Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card vs American Express Gold Rewards Card®: Which one is better?

Annual Fees and Requirements

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card has a lower annual fee compared to the American Express Gold Rewards Card. The minimum income requirement for the Scotiabank Passport is also specific, requiring either a $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income, while the Amex Gold Rewards has no official income requirement. This makes the Amex card slightly more accessible in terms of eligibility, but those seeking a lower annual cost might prefer the Scotiabank card.

Rewards Comparison

The American Express Gold Rewards Card generally offers higher rewards potential across multiple categories, especially for travel-related spending. It has a larger welcome bonus and offers more points per dollar spent on specific purchases such as gas, groceries, and travel. The Scotiabank Passport also offers decent rewards but doesn’t quite match the earning potential of Amex. People seeking maximum yearly value and a higher signup bonus should lean towards Amex Gold, while Scotiabank Passport is still competitive in specific categories like travel.

Reward Redemption Options

The Scotiabank Passport card offers flexible redemption options with its Scene+ program, including travel, gift cards, and merchandise. However, the American Express Gold Rewards Card has more valuable point transfer options, especially for airline and hotel loyalty programs, making it a better choice for frequent flyers. Both cards allow statement credits and other redemption methods, but Amex Gold’s transfer flexibility gives it a significant advantage for travel enthusiasts.

Benefits and Insurance

Both cards offer comprehensive insurance coverage, including travel medical, trip interruption, and car rental insurance. However, Scotiabank Passport’s unique benefit of no foreign transaction fees stands out, making it excellent for international travelers. Amex Gold offers additional perks such as a $100 annual travel credit and access to premium lounges, but it does charge a foreign transaction fee. Depending on your travel habits, Scotiabank’s no foreign fees could make a significant difference for international use.

Card Network and Acceptance

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card benefits from being part of the Visa network, which is widely accepted worldwide, making it an excellent choice for international travelers. Visa is generally accepted in more locations than American Express, especially outside North America. The American Express Gold Rewards Card, while offering excellent perks, has more limited acceptance internationally. This difference could be a key factor for those who frequently travel abroad, as Visa's broader acceptance ensures more convenience when making purchases in various countries.

Conclusion

For most users, the American Express Gold Rewards Card provides more value in terms of rewards, flexibility, and travel perks. Frequent travelers and those looking to maximize their points with airlines and hotels should lean towards Amex Gold. However, if you prioritize avoiding foreign transaction fees, broader international acceptance, or prefer a lower annual fee, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite may be the better option, particularly for international travelers.