Side by Side Credit Cards Comparison
American Express CobaltĀ® CardVSScotiabank PassportĀ® Visa Infinite +* Card
Which one is better?

American Express CobaltĀ® Card
4.9
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

Scotiabank PassportĀ® Visa Infinite +* Card
4.8
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*
Welcome Bonus
Earn 1,250 Membership RewardsĀ® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases on your amex cobalt credit card in the first Year. That's up to 15,000 Membership RewardsĀ® points.
Welcome Bonus
- Earn up to $1,250 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings*, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points1
- $250 in travel points (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months
- $100 in travel points (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $40,000 annually on your Account
- $50 supplementary card annual fee waiver on the first supplementary card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card clients
- $132 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per active account over the last 24 months
- $364 in first year point earn potential (36,400Ā Scene+ points) on everyday purchases
- $358 value with a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership that includes 6 lounge passes
- Offer period: August 4, 2026 ā November 1, 2026
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Aug 4,2026. Subject to change.
Our Cash Offer
N/A
Our Cash Offer
$120 Cash Rebate offer from FinlyWealth
Rewards Breakdown
Rewards breakdown is not available for this card.
Rewards Breakdown
Rewards breakdown is not available for this card.
How to Earn Rewards
- 5x points per $1 spent on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery (up to 12,500 points per month)
- 3x points per $1 spent on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
- 2x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases
How to Earn Rewards
- Earn 3x Scene+⢠points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and moreā
- Earn 2x Scene+⢠points for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including rideshares, buses, subways taxis and more)ā
- Plus earn 1 Scene+⢠point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchasesā
- 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 Expediaā
Insurance Included
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500Baggage Delay
$500Car Rental Damage & Theft
yesCommon Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$250,000Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$500Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
15 days, up to $5M (if under age 65)Flight Delay
$500Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Insurance Included
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Baggage Delay
$1,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000 up to 48 daysCommon Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000/insured, $1M combinedExtended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 daysHotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
$2M/insured up to 25 daysFlight Delay
$500/person after 4 hoursTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
$2M/insured up to 3 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $10,000/tripTrip Interruption
$2,500/person, $10,000/trip
Extra Benefits

Amex Experiencesā¢
Access Front Of The LineĀ® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiencesā¢
Extra Benefits
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Avoid the usual 2.5% forex fees on your purchases when you travel outside of CanadaVisa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
6 Free complimentary visitsGas Discount2
Get up to 10Ā¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stationsConcierge Services
Discount**
Yearly GigSky 1GB/15-Day plan, 20% off future purchases, and 10GB of global data for 15 days with Travel EssentialsStatus lift
AvisĀ® Preferred Plus membership
Interest Rates
Purchase:
21.99%1
Cash Advance:
21.99%1
1 If you have 2 separate missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate missed payments, the applicable rates will be 29.99%.
Interest Rates
Purchase:
20.99%
Cash Advance:
22.99%
Balance Transfer:
22.99%
Annual Fee
$191.88 (paid monthly)
Annual Fee
$150
Income Required
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Income Required
Min Personal Income:
$60,000
Min Household Income:
$100,000
Loyalty Program
Loyalty Program
Point Redemption Options
Statement Credits (Cash)
1Ā¢ / pointGift Cards
0.91Ā¢ / pointMerchandise
0.63Ā¢ / pointTransfer to Airline Partners
1.9Ā¢ / pointFixed Point Travel Program
1.16Ā¢ / pointTransfer to Hotel Partners
1.08Ā¢ / pointFlexible Points Travel Program
1Ā¢ / point
Amazon.ca
0.7Ā¢ / point
Point Redemption Options
Merchandise
0.76Ā¢ / pointGift Cards
0.74Ā¢ / pointStatement Credits (Cash)
0.7Ā¢ / pointEntertainment
1Ā¢ / pointTravel
1Ā¢ / pointGroceries (Sobeys)
1Ā¢ / pointRestaurants
1Ā¢ / point
Is this card worth it?
This card was voted one of the Best Credit Card in Canada by FinlyWealth. The rewards earned on this card for a person with average spending exceed those of other credit cards in Canada by a huge margin! In addition, this card has a good benefits coverage, a flexible amex cobalt bonus points redemption program (1:1 transfer to AeroplanĀ® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.
Is this card worth it?
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + is a strong choice for frequent travelers, especially those who value flexibility and premium perks. It stands out with its rare benefit of no foreign transaction fees, making international purchases more cost-effective. Additionally, the card offers a valuable blend of travel perks, including airport lounge access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and flexible rewards, making it an ideal companion for those who frequently travel abroad and want to avoid extra fees while enjoying premium benefits.
