TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* CardTD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* CardUp to 160,000 TD Rewards Points + annual fee rebate for the first year†

Head-to-Head: Scotiabank Scene+ vs. PC Optimum

Head-to-Head: Scotiabank Scene+ vs. PC Optimum
Share

When it comes to using reward points to save money, it can be very attractive to look towards bigger ticket items like a free flight or spending the night in a luxury hotel.

And while we here at Milesopedia are obviously big fans of travelling for cheap or free (who wouldn’t be, right?), we also think it’s super worthwhile getting to know the programs that can help save you money on your day-to-day expenses.

In this article, we’re going to look at two such programs, PC Optimum and Scotiabank’s Scene+, to see how they compare in terms of earning, redeeming, and benefits.

Scene vs PC Optimum - grocery store people shopping

Scotiabank Scene+ vs. PC Optimum

Scotiabank’s Scene+ and PC Optimum are both easy-to-access rewards programs that can help you save money on day-to-day expenses like groceries, dining, and more.

In our comparison, we’ll look at the following three areas to help determine which program is better and why:

Earning Points

Both the Scene+ and PC Optimum program offer members a few different ways to earn points, so let’s see which one makes it easiest to fill up your account.

Free program membership

One of the great features of both the rewards programs in this comparison is that they are free to join and members can earn points without needing a credit card.

Both Scene+ and PC Optimum let you earn points by scanning your membership card when you make purchases at participating merchants as follows:

Scene+

Anyone can easily join Scene+ by signing up on the program’s website and adding their membership card to their virtual wallet or requesting a physical card.

Once you’re a member, you can earn Scene+ points when you shop at eligible merchants such as:

  • Sobeys, IGA, Voilà by IGA, and other partnered grocery stores
  • Restaurants like Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, Montana’s, East Side Mario’s, and more
  • Home Hardware
  • Cineplex, Playdium, and The Rec Room
  • Scene+ Rakuten

Through these options, you will typically earn between 1–5 Scene+ points per $1 spent.

PC Optimum

Similarly to Scene+, individuals looking to earn PC Optimum points can get started by simply visiting the program’s website and signing up for a free membership.

They can then scan their membership card and earn points whenever they shop at the following merchants:

Through these avenues, you can earn up to 15 PC Optimum points per $1.

Co-branded credit cards

Scene+

Scotiabank offers the following credit cards that earn Scene+ points on all their purchases:

As you can see, Scotiabank gives you the option of both Visa and American Express cards, with annual fees ranging from $0 to $599, plus the cards offer an impressive range of perks like no FX fees, free airport lounge access, and more.

Depending on which card you choose, you can earn between 1–6 Scene+ points per $1 spent, and this is in addition to the base rates that you already earn at eligible merchants.

Annual fee
$0
Our valuation
$50

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$50Total$50Rewards 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 5,000 points

Ends Nov 1, 2026

Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

Terms of the offer

  • Earn 2,500 bonus SCENE points with your first $500 in everyday purchases in first 3 months◊
  • Earn 1 SCENE point for every $1 you spend on credit card purchases
  • Earn 5 SCENE points for every $1 you spend on SCENE Visa purchases at participating Cineplex Entertainment theatres or online at cineplex.com
  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2020. Subject to change.
 

Looking for a Scene+ credit card with no annual fee? The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card is ideal for students or those who don’t want to pay annual fees.

For a limited time, you can earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (2,500 points after $250 and an additional 2,500 points after $1,000 in spending). Enough to get you about $50 towards a trip or your grocery purchases.

With the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card, you earn 2 points for every dollar spent at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, FreshCo and more.

You also earn 2 points for every dollar spent at Home Hardware and at Cineplex.

And you get 1 point Scene+ on all your other purchases.

It’s a great Visa credit card with no annual fee to get Scene+ points.

Annual fee

Primary card$0
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$12,000
Household$12,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$404
2nd Year Value$240
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

Apply Now

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.

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
Annual fee
$599
Our valuation
$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.

