Side by Side Credit Cards Comparison
Scotia Momentum® Visa* CardVSAmerican Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
Which one is better?

Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card
3.1
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*

American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
4.7
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*
Welcome Bonus
- Get a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 9 months (2% fee per cash advance; 22.99% after that; annual fee $39).1
- Offer valid from Jul 2, 2026 - Jan 3, 2027.
Welcome Bonus
- New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points
- Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months
- Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13
- You could earn up to $4,400 in value within your first 13 months* — combining the Welcome Bonus (up to $1,700), accelerated and everyday spend earn rates (~$1,760), and $1,000 in benefits value. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
Our Cash Offer
$60 Cash Rebate offer from FinlyWealth
Our Cash Offer
$150 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
- 2% cash back on gas, groceries, transit, rideshare, food delivery, drug store and recurring payments (maximum $500 annually)
- 1% cashback on all other credit card purchases.
- Rates, fees, offers and other information are effective as of July 2, 2026. Subject to change.
How to Earn Rewards
- 3x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada® and Air Canada Vacations® purchases
- 2x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases
- 1.25x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance Included
Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 days
Insurance Included
Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 daysLost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Baggage Delay
$1,000/person after 6 hoursCar Rental Damage & Theft
48 daysCommon Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
15 daysTrip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $3,000/tripTrip Interruption
$1,500/person, $6,000/tripFlight Delay
$1,000/person after 4 hours
Extra Benefits
Car Rental Discount
25% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A CarGas Discount2
Get up to 7¢/L in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations
Extra Benefits
Companion Voucher
Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your cardStatus lift
Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's ClubStatus lift
Get a 10% Head Start. Starting in 2027, eligible Basic Cardmembers with Aeroplan EliteTM* Status will receive a 10% head start toward qualification, based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) accumulated the year before. Roll over any unallocated unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travelsStatus lift
Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will benefit from an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, for a total of 24 months from issuance.Free first checked bag
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on Air Canada branded flight and up to 8 guestsExtra points
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStoreFree Extra Night at Hotels
Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwideNexus Program Rebate
$100 every 4 yearsPriority Travel
At Toronto Pearson airport get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking and car care.Priority Travel
Get Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight (Only AirCanada)Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes
Unlimited Access for you and one guestAirport Lounge - Priority Pass
Pass only. No Complimentary visits!
Amex Experiences™
Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more
Interest Rates
Purchase:
19.99%
Cash Advance:
22.99%
Balance Transfer:
22.99%
Interest Rates
Purchase:
21.99%2
Cash Advance:
21.99%2
2 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%.
Annual Fee
$39
Annual Fee
$599⁕
⁕ Notice: As of Jan 12, 2027, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card annual fee will increase to $799. Annual fees charged on or after this date will reflect the new fee. The Additional Aeroplan®* Reserve Card annual fee will increase to $249. The Additional Aeroplan®* Reserve No Fee Card will be renamed to the Additional Aeroplan®* Reserve Companion Card and the annual fee will increase to $25. Learn more about new benefits.
Income Required
Min Personal Income:
$12,000
Min Household Income:
N/A
Income Required
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Loyalty Program
N/A
Loyalty Program
Point Redemption Options
Not Applicable
Point Redemption Options
Flights
1.9¢ / pointCar Rentals
0.9¢ / pointTravel
0.825¢ / pointMerchandise
0.75¢ / pointGift Cards
0.72¢ / point
Is this card worth it?
The Scotiabank Momentum Visa is a low annual fee cash back card that offers impressive earn rates on a variety of everyday spending categories, making it an excellent choice for those who want to maximize rewards without the higher cost of its Visa Infinite counterpart.
Is this card worth it?
If you are a frequent Air Canada traveler, having an Aeroplan card for perks like free checked bags and priority service can be very beneficial. Many financial institutions offer Aeroplan cards, but we don't believe the American Express version is the best one. Opting for another option might be better. However, the Amex card does have a very large sign-up bonus, making it a great choice for those specifically seeking that.
Pros
- Decent optimization
- Low balance transfer rate
- Low annual fee
- Car rental discounts
Pros
- Generous rewards rate
- Free checked bags
- Preferred flight pricing
- Unlimited airport lounge access
- Extensive coverage
- Instant decision. No credit impact.