Pros
- Impressive optimization
- 1:1 Aeroplan point transfer
- Generous welcome bonus
- Flexible high value redemptions
- Comprehensive coverage
- Highly ranked
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Pros
- High rewards
- No foreign transaction fees
- Airport lounge access
- Shell Fuel Savings
- Comprehensive insurance
- Generous intro offer
Cons
- Limited acceptance
- Lacks valuable coverage categories
Cons
- High income requirements
- High annual fee
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vs BMO CashBackĀ® World EliteĀ®* MastercardĀ®*
vs Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard
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vs SimplyCash⢠Preferred Card from American Express
vs TD First Class TravelĀ® Visa Infinite* Card
vs TDĀ® AeroplanĀ® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
vs Scotia MomentumĀ® Visa Infinite +* Card
vs MBNA Rewards World EliteĀ® MastercardĀ®
vs PC World Elite Mastercard
vs American ExpressĀ® Green Card
vs Simplii Financial⢠Cash Back Visa* Card
vs RBC ION+ Visa
vs Neo MastercardĀ®
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vs Walmart Rewards⢠World Mastercard®
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vs Rogers Red World EliteĀ® Mastercard
vs RBC ION Visa
vs Scotiabank Gold American ExpressĀ® Card
vs Rogers Red Mastercard
vs TD AeroplanĀ® Visa Infinite* Card
vs Scotiabank ValueĀ® Visa* Card
vs Scotiabank PassportĀ® Visa Infinite* Privilege Card
vs Scotiabank Platinum American ExpressĀ® Card
vs Scotia MomentumĀ® No-Fee Visa* Card
vs Scotia MomentumĀ® MastercardĀ®* Credit Card
vs ScotiabankĀ® Scene+ Visa Card
vs Scotiabank American ExpressĀ® Card
vs American Express Platinum CardĀ®
vs SimplyCashĀ® Card from American Express
vs American ExpressĀ® AeroplanĀ®* Reserve Card
vs American ExpressĀ® AeroplanĀ®* Card
vs Scotia MomentumĀ® Visa* Card
vs CIBC AeroplanĀ® Visa Infinite* Card
vs BMO CashBackĀ® World EliteĀ®* MastercardĀ®*
vs Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard
vs TD First Class TravelĀ® Visa Infinite* Card
vs TDĀ® AeroplanĀ® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
vs Scotia MomentumĀ® Visa Infinite +* Card
vs MBNA Rewards World EliteĀ® MastercardĀ®
vs American ExpressĀ® Green Card
vs American Express Gold Rewards CardĀ®
vs Rogers Red World EliteĀ® Mastercard
vs Scotiabank Gold American ExpressĀ® Card
vs Rogers Red Mastercard
vs TD AeroplanĀ® Visa Infinite* Card
American Express CobaltĀ® Card vs Scotiabank PassportĀ® Visa Infinite +* Card: When to go for one over the other
Annual Fees and Requirements
The American Express CobaltĀ® Card and the Scotiabank PassportĀ® Visa Infinite+* Card have similar annual fees, though the specific amount can vary. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + requires a minimum income level, potentially limiting eligibility for some applicants, whereas the American Express Cobalt Card does not have specified income requirements, offering broader accessibility.
Rewards Comparison
The American Express CobaltĀ® Card significantly outperforms the Scotiabank PassportĀ® Visa Infinite* Card in terms of rewards, particularly for spending on dining, groceries, and travel. The lower value of Scene+ points results in the overall rewards from the Passport card being about one-third of what the CobaltĀ® Card offers. Additionally, the CobaltĀ® Cardās monthly rewards structure maximizes earning potential, making it the more rewarding choice for most users.
Reward Redemption Options
The American Express Cobalt Card offers more versatile redemption options, including the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners, which can provide significant value. In contrast, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card's redemption options are more limited and less flexible, primarily focusing on Scene+ points, which offer less versatility than the Cobaltās statement credit or travel redemption options.
Benefits and Insurance
The Scotiabank PassportĀ® Visa Infinite* Card excels in travel-related benefits, offering no foreign transaction fees, airport lounge access, and comprehensive insurance coverage, including trip cancellation and interruption. The American Express CobaltĀ® Card, while offering strong lifestyle benefits and coverage, particularly for dining and entertainment, does not match the travel-specific perks provided by the Passport card.
Network Differences
Because the Scotiabank Passport card is on the Visa network, it is much more accepted both in Canada and internationally, whereas you might not get the same acceptance with the Amex Cobalt.
Conclusion
The American Express CobaltĀ® Card is the superior choice for most users, offering exceptional rewards, especially for those with significant spending on dining, groceries, and travel within Canada. However, the Scotiabank PassportĀ® Visa Infinite* Card is a better fit for frequent travelers who value no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive insurance coverage, and broader acceptance in local and international locations.
Legal
*Terms and conditions apply.
If you have 2 separate missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate missed payments, the applicable rates will be 29.99%.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
* Savings and point earn potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential, foreign transaction fee and airport lounge savings as of May 22, 2026:
$250 in travel points (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months
$100 in travel points (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $40,000 annually on your Account .
$50 supplementary card annual fee waiver on the first supplementary card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card clients
$132 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per active account over the last 24 months (don't pay the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);
$364 in first year point earn potential (36,400Ā Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per active account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 21% in 3X and 2X accelerator categories combined.
