You live in Canada and use a credit card to pay for all your day-to-day transactions. But what about when you leave the country, whether to the U.S. or elsewhere in the world?
Before we reveal the best solutions for saving money on foreign currency transactions, a quick reminder of the different possibilities.
Foreign Currency Transaction Examples
There are three main ways to pay when you’re travelling:
Currency exchange at the exchange office
ATM cash withdrawals
Card payments
Let’s take a look at each method in detail, and see which techniques are best for avoiding paying more than you need to.
Currency Converter
To find out the official rates for the various currencies, visit the Bank of Canada website. Google has also integrated a currency converter into its search engine. For example, simply enter 1 CAD in USD to obtain the current US dollar rate.
Exchanging Canadian Dollars at the Exchange Office
Exchanging Canadian dollars before you leave ensures that you’ll be able to pay virtually every merchant you meet… but it’s not the best technique for several reasons.
Drawback no.1 – Foreign Exchange Transaction Fees
Whether in Canada or on arrival in the country you’re visiting, you can exchange your Canadian dollars for the local currency. As exchange office transactions are very costly, this is the technique we recommend least.
This is called an exchange fee or currency conversion: the exchange office sells you foreign currency in exchange for your Canadian dollars at the rate it wants. This rate will include a hidden exchange fee .
By comparing it with the market rate, you can calculate the approximate cost of the operation and how much you’ll be overcharged.
Disadvantage #2: The Inherent Risk of Carrying Money
If your wallet is stolen, there’s no recourse, unlike with credit cards!
Around the world, we are increasingly moving towards digital payment solutions. In some countries, cash is no longer accepted for services as basic as cabs.
However, it’s always a good idea to have some local money on hand when you travel to a foreign country.
Withdrawing Cash Abroad
There are two ways to withdraw money in another country:
With a debit card
With a credit card
Withdrawing Cash Abroad with a Canadian Debit Card
The debit card gives you direct access to the funds in your chequing or savings account.
Beware, however, of several aspects:
Your card network (Visa or Mastercard): some ATMs may refuse to accept one of these networks.
Pre-set limits: your card issuer limits the amount you can withdraw per withdrawal and/or per week. Find out before you leave, and adjust the limits accordingly.
Fees: there will be several fees depending on your card:
Foreign exchange / currency conversion charges: a rate decided by your card issuer;
Withdrawal fees: fixed fees per withdrawal or variable fees depending on the amount withdrawn;
ATM fees: fixed fees charged by the ATM operator.
Some debit cards are more advantageous than others for withdrawals abroad.
Scotia and Tangerine are members of Global Alliance, a group of banks that allow their customers to withdraw cash free of charge from partner bank ATMs. However, you will pay the rate dictated by the bank and will not be able to save on foreign currency conversion charges.
For example, holders of a Scotia or Tangerine debit card can make free withdrawals from Bank of America ATMs in the U.S. or BNP Paribas ATMs in France.
Withdrawing Cash Abroad with a Canadian Credit Card
The same warnings apply to credit cards as to debit card withdrawals.
However, other, much heavier fees will be added, as the credit card is primarily a means of payment and not a means of cash withdrawal!
Issuers will then charge a cash advance interest rate (between 20% and 30%) plus a withdrawal fee.
If you find yourself in an emergency situation and need to withdraw money from your credit card, we advise you to pay off your credit card in full immediately.
In fact, interest on cash advances starts to accrue as soon as you withdraw!
Withdrawing Cash Abroad While Avoiding Foreign Exchange Fees
If you’re a globetrotter or a professional on the move, currency conversion fees can quickly add up when withdrawing abroad. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize these costs. Two notable options are the Wise card and the Wealthsimple prepaid Mastercard.
WISE Card
The Visa Debit Wise card is a reliable option for foreign currency withdrawals. Formerly known as Transferwise, Wise is an international money transfer service offering low fees on foreign currency withdrawals.
