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United States : Guide to Big Island, Hawaii | Itineraries and must-sees

  • Beach
7 min read
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United States : Guide to Big Island, Hawaii | Itineraries and must-sees
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Whether you start out in the east (Hilo) or west (Kailua-Kona), you’ll need to plan a 7 to 10-day trip,which will allow you to be able to explore heavenly beaches, enjoy memorable hikes, discover and taste local coffee, and take in the exceptional natural attractions that make Big Island a truly magical destination!

Big Island, Hawaii – Getting there from Honolulu

Honolulu is often the entry point to the archipelago, so it was from there that I often flew to the neighboring islands. In my experience, on Hawaiian Airlines, the flight from Honolulu to Kona was as pleasant as it was quick. A pleasant experience, since on board, I was able to marvel at the spectacular panorama of the Hawaiian Islands from the sky. Quick, since the flight takes just forty minutes. What’s more, with a Nexus card (whose fees were paid by the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card), I was able to get to the airport an hour before the flight’s departure because the pre-checked service is so efficient!

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card

CIBCAeroplan
Annual fee
$0
Our valuation
$200
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$200Total$200Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 10,000 points
Apply Now

on CIBC's website

With the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card, earn up to 10,000 Aeroplan points:

  • 2,500 points on first purchase
  • 2,500 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,500 or more during the first 4 monthly statements periods
  • 5,000 anniversary bonus points after $10,000 in purchases over 12 months

With the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card, you earn 1 point per dollar on gas, electric vehicle recharges, groceries and Air Canada purchases. For all other purchases, you’ll earn 1 point for every $1.5 spent.

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† Conditions apply.

Annual fee

Primary card$0
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$15,000
Household$15,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1xGas & EV
  • 1xGroceries
  • 1xAir Canada flights
  • 0.67xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$677
2nd Year Value$377

Travel insurance

Travel AccidentUp to $100,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $65,000 / 48 days

To fly from Canada to Hawaii with points, check out my complete travel guide:

Big Island, Hawaii – Car rental with Hertz and pick-up at Kona airport

Landing at Kona airport, thanks to my car rental arranged with Hertz and my Gold status obtained via my Platinum CardMD from American Express, my arrival on Big Island was remarkably smooth! My rental car was waiting for me, ready to go. The efficiency of the service enabled a rapid transition from the airport to the beaches, with only 30 minutes elapsing between landing and my feet in the sand, offering a comfortable start to my stay.

United States : Guide to Big Island, Hawaii | Itineraries and must-sees - Hertz
United States : Guide to Big Island, Hawaii | Itineraries and must-sees - Farniente 5

American Express Platinum Card®

American ExpressAmex Membership Rewards
Annual fee
$799
Our valuation
$1,700
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,700Total$1,700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

Terms of the offer

  • Unlock special experiences with the newly designed metal Platinum Card
  • New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 25,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points when you charge $2,000 in purchases to your Card in the first three months of Cardmembership
  • Earn 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
  • You will have access to a $200 CAD Annual Travel Credit to use towards any single travel booking of $200 or more charged to your Platinum Card and made on www.americanexpress.ca/travel or through Platinum Card® Travel Service
  • Take full advantage of the American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1200 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience
  • Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,000 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels & Resorts.
  • Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities
  • Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport including security bypass, complimentary valet car service and discount car care and parking
  • You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts®, Radisson Hotel Group Hotels and Resorts, Hertz® and Avis®
  • As a Charge Card, the balance must always be paid in full each month. 30% annual interest rate applies to balances not paid in full. Payments must be received and processed by the date of the next monthly statement to avoid interest charges
  American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information and Terms and Conditions, click the Apply now link. Conditions Apply
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*Terms and conditions apply.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of the information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

The Platinum Card® is the best premium card in Canada for travellers.

