% Cash Back category, your cash back earnings will be credited to your Account as follows:

  1. the Cash Back Top Up Rate earnings of $135 (9% x $1,500) will be applied to your Account within approximately 7 months from the Account open date if you have met the Cash Back Bonus conditions, and
  2. the regular Cash Back Program Rate earnings of $15 (1% x $1,500), will be applied to your Account in accordance with the Program Terms.

All other terms and conditions of the Program Terms continue to apply during and after the Promotional Period. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers. 

Offer Eligibility and Exclusions: Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank business credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank business credit card, are not eligible for the Offer. Subject to the above exclusions, Scotiabank personal credit cardholders are also eligible for the Offer. By accepting this Offer you confirm you meet all Offer eligibility requirements. We reserve the right to revoke this Offer at any time if we determine you do not meet the Offer eligibility requirements, including after you have accepted the Offer or been approved for the Account.

Rates and Fees: There is no annual fee on this card (including those issued to co-borrowers and supplementary cardholders). The current preferred annual interest rates for the Account are: 21.99% on purchases and 23.99% on Cash Advances.


41% CASH BACK EARN RATE: You will earn 1% Cash Back on your Business Purchases made on your Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card Account. 

Only Purchases earn Cash Back.  Cash Advances including balance transfers and cash-like transactions fees, interest, returns, refunds or other similar credits do not qualify for Cash Back. 

ANNUAL SPEND LIMITS: There are no annual limits on the Cash Back you can earn as outlined in these Cash Back Program Terms.  See full terms and conditions of the “Cash Back Program Terms and Conditions” at Scotiabank.com/terms/momentum-no-fee-business.


5  Visa's Zero Liability Policy covers Canada-issued cards and does not apply to anonymous Visa Prepaid*, Visa Purchasing, Visa Corporate, Visa Commercial, or any transactions not processed by Visa. Visa Cardholders must notify their financial institution immediately of any unauthorized use. For specific restrictions, limitations and other details, please refer to your issuer cardholder documentation.


6 Scotia Business Loan Protection is underwritten by The Canada Life Assurance Company: Tel: 1-800-387-2671, www.canadalife.com under a Group Policy issued to the Bank of Nova Scotia. All coverage is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Certificate of Insurance which you will receive upon enrolment.


7 Cardholders with a Scene+ membership who link their  Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card and their Scene+ account to a Shell Go+ Account can get up to 6 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts, Cash Back, and Scene+ Points Value when they purchase eligible fuel with their linked credit card:

  • Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
  • Earn 1 cent per Litre in Cash Back: When you use your Scotia Momentum for business Visa card on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) you will earn 1% Cash Back on eligible Net Purchases at Gas Stations (Merchant Category Codes (“MCC”: 5541, 5542). Assumes an average fuel price of at least $1.00/L. “Net Purchases” means eligible new purchases charged and posted on the Account during a statement period less, returns (including credit vouchers), refunds or other credits. Balance Transfers, Cash Advances, Cash-Like Transactions, interest charges, fees, and insurance premiums posted to your Credit Card Account are not eligible to earn Cash Back. This benefit is subject to the Scotia Momentum for business No Fee Visa Card Cash Back Program Terms and Conditions. 
  • Scene+ Members earn up to 2 cents per Litre in Scene+ Points Value: Scene+ Members earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades) when they present or make available their Scene+ account number or Scene+ membership card at the time of purchase. Plus, Scene+ Members who link their Scene+ account to the Shell Go+ app will automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre of V-Power®* gasoline or V-Power®* diesel purchased (“Premium Fuel Purchases”). Scene+ Points Value is based on an average redemption value of $10 for every 1000 Scene+ points redeemed on fuel purchases. Actual value may be lower depending on how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points. Earn and redemption limits may apply. See the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available at sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditions for full details including redemption options and additional terms.

Note: Highest value of 6 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase (minimum price of $1.00 per litre) made with your Scotia Momentum for business No Fee Visa card linked to a Shell Go+ Account and with your Scene+ account also linked to the Shell Go+ account. Actual value will vary depending on whether or not the credit card is linked, fuel grade purchased, cost of fuel at time of purchase, whether or not you are a Scene+ member, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.


8 The savings of up to 25% applies to Avis base rates and is applicable only to the time and mileage charges of the rental. All taxes, fees (including but not limited Air Conditioning Excise Recovery Fee, Concession Recovery Fee, Vehicle License Recovery Fee, Energy Recovery Fee, Tire Management Fee, and Frequent Traveler Fee) and surcharges (including but not limited to Customer Facility Charge and Environmental Fee Recovery Charge) are extra. Avis Preferred Plus membership and services are provided by a third party. The Bank of Nova Scotia and its affiliates are not responsible for Avis Preferred Plus membership and services.


9 Scotia SelectPay Conditions apply. Review Terms and Conditions for full details or visit scotiabank.com/selectpayforbusiness to learn more.

10 Visa SavingsEdge is an automated discount program offered by Visa Canada Corporation ('Visa Canada') to eligible businesses and their authorized cardholders that hold an eligible Visa Business card and whose enrolment in the program is accepted by Visa. Under the program, cardholders can receive discounts from participating merchants each time the cardholder uses an enrolled Visa Business card to make qualifying purchases of goods or services pursuant to an active discount offered by the merchant and that transaction is processed or submitted through the Visa payment system. Discounts provided will appear as credits on future credit card statements 8-10 weeks after purchase date. Visa Canada, not Scotiabank, is responsible for the Program. For details, visit www.visasavingsedge.ca. 


11 The Visa Spend Clarity for Business service is provided by Visa Canada. The Bank of Nova Scotia and its affiliates are not responsible for the Visa Spend Clarity for Business service.

* Under all insurance coverages or services, certain limitations, restrictions and exclusions apply. Please see the Certificates of Insurance for full coverage details. Coverages are underwritten by First North American Insurance Company (FNAIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife). The Bank of Nova Scotia is not an insurer.  If there is a conflict between the above descriptions and the Certificates of Insurance, the certificate shall prevail.  Insurance inquiries or claims must be forwarded to the insurance provider.