Welcome offer
Up to 80,000 points

Ends Nov 1, 2026

Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

[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: [/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
If you want to apply for this credit card to take advantage of this limited offer, while supporting milesopedia, click here![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 10 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $2,500
Flight DelayUp to $1,000
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $85,000 / 48 days
Annual fee
$0
Our valuation
$100

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$100Total$100Rewards 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

Ends Nov 1, 2026

Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

Terms of the offer

  • Earn 5,000 bonus Scotia Rewards points with your first $500 in everyday purchases in first 3 months◊
  • Earn one Scotia Rewards point on all eligible everyday purchases
  • Flexible Point Redemption
  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2020. Subject to change.
   

The Scotiabank American Express® Card is one of the best no-annual-fee credit cards in Canada.

For a limited time, you can earn up to 10,000 Scene+ points in the first three months, a value of up to $100 in travel (including Airbnb):

  • 2,500 Scene+ points after $250 spent in the first three months
  • 7,500 Scene+ points after $1,000 spent in the first three months

With the Scotiabank American Express® Card, you earn 3 points per dollar spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.

You also earn 2 points per dollar on:

  • Grocery stores
  • Restaurants
  • Entertainment
  • Gas stations
  • Local transportation
  • Streaming services

And 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb) or with Scene+ partners.

Annual fee

Primary card$0
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$12,000
Household$12,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xStreaming
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$610
2nd Year Value$343

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $500 / 1 years
Sponsored
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$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.

Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 points

Ends Nov 1, 2026

Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

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.

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
Annual fee
$399
Our valuation
$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.

Welcome offer
Up to 100,000 points

Ends Nov 1, 2026

Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

Terms of the offer

  • 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.
   

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
Annual fee
$199
Our valuation
$400

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$400Total$400Rewards 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 40,000 points

Ends Oct 31, 2026

Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With the Scotiabank Passportᴹᴰ Visa Infinite Business* Card, you can get up to 40,000 Scene+ points as a welcome bonus and the first year free:

  • 30,000 points after $5,000 in purchases during the first 3 months
  • 10,000 points after $60,000 in purchases during the first 12 months

With the Scotiabank Passportᴹᴰ Visa Infinite Business* Card, you pay no foreign transaction fees.

Additionally, you receive six complimentary annual airport lounge accesses worldwide.

Annual fee

Primary card$199
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 1.5xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$606
2nd Year Value$401

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Included
Travel medical (55-64)Included
Travel medical (65+)Included
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
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

PC Optimum

PC Financial doesn’t offer quite as many credit cards for PC Optimum earners, but it does offer the following four:

Earning rates for these cards vary from 10 points per $1 spent all the way up to 50 points per $1 spent (including the base number of points you earn as a free member). This gives you a return of between 1-5% on every dollar you spend on these cards.

Additionally, all of these cards, with the exception of the PC Insiders™ World Elite® Mastercard® are available for no annual fee, making it incredibly easy to earn PC Optimum points at an elevated rate.

Annual fee
$0
Our valuation
$20

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$20Total$20Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
20,000 points
Apply Now

on PC Financial's website

The PC Mastercard offers a 20,000 PC Optimum welcome bonus after you spend $50 in the first two months, all with no annual fee. It’s an ideal entry-level card to start earning points within the Loblaw ecosystem.

  • 1% back in points at Loblaw banner grocery stores, including LoblawsMD, No FrillsMD, Real Canadian SuperstoreMD, MaxiMD, and other locations3.
  • At least 3¢ per litre back in points on fuel at Esso and Mobil stations
  • 2.5% back in points at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix
  • 1% back in points at Joe Fresh
  • 1% back in points everywhere else

This way, you earn between 1% and 3% back on your purchases at PC Optimum stores. Your points can then be redeemed for discounts at checkout or a $7 credit per 10,000 points applied directly to your card balance.

With its 90-day purchase assurance, extended warranty, and Mastercard Global Service, this card offers valuable protections for a no-annual-fee card.