$358 value with a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership that includes 6 lounge passes (based on a āPreferentialā membership valued at approx. CAD$357/USD$259). Currency conversion as at May 22, 2026.
Potential First Year Value = up to $1,254 (rounded down to $1,250)
Actual offers, savings and points earned will depend on individual card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.
1. Offer Description and Conditions: The 25,000 Bonus Scene+ Points Offer (the āOfferā) applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + credit card accounts (āAccountsā) that are opened between August 4, 2026 to November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the Account) subject to the conditions below. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers.Ā Ā
Plus, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + credit cardholder you are always eligible to earn an annual 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $40,000 in everyday eligible purchases annually on your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + account. Conditions apply - see below for further details.Ā
25,000 Bonus Scene+ Point Offer Description and Conditions: To qualify for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points (the ā25,000 Point Bonusā), you must have at least $2,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account within the first 3 months of the Account open date.Ā
10,000 Annual Bonus Scene+ Point Conditions: As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + credit cardholder you can earn an annual Scene+ point bonus starting at 10,000 Scene+ points (the āAnnual Point Bonusā) when you make at least $40,000 in eligible purchases annually on your Account each year (12-months). Annual period starts from the Account open date and resets every 12 months thereafter. If you switch from another Scene+ eligible Credit Card to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card (vs. it being opened as a new or additional Card), your original Account open date will carry over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card and your annual period for this benefit will begin on the next anniversary of your original Account open date. For Example: If you originally opened a ScotiabankĀ®* Gold American ExpressĀ® Card on January 15, 2022, and switch that Card to the Scotiabank PassportĀ® Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025 ā your annual period for the 10,000 annual Scene+ point benefit will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next Anniversary) and will reset annually on January 15th afterwards. You can also earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for every additional $10,000 in eligible purchases thereafter in that same year, after the $40,000 annual spend has been reached.Ā
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.Ā
Point Bonus Fulfillment: The applicable point Bonus(es) will be credited 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 25,000 Point Bonus,Ā and the Annual 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., $2,000 or $40,000) in the appropriate time frame (i.e., first 3 months or first 12 months). If a supplementary cardholder completes the last qualifying transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases for the 25,000 Point Bonus, or the Annual Point Bonus, the applicable point Bonus will be credited to the Primary Borrowerās Scene+ account linked to the Account. Points can be transferred between Primary and Co-Borrower or Supplementary Cardholderās Scene+ accounts by contacting Scene+.Ā 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 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.Ā
Rates and Fees: The current annual fee is $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to co-borrowers and supplementary cardholders).Ā
The current preferred annual interest rates for this Account are: 20.99% 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.Ā
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 ScotiabankĀ Passport Visa Infinite + card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:
Ā
- 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) (āFuel Purchases (All Grades)ā) 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 (āPromotional Periodā), receive an instant 4 cents per litre discount onĀ purchases of V-PowerĀ® gasoline, or V-PowerĀ® diesel (āPremium Fuel Purchasesā) 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.Ā Ā
- 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.Ā 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.Ā 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 atĀ sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditionsopens in a new tabĀ for full details including redemption options and additional terms.Ā
Ā
Note: Highest value of 10 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + 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.
*ā 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.
** You must be an eligible Canadian-issued Visa* Debit, Visa Classic*, Visa* Gold, Visa Platinum*, Visa* Business, Visa Infinite +*, Visa Infinite Business* or Visa Infinite Privilege* cardholder (collectively the āEligible Cardsā) to take advantage of the Visa GigSky offer. To participate in the Offer, you must have an Eligible Card issued in your name, ensure your Eligible Card account is in good standing, and add the Eligible Card as the default payment method in the GigSky App. These Global Mobile Data plan options offer terms (these āOffer Termsā) apply to the offer (the āOfferā) made available to the Eligible Cards by GigSky, Inc. (āGigSkyā). Any Offer Plan continues to be subject to the standardĀ GigSky Terms of Service.Ā
The Offer is solely offered by GigSky, and Visa is not providing or responsible for any Offer Plans, Discounts or GigSky Products hereunder. GigSky reserves the right to terminate your Offer Plan if you no longer hold an Eligible Card or such Eligible Card is no longer in good standing. GigSky reserves the right to terminate the Offer or any Offer Plan or change the terms of the Offer or Offer Plan at any time and without notice and in its sole and absolute discretion. This Offer cannot be combined with other discounts and/or offers and is not redeemable for cash. Any taxes are the sole responsibility of the purchaser. The Offer is void where prohibited or restricted by applicable law. GigSky reserves the right to deny you participation in the Offer if GigSky suspects abuse or misuse of the Offer, in its sole discretion. You agree and acknowledge that GigSky may share your personal information with Visa and your debit or credit card issuing bank in connection with redemption of the Offer and use of an Offer Plan. For information about how we collect and use your Personal Information please see GigSkyās privacy policy at:Ā https://www.gigsky.com/terms-and-conditions/privacy-policy