Head to Head: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card vs Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
Loading article…
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 valuationMilesopedia 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.
- $350
- Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months
- Up to 35,000 points
- Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now
on Scotiabank's website
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia 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.
- $500
- Welcome offerAfter $7,500 in 12 months
- Up to 50,000 points
- Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now
on Scotiabank's website
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!
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite +* Card requires:
- $60,000 (individual income)
- or $100,000 (household income)
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
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite +* Card offers various insurances. The certificate of insurance can be found here:
| Global Travel Medical Emergency Insurance | 2,000,000 and 25 days (age 64 and under) |
| Baggage delay or loss insurance | Up to $1,000 per trip |
| Flight delay insurance | Up to $500 per person |
| Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance | Up to $1,500 (cancellation) and $2,500 (interruption) per person |
| Vehicle rental insurance | Up to 48 days, maximum $65,000 |
| Hotel/motel theft insurance | up to $1,000 |
| Public transport accident insurance | Up to $500,000 per person |
| Purchase insurance | 90 days |
| Mobile device insurance | — |
| Extended warranty insurance | Doubles warranty up to an additional year |
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card offers various types of insurance, and you can find its certificate of insurance here:
| Global Travel Medical Emergency Insurance | 1,000,000, age 64 and under, for 25 days |
| Baggage delay or loss insurance | up to $1,000 |
| Flight delay insurance | up to $500 |
| Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance | up to $1,500 |
| Vehicle rental insurance | Up to 48 days, up to $65,000 |
| Hotel/motel theft insurance | up to $1,000 |
| Public transport accident insurance | Up to $500,000 per person |
| Purchase insurance | 90 days |
| Mobile Device Insurance | up to $1,000 |
| Extended warranty insurance | Doubles 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
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 .
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.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia 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.
- $500
- Welcome offerAfter $7,500 in 12 months
- Up to 50,000 points
- Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now
on Scotiabank's website
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 valuationMilesopedia 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.
- $350
- Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months
- Up to 35,000 points
- Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now
on Scotiabank's website
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.