With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points:

  • 70,000 points after charging $10,000 to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 30,000 points when you make a purchase between the 15th and 17th month after your Cardmembership begins

With this Card, you get:

  • 2 points per $1 on eligible dining and delivery purchases in Canada
  • 2 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases charged to the Card
  • 1 point per $1 on all other purchases charged to the Card

You can use your Membership Rewards® points in many ways:

  • Transfer points to airline partners: Aeroplan, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Delta SkyMiles, etc.
  • Transfer points to hotel partners, including Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
  • Redeem points for statement credits to offset any travel purchase charged to your Card (1,000 points = $10)
  • Redeem points for statement credits towards other purchases (1,000 points = $10)
  • And more!

For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards® points to a partner loyalty program, you could earn up to:

  • 100,000 Aeroplan points
  • 100,000 Avios
  • 100,000 Flying Blue Miles
  • 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

With this card, you also have advantages for your travels:

  • $200 Annual Travel Credit
  • An annual meal credit of $200
  • A $100 statement credit for NEXUS membership
  • Complimentary access for you and one additional guest to more than 1,550 airport lounges in over 140 countries
  • Hilton Honors Gold status
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • Access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program

Last but not least, The Platinum Card® offers a wide range of insurance coverage: rental car theft and damage, $500,000 travel accident, emergency medical expenses (out-of-province or out-of-country), lost or stolen baggage, flight delays and misdirected baggage, hotel or motel burglary, Purchase Protection, Purchase Security.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

Annual fee

Primary card$799
Additional card$250

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xTravel
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,482
2nd Year Value$470

Transfer partners

  • AeroplanAirline
  • British Airways ClubAirline
  • Cathay Asia MilesAirline
  • Etihad GuestAirline
  • Flying BlueAirline
  • Hilton HonorsHotel
  • Marriott BonvoyHotel

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Big Island, Hawaii – Things to see and do

1. Farniente on golden sandy beaches

Manini’owali Beach boasts dazzling white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, just a few kilometers from the airport!

Waialea Beach (Beach 69) enchants with its peaceful ambience and coral reef home to a variety of colorful fish, offering snorkelers a memorable underwater adventure. A real favorite for me!

Hapuna Beach offers more vast stretches of golden sand exposed to the sun.

2. Hiking around active volcanoes

To the south of Big Island lies Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, offering an immersive dive into the volcanic world. You can explore various craters such as Kilauea Iki, where lava flows frozen in time create a breathtaking spectacle.

Hikes such as Devastation Trail offer stunning views of ancient and more recent lava fields and unique rock formations. If you’re less keen on hiking, the Crater Route offers a panoramic route through lunar landscapes from the comfort of your own car.

3. Snorkelling with green turtles

Reviews from a few Big Islanders led us to some hidden treasures for observing and even snorkeling with Hawai’i’s famous green turtles.

Māhukona Beach Park : a place that doesn’t look like much, but will surprise you with its magnificent coral reefs, close to a pier where locals go to camp and swim.

Richardson Ocean Park : near Hilo, renowned for its white sandy beaches, this park took us to the heart of a surprisingly rich marine life. Finally, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, with its black sand, was the first place we saw green turtles. What’s more, the lifeguards on hand are very generous and a goldmine of knowledge about this enigmatic animal.

4. A road trip on the north coast

A visit to the Big Island wouldn’t be complete without a day’s road-trip along the north coast to discover some impressive panoramas and the lungs of the island, the lush forest that is home to Akaka Falls. A good starting point is the viewpoint over Waipi’o Valley. The ocean views, whether by car or on foot, are breathtaking.

Take time to relax at the Waipi’o Fruit Shack, which serves the freshest fruit in the archipelago!

If you want to get off the beaten track, you can venture out into the countryside to Hawaiian Vanilla Company. The owners will be delighted to show you how they grow vanilla, from the pod to the by-products. The road further south, to Akaka Falls State Park, is probably one of the greenest, with an impressive density of trees and monsteras lining it. On site, a well-developed family hiking trail allows you to observe the diversity of the island’s flora. It’s simply magnificent!

