Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card
Review

• 

  Mobile Device Insurance

  $1,000

• 

  Travel Accident

  $500,000

• 

  Emergency Out of province Medical

  15 days

• 

  Trip Interruption

  $2,000

• 

  Trip Cancellation

  $1,500

• 

  Flight Delay

  $500

• 

  Lost or Stolen Baggage

  $500

• 

  Baggage Delay

  $500

• 

  Car Rental Damage & Theft

  48 days

• 

  Purchase Protection

  90 days

• 

  Extended Warranty

  1 year

• 

  Car Rental Discount

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

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  Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

  Yes

The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card is great for everyday spenders who want to make the most out of their routine purchases.

With solid reward rates in popular categories and valuable travel coverage, if you’re constantly shopping for groceries, making recurring purchases, and taking some trips from time to time, this card could be the perfect addition to your wallet.

How You Earn Rewards with the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card

To start us off, let’s go over the rewards you can expect from the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card:

• 4% cashback on groceries and recurring payments (maximum $1000 cashback per year)
• 2% cashback on gas and daily transit (maximum $500 cashback per year)
• 1% cashback on all other credit card purchases (unlimited)

To break it down, with this card, you can collect the highest cashback rates on groceries and recurring purchases compared to other cashback credit cards in Canada. Not to mention, attractive runner-up cashback rates on gas and daily transit. All things considered, it’s safe to say that this card is a great companion when it comes to tackling your weekly errands and tasks.

Redeeming Your Rewards

Typically, with the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card, you’ll receive your cashback rewards once a year, usually credited to your November statement balance. Cardholders with a Scotiabank bank account can have their funds deposited there. For specific information regarding the retrieval of your rewards, always check your credit card’s terms and conditions.

4 Benefits of the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card

The best way to decide whether this credit card is right for you, is to see if its benefits align with your spending habits.

Here are some of the perks included on the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card:

Highest Cashback Reward Rates in Everyday Categories

Perhaps the biggest perk of this card is its highest cashback rate on groceries and recurring purchases compared to other cashback competitors. While these reward earnings are capped, they still contribute to a commendable annual value – specifically in the first year of membership.

Various Visa Infinite Benefits

Being a Visa Infinite card, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card comes preloaded with affiliated Visa Infinite benefits.

Inside this benefits package, you’ll find exclusive savings through the Visa Infinite Hotel Collection program, the 24/7 Visa Infinite Concierge Service, and the Visa Infinite Dining and Wine Country program.

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

For all the travellers out there contemplating this card, you’ll be pleased to know that the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card is well-stocked in terms of insurance coverage. You’ll find 11 types of insurance, including sought-after trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, flight and baggage delay, and mobile device insurance for your electronic sidekick. 

While the rewards aren't technically geared towards travel, the protections certainly are, making the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card a well-rounded credit card for different types of cardholders.

Waived Annual Fee

Say goodbye to the annual fee – for the first year at least. Right now, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card is waiving the card's annual cost in the first year of membership (another factor that makes its first year value so enticing). 

Were you hoping for no annual fee whatsoever? If so, you can also opt into the Scotiabank Ultimate Package, which includes the option to waive the annual fee each year on certain Scotiabank cards (like this one).

While you’ll be excusing yourself from annual fees, the package does come with a monthly fee, which can also be avoided if you keep a minimum daily balance of $5,000.

3 Downsides of the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card

It’s easy to get caught up in all the perks, but you’ll also want to keep any shortcoming in mind to make an educated decision on whether or not to apply for this card.

Here are some of the drawbacks of the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card:

Waiting to Receive Your Rewards

We touched upon this briefly above when discussing redemptions, but it’s worth bringing up again. While the cashback rewards from this card are extremely appealing (especially in high-earning categories), you won’t be able to pocket your cash as quickly as you might have hoped. In fact, you’ll have to wait for your annual payout each year in November. 

If you’re the patient type of spender, then this might not bother you. But, if you’re a bit more eager to get ahold of your earnings, this might be frustrating.

Lower Reward Rates Outside of High-Earning Categories

If you don’t use your credit card for groceries or recurring purchases, the card is pretty standard when it comes to gas or transit earn rates. Any other type of purchase will also only grant you the base rate, which won’t be worthwhile – especially considering the annual fee that will eventually kick in.

High-Income Requirements

To qualify for the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card, you’ll need a higher personal and household annual income, which could prove to be an obstacle for some cardholders.

