Which card has the better welcome bonus, Scotiabank Passport or BMO AIR MILES World Elite?

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offers up to 60,000 Scene+ points worth approximately $600 after spending $2,000 in 3 months, while the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard offers up to 7,000 AIR MILES worth approximately $735 after a first purchase plus $5,000 in 6 months. On dollar value alone, BMO edges out Scotiabank, but Scene+ points unlock faster (3 months vs 6 months) and offer more flexible redemption. Cardholders chasing maximum welcome value often apply to both within the same calendar year to capture roughly $1,335 combined.

Which card is better for international travel, Scotiabank Passport or BMO AIR MILES World Elite?

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite wins decisively for international travel because it charges 0 percent foreign transaction fees, saving 2.5 percent on every overseas purchase, and includes 6 complimentary Priority Pass airport lounge visits per year worldwide. The BMO AIR MILES World Elite charges the standard 2.5 percent foreign fee and offers Mastercard Travel Pass lounge access on a paid-per-visit basis. For someone spending $10,000 per year abroad, the Scotiabank Passport saves $250 in fees alone, plus easily $200 to $600 in lounge access value.

How do the points earning rates compare between these two cards in Canada?

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite earns 3X Scene+ at Sobeys-affiliated grocers (IGA, Safeway, FreshCo), 2X on dining and entertainment, and 1X elsewhere. The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard earns 3X miles per $25 at AIR MILES partners (Sobeys, Shell, Metro Quebec, Rexall) and 1X per $25 elsewhere. For households shopping primarily at Sobeys-family stores in Atlantic Canada or Western Canada, the Scotiabank Passport's per-dollar earning is more generous; the BMO card pulls ahead for Quebec residents at Metro and IGA Quebec or Shell-loyal drivers.

Which card is better for redeeming points on travel, Scotiabank Passport or BMO AIR MILES?

Scene+ points from the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite redeem at 1 cent per point (10,000 points = $100) toward any travel purchase via statement credit, with no booking restrictions. BMO AIR MILES on the World Elite Mastercard redeem at 1 mile per $0.105 toward flights through AIR MILES Travel, with restrictions on partners and dates. Scene+ flexibility wins for last-minute or independent travelers; AIR MILES rewards work better for collectors using specific partner flights through WestJet's loyalty network or for in-store Cash Miles redemptions at Sobeys.