Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card vs CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Which one is better? Both cards worked out on the same spending: rewards, welcome bonus, fees and perks, line by line.

Scotiabank Amex Gold
Finly rebate
$150$200

5.0

Apply nowGet $200 Finly rebate
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

3.3

Learn more

Welcome bonus

Each offer as the issuer words it. The numbers below show whether your spending reaches it.

The offer

The offer

Earn up to $950 in welcome offers, first year rewards and savings value, and up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points.1  

  • To be eligible for 30,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “30,000 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $2,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in the first 3 months of the Account open date.
  • To be eligible for an additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “Additional 20,000 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $7,500 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in the first year (12 months) of Account open date.

Offer Validity: July 2, 2026 – November 1, 2026

Earn up to 50,000 Aeroplan points (up to $1,000 in travel value†): 

  • 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase†.  
  • 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $6,000 or more during the first 6 monthly statements periods†.
  • 25,000 Aeroplan points as an additional anniversary bonus when you have at least $12,000 in net purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods†.
  • Enjoy a free first checked bag: a $140 value for 2 travellers for each round-trip flight, assuming you take one round-trip Air Canada flight in the first year†. 

Plus, get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): up to $189 value†. 

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.

$1,217

First-year value

$1,539

$517

Every year after

$355

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite is worth $323 more to you in year one.

From year two, Scotia Amex Gold pulls ahead by $161 a year.

How the first year adds up

Annual rewards

$636.6

63,660 points a year

Welcome bonus

+ $500

first year only

Annual fee

− $120

Finly rebate

+ $200

paid by FinlyWealth

First-year value

$1,216.6

1¢ a pointScene+, redeemed for Entertainment

Annual rewards

$494.3

26,016 points a year

Welcome bonus

+ $1,045

first year only

Annual fee

$139− $0

$139 from year two

First-year value

$1,539.3

1.9¢ a pointAeroplan, redeemed for Flights

Where each card earns

A year of your spending at each card's own reward rates, most first.

5xFood and drinks, Groceries and Entertainment

37,692 pts

$376.92

3xGas, Rental Car & Taxi, Public Transportation

8,844 pts

$88.44

6xGrocery stores participating in Scene+ Reward program

5,412 pts

$54.12

3xAmex eligible Streaming Subscriptions

1,440 pts

$14.4

1xAll other purchases

10,272 pts

$102.72

1.5xGroceries, Gas and Air Canada

8,172 pts

$155.27

1xAll other purchases

17,844 pts

$339.04

Fees, rates and eligibility

What each card costs to hold and to use abroad, and who it's for.

$120Better of the two

Annual fee

$139
$0 the first year
$29

Additional cards

$50 (first year waived up to 3)
NoneBetter of the two

Foreign transaction fee

2.5%

Interest rates

Interest rates

Purchase:

21.99%

Cash Advance:

22.99%

Balance Transfer:

22.99%

Purchase:

20.99%

Cash Advance:

22.99%

Balance Transfer:

22.99%

Recommended credit score

Recommended credit score

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

Income required

Income required

Min Personal Income:

$12,000

Min Household Income:

$12,000

Min Personal Income:

$60,000

Min Household Income:

$100,000

How each card earns

The earn rates and caps, as each issuer sets them.

  • Earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more*
  • Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.*
  • Earn 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.*
  • Earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more*
  • Earn 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services*
  • 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.
  • 1.5 Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including through Air Canada Vacations®
  • 1 Aeroplan® point per $1 spent on all other purchases

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¢ a point, what it's worth redeemed for Entertainment, its best value. Every dollar figure above uses that value.

We count each point at 1.9¢ a point, what it's worth redeemed for Flights, its best value. Every dollar figure above uses that value.

