Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card vs Scotiabank Value® Visa* Card

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

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
Finly rebate
$175$225

3.8

Apply nowGet $225 Finly rebate
Scotia Value Visa
Finly rebate
$50

4.6

Apply nowGet $50 Finly rebate

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 $3,000* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 100,0001 bonus Scene+ points.


  • $600 in travel points (60,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card clients who spend $5,000 within the first 3 months 
  • $200 in travel points (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $10,000 within the first 6 months 
  • $200 in travel points (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you make at least one eligible purchase that is posted to the new Account during the 14th month after the month the Account was opened. 
  • $241 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);
  • $1,023 in first year point earn potential (102,297 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per active account over the last 24 months; 
  • $784 value of a complimentary Priority Pass membership and free lounge passes per year for the primary cardholder and for one supplementary cardholder.

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

  • 0% promotional interest rate on balance transfers for the first 9 months with a 1% balance transfer fee.1
  • Plus pay no annual fee in the first year.1
  • Offer valid from July 2, 2026 – January 3, 2027.
  • Until Dec 31, 2026, get an additional 3¢/ L off at Shell when you pay with your linked card in select provinces and territories.^

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.

$1,069

First-year value

Doesn't earn rewards

$44

Every year after

Doesn't earn rewards

Only Scotia Amex Platinum earns rewards we can work out.

Compare the fees, rates and perks below.

How the first year adds up

Annual rewards

$442.8

44,280 points a year

Welcome bonus

+ $800

first year only

Annual fee

− $399

Finly rebate

+ $225

paid by FinlyWealth

First-year value

$1,068.8

1¢ a pointScene+, redeemed for Entertainment

No figures for this card.

Where each card earns

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

2xAll other purchases

44,280 pts

$442.8

Doesn't earn rewards

Fees, rates and eligibility

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

$399

Annual fee

Better of the two$29
$0 the first year
$99

Additional cards

$0
NoneBetter of the two

Foreign transaction fee

2.5%

Interest rates

Interest rates

Purchase:

9.99%

Cash Advance:

9.99%

Balance Transfer:

9.99%

Purchase:

13.99%2

Cash Advance:

13.99%2

Balance Transfer:

13.99%2

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

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:

N/A

Min Household Income:

N/A

How each card earns

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

  • Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible 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.

This card does not earn rewards on purchases but instead offers much lower interest rates. Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.

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.

Cash back: every dollar it earns counts as a dollar, so there's nothing to convert.

Point redemption options

Point redemption options

  • Most Optimal

    entertainment popcorn

    Entertainment

    1¢ / point
  • travel - plane

    Travel

    1¢ / point
  • groceries

    Groceries (Sobeys)

    1¢ / point
  • food location

    Restaurants

    1¢ / point
  • online shop

    Merchandise

    0.76¢ / point
  • gift card

    Gift Cards

    0.74¢ / point
  • cash coins

    Statement Credits (Cash)

    0.7¢ / point

Nothing to redeem: it pays cash back.

Insurance and perks

What both cards include comes first in each list.

Insurance

Insurance

  • lost baggage

    Lost or Stolen Baggage

    $500/person, $1000/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Baggage Delay

    $1000 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

    $1000
  • extended warranty

    Extended Warranty

    Up to a year
  • purchase protection

    Purchase Protection

    120 days
  • burglar

    Hotel Burglary Insurance

    $1000/occurrence
  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)

    $2M, Up to 31 days
  • travel accident medical

    Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)

    $2M, Up to 10 days
  • cancel airplane

    Trip Cancellation

    $2500/person, $10000/trip
  • pause

    Trip Interruption

    $5000/person, $25000/trip
  • hourglass timer

    Flight Delay

    $1000/person
  • credit card dollar

    Balance Protection

    optional

Perks

Perks

  • gas station

    Gas Discount2

    Get up to 11¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations

  • exchange money

    No Foreign Transaction Fees

  • concierge

    Concierge Services

  • discount

    Discount

    Discount on PriorityPass Membership
  • Amex logo

    American Express® Experiences

  • star fall

    Status lift

    Hertz #1 Club Gold Member
  • reward cup

    Extra points

    Extra 4 Scene+ points per Canadian dollar spent on hotel and car rental bookings made through Scene+ Travel using your Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Priority Pass

    10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Plaza Premium)
  • alcohol cheers

    Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium

    10 visits, 4 visits for secondary card (combined with the Priority pass)
  • gas station

    Gas Discount2

    Get up to 5¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations

  • car rental

    Car Rental Discount

    Avis car rental discount up to 25% worldwide

Our take

Why we like it

Why we like it

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express is the perfect choice for those seeking a super premium credit card without steep income requirements. With a high flat rate of rewards on all purchases, extensive insurance coverage, and flexible travel redemption options, it offers full-featured perks that cater to frequent travelers and savvy spenders alike.

This is a great card for those who carry a balance every month and want to take advantage of much lower interest rates compared to most other cards. It also comes with a great introductory balance transfer rate for a limited number of months.

Pros

Pros

  • Low interest rates
  • Strong rewards
  • Airport lounge access
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Shell Fuel Savings
  • Flexible travel rewards
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Instant decision. No credit impact.
  • Balance transfer promotion
  • Low interest rates
  • First-year fee rebate
  • Shell Fuel Savings
  • Balance protection
  • Car rental discounts

Cons

Cons

  • Higher annual fee
  • Limited premium perks
  • No rewards
  • Limited extras

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 14 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential, foreign transaction fee and airport lounge savings as of May 22, 2026:

   

$600 in travel points (60,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card clients who spend $5,000 within the first 3 months 

  

$200 in travel points (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $10,000 within the first 6 months 

   

$200 in travel points (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you make at least one eligible purchase that is posted to the new Account during the 14th month after the month the Account was opened. 

