Scotia Momentum Visa Card Review: An Accessible Consideration

The Scotia Momentum Visa Card is a solid contender for everyday optimization. That said, there are similar credit cards on the Canadian market for no annual fee that may be worth considering.

Oct 19, 2026 11:20 AM

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The Bottom Line


Since you can get similar rewards, better coverage, and more perks with similar no-fee contenders, it's best to consider all of your options before applying for the Scotia Momentum Visa Card. Just look out for income requirements while doing so.

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Welcome Bonus

0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 9 months

Rewards Rate

1% - 2%

Cash Back

Annual Fee

$39

Interest Rates

19.99% / 22.99%

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

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

Rewards

  • 2% cash back on gas, groceries, transit, rideshare, food delivery, drug store and recurring payments (maximum $500 annually)
  • 1% cashback on all other credit card purchases.
  • Rates, fees, offers and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026.  Subject to change.

Insurance

Coverage

  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    1 year
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days

Benefits

Details

  • car rental

    Car Rental Discount

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

    Gas Discount2

    Get up to 7¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Good
  • Annual Income

    $12,000 personal

Welcome Bonus Details


  • 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 $39).1
  • Offer valid from Jul 2, 2026 - Jan 3, 2027.

Card Details


Interest Rates

Purchase APR

19.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Balance Transfer APR

22.99%

Promotional Balance Transfer Rate

Promotional Rate

2.99%

Promotional Period

6 months

Transfer Fee

0%

Fees

Annual Fee

$39

Additional Cards

$15

Eligibility

Minimum Individual Income

$12,000

Minimum Household Income

N/A

Credit Score Estimate

Good

Type

Card Type

Credit

Reward Type

Cash Back

Pros & Cons


Pros

  • Decent optimization
  • Low balance transfer rate
  • Low annual fee
  • Car rental discounts

Cons

  • Limited insurance
  • Annual redemption

Our Detailed Review


How You Earn Rewards with the Scotia Momentum Visa Card

To collect cashback using your Scotia Momentum Visa Card, simply purchase gas, groceries, drug store products, and make recurring payments using your card.

By doing so, you’ll receive:

  • 2% cashback on gas, groceries, drug store, and recurring payments (maximum $500 annually)
  • 1% cashback on all other credit card purchases

How You Redeem Rewards with the Scotia Momentum Visa Card

With the Scotia Momentum Visa Card, you can redeem your earned cashback towards a statement credit or deposit it into a Scotiabank account at any time, as long as you’ve accumulated a value of at least $25.

Redemptions can be made via the Scotia mobile app or online banking.

Benefits and Perks


5 Benefits of the Scotia Momentum Visa Card


There are a few benefits that make the Scotia Momentum Visa Card one of the best Scotiabank credit cards in Canada.


For starters, this card comes with a low annual fee, making it affordable for most applicants.


For a low-fee contender, this card also comes with decent cashback rates on everyday purchases.


For the first several months of membership, cardholders can enjoy a low balance transfer rate to help them catch up on missed payments.


Need a rental car? The Scotia Momentum Visa Card has you covered with discounts on Avis Rent a Car and Budget Rent a Car vehicles.


Link your Scotia Momentum Visa card and Scene+ account to Shell Go+ to save up to 7¢/L at participating Shell stations: 3¢/L off instantly, 2% cash back (about 2¢/L), and up to 2¢/L in Scene+ points. Limits and terms apply.


Drawbacks and Considerations


2 Downsides to the Scotia Momentum Visa Card


The Scotia Momentum Visa Card has a couple of drawbacks as well.


For starters this card only comes with standard purchase protection and extended warranty insurance. This is disappointing since there are some no-fee contenders that offer more coverage.


If you happen to be a big spender, note that your optimized cashback earnings on gas, groceries, drug store and recurring payments are capped at a maximum of $500 annually.


Compare to Similar Cards


Comparison to Other Low-Fee Cashback Credit Cards


Before you make a final decision, we’re going to compare the Scotia Momentum Visa Card against other top low-fee and no-fee contenders.


Here’s a sneak peek of the comparisons we’ll be making:


Annual Fee

$39

$0

$0

$99

$0 first year

Interest Rates

Purchase

19.99%

Cash advance

22.99%

Balance transfer

22.99%

Purchase

20.95%*

Cash advance

22.95%*

Balance transfer

22.95%*

Rate details

Purchase

19.99% - 29.99%

Quebec

19.99% - 23.99%

Cash advance

22.99% - 31.99%

Balance transfer

22.99% - 31.99%

Purchase

20.99%

Cash advance

22.99%

Quebec

21.99%

Balance transfer

22.99%

Welcome Bonus

0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 9 months

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

—

Earn up to $400 in value†

Rewards

$285.83

First year rewards

$382.86

First year rewards

$252.26

First year rewards

$712.96

First year rewards

Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

Apply Now

on Tangerine's website

Apply Now

on Neo Financial's website


Scotia Momentum Visa Card vs Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard


For the option to earn cashback on gas, groceries, recurring bill payments, and/or drugstore purchases, you can also opt for the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard, one of the best no-fee credit cards in Canada. This card will allow you to pick two of the above categories out of the 13 offered by Tangerine, plus a third when you deposit your rewards into a Tangerine Savings Account. 