Point redemption options

Point redemption options

  • travel - plane

    Travel

    1¢ / point
  • online shop

    Merchandise

    0.76¢ / point
  • gift card

    Gift Cards

    0.74¢ / point

  • Most Optimal

    entertainment popcorn

    Entertainment

    1¢ / point
  • groceries

    Groceries (Sobeys)

    1¢ / point
  • food location

    Restaurants

    1¢ / point
  • cash coins

    Statement Credits (Cash)

    0.7¢ / point
  • travel - plane

    Travel

    0.825¢ / point
  • online shop

    Merchandise

    0.75¢ / point
  • gift card

    Gift Cards

    0.72¢ / point

  • Most Optimal

    flight plane

    Flights

    1.9¢ / point
  • car rental

    Car Rentals

    0.9¢ / point

Insurance and perks

What both cards include comes first in each list.

Insurance

Insurance

  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500/person, $1,000/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $500/person, $1,000/trip After 4 hours
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    $65K up to 48 days
  • heart lock

    Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

    $500K/person, $1M/occurrence
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,000
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to 1 year
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1,000/occurrence
  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

    $1M, Up to 25 days
  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)

    $1M, Up to 3 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1,500/person, $10,000/trip
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $1,500/person, $10,000/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500/person
  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $500
  • car insurance

    Car Rental Damage & Theft

    yes
  • heart lock

    Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance

    $500,000
  • mobile device insurance

    Mobile Device Insurance

    $1,000
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to 1 year
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    90 days
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $2,500
  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

    15 days
  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)

    3 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $1,500
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $2,000
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $500

Perks

Perks

  • gas station

    Gas Discount2

    Get up to 12¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations
  • discount

    Discount

    Discount on PriorityPass Membership

  • exchange money

    No Foreign Transaction Fees

    Avoid the 2.5% foreign transaction fees incurred when spending in non $CAD
  • concierge

    Concierge Services

  • Amex logo

    American Express® Experiences

  • gas station

    Gas Discount

    save up to 10¢/L on fuel at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations
  • discount

    Discount

    Primary cardholders can often book flight rewards for even fewer points

  • car rental

    Car Rental Discount

    Get up to 25% off auto rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations worldwide.
  • exclusive

    Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits

    Exclusive offers
  • star fall

    Status lift

    Reach Aeroplan Elite Status sooner: Earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 in eligible purchases made on your card
  • luggage

    Free first checked bag

    Enjoy a free first checked bag for you, authorized users and up to 8 companions every time you fly with Air Canada
  • bed furniture

    Free Extra Night at Hotels

    Extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points

Our take

Why we like it

Why we like it

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is one of our favorite cards. It has a very solid rewards program, earning one of the highest rewards among all credit cards in Canada. In addition, it offers comprehensive travel benefits, including the rare and valuable no foreign transaction fee benefit, making it a great and balanced credit card in terms of both rewards and benefits.

The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is great for Air Canada travelers who want to rack up Aeroplan points and enjoy perks like free checked bags and preferred pricing on flight redemptions. With solid reward rates in key spending categories like gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases, this card offers decent returns. Additionally, the first-year annual fee waiver and comprehensive travel insurance make it a solid option for those looking for value without the upfront cost. However, its highest value is for people who frequently travel with Air Canada and make use of Aeroplan rewards, especially for flights.

Pros

Pros

  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Well-rounded rewards
  • Shell Fuel Savings
  • Comprehensive insurance
  • Flexible redemptions
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • High reward rates
  • Air Canada perks
  • Aeroplan flight preferred pricing

Cons

Cons

  • Limited acceptance
  • No lounge access
  • Annual fee
  • Income requirements
  • Limited redemption value

More comparisons

Other cards we've put each of these up against.

Legal


^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 and foreign transaction fee savings as of May 22, 2026:


$300 in travel points (30,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Gold American Express Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months 


$200 in travel points (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $7,500 within the first 12 months 


$59 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)


$398 in first year point earn potential (38,500 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per active account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 28% in 6X, 5X and 3X accelerator categories combined


Potential First Year Value = up to $957 (rounded down to $950)


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 50,000 Bonus Scene+ Points (the “Offer”) applies only to new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card accounts (“Accounts”) opened between July 2, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the Account) and is subject to the conditions below. 


