To the point
Let's compare two Scotiabank credit cards: the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card and the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card.
Scotiabank offers two credit cards that earn Scene+ points: one in collaboration with American Express and 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 :
Welcome bonus
The welcome bonus offered by each of these credit cards varies according to promotions. However, there are some important differences between the two!
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card offers 30,000 Scene+ points with total purchases of $1,000 or more during the first three months.
This has a value of $300.
Then, if you have $40,000 in purchases in the first year with the card, Scotia will give an additional 10,000 points. This has an additional $100 value.
Moreover, the annual fee is waived for the first year (a $150 value).
With the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card, you can earn up to 40,000 Scene+ points :
- 20,000 points after $1,000 in purchases within the first three months
- 20,000 points after $7,500 in purchases within the first year
This has a value of $400.
Advantage: Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card offers the most points with the same $1,000 in card spending, within the first 3 months.
Moreover, the annual fee on the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card is waived in the first year, unlike the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card.
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 at restaurants, entertainment, grocery and travel outlets
- 1 Scene+ point / $1 purchase for the rest
While 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 in purchases at grocery stores, food delivery, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues;
- 3 Scene+ points / $1 in purchases at local transportation, gas stations and streaming services;
- 1 Scene+ point for the rest.
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 other eateries remains in one of the best cards for food-related spending.
Redeeming points
Both cards are linked to the Scene+ program, and its Scene+ points are used similarly.
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:
- 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 chips at Playdium ;
- At least 3,000 points for an account credit of between $6.67 and $8 on any card charge.
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:
- 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 chips at Playdium ;
- At least 3,000 points for an account credit of between $6.67 and $8 on any card charge.
Advantage: It's a tie
It’s all the same! Scene+ points are flexible and easy to redeem, both for grocery needs and for small pleasures when traveling.
Accumulate Scene+ points all year round and buy yourself a huge grocery store for a real holiday feast.
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.
And if you have a Scotiabank Ultimate Plan, 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.
However, for a limited time, the first year is free!
Advantage: Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card has a lower annual fee. So, in normal circumstances, it’s the winner.
However, right now, Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card is offering to pay off the first year!
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
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card has the lowest income requirements.
This is typical of American Express cards, which are not demanding in this aspect.
Insurance
Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card offers a range of insurance options. The certificate of insurance can be found here:
| Worldwide Emergency Travel Medical insurance | $ 2,000,000 and 25 days (64 years and under) |
| Baggage Delay or Loss insurance | Up to $1,000 per trip |
| Flight delay insurance | Up to $500 per person |
| Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption/Delay insurance | Up to $1,500 (cancellation) and $2,500 (interruption) per person |
| Car rental insurance | Up to 48 days, maximum of $65,000 |
| Hotel/Motel Burglary 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 | Double the warranty up to one additional year |
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card offers various types of insurance, and you can find its certificate of insurance here:
| Worldwide Emergency Travel Medical 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 and Trip Interruption/Delay insurance | Up to $1,500 |
| Car rental insurance | Up to 48 days, up to $65,000 |
| Hotel/Motel Burglary 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 | Double the warranty up to one additional year |
Advantage: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card insurance amounts are slightly higher than its competitor. In fact, the amounts are equal to or greater than each other. Please note thatat least 75% of the cost of the trip or tickets must be charged to this card in order for certain insurances to be applicable.
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 range of benefits:
- No conversion fees for purchases in foreign currencies;
- 2 points / $1 foreign purchase ;
- 6 free accesses to VIP airport lounges per year;
- Earn double Scene+ points with your Scene+ membership card at 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 account credits at several retailers;
- 1 point / $1 foreign purchase;
- Earn double Scene+ points with your Scene+ membership card at their partners;
- Access to exclusive Advance® tickets for concerts and shows with American Express® Experiences ;
- Concierge service
It's a tie !
Other benefits include travel. Depending on each traveler’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 of American Express. This makes it possible to get statement credits and save at certain retailers or for services.
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 annual fees.
Opposite it, the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card will be perfect for people who travel a lot thanks to:
- With its easy-to-reach welcome offer;
- 6 free airport lounges;
- Its greater earning of points abroad;
- To its great insurances.
Anyway, these are two cards that we recommend in many of our rankings:
Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