Once you have your Wise account and your Visa Debit card, you can add money to your account in Canadian dollars and make withdrawals or purchases in the currency of the country you’re in. The conversion fees are much lower than those of traditional credit cards. For example, in France, the fees are 0.53% while in Morocco, they are 1.53%.
With the Wise Card, a no-annual-fee card, you can hold and exchange over 40 currencies directly in your Wise account.
With the Wise Card, you can spend freely in over 150 countries and withdraw cash from 2.3 million ATMs. You get 2 free monthly ATM withdrawals.
You can also take advantage of currency conversions at market exchange rates, with transparent, low fees. These fees will be much lower than those your credit card charges (generally 2.5% of the transaction).
You can manage your account easily with the Wise application. Moreover, you can manage your card with complete peace of mind by freezing and thawing it instantly. The automatic currency conversion feature ensures that you always pay the lowest possible fees when using currencies not held on your account.
Keep an eye on your currency balances within the app and receive instant notifications for added security. As a debit card, the Wise Card helps you manage your budget without accumulating debt or incurring credit charges. Opt for the Wise Card and optimize your finances on a daily basis or when you travel abroad!
Annual fee
Primary card$0
Conversion fees
0%
Wealthsimple prepaid Mastercard
The Wealthsimple prepaid Mastercard is an all-in-one financial platform that combines a chequing account, a high-interest savings account, and a prepaid Mastercard. For travellers, this card is an excellent option for avoiding conversion charges on foreign currency expenses.
The Wealthsimple prepaid Mastercarddoes not charge any fees for ATM withdrawals or foreign currency conversions worldwide, with no monthly limits.
$25ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$25Total$25Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$25Total$25Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With the Wealthsimple Prepaid Mastercard, you can access your available funds in your Wealthsimple Cash account.
With this welcome offer, you can get $25 cash back as a new Wealthsimple client. To do this, you simply need to open an account and then deposit at least $1 within 30 days.
You can invest your money in an investment account or a cryptocurrency of your choice. Also, you earn interest on your Wealthsimple Cash account balance! Wealthsimple Generation clients can earn an interest rate of up to 2.25%.
In addition, there are no foreign transaction fees for any purchase made in a currency other than the Canadian dollar and no annual fees.
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Terms and conditions apply. For the most up-to-date product details, please visit Wealthsimple.com.
Annual fee
Primary card$0
Value
1st Year Value$295
Card Payments Abroad
After withdrawals, let’s move on to payment with your debit and credit cards abroad. First, an important reminder:
Recently, in Greece, I noticed that if I chose to pay in Canadian dollars, conversion fees of 10% were charged by the merchant. Whereas by choosing to pay in euros with my Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card, these fees were reduced to 0%!
Paying Abroad with a Canadian Debit Card
As with withdrawals, foreign currency payments with a Canadian debit card will be impacted by preset limits and various fees.
However, this may save you from having to carry cash with you from Canada, which may reassure some people. However, we prefer the alternative: payment with a Canadian credit card.
Paying Abroad with a Canadian Credit Card
Most Canadian credit cards allow you to pay merchants directly when travelling abroad.
However, each transaction is subject to different fees:
ATM Withdrawal
Payments with the card
Cash advance fee
% of the amount withdrawn and/or fixed fee in $
–
Foreign Exchange Fees
Between 0 and 5% of the amount
Between 0 and 5% of the amount
Visa / Mastercard Network Fees
Between 0 and 2% of the amount
Between 0 and 2% of the amount
Interest expense on cash advances
Between 20% and 30% per year with no grace period
–
Interest expense on purchases
–
Between 15% and 30% per year with grace period
ATM fees
Between $0 and $10
–
Let’s now take the same table, with a $1,000 purchase or withdrawal with the most common Canadian credit card fees:
ATM Withdrawal
Payments with the card
Cash advance fee
7,50 $
–
Foreign Exchange Fees
2,5 % = 25 $
2,5 % = 25 $
Visa / Mastercard Network Fees
1 % = 10 $
1 % = 10 $
Interest expense on cash advances
20 % = 17 $*
–
Interest expense on purchases
–
-**
ATM fees
$5
–
Total expenses per $1,000
$47.50 to $64.50
$35
* Interest charges on cash advances apply from the time of withdrawal, without any grace period: to avoid them, pay off your credit card immediately! **We take it for granted that you pay your credit card balance on time to avoid interest charges on purchases.