Verdict: With the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard, you can easily optimize 2-3 of the earn categories offered by the Scotia Momentum Visa Card for no annual fee. 


Scotia Momentum Visa Card vs Neo World Mastercard


Also available for no annual fee, the Neo World Mastercard earns cardholders similar cashback rates on groceries, gas, and recurring purchases. These rates can be boosted further when you purchase from Neo partners. In fact, you can also optimize your pharmacy purchases at partner retailers. Note, however, that this alternative has no added benefits and comes with income requirements.


Verdict: For those who qualify, the Neo World Mastercard offers a unique cashback system that boosts shared categories even more when you purchase from Neo partners and might be a better alternative than Scotia Momentum Visa card. 


Scotia Momentum Visa Card vs CIBC Dividend Platinum Visa Card


For a slightly higher annual fee, one that’s waived during the first year of membership, cardholders can opt for the CIBC Dividend Platinum Visa Card instead. This card collects better cashback on gas and groceries, plus similar cashback on recurring bill payments. Transportation and dining are also optimized. On top of extended warranty and purchase protection insurance, you’ll receive car rental damage and theft insurance and travel accident insurance. In addition to rental car discounts, you can also expect gas discounts at participating pumps. 


Verdict: Consider the CIBC Dividend Platinum Visa Card if you want better cashback on gas and groceries, plus more coverage and perks.


Frequently Asked Questions

The Scotia Momentum Visa Card is worthwhile for those who want to optimize gas, groceries, drugstore purchases, and recurring payments for a low annual fee. That said, there are competitors that offer similar reward rates for lower fees and include better perks and coverage. However, most of them require a higher income.

The Scotia Momentum Visa Card offers a low balance transfer promotional offer, making it a solid candidate for those who want to reduce the interest and earn rewards. However, there are other cards that are better suited for balance transfers specifically.


Read More: Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards in Canada

Yes. Currently, there are two Scotia Momentum credit cards with no annual fee: the Scotia Momentum Mastercard Credit Card and the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card.

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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About the editor

Abid Salahi

Abid Salahi

Co-founder

Abid leads the design and engineering of the FinlyWealth website, making sure everything runs smoothly and looks great. He’s a seasoned software engineer who follows best practices and designs interfa...

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Get personalized rewards estimates — see exactly how much you could earn.

Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card Cash Back Calculator

^Additional 3¢/L Fuel Discount Offer: Offer Valid from October 5, 2026  to December 31, 2026 ("Promotional Period"), eligible Scotiabank credit and debit cardholders enrolled in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program who have linked an eligible Scotiabank payment card (an "Eligible Card") to their Shell Go+ account will receive an additional instant fuel discount of 3 cents per litre on eligible fuel purchases at participating Shell-branded retail locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories (the "Eligible Provinces") excluding Shell Flying J locations. Fuel purchases made outside the Eligible Provinces are not eligible for this offer.

To receive the additional fuel discount, customers must pay with their linked Eligible Card at the time of purchase.

The additional fuel discount is in addition to the fuel savings available through the Shell Fuel Benefits Program and may be combined with other eligible fuel discounts, rewards programs, and promotional fuel offers unless otherwise stated in the applicable offer terms and conditions.

The additional fuel discount is available on up to 1,000 litres of eligible fuel purchases per calendar month for each Eligible Card. The 1,000-litre limit resets at the beginning of each calendar month.

The additional fuel discount is non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be substituted or exchanged.

Participation in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program is subject to the applicable program terms and conditions available at Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.

Shell Canada reserves the right to make changes to this offer and to terminate the offer at any time, for any reason and without notice.

All other applicable terms and conditions of the Shell Fuel Benefits Program, Shell Go+, Scotiabank continue to apply.

®™ Shell trademarks are owned by Shell Brands International AG. Used under license.


1. Offer Description and Conditions: The Introductory 0.99% Balance Transfer Rate Offer (the “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 if the new Account is opened between July 2, 2026 and January 3, 2027 (regardless of the date you apply for the Account) and will continue for 9 months from date of Account opening (the “Promotional Period”). After the Promotional Period, the promotional 0.99% interest rate on any Cash Advances (including any amount of those Cash Advances that remain unpaid after the 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 Promotional Period applies (minimum fee of $5.00).   


This Offer is subject to any Cash Advance limits on your Account. This Offer is also subject to the approved credit limit that is being offered to you as of the date of this Offer.  This means if a balance transfer amount(s) requested exceeds your approved credit limit as of the date this Offer was provided to you, it may not be processed. This 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. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers. 


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 24.99%  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:  Your payment cannot be applied to the balance(s) of your choice. 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. 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 these 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: The current annual fee is $39 for the primary card and $15 for each additional card (including those issued to co-borrowers and supplementary cardholders). The current preferred annual interest rates for the Account are: 19.99% 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. 


2.Cardholders with a Scene+ membership who link their Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card and their Scene+ account to a Shell Go+ Account can get up to 7 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 2 cents per Litre in Cash Back: When you use your Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) you will earn 2% Cash Back on eligible Net Purchases (up to an annual spend limit of $25,000) 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® 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-conditionsopens in a new tab for full details including redemption options and additional terms.

 


Note: Highest value of 7 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase (minimum price of $1.00 per litre) made with your Scotia Momentum® 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.


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® Visa* Card
APPLY NOW

on Scotiabank's website