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Scotiabank Credit Cards Compared 2025

Updated: March 2026 | Reviewed by the Bremo editorial team

Scotiabank offers an extensive lineup of credit cards — from student entry-level options to premium travel cards. All earn Scene+ points (except a few specialty cards), and Scotiabank's StartRight newcomer program makes several cards accessible without Canadian credit history. Here's the full comparison for 2025.

All Scotiabank Credit Cards — Comparison Table

Card	Network	Top Earn Rate	Annual Fee	FX Fee
Scotiabank Gold Amex	Amex	6x dining, 5x grocery	$120	None
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite	Visa	3x Scene+ travel	$150	None
Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Infinite	Visa	3x Scene+ partners	$120	2.5%
Scotiabank Value Visa	Visa	None (low interest)	$29	2.5%
Scotiabank Scene+ Visa (no fee)	Visa	2x Scene+ partners	$0	2.5%
Scotiabank Student Scene+ Visa	Visa	2x Scene+ partners	$0	2.5%
Scotiabank Secured Visa	Visa	None (secured)	$32/yr	2.5%

Best Scotiabank Cards in Detail

Best Scotiabank Card

Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

The Scotiabank Gold Amex is the undisputed top Scotiabank credit card and one of the best cards in Canada overall. The combination of high earn rates on dining and groceries, no foreign transaction fees, and a reasonable $120 annual fee makes it exceptional value.

6x Scene+ points on dining, food delivery, and entertainment
5x points at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, FreshCo, and Empire grocery stores
3x points on gas, transit, and streaming services
1x point on everything else
No foreign transaction fees — saves 2.5% internationally
Comprehensive travel insurance
Annual fee: $120 | Income: $12k individual

Best for International Travel

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite

The Passport Visa Infinite has no foreign transaction fees like the Gold Amex, but runs on Visa — better for merchants that don't take Amex. It also includes 6 annual airport lounge passes (DragonPass), making it strong for frequent travelers.

3x Scene+ points on eligible travel purchases
2x points on dining, entertainment, and transit
1x point on everything else
No foreign transaction fees
6 complimentary airport lounge visits (DragonPass)
Annual fee: $150 | Income: $60k/$100k

Scotiabank Value Visa

Not a rewards card — the Value Visa is designed for people who occasionally carry a balance. At 12.99% purchase interest (vs. the typical 19.99%), it can save hundreds in interest for cardholders who don't always pay in full. Annual fee is just $29.

Low interest rate: 12.99% on purchases
Low cash advance rate: 12.99%
No rewards
Annual fee: $29
Good for balance transfers (1% fee)

Scotiabank's Newcomer Advantage: StartRight

Scotiabank's StartRight Program is one of the best newcomer banking programs in Canada. Recent immigrants (within 3 years) can apply for the Scotiabank Gold Amex, Passport Visa Infinite, or Scene+ Visa without Canadian credit history. This is a significant advantage over competitors whose premium cards require established Canadian credit.

Scene+ Program Overview

All Scotiabank cards (except the Value Visa and Secured Visa) earn Scene+ points:

1 Scene+ point = 1 cent for most redemptions
Redeem for: travel (any booking), Cineplex movies, groceries at Sobeys/IGA/Safeway, statement credit
Points don't expire with an active Scene+ membership
Earn at 10+ million Scene+ partner locations

Earn Cash Back Without a Credit Card — KOHO

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Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYA

Bottom Line

The Scotiabank Gold Amex is the clear best Scotiabank card — and arguably one of the top 3 credit cards in all of Canada. For Visa preference or lounge access, the Passport Visa Infinite is a strong runner-up. Newcomers should explore the StartRight Program to access these cards without Canadian credit history.