As you can see, for $1,000 withdrawn at an ATM with a credit card, you’ll pay between $45 and $65 in fees! If you make a transaction, the fee is $35.
Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
Four credit cards issued by major Canadian banks charge no conversion fees for foreign currency transactions:
Avec cette offre de bienvenue pour la Carte Visa Infinite +* Passeport Banque ScotiaMC, vous obtenez 25 000 points Scène+ en prime de bienvenue après avoir porté 2 000 $ d’achats à votre compte au cours des trois premiers mois.
De plus, chaque année, obtenez une prime annuelle d’au moins 10 000 points Scène+ lorsque vous portez au moins 40 000 $ d’achats à votre compte. Au total, l’offre représente jusqu’à 35 000 points Scène+ et une valeur pouvant atteindre 1 250 $ la première année en incluant les récompenses, les économies sur les frais de transaction à l’étranger et l’accès aux salons d’aéroport.
Avec la Carte Visa Infinite +* Passeport Banque Scotia, vous obtenez 3 points par dollar d’achat dans les épiceries Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland et les coopératives participantes, et 2 points par dollar d’achat dans les autres épiceries, les restaurants, les divertissements admissibles et le transport quotidien admissible. Vous obtenez 1 point par dollar sur tous vos autres achats courants.
Ces points peuvent être utilisés contre tout achat de voyage au taux de 1 000 points = 10 $ (billets d’avion, hôtels, tout-inclus et même Airbnb), ou comme remise en argent avec Scène+ au même taux.
La Carte Visa Infinite +* Passeport Banque Scotia offre également :
Aucuns frais pour les transactions en devises étrangères
6 accès gratuits aux salons VIP d’aéroport
D’excellentes assurances pour vos voyages et vos achats
Un service de conciergerie Visa Infinite*
Nous avons élu cette carte de crédit comme la Meilleure carte de crédit sans frais de conversion en 2024, 2025 et 2026.
$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.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-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.
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
Carte American ExpressMD Or de la Banque ScotiaMD*
Jusqu’au 1er novembre 2026, vous pouvez obtenir jusqu’à 50 000 points Scène+ en prime, repartis comme suit :
30 000 points Scène+ en portant 2 000 $ d’achats sur la carte au cours des 3 premiers mois
20 000 points Scène+ en portant 7 500 $ d’achats sur la carte dans la première année
Cela représente une valeur jusqu’à 500 $ pour des voyages (dont Airbnb).
Avec la Carte American Express Or de la Banque Scotia, vous obtenez 6 points par dollar d’achat dans les épiceries Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà par IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry et Co-Op.
Également, vous obtenez 5 points par dollar d’achat dans les :
Épiceries
Restaurants
Centres de divertissement
Et 3 points par dollar d’achat pour l’essence, les transports en commun et les services de diffusion en continu.
Ces points peuvent être utilisés contre tout achat de voyage (billets d’avions, hôtels, tout-inclus et même Airbnb). Vous pouvez également utiliser vos points comme des remises en argent avec Scène+.
La Carte American Express Or de la Banque Scotia offre également aucuns frais pour les transactions en devises étrangères, d’excellentes assurances pour vos voyages ou achats, un service de conciergerie, des avantages exclusifs American Express comme le programme Avant-première.
$500ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$500Total$500Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$500Total$500Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card offers an excellent welcome bonus.
Until November 1, 2026, you can earn up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points, broken down as follows:
30,000 Scene+ points by charging $2,000 in purchases to the card within the first 3 months
20,000 Scene+ points by making $7,500 in purchases on the card in the first year
This represents a value of up to $500 for travel (including Airbnb).
