Scotiabank Gold American Express® CardScotiabank Gold American Express® CardEarn up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points + no annual fee in your first year

Head to Head: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card vs Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

Head to Head: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card vs Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
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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.

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
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

We will base our analysis on the major differences between these credit cards regarding:

Welcome Bonus

The welcome bonus offered by each of these credit cards varies depending on the promotions. However, there are some important differences between the two!

Comparatif : Carte Visa Infinite Passeport + Banque Scotia vs Carte Mastercard BMO AIR MILES World Elite - Carte Visa Infinite +* Passeportᴹᴰ Banque Scotia

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you can get up to $1,250 in rewards and savings in the first year, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points:

  • 25,000 points after ,000 in purchases in the first three months
  • An annual bonus of at least 10,000 points every year you spend ,000 on the card
Comparatif : Carte Or avec primes American Express vs Carte American Express Or de la Banque Scotia - carte banque scotia american express or sceneplus

With the Scotiabank American Express® Gold Card, you can earn up to 50,000 Scene+ points:

  • 30,000 points after $2,000 in purchases within the first three months
  • 20,000 points after $7,500 in purchases in the first year

This has a $450 value.

Advantage: Scotiabank Visa Infinite Passport Card

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card actually has a slight edge on this specific tier: it awards more points (30,000) than the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (25,000) for the same $2,000 minimum spend. That said, the Passport’s total first-year value remains higher overall ($1,250 vs $950) once you factor in foreign transaction fee savings and airport lounge access.

Earning Points

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card and the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card each offer different levels of point accumulation.

Earnings Levels

Comparatif : Carte Visa Infinite Passeport + Banque Scotia vs Carte Mastercard BMO AIR MILES World Elite - Carte Visa Infinite +* Passeportᴹᴰ Banque Scotia

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 Scene+ points per dollar (i.e. 3%) on purchases at:

  • IGA
  • Rachelle Béry
  • Les Marchés Tradition
  • Voià by IGA / Safeway / Sobeys
  • Sobeys and Safeway
  • Foodland and Thrifty Foods
  • FreshCo and Chalo! FreshCo

Then you earn:

  • 2 Scene+ points / $1 purchase in restaurants, entertainment, grocery stores and travel
  • 1 Scene+ point / $1 purchase on everything else
Comparatif : Carte Or avec primes American Express vs Carte American Express Or de la Banque Scotia - carte banque scotia american express or sceneplus

With the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card, you earn 6 Scene+ points per dollar (or 6%) on purchases at:

  • IGA
  • Rachelle Béry
  • Les Marchés Tradition
  • Voià by IGA / Safeway / Sobeys
  • Sobeys and Safeway
  • Foodland and Thrifty Foods
  • FreshCo and Chalo! FreshCo

Then you earn:

  • 5 Scene+ points / $1 purchases for groceries, home food delivery, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues;
  • 3 Scene+ points / $1 purchases on local transportation, gas stations and streaming services;
  • 1 Scene+ point for everything else.
Advantage: Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

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.

Redeeming Points

Both cards are linked to the Scene+ program, and the Scene+ points can be used in the same way.

Comparatif : Carte Visa Infinite Passeport + Banque Scotia vs Carte Mastercard BMO AIR MILES World Elite - Carte Visa Infinite +* Passeportᴹᴰ Banque Scotia

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:

  • Redeem points directly when booking travel with Scene+ Travel, administered by Expedia.
  • Make your own travel arrangements and use your points to pay off the balance on the card

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:

  • 500 points for a $5 discount at selected restaurants (Harvey’s, Swiss Chalet, etc.);
  • 100 points for $1 off movie tickets at Cineplex;
  • 500 points for $5 off food and beverages at Cineplex, Rec Room and tokens for Playdium ;
  • At least 3,000 points for a Statement credit of between $6.67 and $8 on any card expense.
Comparatif : Carte Or avec primes American Express vs Carte American Express Or de la Banque Scotia - carte banque scotia american express or sceneplus

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:

  • Redeem points directly when booking travel with Scene+ Travel, administered by Expedia.
  • Make your own travel arrangements and use your points to pay off the balance on the card

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:

  • 500 points for a $5 discount at selected restaurants (Harvey’s, Swiss Chalet, etc.);
  • 100 points for $1 off movie tickets at Cineplex;
  • 500 points for $5 off food and beverages at Cineplex, Rec Room and tokens for Playdium ;
  • At least 3,000 points for a Statement credit of between $6.67 and $8 on any card expense.
Advantage: It's a Tie

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.

Annual Fee

Comparatif : Carte Visa Infinite Passeport + Banque Scotia vs Carte Mastercard BMO AIR MILES World Elite - Carte Visa Infinite +* Passeportᴹᴰ Banque Scotia

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.

If you have the Scotiabank Ultimate Package, you’ll get the annual fee waived. Learn more about this here.

Comparatif : Carte Or avec primes American Express vs Carte American Express Or de la Banque Scotia - carte banque scotia american express or sceneplus

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.

Advantage: Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card has a lower annual fee.

Minimum Income

Comparatif : Carte Visa Infinite Passeport + Banque Scotia vs Carte Mastercard BMO AIR MILES World Elite - Carte Visa Infinite +* Passeportᴹᴰ Banque Scotia

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card requires:

  • $60,000 (individual income)
  • or $100,000 (household income)
Comparatif : Carte Or avec primes American Express vs Carte American Express Or de la Banque Scotia - carte banque scotia american express or sceneplus

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card requires a minimum income of $12,000.

Advantage: Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

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.

