Updated March 2026 · 10 min read
Scotiabank is one of Canada's Big 5 banks and is known for its Scene+ rewards program, which ties chequing and credit card spending to movie tickets, travel, and retail rewards. Here's a complete breakdown of every Scotiabank personal chequing plan in 2026.
$0/month forever. Unlimited transactions, free e-transfers, and cashback. Over 1 million Canadians use it daily.
Open KOHO — Code 45ET55JSYA| Plan | Monthly Fee | Fee Waiver | Transactions | e-Transfer | Scene+ Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Banking Plan | $3.95 | None | 12 included | $1.50 | No |
| Mid-tier (varies by market) | $10.95 | $3,000 | 25 included | $1.50 | No |
| Preferred Package | $16.95 | $4,000 | Unlimited | Free | Yes (debit) |
| Ultimate Package | $30.95 | $6,000 | Unlimited | Free | Yes (enhanced) |
| Student Banking Advantage | $0 | N/A (students) | Unlimited | Free | Yes |
Scotiabank's entry-level chequing plan includes 12 transactions per month. Additional debits cost $0.65 each. Interac e-transfers are $1.50 to send. No fee waiver is available — the $3.95 applies regardless of balance. Best for very occasional debit users who primarily pay with credit cards.
Scotiabank's most popular everyday banking plan. The Preferred Package includes unlimited transactions, free Interac e-transfers, and Scene+ points on eligible debit purchases. Monthly fee waived with a $4,000 minimum daily balance.
Scotiabank's premium bundle adds significant perks on top of Preferred:
The Ultimate Package is best for Scotia cardholders whose annual fee matches or exceeds $30.95/month. The $150 credit card rebate makes the package effectively free — and the enhanced Scene+ earning is a bonus.
Full-time post-secondary students get unlimited chequing at no cost, including free e-transfers and Scene+ points earning. Student status must be verified annually. After graduation or age 25, the account converts to a paid plan.
One of Scotiabank's differentiators is earning Scene+ points on debit purchases — most banks don't offer this. Scene+ has expanded beyond movies to include travel (Air Canada, VIA Rail), grocery (Sobeys, IGA, FreshCo), and retail partners.
| Earning Category | Preferred Package | Ultimate Package |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery (Sobeys, Empire stores) | 1 pt / $1 | 1.5 pts / $1 |
| Cineplex purchases | 1 pt / $1 | 1.5 pts / $1 |
| Other eligible debit purchases | 1 pt / $5 | 1 pt / $5 |
| Fee Type | Basic | Preferred | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $3.95 | $16.95 | $30.95 |
| e-Transfer (send) | $1.50 | Free | Free |
| Non-Scotia ATM (Canada) | $2.00 | $2.00 | 1 free/mo then $2.00 |
| NSF fee | $48 | $48 | $48 |
| Bank draft | $9.95 | $9.95 | Free |
| Overdraft (monthly) | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
If Scene+ rewards are important to you, Scotiabank Preferred Package is competitive — especially if you shop at Sobeys or Empire stores. For pure cost savings, KOHO or EQ Bank offer $0 monthly fees with unlimited transactions. Full comparison of all Canadian chequing accounts →
No fee, unlimited transactions, free e-transfers, and up to 5% cashback. Open your account in minutes.
Open KOHO — Code 45ET55JSYA