With the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, you earn 6 points per dollar spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà par IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! grocery stores. FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
Also, you earn 5 points per dollar for:
Grocery stores
Restaurants
Entertainment centers
And 3 points per dollar on gas, transit and streaming services purchases.
You can redeem your points on travel purchases (flights, hotels, all-inclusive and even Airbnb). You can also use your points as cash back rewards with Scene+.
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card also offers no foreign transaction fees, excellent insurance for your travel or purchases, concierge service, exclusive American Express benefits like the Front of the Line program.
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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 and the value of foreign transaction fee savings as of May 22, 2026:
$300 in travel rewards (30,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Gold American Express Cardholders who make purchases totaling $2,000 in the first 3 months
$200 in travel rewards (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) for making purchases totaling $7,500 in the first 12 months
$59 in foreign transaction fee savings based on the average annual amount of foreign currency purchases made per account over the last 24 months (saving on the 2.5% foreign transaction fee typically charged by other credit card issuers);
$398 corresponding to the potential value of points earned in the first year (38,500 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made, per account, over the last 24 months, assuming an average spend of 28% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 6X, 5X and 3X points.
Maximum potential value after the first year = $957 (rounded to $950)
The actual value of offers, savings realized and rewards earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for offers. Conditions apply.
1 Offer Description and Conditions: The 50,000 Scene+ points offer (the « Offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card accounts (the « Accounts ») opened between July 2, 2026, and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account), subject to the conditions below. All other program terms and conditions continue to apply during the Offer period. The Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offer.
To qualify for the 30,000 bonus Scene+ points (the « 30,000 Bonus Points Offer »), you must make eligible purchases totaling at least $2,000 within three months of the account opening date. To qualify for the 20,000 additional bonus Scene+ points (the « 20,000 Additional Bonus Points Offer »), you must make $7,500 in eligible purchases on your new account during the first year (twelve months). Eligible purchases mean purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and exclude payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, card fees and other fees.
Fulfillment of the Annual Bonus: Bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account within approximately eight weeks after you qualify 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 30,000 bonus points and the 20,000 additional bonus points 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 $7,500) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months or the first 12 months). If a supplementary cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 30,000 bonus points or the 20,000 additional bonus points, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. Points can be transferred between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, co-borrower or supplementary cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not delinquent, the credit limit is not exceeded, and the holder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement applicable to the account. All other program terms and conditions continue to apply during the Offer period. The Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offer.
Eligibility and exclusions: You are not eligible for the Offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or if you have been within 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, Scotiabank small business credit cardholders are eligible for this Offer.
Rates and Fees: The current annual fee is $120 for the primary card and $29 for each additional card (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates currently applicable to the account are: 21.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). Rates, fees, features and benefits, which are described in the application statement, are subject to change.
Annual fee
Primary card$120
Additional card$29
Annual income required
Individual$12,000
Household$12,000
Conversion fees
0%
Earning rate
6xWith the partner brand
5xGroceries
5xEntertainment
5xRestaurants
3xStreaming
3xTransit
3xGas & EV
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,460
2nd Year Value$461
Card benefits
Concierge service24/7
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 $1,500
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
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $65,000 / 48 days
Carte American ExpressMD Platine de la Banque ScotiaMD
Pour un temps limité, en souscrivant à la Carte American Express Platine de la Banque Scotia, vous pouvez obtenir jusqu’à 100 000 points Scène+, soit jusqu’à 3 000 $ en valeur au cours des 14 premiers mois (dont environ 1 000 $ en récompenses voyages provenant des points en prime).
Avec la Carte American Express Platine de la Banque Scotia, vous obtenez 2 points par dollar d’achat sur tous vos achats. Ces points peuvent être utilisés contre tout achat de voyage (billets d’avion, hôtels, tout-inclus et même Airbnb), et vous pouvez également les utiliser pour d’autres récompenses dans le programme Scène+ comme des remises en argent.