Cons
- Limited insurance
- Annual redemption
Cons
- Limited acceptance
- Limited loyalty rewards
- High annual fee
- Limited lounge brand access
vs Scotiabank Value® Visa* Card
vs Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Privilege Card
vs Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card
vs Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card
vs Scotia Momentum® Mastercard®* Credit Card
vs Scotiabank® Scene+ Visa Card
vs Scotiabank American Express® Card
vs American Express Platinum Card®
vs SimplyCash® Card from American Express
vs American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
vs CIBC Costco Mastercard
vs Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard
vs Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard®
vs SimplyCash™ Preferred Card from American Express
vs Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite +* Card
vs PC World Elite Mastercard
vs American Express® Green Card
vs Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card
vs RBC ION+ Visa
vs Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard
vs Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card
vs Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
vs Rogers Red Mastercard
vs American Express Cobalt® Card
vs TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
vs Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card
vs SimplyCash™ Preferred Card from American Express
vs American Express® Green Card
vs American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
vs American Express Platinum Card®
vs SimplyCash® Card from American Express
vs CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
vs MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®
vs American Express Gold Rewards Card®
vs Rogers Red World Elite® Mastercard
vs Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card
vs Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
vs American Express Cobalt® Card
Legal
1. Offer Description and Conditions: The Introductory 0.99% Balance Transfer Rate Offer (the “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 if the new Account is opened between July 2, 2026 and January 3, 2027 (regardless of the date you apply for the Account) and will continue for 9 months from date of Account opening (the “Promotional Period”). After the Promotional Period, the promotional 0.99% interest rate on any Cash Advances (including any amount of those Cash Advances that remain unpaid after the Promotional Period ends) will increase to the preferred interest rate on Cash Advances (currently 22.99%). A balance transfer fee of 2% of the amount of each Cash Advance transferred or made during the Promotional Period applies (minimum fee of $5.00).
This Offer is subject to any Cash Advance limits on your Account. This Offer is also subject to the approved credit limit that is being offered to you as of the date of this Offer. This means if a balance transfer amount(s) requested exceeds your approved credit limit as of the date this Offer was provided to you, it may not be processed. This 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. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers.
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 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). All other terms and conditions of the Program Terms continue to apply during the Offer period.
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.
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 $39 for the primary card and $15 for each additional card (including those issued to co-borrowers and supplementary cardholders). The current preferred annual interest rates for the Account are: 19.99% on purchases and 22.99% on Cash Advances. All rates, fees, features and benefits are outlined in the Application Disclosure Statement and are subject to change.
2.Cardholders with a Scene+ membership who link their Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card and their Scene+ account to a Shell Go+ Account can get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts, Cash Back, and Scene+ points value when they purchase eligible fuel with their linked credit card:
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.
Earn 2 cents per Litre in Cash Back: When you use your Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) you will earn 2% Cash Back on eligible Net Purchases (up to an annual spend limit of $25,000) at Gas Stations (Merchant Category Codes (“MCC”): 5541, 5542). Assumes an average fuel price of at least $1.00/L. “Net Purchases” means eligible new purchases charged and posted on the Account during a statement period less, returns (including credit vouchers), refunds or other credits. Balance Transfers, Cash Advances, Cash-Like Transactions, interest charges, fees, and insurance premiums posted to your Credit Card Account are not eligible to earn Cash Back. This benefit is subject to the Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card Cash Back Program Terms and Conditions.
Scene+ Members earn up to 2 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value: Scene+ Members earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades) when they present or make available their Scene+ account number or Scene+ membership card at the time of purchase. Plus, Scene+ Members who link their Scene+ account to the Shell Go+ app will automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre of V-Power® gasoline or V-Power® diesel purchased (“Premium Fuel Purchases”). Scene+ points value is based on an average redemption value of $10 for every 1000 Scene+ points redeemed on fuel purchases. 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 7 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase (minimum price of $1.00 per litre) made with your Scotia Momentum® Visa* Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account and with your Scene+ account also linked to the 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.
*Subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply.
The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. 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%. See the Information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to changes on your account and other details.
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.