To be eligible for 30,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “30,000 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $2,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in the first 3 months of the Account open date. To be eligible for an additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “Additional 20,000 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $7,500 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in the first year (12 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 30,000 Point Bonus and Additional 20,000 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 $7,500) 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 30,000 Point Bonus or the Additional 20,000 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:  The current annual fee is $120 for the primary card and $29 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 5 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with a Scotiabank Gold American Express 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 5 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 3 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 5 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 12 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Gold American Express 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 can qualify for this offer if you apply and are approved for a new CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card beginning April 7, 2026.

In order to be eligible for this offer, you must also abide by the terms and conditions set out in this footnote.

If you apply and are approved for a new CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* card, you can earn:

i. A welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points. The 10,000 Aeroplan points will appear on your statement after you make your first purchase at any time with your card, if you are eligible.

ii. An additional bonus of 15,000 Aeroplan points if you have at least $6,000 in net purchases posted to your account during the first 6 monthly statement periods. The additional bonus of 15,000 Aeroplan points will be awarded (i) if the spend requirement is met and (ii) by the end of your next monthly statement period after the spend requirement is met.

iii. The anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points will be awarded to you within 8 weeks after the one year account open date, provided you have at least $12,000 in net eligible purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods and your credit card account is open and in good standing. Additional cardholders are not eligible for this offer.

As set out in and subject to the Aeroplan Program General Terms and Conditions located at [aircanada.com/aeroplan-termsandconditions], you may not be eligible for this offer or to receive any of the Welcome Bonus, Additional Bonus, or Anniversary Bonus, even if CIBC approves your application for an Account, if you have previously received a Welcome Bonus, Additional Bonus or Anniversary Bonus in connection with opening a new Aeroplan credit card account with CIBC or any other issuer of an Aeroplan credit card of the same card category type as the CIBC Account you are applying for.

A one-time annual fee rebate for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users added at the time of the application. This offer does not apply to annual fees for authorized users that are added after you submit your application. This offer applies for the first year only. If your application for an eligible card is not approved, you may be considered for another card (as disclosed in your credit card application). If you are approved for that card, this annual fee rebate offer will apply in the amount of the annual fee, if any, of the alternate card. If you qualify, the rebate will be awarded to you and will appear as a credit against the applicable annual fee(s) within two statements. Your new credit card account must be open and in Good Standing at the time the rebate is awarded.

Offer applies to newly approved card accounts only. Transfers and product changes from other CIBC credit cards are excluded from this offer.

Credit card account must be open and in Good Standing at the time the bonus Aeroplan points are awarded. Aeroplan points are awarded to you within 8 weeks after all qualifying purchase(s) are posted to your account. For this offer, the following do not qualify as purchases: Cash Advances, CIBC Global Money Transfers™, Balance Transfers, Convenience Cheques, fees, interest, payments and Aeroplan points redemptions. It may take up to several business days for purchases to be posted to your account. This offer is not transferable. This offer may be withdrawn or changed without prior notice at any time. This offer may be revoked if you appear to be manipulating or abusing it, or are engaged in any suspicious or fraudulent activity, as determined by CIBC in its sole discretion.

Please ensure that you provide your personal Aeroplan number to be linked to your credit card as linking a different loyalty number will impact the airline benefit fulfillment.

The up to $1,300 value is based on the combined total value of: The annual fee rebate for the first year ($139), plus one additional cardholder ($50); free first checked bags for two people, on a round-trip in the first year ($140), and the 45,000 Aeroplan points upon approval and required spend on your CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card are redeemed for a flight reward ($800), based on the majority of current Aeroplan cardholders who receive a value of $0.02/point or more when redeeming for a flight reward as of September 1, 2025. Redemption calculation is based on actual redemptions made by cardholders between the period of November 8, 2020 to September 1, 2025. Aeroplan points have no cash value but are redeemable under the Aeroplan program for flights and other rewards. The retail value of rewards obtained using Aeroplan points will vary depending on a range of factors including the type of reward issued, details of which may be found on the Air Canada website. Aeroplan points may be redeemed only in accordance with the General Terms & Conditions of the Aeroplan program. Full terms and conditions of the Aeroplan Program are available online on the Air Canada website. All offers are contingent on satisfying the criteria outlined in the offer terms and conditions.