   

$241 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);


$1,023 in first year point earn potential (102,297 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per active account over the last 24 months; 


$784 value of a complimentary Priority Pass membership and free lounge passes per year for the primary cardholder ('Standard Plus' annual membership fee package of approx. CAD$454/USD$329, which includes 10 lounge passes) and for one supplementary cardholder ('Standard' annual membership fee of approx. CAD$137/USD$99, plus 4 lounge passes at CAD$48/USD$35 each). Currency conversion as at May 22, 2026.


Potential First 14-Month Value = up to $3,048 (rounded down to $3,000)


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 100,000 Bonus Scene+ Points Offer (the “Offer”) applies only to new Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card accounts (“Account”) opened between July 2, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the Account) and is subject to the conditions below. 


To be eligible for 60,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “60,000 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $5,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in the first 3 months of the Account open date. To be eligible  for 20,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “20,000 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $10,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in the first 6 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 make at least one eligible purchase that is posted to your new Account during the 14th month after the month the Account was opened. 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 60,000 Point Bonus and 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., $5,000 or $10,000) in the appropriate time frame (i.e., first 3 months or first 6 months), and (ii) the Additional 20,000 Point Bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower that completed the first transaction that qualifies as an eligible purchase during the 14th month after the month the Account was opened. If a supplementary cardholder completes the last qualifying transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases for the 60,000 Point Bonus or the 20,000 Point Bonus, or completes the first transaction that qualifies for 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 Scene+ Program Terms continue to apply during the Offer period. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice 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 $399 for the primary card and $99 for each additional card (including those issued to co-borrowers and supplementary cardholders). 

The current preferred annual interest rates for the Account are: 9.99% on purchases and 9.99% 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 4 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with a Scotiabank Platinum 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 4 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 2 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 4 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 11 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Platinum 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.  


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.

^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.


1. Offer Description and Conditions: The Introductory 0% Balance Transfer Rate and First Year Annual Fee Waiver Offer (the “Offer”) applies only to new Scotiabank Value Visa credit card accounts (“Accounts”) that are opened between July 2, 2026 and January 3, 2027 (regardless of the date you apply for the Account) subject to the conditions below.  We will waive the annual fee for the primary card on the Account for the first year only.  Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers. 


Introductory 0% Balance Transfer Rate Offer Description and Conditions: The Introductory 0% Balance Transfer Rate Offer (the “BT Rate Offer”) applies only to eligible cash advances (including balance transfers and cash-like transactions) (collectively “Cash Advances”) subject to the conditions below. This introductory rate applies for 9 months from date of Account opening (the “BT Promotional Period”).  A balance transfer fee of 1% of the amount of each Cash Advance transferred or made during the BT Promotional Period applies (minimum fee of $5.00). After the BT Promotional Period, the promotional 0% interest rate on any Cash Advances (including any amount of those Cash Advances that remain unpaid after the BT Promotional Period ends) will increase to the preferred interest rate on Cash Advances (currently 13.99%). 


This BT Rate Offer is subject to any Cash Advance limits on your Account. This BT Rate Offer also is subject to the approved credit limit that is being offered to you as of the date of this BT Rate Offer. This means if a balance transfer amount(s) requested exceeds your approved credit limit as of the date this BT Rate Offer was provided to you, it may not be processed. This BT Rate Offer cannot be used for any Scotiabank account including to transfer a balance from another Scotiabank account, or to make a payment or deposit to another Scotiabank account. 


Losing your Promotional Rate: If we don’t receive  the minimum payment on your Account by the payment due date on your statement, two consecutive times , you will lose the benefit of this promotional BT Rate Offer and the interest rates that apply on any unpaid balance will increase to the standard annual interest rates that apply to your Account (currently 24.99% on purchases and 27.99% on Cash Advances). 


How We Apply Payments: Your payment cannot be applied to the balance(s) of your choice. For Quebec residents: In general, if you have different interest rate(s) that apply to your Account, we apply payments to transactions based on the interest rate(s) that applies to those transactions on your Account (from highest to lowest rates). For non-Quebec residents: In general, if you make a payment that exceeds the minimum payment on your statement, we will apply your payment on a proportionate basis among each group of billed charges on your Account. We group charges based on the interest rate that applies to the group of charges. See your credit card agreement for more information about how we apply payments to your Account. 


First Year Annual Fee Waiver Offer Description and Conditions: We will waive the annual fee for the primary card issued between July 2, 2026 and January 3, 2027 on the Account for the first year only.


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 switched to an existing Scotiabank personal credit card  are not eligible for the Offer (and subject to these exclusions, individuals with a Scotiabank business credit card are also eligible for the Offer). By accepting this Offer you confirm you meet all Offer eligibility requirements. We reserve the right to revoke this Offer at any time if we determine you do not meet the Offer eligibility requirements, including after you have accepted the Offer or been approved for the Account.


Rates and Fees:  The current annual fee is $29 for the primary card and $0 for each additional card (including those issued to co-borrowers and supplementary cardholders). 

The current preferred annual interest rates for the Account are 13.99% on purchases and 13.99% on Cash Advances 

All rates, fees, features and benefits are outlined in the Application Disclosure Statement and are subject to change.


2.Get up to 3 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts and earn up to 2 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with a Scotiabank Value® Visa* Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:

 

  • Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions or Tangerine Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions (as applicable). 
  • Earn up to 2 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value (Equivalent) on Fuel Purchases: As a Scene+ Member you will  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 Value® Visa* Card. This means that for every litre in fuel purchased with your eligible linked card, you can earn the equivalent of up to 2 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 5 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Value® Visa* Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on whether or not the credit card is linked, fuel grade purchased, cost of fuel at time of purchase, whether or not you are a Scene+ member, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.


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.