De plus, avec cette carte, vous ne payez aucuns frais pour les transactions en devises étrangères, et vous obtenez 10 accès gratuits aux salons VIP d’aéroport (Priority Pass).
Et vous bénéficiez d’excellentes assurances pour vos voyages et achats, d’un service de conciergerie haut de gamme et des offres exclusives Invitations American Express.
$1,000ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Total$1,000Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Total$1,000Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Earn 30,000 bonus Scotia Rewards points upon first purchase◊
Earn 4x Scotia Rewards points for every $1 you spend at gas stations, grocery stores, on dining and entertainment
Earn one point on all other eligible everyday purchases
Complimentary membership to Priority Pass Airport Lounges Worldwide
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2020. Subject to change.
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* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 14 months includes the value of the welcome offer, potential savings, the potential value of points earned in the first year, and the value of savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:
$600 in travel rewards (60,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Platinum American Express cardholders who make purchases totalling $5,000 in the first 3 months
$200 in travel rewards (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) who make purchases totalling $10,000 in the first 6 months
$200 in travel rewards (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you post at least one (1) eligible purchase to your new account in the 14th month following the month the account was opened
$241 in savings on foreign transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per account in the first year (by saving the 2.5% foreign transaction fee generally charged by credit card issuers);
$1,023 potential first-year points earnings (102,297 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases, based on the average amount of purchases made per account over the past 24 months;
$784 representing the value of Priority Pass membership and airport lounge passes for the primary cardholder (annual membership fee for a 10-visit plan, $454 CAD or $329 USD) and for one additional cardholder (annual membership fee of $137 CAD or $99 USD, plus 4 passes valued at $48 CAD or $35 USD each). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.
Maximum potential value after 14 months = $3,048 (rounded to $3,000)
The actual value of offers, savings realized and rewards earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for offers. Conditions apply.
1 Offer description and terms and conditions: The offer of 100,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “Offer”) applies only to new Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card accounts (the “Account”) opened between July 2, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the Account), subject to the conditions below.
To be eligible for the 60,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “60,000 bonus points offer”), you must charge eligible purchases totalling at least $5,000 within three months of the Account opening date. To be eligible for the 20,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “additional 20,000 bonus points”), you must charge $10,000 in eligible purchases to your new Account during the first six months following the Account opening date. To be eligible for the additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “additional 20,000 bonus points”), you must make at least one (1) eligible purchase on your new Account during the 14th month following the month in which the Account was opened. 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, card fees and other fees.
Annual bonus fulfillment: Bonus points will be deposited into the Scene+ account 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 deposited as follows: (i) the 60,000 bonus points and the 20,000 bonus points will be deposited into the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($5,000 or $10,000) within the applicable timeframe (the first three months or the first six months), and (ii) the additional 20,000 bonus points will be deposited into the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower who made the first transaction considered an eligible purchase in the 14th month following the month the Account was opened. If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 60,000 bonus points or the 20,000 bonus points, or makes the first transaction to earn the additional 20,000 bonus points, the bonus points will be deposited into the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s Account. Points can be transferred 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 delinquent, there is no over-limit on the credit limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the Account. All other program terms continue to apply during the Offer period. The Offer may be changed, cancelled, or extended at any time without notice, and cannot be combined with any other offer.
Eligibility and exclusions: You are not eligible for the Offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or if you have been within 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, Scotiabank small business credit cardholders are eligible for this 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-account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates currently applicable to the Account are as follows: 9.99% on purchases and 9.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). All rates, fees, features and benefits described in the application disclosure statement are subject to change.
For a limited time, by signing up for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card, you can earn up to 100,000 Scene+ points, worth up to $3,000 in value over the first 14 months (including about $1,000 in travel rewards from the bonus points).
With the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card, you earn 2 points per dollar spent on all purchases. These points can be used against any travel purchase (plane tickets, hotels, all-inclusives, and even Airbnb), and you can also use them for other rewards in the Scene+ program, like cash back.