5. Buddha’s Cup coffee plantation

If you like sensory experiences, a stop at the Buddha’s Cup coffee plantations is a must. The guided tour, which lasts around an hour and a half, explains how coffee is grown and roasted. But the highlight of the experience is tasting the various coffees grown on site!

6. Eating tacos

Gill’s Lanai: best burgers on the island and the tacos are incredible

Located in a remote corner of the island, Gill’s Lanai offers an unforgettable roadside, cantina-style dining experience. Founder Gill succeeds in immersing visitors in the local culture, thanks to a lively atmosphere with live music and friendly service. But it’s the fresh fish tacos that steal the show! An explosion of flavours reflecting the freshness of local ingredients.

7. Hiking at sunrise

Probably one of the least crowded hikes on the archipelago, the Pololū Valley trail offers some of the most breathtaking sunrise views. It’s essentially a descent to the pebble beach. What might make this early-morning hike more accessible is to stay at the incredible Starseed Ranch: a natural site offering rustic hut accommodation in the heart of the most diverse fruit plantations; bookable on AirBnb.

8. Drive to the southernmost point of the USA

Exploring Papakōlea Green Sand Beach offers an extraordinary Big Island experience. To reach this hidden treasure, first drive to South Point Cliff, then take a path (rather poorly signposted, I grant you!) that leads to a parking lot from where you’ll be offered a shuttle service to the green-sand beach. I strongly advise you to take it; it’s worth the detour! The distinct color of the sand, tinged with green due to the presence of olivine, creates a totally unusual landscape!

9. Relax on one of the most secluded beaches

For travelers looking for secluded paradises, Kehena Black Sand Beach is a rare gem! Located along the south coast, this beach features unique black sand that contrasts magnificently with the crystal-clear waters of the ocean. Its remote location helps preserve a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade. The breathtaking view of the infinite horizon, combined with the gigantic waves crashing against the rocks, creates a soothing ambience.

10. Learn more about local culture, past and present

In my opinion, it’s very important to be informed and educated about culture. That’s why a visit to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is a must! This historic site offers a captivating dive into Hawaiian history and culture, providing information on traditional Hawaiian life. It really helps to understand the archipelago’s rich history.

Where to stay with points?

Given the expensive prices for staying at hotel chains such as Marriott, it pays to use points and free night certificates to stay on Big Island.

A fine example is certainly the use of a free night certificate (worth 35,000 points), earned with my Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card, which I took to book a king bed, resort view room at the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Everything is done to ensure that visitors have an extraordinary stay!

Featured

Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card

American ExpressMarriott Bonvoy
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

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American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Finally, to take advantage of Big Island’s Hawaiian hospitality, AirBnb is an option that also proves less expensive, and offers equally rich experiences. Indeed, the aforementioned Starseed Ranch is an excellent option for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Hawaiian flora and fauna. Other experiences include staying directly in an ancient lava field or sleeping in an open-air bubble overlooking the starry sky.

Bottom Line

In short, a trip to Big Island offers a fantastic experience combining exceptional beaches, cultural discoveries and unique adventures. Meet turtles, taste exquisite coffees, explore lunar-like nooks and crannies and travel through lush flora; that’s Big Island. The island is thus rich in diversity of landscapes and experiences, offering an extraordinary journey to the heart of the Hawaiian archipelago.

For more photos and videos, visit my Instagram page @johnriverin.

Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
American Express Platinum Card®
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Annual fee$799Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points
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FeaturedMarriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card
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Annual fee$120Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 pointsEnds Sep 22, 2026
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Read more about Hawaii:

Our featured card

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card

ScotiabankScene+
Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
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on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

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* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:

$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;

$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;

$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;

$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);

$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;

$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.

Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)

The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.

In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.

Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.

Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus:
As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.

Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.

Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.

Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.

Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.