Insurance

Comparatif : Carte Visa Infinite Passeport + Banque Scotia vs Carte Mastercard BMO AIR MILES World Elite - Carte Visa Infinite +* Passeportᴹᴰ Banque Scotia

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card offers various insurances. The certificate of insurance can be found here:

Global Travel Medical Emergency Insurance2,000,000 and 25 days (age 64 and under)
Baggage delay or loss insuranceUp to $1,000 per trip
Flight delay insuranceUp to $500 per person
Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insuranceUp to $1,500 (cancellation) and $2,500 (interruption) per person
Vehicle rental insuranceUp to 48 days, maximum $65,000
Hotel/motel theft insuranceup to $1,000
Public transport accident insuranceUp to $500,000 per person
Purchase insurance90 days
Mobile device insurance
Extended warranty insuranceDoubles warranty up to an additional year
Comparatif : Carte Or avec primes American Express vs Carte American Express Or de la Banque Scotia - carte banque scotia american express or sceneplus

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card offers various types of insurance, and you can find its certificate of insurance here:

Global Travel Medical Emergency Insurance1,000,000, age 64 and under, for 25 days
Baggage delay or loss insuranceup to $1,000
Flight delay insuranceup to $500
Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insuranceup to $1,500
Vehicle rental insuranceUp to 48 days, up to $65,000
Hotel/motel theft insuranceup to $1,000
Public transport accident insuranceUp to $500,000 per person
Purchase insurance90 days
Mobile Device Insuranceup to $1,000
Extended warranty insuranceDoubles warranty up to an additional year
Advantage: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card

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 Benefits

Comparatif : Carte Visa Infinite Passeport + Banque Scotia vs Carte Mastercard BMO AIR MILES World Elite - Carte Visa Infinite +* Passeportᴹᴰ Banque Scotia

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card offers a number of advantages:

  • No conversion fees for purchases in foreign currencies;
  • 2 points / $1 foreign purchase ;
  • 6 complimentary visits to VIP airport lounges per year;
  • Earn double Scene+ points with your Scene+ membership card with their partners;
  • Visa Infinite privileges .
Comparatif : Carte Or avec primes American Express vs Carte American Express Or de la Banque Scotia - carte banque scotia american express or sceneplus

In addition, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card offers a range of benefits:

  • No conversion fees for purchases in foreign currencies;
  • Promotional offers in the form of Statement credit at several retailers;
  • 1 point / $1 foreign purchase;
  • Earn double Scene+ points with your Scene+ membership card with their partners;
  • Exclusive Front Of The Line® Presale Access to concerts and shows through American Express® Experiences;
  • Concierge Service
It's a tie !

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.

Bottom Line

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:

  • The unbeatable accumulation of 5 or 6 points at the grocery store;
  • Lowest annual income requested;
  • Lowest annual fee;
  • American Express promotional offers to offset the annual fees.
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

In contrast, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card will be perfect for people who travel a lot thanks to:

  • 6 free airport lounge visits;
  • More generous welcome offer;
  • Greater insurance coverages.
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

In any case, these are two cards we recommend in many of our rankings:

Frequently Asked Questions about the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + vs Scotiabank Gold American Express Comparison

Here are frequently asked questions in the milesopedia community about these cards.

Which Scene+ card has the better welcome bonus?

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite® offers up to 35,000 Scene+ points (worth ~$350 in travel value), for a total first-year value of up to $1,250 once you factor in foreign transaction fee savings and airport lounge access. The Scotiabank Gold American Express® offers up to 50,000 Scene+ points (worth ~$500 in travel value), for a total first-year value of up to $950. The Passport’s point bonus is now smaller than the Gold Amex’s, but its overall value edges ahead thanks to no foreign transaction fees and 6 complimentary airport lounge visits — perks the Gold Amex doesn’t offer. The Gold Amex still compensates with substantially higher ongoing earn rates — up to 6 points per dollar at Empire-banner grocery stores.

How do the earning rates differ between the Passport and the Gold Amex?

The earning structures are quite different:

  • Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +: 3 points per dollar at Empire-banner grocers, 2 points per dollar on restaurants and travel, 1 point per dollar on everything else (and abroad with no FX fee)
  • Scotiabank Gold American Express: 6 points per dollar at Empire-banner grocers, 5 points per dollar on supermarkets, dining, and entertainment, 3 points per dollar on gas and streaming, 1 point per dollar elsewhere

The Gold Amex delivers the highest grocery rate among Canadian credit cards, beating even the Cobalt at Empire-banner stores.

Which card is better for international travel?

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + wins decisively for travel because it includes:

  • 0% foreign transaction fee (saves the standard 2.5% FX charge)
  • 6 complimentary VIP airport lounge visits per year via Priority Pass
  • Visa-network acceptance, which is broader than Amex internationally
  • 2 Scene+ points per dollar abroad

The Gold Amex offers strong rewards in Canada but charges the standard 2.5% FX, includes no lounge access, and faces narrower acceptance abroad. Frequent travelers should hold the Passport; the Gold Amex is best paired with it for domestic spend.

What are the income requirements for each card?

The income thresholds differ significantly:

  • Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +: $60,000 personal income or $100,000 household income (Visa Infinite standard)
  • Scotiabank Gold American Express: $12,000 personal income (one of the most accessible mid-tier cards)

The Gold Amex is therefore reachable for students, part-time workers, and newcomers, while the Passport requires a more established income. Annual fees are $150 for the Passport (waived with the Scotiabank Ultimate Package) and $120 for the Gold Amex.

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