Scotiabank® Scene+ Visa Card for Students Review

The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students allows students to optimize everyday purchases and start contributing to a credit history.

Jul 29, 2026 6:36 PM

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The Bottom Line


If you're in school and looking to reward grocery, entertainment, and travel purchases, all while building a financial profile, consider the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students.

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Welcome Bonus

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

Rewards Rate

1x - 2x

Points

Annual Fee

$0

Interest Rates

21.99%* / 22.99%*

RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE

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

Rewards

  • Earn 2x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more
  • Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca
  • Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com
  • Plus earn 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
  • Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.

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 10¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations

Eligibility

  • Credit Score

    Poor
  • Annual Income

    N/A

Welcome Bonus Details


  • Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.1
  • To be eligible for 2,500 bonus Scene+ points (the “2,500 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $250 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in the first 3 months of the Account open date.
  • To be eligible for an additional 2,500 bonus Scene+ points (the “Additional 2,500 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $1,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in your first 3 months of Account open date.
  • Offer Validity: July 2, 2026 – November 1, 2026

Card Details


Interest Rates

Purchase APR

21.99%*

Cash Advance APR

22.99%*

Balance Transfer APR

22.99%*

* Rates, fees and other information are effective as of March 3, 2025. Subject to change.

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

Points

Loyalty Program

Scene+

Pros & Cons


Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Rewarding starter card
  • Shell fuel savings
  • Flexible redemptions

Cons

  • Limited bonus categories
  • Limited partner grocer rewards
  • Lacks travel insurance

Our Detailed Review


How to Earn Rewards with the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students

There are a handful of ways to pocket Scene+ points with the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students.

Cardholders can expect:

  • 2x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more
  • 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca
  • 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com
  • Plus 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
  • Earn additional benefits + up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia

With such solid rewards, students are motivated to use their card and start building a credit history.

How to Redeem Rewards with the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students

Scene+ points are some of the most versatile rewards on the Canadian market, with high cent-per-point values on popular redemption categories.

Cardholders can put their Scene+ points towards:

  • Entertainment
  • Travel
  • Groceries
  • Restaurants
  • Merchandise
  • Gift Cards
  • Statement Credits

To learn more about each redemption category and their respective values, check out our Scene+ Points Value Calculator.

Benefits and Perks


5 Benefits of the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students


There are several benefits that make the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students one of the best student credit cards in Canada.


For starters, this card avoids any annual fees, allowing students to focus all their earnings on their studies.


The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students is also extremely accessible, avoiding any annual income requirements.


Not only does this card earn generous Scene+ points on everyday purchases, it also allows students to redeem those points towards several high-value redemption categories.


Students save 25% off base rates at participating Avis and Budget locations across both Canada and the US. To activate this discount, simply pay for your set of wheels using your Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students.


Likewise, students also receive up to 10¢/L in value at Shell Canada gas stations once they link their Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students to their Shell Go+ account.



Drawbacks and Considerations


2 Downsides to the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students


There are also a couple of drawbacks to consider before submitting an application.


While it's great that the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students optimizes grocery purchases, to receive Scene+ points on your cart, you'll need to shop at specific partner grocers.

Partners include:

  • Sobeys
  • Safeway
  • IGA
  • Foodland
  • Freshco and more

Unfortunately, this card also lacks insurance coverage, leaving students vulnerable when purchasing or travelling, unless they opt into third party protections.




Compare to Similar Cards


Comparison to Other Top Student Credit Cards in Canada


Before you commit to the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students, you'll want to weigh out all of your options.

Below, we've compared the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students against other leading 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

21.99%*

Cash advance

22.99%*

Balance transfer

22.99%*

Rate details

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

20.99

Cash advance

22.99%

Balance transfer

22.99%

Welcome Bonus

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

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

Rewards

$291.92

First year rewards

$335.93

First year rewards

$382.86

First year rewards

0% - 1%

$252.42

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


Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students vs BMO Student Cash Back Mastercard


If you prefer cash back over points, the BMO Student Cash Back Mastercard is one of the top student credit cards in Canada. This contender earns students solid cash back on grocery purchases, plus decent cash back on recurring purchases like bills or subscriptions. Unlike the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card, the BMO Students Cash Back Mastercard comes with basic extended warranty and purchase protection insurance. For added perks, cardholders can expect several discounts on rental cars, hotel bookings, Instacart, and Cirque du Soleil performances.

Verdict: The BMO Student Cash Back Mastercard is a valuable cash back alternative for students, boasting insurance coverage and better perks.


Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students vs Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard

Why should the element of choice stop at course selection? With the Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard, students have the opportunity to select two earn categories out of the 13 offered by Tangerine. You can even pick a third category when you deposit your cash back earnings into a Tangerine Savings Account. Now let's say your spending habits are constantly changing. With the Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard, students can switch up their selected earn categories every 90 days. Unfortunately, this competitor lacks added perks, but luckily it comes with basic insurance coverage.

Verdict: The Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard is a great option for customizable cash back.


Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students vs Neo Secured Mastercard


For guaranteed approval, students can consider the Neo Secured Mastercard. This contender earns cardholders some cash back on grocery and gas purchases, plus additional cash back when you shop at Neo Partners. That said, this card lacks any added perks or coverage.

Verdict: The Neo Secured Mastercard is a safe option for those worried about approval. It's also a lucrative option for those who shop at partner retailers.


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


Students who meet a small annual income requirement can also apply for the Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card for Students. This competitor collects a little bit of cash back on gas, grocery, drug store, transit, ride share, food delivery, and recurring purchases. While this card also lacks coverage, it comes with similar car rental discounts and nearly as many savings on Shell fuel.


Verdict: The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card for Students is still more valuable for students overall with better rewards and no income requirements.

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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Scotiabank® Scene+ Visa Card for Students Points Calculator

1. Offer Description and Conditions: The 5,000 Bonus Scene+ Points Offer (the “Offer”) applies only to new Scotiabank Scene+ Visa credit card accounts (“Account”) 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. 


To be eligible for 2,500 bonus Scene+ points (the “2,500 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $250 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in the first 3 months of the Account open date. To be eligible for an additional 2,500 bonus Scene+ points (the “Additional 2,500 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $1,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in your first 3 months of Account open date. Eligible purchases include purchases (less any refunds, returns or other similar credits) but do not include payments, cash advances (including balance transfers or cash-like transactions), interest, fees or other charges. 


Point Bonus Fulfillment: The applicable point Bonus(es) will be credited to the Scene+ account within approximately 8 weeks after qualifying for a Bonus, provided the Account is open and in good standing. For Joint Accounts with a Primary Borrower and Co-borrower, the applicable point Bonus will be credited as follows: (i) the 2,500 Point Bonus and Additional 2,500 Point Bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower that completed the last transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases (i.e., $250 or $1,000) in the appropriate time frame (i.e., first 3 months). If a supplementary cardholder completes the last qualifying transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases for the 2,500 Point Bonus or the Additional 2,500 Point Bonus, the applicable point Bonus will be credited to the Primary Borrower’s Scene+ account linked to the Account. Points can be transferred between Primary and Co-Borrower or Supplementary Cardholder’s Scene+ accounts by contacting Scene+. 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.  All other terms and conditions of the Program Terms continue to apply during the Offer period.  Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended without notice at any time and cannot be combined with any other offers.


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 switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for the Offer. Subject to the above exclusions, Scotiabank small business credit cardholders are also eligible for the Offer.


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: 21.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and cash-like transactions).  All rates, fees, features and benefits are outlined in the Application Disclosure Statement and are subject to change. 


2.Get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts for a limited time and earn up to 3 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with an eligible Scotiabank Scene+ Visa card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:

 

  • 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.
  • Instant 4 cents per Litre Discount on Premium Fuel: Between May 26, 2026 and June 1, 2027 (“Promotional Period”), receive an instant 4 cents per litre discount on  purchases of V-Power® gasoline, or V-Power® diesel (“Premium Fuel Purchases”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per credit card account. This promotional offer, including the Promotional Period, may be changed, extended, or withdrawn at any time without notice. These promotional offer terms are in addition to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.  
  • Earn up to 3 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value (Equivalent) on Fuel Purchases: Each time you use your linked Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) at participating Shell locations in Canada, you will earn at least 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent.  Plus, as a Scene+ Member you will also automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades), and as a Shell Go+ member, automatically earn 1 additional Scene+ point for each litre in Premium Fuel Purchases, made with your linked Scotiabank credit card. This means that for every litre in fuel purchased with your linked credit card, you can earn the equivalent of up to 3 cents of redeemable Scene+ points value based on a redemption value of $10 for every 1,000 Scene+ points redeemed for fuel purchases at participating Shell locations.  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 10 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank® Scene+TM Visa* Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on payment card used and whether or not the card is linked, fuel grade purchased, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.


Terms and conditions apply. 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.

Scotiabank® Scene+ Visa Card for Students
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