Scene+ is Scotiabank's loyalty program — one of Canada's largest rewards ecosystems, with over 15 million members. Originally focused on Cineplex movie rewards, Scene+ has expanded dramatically through a partnership with Empire Company (Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland) and dozens of other retail and dining partners. Today it is one of the most versatile points programs in Canada, competing directly with PC Optimum and Aeroplan for everyday spending rewards.
Scotiabank's Scene+ credit cards are the primary way Canadians earn large quantities of Scene+ points. This guide explains how the program works, which Scotiabank cards earn the most points, and how to redeem for maximum value.
Scene+ points have a base value of 1 cent per point when redeemed for travel, and approximately 1 cent per point for most other redemptions (movies, groceries, dining). Points do not expire as long as you have at least one transaction every 12 months.
The program has two tiers of membership — standard and Elite status — with Elite earned by spending $100,000 or more annually on Scotiabank credit cards. Elite members earn bonus points and receive priority customer service, but the standard tier is sufficient for most Canadians.
The Scotiabank Gold American Express is the flagship Scene+ credit card in Canada. It earns 5 Scene+ points per dollar at grocery stores (including Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, and FreshCo), 5 points at restaurants and food delivery, 5 points at entertainment venues, 3 points on gas and transit, and 1 point everywhere else.
The $120 annual fee is one of the best value propositions in Canadian credit cards. A household spending $1,000 monthly on groceries earns 5,000 Scene+ points per month — that is 60,000 points annually on groceries alone, worth $600 toward travel or other redemptions. Add dining and entertainment spending and the annual points haul can easily exceed 80,000 to 100,000 points.
Critically, this card has no foreign transaction fee — unusual among Canadian cards. For Canadians who travel or shop internationally, the 2.5% FX fee savings alone can be worth $100 to $200 annually.
The Passport Visa Infinite earns 3 Scene+ points on groceries and dining, 2 points on transit and entertainment, and 1 point elsewhere. Lower earn rates than the Gold Amex, but the card includes six free airport lounge visits annually through Visa Airport Companion — a benefit the Gold Amex lacks.
Both cards have no foreign transaction fee. The $150 annual fee is slightly higher than the Gold Amex, but the lounge visits (worth $40 to $60 each at many airports) more than compensate if you travel four or more times per year. This card is better for frequent travellers; the Gold Amex is better for daily spenders who want maximum earn rates on food and entertainment.
Scene+ points are worth exactly 1 cent per point across most redemption categories. This consistency makes them easy to value — 50,000 points is always worth $500 regardless of whether you redeem for flights, groceries, hotel stays, or Cineplex tickets.
Unlike Aeroplan, which can provide outsized value on premium cabin redemptions, Scene+ does not have aspirational high-value redemptions. The program trades peak value potential for consistency and flexibility. Many Canadians prefer this — they always know what their points are worth, and redemption is simple through the Scene+ portal or by applying points directly against travel charges on the card statement.
The expansion of Scene+ into Empire Company grocery stores was a game-changer for the program's everyday relevance. Shopping at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Loblaws (through some cross-promotions), FreshCo, Foodland, and Voila online grocery earns Scene+ points that can then be redeemed at Cineplex, for travel, or at dining partners.
Bonus point events at Empire stores are frequent — weekly promotions offering 500 to 5,000 bonus points on specific products or spending thresholds run regularly. Cardholders who pay attention to these promotions and align their grocery shopping accordingly can substantially accelerate their points balance.
Beyond Scotiabank credit cards and grocery stores, Scene+ has expanded its partner network significantly:
Travel redemptions work by booking through the Scene+ portal or booking directly and then applying points as a statement credit against the charge. Points apply at 100 points per $1 — no minimum redemption amount. This means you can redeem small batches without waiting to accumulate large balances.
Movie redemptions work at the Cineplex app or box office — a standard ticket typically requires 1,250 to 2,500 points depending on the type of admission. This represents roughly the same value as travel redemptions but may feel more satisfying because a "free" movie feels like a bigger win than shaving $15 off a flight.
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