Scotiabank offers two credit cards that earn Scene+ points: one in partnership with American Express and the other with Visa.
They come from the same financial institution and earn the same type of points, but their characteristics are different. Let’s see which one is the best.
We will base our analysis on the major differences between these credit cards regarding:
The welcome bonus offered by each of these credit cards varies according to the promotions. However, there are some important differences between the two!
With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card, you can earn up to 40,000 Scene+ points:
With the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card, you can earn up to 40,000 Scene+ points:
This has a total value of $400.
Both cards offer the same number of Scene+ points welcome bonuses. However, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card has a slight advantage, as the minimum spending to unlock the full bonus is lower.
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card and the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card each offer different levels of point accumulation.
With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, you earn 3 Scene+ points per dollar (i.e. 3%) on purchases at:
Then you earn:
With the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card, you earn 6 Scene+ points per dollar (or 6%) on purchases at:
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is simply the best of the two.
It stands out for its value received when used to pay in Empire Group grocery stores (IGA, Sobeys, Foodland, etc.) with its 6 points per dollar of purchase. And it’s the best accumulation of points in a grocery store, among all the credit cards in Canada!
Otherwise, its 5 points/$1 in other grocery stores and dinning venues making it in one of the best cards for food-related spending.
Both cards are linked to the Scene+ program, and the Scene+ points can be used in the same way.
Scene+ points and travel:
You can apply them to travel purchases in two ways, thanks to the fixed redemption rate where 10,000 points = $100 credit:
It also lets you apply your points to everyday purchases.
You can redeem 1,000 Scene+ points for a $10 discount at the IGA/Sobeys checkout.
Points can also be used to purchase gift cards on the Scotiabank/Scene+ website, from 1,000 to 1,400 points for a $10 discount.
Scene+ points can also be redeemed for:
It’s all the same! Scene+ points are flexible and easy to exchange, whether for grocery needs or for treating yourself when travelling.
Accumulate your Scene+ points during the year and treat yourself to a massive grocery haul for a festive feast during the Holidays.
Or keep them to pay for your plane ticket or a hotel when you travel.
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card has an annual fee of $150. At the moment, there is no promotion that reimburses these costs in the first year.
And if you have the Scotiabank Ultimate Package, you’ll get the annual fee waived. Learn more about this here.
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card has an annual fee of $120. It’s charged on the first statement, and at the time of renewal.
At the moment, there is no offer to get the first year free.
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card has a lower annual fee.
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card requires:
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card requires a minimum income of $12,000.
When it comes to income requirements, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card has the lowest.
This is typical of American Express cards, which are not demanding in this aspect.
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card offers various insurances. The certificate of insurance can be found here:
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card offers various types of insurance, and you can find its certificate of insurance here:
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card insurance amounts are slightly higher than those of its competitor. In fact, the amounts are equal to or greater than the other. Please note that at least 75% of the cost of the trip or tickets must be charged to the card for certain insurances to apply.
This is an important detail, because for some coverages, the full or partial cost of the trip must be charged to the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card. The latter has the advantage of being the only one with mobile device insurance, in case you have an unfortunate incident with your phone or tablet.
We strongly advise you to read the insurance brochures of both cards carefully, to find out which one is best for your situation.
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card offers a number of advantages:
In addition, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card offers a range of benefits:
Other benefits include travel. Depending on each traveller’s needs, one or the other may be appropriate.
Both avoid the 2.5% conversion charge on foreign currencies. The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card has an edge on this point, as it gives 2 points per dollar of purchase, unlike its competitor which only gives 1 point abroad. What’s more, the 6 free VIP airport lounges are a distinct advantage.
However, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card has the exciting online offers from American Express. This allows you to earn statement credits and pay less at select shops or service providers.
So? Which card wins this duel?
For those with a big grocery budget, it’s the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card!
It stands out for:
In contrast, the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite Card will be perfect for people who travel a lot thanks to:
In any case, these are two cards we recommend in many of our rankings:
Savings are here (if you don’t see the sign-up form, please click here):