Comparison to Other Cashback Credit Cards with Earnings on Everyday Purchases

The last aspect you’ll want to consider is whether there’s another card similar to the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card that could be a better fit for you.

Here's a comprehensive comparison between the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card, and other cards with similar earnings on essential everyday purchases.

Scotia Momentum vs SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express

Let’s start with the application process. To apply for the SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express, there’s no required income (unlike the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card), but it is recommended you have a “very good” credit score rather than a “good” credit score. As for annual fees, the cost of both cards per year is nearly identical, but the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card’s annual fee is waived in the first year, and the SimplyCash Preferred Card’s is not.

Now to the main comparison: the rewards. You’ll see that the cashback rate for groceries on both cards are the same, although you get a slightly higher annual cap on this category with the SimplyCash Preferred Card than you do for the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card. The SimplyCash Preferred Card also has a higher cashback rate on gas, and double the base rate value on all other eligible purchases. So, despite the inclusion of the annual fee, both cards end up with a similar potential first year value, but the SimplyCash Preferred Card carries a higher value annually overall.

Another important aspect of the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card is its coverage, and while the SimplyCash Preferred Card offers most of the same insurance types (plus hotel burglary insurance), the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card comes with useful trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance.

Another downside to the SimplyCash Preferred Card is its acceptance rate. As an American Express credit card, it’s not as widely accepted as cards under the Visa or Mastercard networks.

So, if you have lot of recurring purchases and want to optimize this category, and tack on some useful travel insurance, go Momentum. If you're more of an average spender and want access to some exclusive Amex experiences, plus receive higher earnings on gas and all other eligible expenses, then you might be satisfied with the SimplyCash Preferred Card.

Scotia Momentum vs CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card

Let’s move on by comparing the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card with another Visa credit card with high cashback earnings on everyday purchases.

To apply for the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card, it’s recommended that you have a “very good” credit score and a higher income – which could make it more difficult for some applicants to be approved.

In terms of rewards, both the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card and the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card offer similar cashback rates on groceries, but like the SimplyCash Preferred Card, the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card has a higher earn rate on gas than the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card. Plus, the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card has an added gas discount at select stations.

Both the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card and the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card waive their annual fee in the first year, but on account of its higher annual rewards, the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card has a higher first year value and higher overall annual value.

The main drawback of the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card compared to the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card is its insurance coverage, offering only 6 types of insurance instead of 11.

So, if your everyday purchases lean more toward groceries and recurring purchases, and you want optimal coverage on top of rewards for your day-to-day spending, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card is still your top contender. Or if you're interested in extra cashback and perks on gas alongside your grocery bill, and you don't care for extra coverage, you'll be pleased with the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card (if you meet the application requirements).

Scotia Momentum vs BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard

Could this be the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card’s ultimate competitor? The BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard has an even higher cashback rate on groceries, but instead of being capped annually, this card caps its high-earning categories up to a specified value per statement. However, the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard’s recurring payment cashback rate is only half the value of the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card’s rate. As for transit and gas, two other high-earning categories from the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card, the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard also takes the lead regarding reward rates (though its gas rate isn’t as high as the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card).

Both the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard and the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card have high income requirements (even higher for the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard), recommend “good” credit scores, and waive their annual fees in the first year. Regarding annual values, the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard has the highest first year and overall annual value.

Like in previous cases, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card still has the most comprehensive coverage, since the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard lacks mobile device insurance, and trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance. But, you will find that the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard does include hotel burglary coverage.

Travellers will also be impressed by the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard’s travel-related benefits, like the airport lounge Dragon Pass, hotel booking discount, and roadside assistance (which is considered rare).

Therefore, if you find you still spend the most on groceries and recurring purchases, and you could benefit from extensive travel coverage, you're still a great fit for the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card. However, if you're mostly looking for rewards on groceries and gas, and don't mind substituting extra travel coverage for travel perks like exclusive airport lounge and hotel booking privileges, plus roadside assistance, then the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard is the superior choice.

Scotia Momentum vs Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard

If you’re looking for a card with travel coverage, decent cashback rates, and no annual fee, we consider the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard to be the best no annual fee credit card in Canada. The card is best for Rogers, Fido or Shaw customers, who get higher cashback rates on regular purchases. In fact, if you're not concerned about optimizing grocery and recurring purchase categories specifically, and you're a Rogers, Fido or Shaw customer, the reward rates for the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard would top those of the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card for all your everyday purchases overall.

