Amex Platinum Business 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.

amex platinum business
Finly rebate
$175

Business Platinum Card® from American Express

4.6

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scotia momentum visa no fee for business

Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card

4.4

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

$164

First-year value

$437

$164

Every year after

$302

Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card is worth $272 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.

$1,143.42Better of the two
in American Express Membership Rewards points a year

Annual rewards

$481.8
cash back a year
+ $0
not reached at this spending

Welcome bonus

Better of the two+ $135
first year only
− $799

Annual fee

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

FX fees

− $180
2.5% on $600/mo
$164.42

First-year value

Better of the two$436.8

Finly rebates are paid on top and aren't counted in these values.

Where each card earns

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

Amex Platinum Business 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%
$42.64Better of the two
at 1.25x

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%
$28.5Better of the two
at 1.25x

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%
$14.14Better of the two
at 1.25x

Car Rental

$600 a year

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

Other Travel

$600 a year

$6
at 1%
$1,143.42Better 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 Platinum Business

  • Earn up to 120,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you charge $15,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • Plus, earn 40,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
  • That’s up to $1,200 in statement credit that can be reinvested in your business

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 Platinum Business

Worth $0 at your spending

80,000 MR points when you spend $15,000 in the first 3 months

0 pts

40,000 MR points when you make a purchase in months 15-17 (card year 2)

40,000 pts

40,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership (card year 2)

40,000 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.

$799

Annual fee

Better of the two$0
$250 per Platinum, $0 per Gold (max 99)

Employee cards

$0
2.5%

Foreign transaction fee

2.5%
American Express Membership Rewards

Rewards

Cash back
American Express

Network

Visa

Amex Platinum Business

Interest rates

Purchase:

21.99% - 30%1

Cash Advance:

21.99% - 30%1

1 This charge Card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances. All Due in Full balances must be paid each month. Interest rate of 30% applies to each delinquent Due in Full charge. The Preferred rate of 21.99% applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. If you have 2 separate Missed Payments in a 12 month period, the Flexible Payment Option rate for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate Missed Payments in a 12 month period, the Flexible Payment Option rate will be 29.99%. These rates are effective from the day account is opened.

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 Platinum Business

  • 1.25x points per $1 spent on all 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 Platinum Business

Insurance

  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,500
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days

  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $1,000
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1,000
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    Yes
  • heart lock

    Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

    $500,000
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1,000
  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

    15 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1,500
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $1,500
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1,000

Perks

  • discount

    Discount

    Your Business Platinum Card gets you savings on the seats you really want and lower fares on premium tickets with participating airlines

  • concierge

    Concierge Services

    Personalized concierge at your service
  • grwoth

    Interest on Balance

    Up to 55 interest-free days
  • Amex logo

    American Express® Experiences

    Access Front Of The Line® Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts, theatre shows, and special offers with American Express® Experiences
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Earn Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status by spending $30,000 or staying 10 nights combined with 15 Elite Night Credits. Status retention depends on Marriott Bonvoy terms.
  • bed furniture

    Free Extra Night at Hotels

    Each year, 8-10 weeks after your anniversary, receive a Free Night Award for a Marriott Bonvoy room up to 35,000 points, valid for 1 year. Resort fees excluded.
  • travel

    Travel Credit

    Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit each year of your Cardmembership
  • border guard

    Nexus Program Rebate

    Access a $100 credit for NEXUS with your Cardmembership
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - American Express Global Lounge

    Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge CollectionTM which unlocks access to over 1400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • hotel

    Complimentary Hotel Benefits

    Enjoy Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits at over 1,600 properties worldwide like guaranteed late check-out, complimentary breakfast for two, and more with Business Platinum.
  • airport waiting room

    Priority Travel

    At Toronto Pearson Airport get Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet and 15% discount at the Express Park and daily park
  • mobile phone wifi

    Wireless Credit

    Up to $120 in statement credits each year. Spend $10 each month with eligible wireless providers month and get a $10 credit.
  • business briefcase

    Business Statement Credits

    Up to $500 in business statement credits. Enroll and earn statement credits on eligible purchases with $200 Dell statement credit, $300 Indeed statement credit.

Scotia Momentum® for business No Fee Visa* Card

Insurance

  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance*

    Up to 1,000
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty*

    Up to a year
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection*

    90 days

  • 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

  • discount

    Discount10

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

  • 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
  • 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 Platinum Business

The most premium business card in Canada, and priced accordingly at $799/year. You get 1.25x Membership Rewards points on everything, a massive welcome bonus of up to 120,000 points, and a deep roster of perks: airport lounge access, hotel elite status, statement credits, and comprehensive insurance. The value proposition only works if you travel frequently and use the perks — the earn rate alone doesn’t justify the fee. But for businesses that fly often, entertain clients, and want best-in-class coverage, the benefits can far exceed the cost. Amex acceptance gaps in Canada remain a consideration.

  • Optimize all purchases
  • Premium travel perks
  • Comprehensive insurance
  • Interest grace period
  • Business statement credits
  • High annual fee
  • Limited acceptance

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 Platinum Business

*Terms and conditions apply.


This charge Card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances. All Due in Full balances must be paid each month. Interest rate of 30% applies to each delinquent Due in Full charge. The Preferred rate of 21.99% applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. If you have 2 separate Missed Payments in a 12 month period, the Flexible Payment Option rate for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate Missed Payments in a 12 month period, the Flexible Payment Option rate will be 29.99%. These rates are effective from the day account is opened.


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.