Plus, with this card, you pay no foreign transaction fees, and you get 10 free accesses to VIP airport lounges (Priority Pass).
And you benefit from excellent insurance for your trips and purchases, premium concierge service, and exclusive American Express Invitations offers.
Annual fee
Primary card$399
Additional card$99
Annual income required
Individual$12,000
Household$12,000
Conversion fees
0%
Earning rate
2xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,141
2nd Year Value$481
Card benefits
Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 10 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
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
Carte Visa Infinite Privilège* PasseportMD Banque Scotia
Ces points peuvent être utilisés contre tout achat de voyage au taux de 1 000 points = 10 $ (billets d’avions, hôtels, tout-inclus et même Airbnb). Vous pouvez également utiliser vos points comme des remises en argent avec Scène+, comme par exemple à la caisse de votre épicerie au même taux de 1 000 points = 10 $.
$800ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$800Total$800Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$800Total$800Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="up_to_40_000_points_as_a_welcome_bonus_" text="Up to 40,000 points as a welcome bonus!" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Here are the main aspects of this offer for the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card:
30,000 Scotia Rewards points after $1,000 in Card purchases within the first 3 months ($300 in travel rewards)
10,000 additional bonus points when you spend at least $40,000 annually in everyday purchases
First-Year Free
Six free airport lounge visits (no other card with an annual fee below $150 offers as many yearly visits).
No foreign currency conversion fees
Premium travel insurance
One Supplementary card for free
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="67511" img_size="large" add_caption="yes" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="no_foreign_currency_conversion_fees" text="No foreign currency conversion fees" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]This is the major perk of this credit card: no foreign transaction fees. Virtually all other credit cards in Canada charge a 2.5% conversion fee for all purchases made in foreign currency.
This Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card is one of three credit cards with no conversion fees that we recommend you have in your wallet.
It will, therefore, be particularly appealing for snowbirds, but also for anyone who regularly travels abroad or buys on sites charging in U.S. dollar, euro... On each of these transactions, by paying with the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card,you save 2.5%, plus you earn some travel points![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="49325" img_size="large" add_caption="yes" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="a_scotia_rewards_credit_card" text="A Scotia Rewards credit card" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Scotia Rewards Program is a travel points loyalty program.
Other key cards of the Scotia Rewards Program include Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card and the ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card. Therefore, you have another Scotia rewards points earning source. You can have more than one Scotia Rewards credit card and you can regroup points into the same account as explained in that post.
Enough to earn many points both through credit card application bonuses and with your purchases![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="scotia_rewards_points_earning" text="Scotia Rewards Points earning" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]With this card, you earn:
2 Scotia Rewards points on every $1 you spend on eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment purchases, and daily transit purchases (including buses, subways, taxis and more).
1 Scotia Rewards point on every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.
Points earning is not as important as what Scotiabank's American Express Gold card(5 points/dollar in grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment), but as it's a Visa Card, you can use it at more places!
For those who charge $40,000 in one year on the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card, a bonus of 10,000 bonus points ($100) will be earned in the account. After that, a bonus of 2,000 bonus points will be added to the account for each additional $10,000.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="48334" img_size="large" add_caption="yes" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="redeeming_scotia_rewards_points" text="Redeeming Scotia Rewards points" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]You can apply your bonus points directly to your travel expenses (flights, hotels, car rentals, etc.) charged on your card:10,000 bonus points = $100.
This is one of the cards we recommend in these strategies:
The only drawback: you must redeem at least 5,000 points ($50) for a card account credit (after this threshold, it's a rate of 100 points = $1).
By redeeming your points for travel expenses, you ensure a 1% to 2% return, depending on merchant categories.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="70489" img_size="large" add_caption="yes" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="6_free_airport_lounge_visits" text="6 free airport lounge visits" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Scotiabank is likely to want to address the traveller market. This Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card offers a Priority Pass membership as well as 6 free airport lounge visits to Priority Pass lounges. It justifies the cost of the annual card fee ($139).
