Scene+ is one of Canada's largest loyalty programs, combining the former Scotiabank Scene program with Empire Group's loyalty initiative. With over 10 million members, Scene+ lets you earn and redeem points at Scotiabank banking products, Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, FreshCo, Voilà, Cineplex, and numerous other partners. This guide covers the complete Scene+ ecosystem — how to earn maximum points, the best redemption strategies, and where Scene+ beats rival programs like PC Optimum and Aeroplan.
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Scene+ Earn Partners
| Partner | Earn Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sobeys / IGA / Safeway / FreshCo / Voilà | 1 pt per $1 (+ card bonus) | Scan card + use Scotia Gold Amex for 6x total |
| Cineplex | 100 pts per ticket purchased | Also earns on concessions |
| Scotiabank credit cards | 1–6x pts per $1 spent | Best: Scotia Gold Amex 6x at grocery/dining |
| Home Hardware | 1 pt per $1 | Broad partner — home improvement |
| Empire Theatres | Varies | Cineplex-owned locations |
| Delta Hotels (Marriott partner) | Varies | Booking through Scene+ portal |
Scene+ Redemption Options
Scene+ points are worth 1 cent each across most redemptions. 10,000 points = $10 toward:
- Scotiabank travel portal: 10,000 pts = $10 off any travel booking. Best for flights, hotels, vacation packages.
- Cineplex movies: 1,250 pts per regular adult ticket (approximately $12.50 value). Strong value per point.
- Grocery redemptions: Redeem at checkout at Sobeys/Safeway/IGA/FreshCo. 1,000 pts = $1 off grocery purchase.
- Scotiabank banking: Apply toward mortgage payments, credit card statement credit, or savings deposits.
Best Scotiabank Cards for Scene+ Earning
| Card | Scene+ Earn Rate | Annual Fee | Best Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotia Gold American Express | 6x at grocery/dining/entertainment, 3x gas/transit | $120 | Groceries at Sobeys banners |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite | 3x dining/entertainment/groceries, 2x transit | $150 | Travel (no FX fee) |
| Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite | 4% cashback (separate from Scene+) | $120 | Cashback alternative |
| Scotiabank Scene+ Visa | 2x at Scene+ partners, 1x elsewhere | $0 | No-fee option |
Is Scene+ Better than PC Optimum or Aeroplan?
Each program serves different needs:
- Scene+ vs PC Optimum: Scene+ is more flexible (travel, entertainment, banking); PC Optimum is better for Loblaw/Shoppers Drug Mart shoppers who want grocery-specific rewards. If your primary grocer is Sobeys, Scene+ wins. If Loblaws, PC Optimum wins.
- Scene+ vs Aeroplan: Aeroplan is significantly more valuable for travellers (especially business/first class redemptions). Scene+ is simpler and provides full value at 1¢/pt for non-travellers. Aeroplan points can be worth 2–5¢ in premium cabins; Scene+ is capped at 1¢.
Scene+ Bonus Event Strategy
Empire Group runs frequent Scene+ bonus events — 3x, 5x, or 10x points on specific products at Sobeys/Safeway. Stacking these bonus events with the Scotia Gold Amex (which earns 6x on groceries) can generate 7x–16x points per dollar during bonus events. Load up on non-perishables during high-multiplier events.
Scene+ Strategy Summary
- Best earning card: Scotia Gold Amex (6x Scene+ at grocery/dining)
- Best for travel: Scotia Passport VI (3x + no FX)
- Best redemption for most: Scotiabank travel portal (1¢/pt, full flexibility)
- Best grocery redemption: Use at checkout for instant grocery discount