Annual fee

Primary card$0
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 30xGas & EV
  • 25xPharmacy
  • 10xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$407
2nd Year Value$240

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Annual fee
$0
Our valuation
$20

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$20Total$20Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
20,000 points
Apply Now

on PC Financial's website

With a welcome bonus of 20,000 PC Optimum points after spending $50 in the first two months and no annual fee, the PC World Mastercard is a solid option for regular customers in the Loblaw ecosystem. Here’s what it offers:

  • 3.5% back in points at Shoppers Drug Mart and Shoppers Drug Mart
  • At least 3¢ per litre back in points at Esso and Mobil stations
  • Earn 2% back in points at Loblaw banner grocery stores including Loblaws®, No Frills®, Real Canadian Superstore®, Maxi® and more3.
  • 1% back in points everywhere else

In practical terms, this represents between 1% and 3.5% back on your purchases at PC Optimum partner stores. Your points can be redeemed for discounts at checkout or converted into a $7 statement credit for every 10,000 points.

The card also includes a 24/7 concierge service, 90-day purchase assurance, an extended warranty, and Mastercard Global Service in case of emergency — all without paying a single dollar in annual fees.

Annual fee

Primary card$0
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$50,000
Household$80,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 35xPharmacy
  • 30xGas & EV
  • 20xGroceries
  • 10xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$509
2nd Year Value$288

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Annual fee
$0
Our valuation
$20

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$20Total$20Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
20,000 points
Apply Now

on PC Financial's website

The PC World Elite Mastercard currently offers a 20,000 PC Optimum points welcome bonus after spending $50 in the first two months, with no annual fee. With this Card:

  • 4.5% back in points at Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix®5
  • Get 3% back in points at Loblaw banner grocery stores including Loblaws®, No Frills®, Real Canadian Superstore®, Maxi® and at Joe Fresh.
  • At least 3¢ per litre back in points on fuel at Esso and Mobil
  • 1% back in points per dollar spent everywhere else

This means you get between 1% and 4.5% back on your purchases made at PC Optimum stores. You can then use your points for discounts at checkout or convert them into $7 credit per 10,000 points directly on your card balance.

Additionally, this card includes travel medical insurance, rental car collision insurance, a concierge service, and 90-day purchase assurance—rare benefits for a no-annual-fee card.

Annual fee

Primary card$0
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$80,000
Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 45xPharmacy
  • 30xGroceries
  • 10xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$539
2nd Year Value$336

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Included
Travel medical (55-64)Included

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 31 days
Annual fee
$0 $120

No annual fee the first year

Our valuation
$120

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$120Total$120Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
First Year Annual Fee Rebate

$120 annual fee rebated

Apply Now

on PC Financial's website

With the PC Insiders™ World Elite Mastercard®, you get:

  • 50 PC Optimum points per dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart
  • 40 PC Optimum points per dollar spent at Loblaws and Joe Fresh stores
  • 30 PC Optimum points per litre of gas at Esso and Mobil
  • 10 PC Optimum points per dollar of purchases everywhere else

This means you get between 1% and 5% on your purchases made at PC Optimum stores. You can then use your PC Optimum points for rebates at the checkout of these PC Optimum stores. Plus, the first year is free!

In addition, you can get unlimited grocery deliveries and pickups for $0 with a free PC Express Pass subscription (an annual value of $99.99), valid for eligible orders of $35 or more.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$80,000
Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 50xPharmacy
  • 40xGroceries
  • 10xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$612
2nd Year Value$336

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Included
Travel medical (55-64)Included

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 31 days

Other ways to earn

In addition to the above ways to earn, members of Scene+ and PC Optimum can earn points by watching for personalized offers and discounts in their respective accounts and by shopping during promotional events such as Scene+ Points Days and PC Optimum Moredays.

With Scene+, you can also earn by booking travel through Scene+ Travel, powered by Expedia.

Redemption options

Once you’ve got some points waiting in your account, you’re ready to redeem and save!

PC Optimum

With PC Optimum, you can redeem your points for:

  • Free groceries
  • Products from Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix
  • Clothing at Joe Fresh
  • Savings on gas and car washes
  • Statement credits

When using your points for free groceries, products at Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix, and Joe Fresh, or savings at the gas pump, you’ll get a redemption value of 10,000 PC Optimum points = $10 (or 0.1 cents each).