This is a very nice perk for casual travellers. An individual traveller will be able to visit Priority Pass lounges and restaurants 6 times in a year, while a couple will be able to access them three times!
After 6 visits in a year, you will have to pay a US$32 entry fee.
In Quebec City, you can access the VIP lounge!
In Montreal, you have 3 options:
The Houston Bar and Grill restaurant (cross-border terminal - flights to the United States)
Pork and Pickle Restaurant (domestic flights terminal - to Canada)
The National Bank Lounge (international terminal)
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="80203" img_size="large" add_caption="yes" alignment="center"][vc_message message_box_color="success" icon_fontawesome="fas fa-glass-cheers"]Are you leaving from another Canadian airport? Discover all the Canadian airport lounge options available to you in this ultimate guide.[/vc_message][vc_custom_heading el_id="subscribe_to_priority_pass" text="Subscribe to Priority Pass" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text]Be aware! After receiving your new Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card, it will be essential to register for the Priority Pass program to receive your Priority Pass membership card, giving you access to airport lounges.
You can register on this page.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="one_first_supplementary_card_for_free" text="One first Supplementary Card for free" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text]You can add one free Supplementary cardholder to the account who will have his/her own card
This is an advantage over other institutions such as BMO or TD that charge about fifty dollars for an additional card.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="reliable_travel_insurance" text="Reliable travel insurance" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card has many travel insurance:[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="travel_emergency_medical_insurance" text="Travel Emergency Medical Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Coverage is provided for eligible persons under age 65 for up to 25 consecutive days and for eligible persons age 65 and older for up to 10 consecutive days.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="trip_cancellation_trip_interruption_insurance" text="Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Charge at least 75% of your trip costs to your Card and get trip interruption insurance at no extra cost.[/vc_column_text][vc_message color="warning" message_box_color="warning" icon_fontawesome="fas fa-exclamation-triangle"]Warning: do not use this card for reward travels with Aeroplan Miles, Avios, Flying Blue. 75% of the cost of the trip must be charged on the card for insurance to apply.[/vc_message][vc_custom_heading el_id="flight_delay_insurance" text="Flight delay insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Charge at least 75% of the full ticket cost to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card Card and you’ll be eligible for reimbursement of necessary expenses such as hotel accommodations, meals and other emergency items.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="delayed_and_lost_baggage_insurance" text="Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Charge the full cost of your airplane, train, bus or cruise ship tickets to your Card. If your checked luggage is delayed or lost – you’re covered.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="travel_accident_insurance" text="Travel Accident Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Charge at least 75% of your ticket cost to your Card and you’re insured against accidental loss of life or dismemberment.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="rental_car_collision_loss_damage_insurance" text="Rental Car Collision Loss/Damage Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Charge the full cost of your eligible rental car to your Card and you’re automatically insured if your rental is damaged or stolen.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading el_id="hotel_motel_burglary_insurance" text="Hotel/Motel Burglary Insurance" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Use your Card to pay for your stay at any hotel or motel in Canada or the U.S.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading el_id="conclusion" text="Conclusion" google_fonts=""][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]Scotiabank was the first major Canadian bank to offer a card with no foreign transaction fees. Since then, two other credit cards have also offered this perk.
This Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card will be very appealing for several profiles:
Those who regularly pay in foreign currency
Those who travel regularly abroad
Those who want a card with solid insurance
Those who travel at least once or twice a year and who will use the Priority Pass airport lounges entrances.
Those who already have one or more Scotia Rewards cards in their wallet.
Those who have a balance of points and would like to cancel their current card while retaining their points through this new card
1 Offer description and conditions: The 80,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between May 1, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account), subject to the conditions below. To be eligible for the 30,000 bonus Scene+ points (the « 30,000 bonus points »), you must charge eligible purchases totaling at least $3,000 to your new account during the first three months following the account opening date. To be eligible for the additional 30,000 bonus Scene+ points (the « additional 30,000 bonus points »), you must charge $20,000 in eligible purchases to your new account during the first six months following the account opening date. To be eligible for the additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points (the « additional 20,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least one (1) eligible purchase to your new account during the 14th month following the month the account was opened. Eligible purchases mean purchases, less refunds, returns, and any other similar credits, and exclude payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, and card fees and other charges.