That said, if you're not a Rogers, Fido or Shaw customer, and you prioritize earn rates on groceries and recurring purchases, then you won't get as much value out of this card as you would with the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card.

Again, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card’s insurance coverage also beats that of the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard, but the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard includes popular protections like trip interruption and trip cancellation, and emergency medical over 65 insurance (which is also rare for a no-fee card).

Like the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard, the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard also provides cardholders with the airport lounge Dragon Pass, plus no cost roaming.

Ultimately though, it might actually be harder to qualify for the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard, since you need a “very good” credit score and a higher income (even higher than the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card’s requirement).

So, if you use Rogers, Fido or Shaw services, and are looking to optimize your regular purchases in general (not necessarily just in the grocery and recurring purchase categories), then the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard, complete with extra travel perks, could be the better deal (as long as you meet the application requirements). Otherwise, those still eager to optimize their spending on groceries and recurring purchases, and wanting more comprehensive coverage, will get more value with the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card.

Scotia Momentum vs Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card

If you’re looking for a no-fee Visa credit card alternative for your everyday shopping, the Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card has some great cashback rates on select categories.

With a low income requirement, you’ll mostly need to make sure you have a recommended “very good” credit score to apply. While the first year value doesn’t stack up with that of the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card, its overall annual value is slightly higher.

The everyday categories that will earn you the most cashback on this card are restaurant, bar, and coffee shop purchases. In fact, the Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card has the highest cashback rate on restaurant purchases in Canada. For the average person, restaurant purchases are usually a bigger portion of their spending than recurring purchases. So, if you go out often, it might be worth it to optimize this restaurant category. Compared to the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card though, the Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card's cashback rates on gas and groceries are much lower, as well as its overall base rate. 

Unfortunately, you also won’t be getting any extra benefits, and the only included coverage is extended warranty and purchase protection insurance. Still, without an annual fee, you’re tapping into some great rewards.

All in all, if you're the type of everyday spender who likes to dine out often, the Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa Card has the best high-earn category for you. But, if you were hoping for coverage on your card, are less concerned about dining and more concerned about your everyday gas, grocery, and recurring purchase bills, then its best to stick with the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card.

How to Apply for the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card

After reviewing everything the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card has to offer, you could be convinced that this card is compatible with your financial goals and lifestyle. 

If that’s the case, here’s a step-by-step process on how to apply for the card online:

1. First, you’ll want to navigate to the Scotiabank official website. Once you’re there, select “Credit Cards” from the main menu.
2. After you're redirected to the Credit Cards page, you should see the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card featured right away under the “Overall” category.
3. From here, you’ll want to click “learn about this card” in blue, and follow up by brushing up on everything the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card has to offer directly from the source.
4. Once you decide you’re satisfied with the card’s offerings, hit the “Apply Now” button.
5. You’ll be asked to read through the card’s terms and conditions, which will include any rates and fees. Select “Agree and Continue” once you’ve done a proper review.
6. This next page is where you’ll be asked to fill in your initial personal details, such as your name and contact information.
7. You’ll then be asked to create a username and password, as well as verify your identity.
8. Before finishing the application, you’ll also need to include employment details and your annual income.
9. Once all your information has been added, and you've agreed to all the terms and conditions, press submit.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a credit card with high earn rates on everyday categories like groceries and recurring purchases, plus extensive coverage, the Scotia Momemtum Visa Infinite Card has it all. If you're an average spender, this card might not be the best choice in terms of getting the most value. But, if you're someone who's constantly buying groceries and paying off recurring purchases, then it could be your ideal match. Even if you're an average spender who has decided they'd like to optimize their grocery and recurring bills, then the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card could be the perfect supplement to your current card.

Even though some of the mentioned competitors have tempting cashback rates in similar categories, none of them offer the same insurance package. This combination of rewards and coverage is ideal for daily spenders who also like to travel. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Visa Infinite Card Worth it?

If you meet the income requirements, want to indulge in premium travel benefits and coverage, don’t mind paying an annual fee, and plan to spend enough to earn high rewards that will offset any associated fees, then a Visa Infinite Card might be worth it to you.

However, deciding whether this Visa category is right for you will all depend on your spending habits and financial needs.

Does the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card have lounge access?

Unfortunately, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card does not have lounge access. However, other cards in this comparison like the BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard and the Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard do offer airport lounge privileges with the Dragon Pass.

Do I need a Scotiabank bank account to get the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card?

No, you do not need a Scotiabank bank account to get the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card. You’ll simply need to meet the income requirements and hold the recommended credit score for a successful application.