American Express Cobalt® Card vs Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card
Which one is better? Both cards worked out on the same spending: rewards, welcome bonus, fees and perks, line by line.
Welcome bonus
Each offer as the issuer words it. The numbers below show whether your spending reaches it.
The offer
The offer
Earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® 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 Rewards® points.
- 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 (36,400 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 – November 1, 2026
- Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Aug 4,2026. Subject to change.
What each card is worth
Rewards, the welcome bonus and any Finly rebate in, the annual fee and FX fees out, all on your spending.
Worked out on a typical $2,000 a month of spending. Enter yours to see your own numbers.
$1,147
First-year value
$565
$787
Every year after
$195
Amex Cobalt is worth $582 more to you in year one.
It stays ahead after that, by $592 a year.
How the first year adds up
Annual rewards
$979.03
51,528 points a year
Welcome bonus
+ $285
first year only
Annual fee
− $191.88
Finly rebate
paid by FinlyWealth
First-year value
$1,147.15
Annual rewards
$345
34,500 points a year
Welcome bonus
+ $250
first year only
Annual fee
− $150
Finly rebate
paid by FinlyWealth
First-year value
$565
Where each card earns
A year of your spending at each card's own reward rates, most first.
5xFood, drinks and groceries in Canada
32,604 pts
$619.48
2xGas, transit & ride share in Canada
4,692 pts
$89.15
3xStreaming subscriptions in Canada
1,440 pts
$27.36
1xAll other purchases
12,792 pts
$243.05
2xOther eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases and daily transit options
18,792 pts
$187.92
3xGrocery stores participating in the Scene+ program
2,712 pts
$27.12
1xAll other purchases
12,996 pts
$129.96
Fees, rates and eligibility
What each card costs to hold and to use abroad, and who it's for.
Annual fee
Additional cards
Foreign transaction fee
Interest rates
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%.
Purchase:
20.99%
Cash Advance:
22.99%
Balance Transfer:
22.99%
Recommended credit score
Recommended credit score
Income required
Income required
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Min Personal Income:
$60,000
Min Household Income:
$100,000
How each card earns
The earn rates and caps, as each issuer sets them.
- 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
- Earn 3x Scene+™ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more†
- 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)†
- 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†
Points and how we value them
Points become dollars at each card's best redemption. Here's the value we used, and every other way to spend them.
Loyalty program
Loyalty program
We count each point at 1.9¢ a point, what it's worth redeemed for Transfer to Airline Partners, its best value. Every dollar figure above uses that value.
We count each point at 1¢ a point, what it's worth redeemed for Entertainment, its best value. Every dollar figure above uses that value.
Point redemption options
Point redemption options
Statement Credits (Cash)
1¢ / pointGift Cards
0.91¢ / pointMerchandise
0.63¢ / pointMost Optimal
Transfer to Airline Partners
1.9¢ / pointFixed Point Travel Program
1.16¢ / pointTransfer to Hotel Partners
1.08¢ / pointFlexible Points Travel Program
1¢ / point
Amazon.ca
0.7¢ / point
Merchandise
0.76¢ / pointGift Cards
0.74¢ / pointStatement Credits (Cash)
0.7¢ / pointMost Optimal
Entertainment
1¢ / pointTravel
1¢ / pointGroceries (Sobeys)
1¢ / pointRestaurants
1¢ / point
Insurance and perks
What both cards include comes first in each list.
Insurance
Insurance
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
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
Perks
Perks

Amex Experiences™
Access Front Of The Line® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex Experiences™
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 10¢/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
Avis® Preferred Plus membership
Our take
Why we like it
Why we like 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 Aeroplan® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.
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
Pros
- Impressive optimization
- 1:1 Aeroplan point transfer
- Generous welcome bonus
- Flexible high value redemptions
- Comprehensive coverage
- Highly ranked
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
- High rewards
- No foreign transaction fees
- Airport lounge access
- Shell Fuel Savings
- Comprehensive insurance
- Generous intro offer
Cons
Cons
- Limited acceptance
- Lacks valuable coverage categories
- High income requirements
- High annual fee
American Express Cobalt® Card vs Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card: When to go for one over the other
Annual Fees and Requirements
The American Express Cobalt® Card and the Scotiabank Passport® 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 Cobalt® Card significantly outperforms the Scotiabank Passport® 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 Cobalt® Card offers. Additionally, the Cobalt® Card’s 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 Cobalt’s statement credit or travel redemption options.
Benefits and Insurance
The Scotiabank Passport® 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 Cobalt® 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 Cobalt® 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 Passport® 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.
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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.
^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.
* 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 (36,400 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 ‘Preferential’ 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 “Offer”) applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + credit card accounts (“Accounts”) 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.
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.
25,000 Bonus Scene+ Point Offer Description and Conditions: To qualify for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “25,000 Point Bonus”), 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.
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 “Annual Point Bonus”) 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 Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card on January 15, 2022, and switch that Card to the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025 – 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.
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 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, 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 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 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: 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).
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.
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 Passport Visa Infinite + 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 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.
*†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 “Eligible Cards”) 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 “Offer Terms”) apply to the offer (the “Offer”) made available to the Eligible Cards by GigSky, Inc. (“GigSky”). Any Offer Plan continues to be subject to the standard GigSky Terms of Service.
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 GigSky’s privacy policy at: https://www.gigsky.com/terms-and-conditions/privacy-policy