Fulfillment of the annual bonus reward: Bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account 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 30,000 bonus points and the additional 30,000 bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($3,000 or $20,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months or the first six months), and (ii) the additional 20,000 bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the first transaction considered an eligible purchase during the 14th month following the month the account was opened. If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 30,000 bonus points or the additional 30,000 bonus points, or makes the first transaction to earn the additional 20,000 bonus points, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. Points can be transferred between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, co-borrower, or additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no credit limit overage, 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. The offer may be modified, cancelled, or extended at any time without notice, and cannot be combined with any other offer.
Eligibility and exclusions: You are not eligible for the Offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or if you have been within 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, Scotiabank small business credit cardholders are eligible for this Offer.
Rates and fees: The current annual fees are $599 for the primary card and $199 for each additional card (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates currently applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). All rates, fees, features, and benefits described in the application disclosure may be changed.
With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, you get up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points as a welcome bonus (worth $800):
30,000 points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
30,000 points after $20,000 in purchases within the first six months
20,000 points by making an eligible purchase during the 14th month following account opening
With the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, you earn:
3X Scene+ points for every $1 in eligible travel purchases
2X Scene+ points for every $1 in eligible purchases at dining and entertainment establishments
1X Scene+ points for every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
Including on foreign purchases, with no foreign transaction fees.
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is an excellent Visa credit card for this type of purchase.
These points can be used against any travel purchase at the rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb). You can also redeem your points for cash back at Scene+, for example, at your local grocery store checkout at the same rate of 1,000 points = $10.
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card also offers:
No fees for foreign currency transactions
10 complimentary airport lounge visits per year
$250 annual travel credit
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Concierge service
Annual fee
Primary card$599
Additional card$199
Annual income required
Individual$150,000
Household$200,000
Conversion fees
0%
Earning rate
3xTravel
2xRestaurants
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$585
2nd Year Value$232
Card benefits
Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$400
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Benefits of No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
Conversion fee: 0%!
Thanks to this advantage, you save 2.5% on each transaction.
In most cases, the exchange rate obtained will be very close to the official rate. In any case, it will be much more advantageous than that of the exchange offices.
No Need to Carry Foreign Currency
One of a traveller’s many fears: having your money stolen! As mentioned above, if your cash is stolen, you have absolutely no recourse. By using your credit card, you eliminate this risk.
Fraud Insurance
Has your credit card been compromised and money taken from your account? No problem: you’re not responsible. Upon review, your credit card issuer will refund money improperly taken from your account.
Higher Limits
Debit cards often restrict the number of withdrawals and payments you can make. This is not the case with a credit card: the limit will be whatever the bank gives you ($5,000, $10, 000 or even more).
Earning Reward Points
Finally, a very important aspect for rewards point hunters: every transaction on your credit card will earn you points!
As you can see, going abroad means anticipating your financial needs!
While the solution of paying with a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign currency conversion fees is ideal, other options shouldn’t be put aside, for all the reasons given above.
$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.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-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.
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.
Legal
* 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
How can I get the best exchange rate abroad?
By paying with a no foreign transaction fee credit card or a prepaid card such as the Wise Visa or the Wealthsimple prepaid Mastercard.
When is the best time to exchange currencies?
When your trip is booked, do a little research on the rate trends. If the trend shows that the rate is declining compared to the Canadian dollar, go for it! Otherwise, wait closer to your trip.
How can I avoid conversion charges?
To avoid conversion fees when travelling, use credit cards without conversion fees, withdraw cash from local ATMs with a prepaid card, and refuse dynamic currency conversion when making purchases.
$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.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-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.
Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreⓘApply 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.
Legal
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
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