Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card for Students Review

The Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students allows students to build credit and collect cash back simultaneously.

Jul 30, 2026 5:53 PM

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The Bottom Line


If you're looking to optimize your gas, grocery and other common expenses, all while creating a credit history, you might want to consider the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students.

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Welcome Bonus

Earn 5% Cash Back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases).1

Rewards Rate

0.5% - 1%

Cash Back

Annual Fee

$0

Interest Rates

20.99 / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

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

Rewards

  • 1% cash back on gas, groceries, drug store, transit, rideshare, food delivery and recurring payments
  • 0.5% cash back on all other credit card purchases (unlimited)

Benefits

Details

  • car rental

    Car Rental Discount

    25% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car
  • gas station

    Gas Discount

    Save up to 6¢/L in value at at Shell Canada locations.

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Poor
  • Annual Income

    N/A

Welcome Bonus Details


  • Earn 5% Cash Back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases).1
  • Plus, get a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 9 months (2% fee per cash advance, 22.99% after that; annual fee $0).1
  • You will earn 1% on all eligible purchases of Transit, Rideshare and Food Delivery.¹
  • Offer Validity: July 2, 2026 – November 1, 2026
  • Rates, fees, offers and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026.  Subject to change.

Card Details


Interest Rates

Purchase APR

20.99

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Balance Transfer APR

22.99%

Promotional Balance Transfer Rate

Promotional Rate

0

Promotional Period

6 months

Transfer Fee

2%

Fees

Annual Fee

$0

Additional Cards

$0

Eligibility

Minimum Individual Income

N/A

Minimum Household Income

N/A

Credit Score Estimate

Poor

Type

Card Type

Credit

Reward Type

Cash Back

Pros & Cons


Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Simple starter rewards card
  • Car rental discounts
  • Gas discounts

Cons

  • No insurance
  • Relatively lower earn rate

Our Detailed Review


How to Earn Rewards with the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students

Earning cash back with the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students is quite straightforward.

Students can expect:

  • 1% cash back on gas, groceries, drug store, transit, rideshare, food delivery and recurring payments
  • 0.5% cash back on all other credit card purchases (unlimited)

Effectively then, students can earn cash back whilst contributing to a credit history. A credit history is an important determining factor for future finances like loans, mortgages, rental applications, and credit card upgrades.

How to Redeem Rewards with the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students

Once you have at least $25 collected in cash back, you can redeem your rewards via Scotiabank's mobile app or online banking. Cash back is redeemed as a statement credit towards any eligible account.

Benefits and Perks


4 Benefits of the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students


There are a handful of benefits that make the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students one of the best student credit cards in Canada.


For starters, the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students avoids any annual fees, so you can focus all of your income on your studies.


Although the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card's rewards system isn't the most lucrative, collecting cash back on common expenses and being able to redeem that cash back as a statement credit is both convenient and versatile.


Need a set of wheels? Students save up to 25% off base rates at participating Avis and Budget establishments across Canada and the US. To unlock these savings, all you have to do is pay for your rental using your Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students.


Students also save up to 7¢/L in value at Shell stations when they link their Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students to a Shell Go+ account.


Drawbacks and Considerations


3 Downsides to the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students


Before sending in that application, there are still a few drawbacks to consider.


Unfortunately, the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students lacks insurance coverage. Even basic purchase protection and extended warranty insurance.


Compared to other student credit cards on the Canadian market, the cash back earn rate on the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students is relatively low.


Unlike many student credit cards, the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students requires students to have a small personal annual income to qualify.


Compare to Similar Cards


Comparison to Other Leading Student Credit Cards in Canada


In this section, we're going to compare the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students against other top student credit cards in Canada.


Neo Secured with exclusive bonus

Neo Financial

4.5

Guaranteed approval and earning cashback

Annual Fee

$0

$0

$0

$119.88

$0

Interest Rates

Purchase

20.99

Cash advance

22.99%

Balance transfer

22.99%

Purchase

21.99%

Cash advance

23.99%

Quebec

21.99%

Balance transfer

23.99%

Quebec

21.99%

Purchase

20.95%*

Cash advance

22.95%*

Balance transfer

22.95%*

Rate details

Purchase

19.99% - 29.99%

Quebec

19.99% - 24.99%

Cash advance

22.99% - 31.99%

Quebec

22.99% - 25.99%

Balance transfer

22.99% - 31.99%

Purchase

21.99%*

Cash advance

22.99%*

Balance transfer

22.99%*

Rate details

Welcome Bonus

Earn 5% Cash Back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases).1

5% cash back for the first 3 months, up to $2,500 in spend

10% Cash Back (up to $100 value) + 1.95% balance transfer promo rate for 6 months

$25 bonus upon approval for new clients

Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.

Rewards

$252.42

First year rewards

$335.93

First year rewards

$382.86

First year rewards

0% - 1%

$291.92

First year rewards

Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

Apply Now

on BMO's website

Apply Now

on Tangerine's website

Apply Now

on Neo Financial's website

Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

Welcome Bonus Details

Earn Rates

Insurance Coverage

Extra Benefits

Requirements


Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students vs BMO Student Cash Back Mastercard


For better cash back rates on groceries and recurring purchases, look no further than the BMO Student Cash Back Mastercard. Unlike the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students, this contender includes extended warranty and purchase protection insurance, plus extra perks like hotel, entertainment, and Instacart discounts. Luckily, this card also avoids annual income requirements.

Verdict: The BMO Student Cash Back Mastercard is a stronger cash back credit card for students that's more accessible and yields better value overall.


Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students vs Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard


The Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard provides students with customizable cash back. With this competitor, students can pick two earn categories out of the 13 offered Tangerine, plus a third when they deposit their earnings into a Tangerine Savings Account. The card also includes extended warranty and purchase protection insurance, but lacks any added benefits. Like the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students, this contender also has a small annual income requirement.


Verdict: For better coverage and more control over how you earn cash back, consider the Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard instead.


Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students vs Neo Secured Mastercard


Crave the comfort of guaranteed approval? The Neo Secured Mastercard is easy to qualify for and earns students decent cash back on grocery and gas purchases. Students can also earn even more cash back when they purchase from Neo Partners. That said, this card lacks any added coverage or perks.

Verdict: The Neo Secured Mastercard is a great plan b for student struggling with credit card approval.


Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Infinite Card for Students vs Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students


Perhaps you'd prefer to pocket Scene+ points over cash back. If so, check out the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students. This card earns valuable Scene+ points on partner grocery, home improvement, Cineplex, and travel purchases. While this competitor lacks insurance coverage, it includes similar car rental discounts and better fuel savings at Shell stations. The best part? Students don't need to meet any annual income requirements to qualify.


Verdict: The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students is a great points alternative that yields better annual value.

About the author

Sara Skodak

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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Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card for Students

Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card for Students

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Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card for Students Cash Back Calculator

1. Offer Description and Conditions: The 5% Cash Back and Introductory 0.99% Balance Transfer Rate Offer (the “Offer”) applies only to new Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa credit card accounts (“Accounts”) that are opened between July 2, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the Account) and is subject to the below terms and conditions. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers.


5% Cash Back Offer Conditions: You will earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 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 payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and cash-like transactions), interest, fees or other charges. 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 5% 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 Regular Cash Back Program Rate (the “Cash Back Top Up  Rate”). 


Cash back earned under this Offer can be redeemed to your Account, provided it is open and in good standing at the time of redemption

1. Bonus Cash Back: The amount earned under the Cash Back Top Up Rate will be available for redemption to your Account after approximately 5 months from the Account open date or otherwise in accordance with the Program Terms 

2. Regular Cash Back: The amount earned under your Regular Cash Back Program Rate can be redeemed to your Account  as described in the Program Terms .



EXAMPLE: If the Regular Cash Back Program Rate for the Groceries and Recurring Payments category is 1% then the Cash Back Top Up Rate will be 4% for that category so that you will earn a total of 5% on the amount of all eligible everyday purchases in that category during the Promotional Period up to a total of $2,000 in purchases. If you make $2,000 in eligible everyday purchases in the Groceries and Recurring Payments category, your cash back earnings will be as follows:

(1) the Cash Back Top Up Rate earnings of $80 (4% x $2,000) (shown as an adjustment in your monthly statements), and (2) the Regular Cash Back Program Rate earnings of $20 (1% x $2,000) (shown as cash back earned in your monthly statements). 


Introductory 0.99% Balance Transfer Rate Offer Description and Conditions: The Introductory 0.99% Balance Transfer Rate Offer (the “BT Rate Offer”) applies only to eligible cash advances (including balance transfers and cash-like transactions) (collectively “Cash Advances”) subject to the conditions below. This introductory rate applies for 9 months from date of Account opening (the “BT Promotional Period”).  After the BT Promotional Period, the promotional 0.99% interest rate on any Cash Advances (including any amount of those Cash Advances that remain unpaid after the BT Promotional Period ends) will increase to the preferred interest rate on Cash Advances (currently 22.99%). A balance transfer fee of 2% of the amount of each Cash Advance transferred or made during the BT Promotional Period applies (minimum fee of $5.00).   


This BT Rate Offer is subject to any Cash Advance limits on your Account. This BT Rate Offer is also subject to the approved credit limit that is being offered to you as of the date of this BT Rate Offer.  This means if a balance transfer amount(s) requested exceeds your approved credit limit as of the date this BT Rate Offer was provided to you, it may not be processed. This BT Rate Offer cannot be used for any Scotiabank account including to transfer a balance from another Scotiabank account, or to make a payment or deposit to another Scotiabank account. 


Losing your promotional rate: If we don’t receive  the minimum payment on your Account by the payment due date on your statement, two consecutive times , you will lose the benefit of this promotional Rate Offer and the interest rates that apply on any unpaid balance will increase to the standard annual interest rates that apply to your Account (currently 25.99% on purchases and 27.99% on Cash Advances). All other terms and conditions of the Program Terms continue to apply during the Offer period. 


How we apply payments: For Quebec residents: In general, if you have different interest rate(s) that apply to your Account, we apply payments to transactions based on the interest rate(s) that applies to those transactions on your Account (from highest to lowest rates). For non-Quebec residents: In general, if you make a payment that exceeds the minimum payment on your statement, we will apply your payment on a proportionate basis among each group of billed charges on your Account. We group charges based on the interest rate that applies to the group of charges. Your payment cannot be applied to the balance(s) of your choice. See your credit card agreement for more information about how we apply payments to your Account. 


Eligibility and Exclusions: Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switched to an existing Scotiabank personal credit card are not eligible for the Offer (and subject to the above exclusions, individuals with a Scotiabank business credit card 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 currently no annual fee for the primary card and no fee for each additional card (including those issued to co-borrowers and supplementary cardholders). The current preferred annual interest rates for the Account are: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on Cash Advances.  All rates, fees, features and benefits are outlined in the Application Disclosure Statement and are subject to change.  


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.

Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card for Students
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on Scotiabank's website