To maximize the value you get from your PC Optimum points, you can wait to redeem during a special redemption event like Shoppers Bonus Redemption Days, during which you can expect improved redemption rates.

Additionally, you can usually redeem 10,000 points for your choice of eligible car washes. Since these are often worth more than $10, you’ll enjoy a little bit more value for your points.

Finally, if you have a PC Financial credit card, you can redeem your PC Optimum points for a statement credit at a rate of 10,000 points = $7 (or 0.07 cents per point).

Scene+ 

Comparatively, with the Scene+ program, you can redeem your points for the following:

  • Free groceries, meals, and entertainment
  • Travel
  • Statement credits
  • Gift cards

With your Scene+, you can redeem 1,000 points for $10 off your eligible grocery, dining, or entertainment purchases at places like Sobeys, IGA, Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, Cineplex, and more.

You can also redeem your Scene+ points for gift cards at around 0.75 cents per point. For example, you could get a $100 Apple gift card for 13,400 points.

Similarly to PC Optimum points, Scene+ points can also be redeemed for statement credits to help you pay down your eligible credit card bill, starting at 3,000 points = $20 (or 0.67 cents per point).

Additionally, and most interestingly for anyone looking to travel the world or spend the night in a hotel, Scene+ points can be redeemed when you book travel through Scene+ by Expedia, or through the Points for Travel feature that lets you pay down eligible travel expenses made on your Scene+ credit card.

Both of the travel options give you a value of 1 cent = 1 Scene+ point, and help you cover costs like flights, hotels, Airbnbs, and more.

Program Benefits

Thanks to the co-branded credit cards, both the Scene+ and PC Optimum programs offer members additional benefits beyond the ability to earn and redeem points.

The exact set of perks will depend on the which card you choose, and each co-branded credit card has a different offering based on its annual fee and intended audience. That said, you can expect to find some or all of the following with the Scene+ and PC Optimum credit cards:

Scotiabank Scene+

With the cards earning Scene+ points, you may enjoy the following perks:

  • No F/X fees
  • Annual travel credit
  • Free airport lounge passes
  • Complimentary airport lounge access
  • Ability to save on travel through Scene+ Travel, powered by Expedia
  • Amex Offers, Amex Experiences, and Amex Front-of-the-Line (if you hold an American Express card)
  • Priority airport services
  • Elite status with eligible car rental companies
  • Diverse travel insurance coverage
  • Car rental insurance
  • …and more

PC Optimum 

Comparatively, the PC Optimum-earning cards come with some or all of the following benefits:

Bottom Line

In our head-to-head comparison of PC Optimum and Scene+, we looked at how each program lets you earn and redeem points and what additional benefits are on offer if you choose to hold one of the co-branded credit cards.

After looking at each of the categories and seeing Scene+ come out on top across the board, we have to say that Scotiabank’s Scene+ offers members more earning potential, more redemption avenues, and more benefits.

However, the great thing about these two programs is that you don’t need a credit card to save money as a member.

Since both Scene+ and PC Optimum are free to join, anyone looking to save on groceries, drug store items, and more can easily join these programs and enjoy their associated perks.

If we haven’t yet convinced you to join both programs, or if you need further help choosing a new rewards credit card, take a look at our other reviews, comparisons, and guides for further guidance:

FAQs

Which credit cards earn Scene+?

The following credit cards earn Scene+ points on all their purchases:

Which credit cards earn PC Optimum?

You can earn PC Optimum points on all your daily purchases with the following credit cards:

Can I earn Scene+ points without a credit card?

Yes! You can earn Scene+ points by simply being becoming a member and scanning your membership card when you make an eligible purchase.

You can enrol in the Scene+ program at www.sceneplus.ca.

Can I earn PC Optimum points without a credit card?

You can earn PC Optimum points without having a credit card by signing up for a free membership card and account on the PC Optimum website.

Once you’ve signed up, you can scan your membership card when you make an eligible purchase and earn points for free.

Our editorial integrity

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.