Quick overview
The Scotiabank American Express Card is a no-fee entry-level rewards card aimed at Canadians who want to earn Scene+ rewards without having to shell out extra cash for a yearly fee. For a $0 annual fee card, it offers an impressive rewards structure that rivals some of its costlier and more luxurious cards: Users can earn 3 points for every dollar spent at certain grocery stores (such as Foodland, Sobeys and FreshCo), and 2 points for every dollar spent on takeout, restaurants, good delivery, eligible entertainment, gas and ride sharing, and streaming services.
Who’s this card for?
This card is designed for someone new to the credit card game. Maybe they’re in their early twenties and have been building credit with their first credit card, usually a bare-bones offering from their bank. They’ve heard about credit card rewards and want to get in on the action without shelling out too much for a yearly fee. The welcome bonus may be one of the lowest around, but that’s not what this card is about: it’s for those curious and want to start earning points on the cheap.
Pros and cons
- Earn 7,500 welcome bonus rewards points.
- Earn up to three Scene+ points on everyday spending.
- Earn points across five different categories, including food, travel, entertainment and streaming.
- No annual fee.
- American Express isn’t accepted everywhere.
- Limited insurance coverage.
Welcome bonus
How to earn Scene+ points on the Scotiabank American Express Card
- Earn 3 Scene+ points† on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more.
- 2x Scene+ points† for every $1 you spend on restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments and other eligible grocery stores, including food delivery subscriptions
- 2x Scene+ points† for every $1 you spend on eligible entertainment purchases, from movies, theatres, and select streaming services
- 2 Scene+ points† for every $1 you spend on eligible gas and daily transit like rideshares and transit
-
1x Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other purchases
In addition to the card’s spending categories, the Scene+ program has made great strides recently with retailers, allowing users to earn additional points with various Scene+ partners. They include various restaurants and grocery stores, travel companies and pharmacies. Have a look at which ones are included and make a point of shopping there to earn extra rewards with your daily spending. Rakuten, a cash back app that allows users to earn cash back when they shop online, is another way to earn additional points. Scene+ members can earn up to 20% more points than non-users when using Rakuten.
How to redeem points
The process for redeeming Scene+ points is simple. You can redeem points online by logging into the Scene+ website and clicking the rewards tab.
You can also redeem Scene+ points in person at various retailers, including grocery stores, movie theatres, restaurants and pharmacies.
For restaurants, points can be redeemed in person, through drive-thru, or for take-out. Cineplex movie tickets can be redeemed online or in person. To redeem points for a statement credit, navigate to the Rewards tab, select "Points For Credit" and follow the outlined steps.
For travel redemption, access the dedicated Scene+ travel portal on the main Scene+ website. Click on "Rewards," select the travel option, and choose to redeem points for travel or apply them to a travel-related purchase made with a Scotiabank credit card.
There are two ways to redeem Scene+ points for travel:
Scene+ Travel Portal (powered by Expedia): Book flights, hotels, or rental cars through the portal at a redemption rate of 100 points per $1 reward.
If you don’t have enough points, you can pay for travel using a combination of points and another payment method.
Apply points to travel: Use a Scene+ Scotiabank credit or debit card to independently book eligible travel products like flights, car rentals, or hotels.
Key benefits
- Earn up to 3 points per dollar spent
- $0 annual fe
- Mobile device insurance
- Extended warranty protection and purchase security
Insurance coverage
- New mobile device insurance: Coverage for up to $500 if your cell phone, smartphone, or tablet is lost, stolen, or broken.
- Purchase security and extended warranty protection: Some items purchased with your card are covered for up to 90 days in the event of theft, loss, or damage plus additional warranty coverage.
The American Express Scotiabank card also offers optional insurance with its Scotiabank Credit Card Protection Program. There are two options to choose from, but they both come at a cost.
Basic protection:
- Life benefit
- Critical illness benefit
- Hospitalization benefit
Comprehensive protection:
- Life benefit
- Critical illness benefit
- Hospitalization benefit
- Disability benefit
- Job loss benefit
- Strike or lockout benefit
Extra benefits
- Use your card to book travel through Scene+ Travel, a full-service travel agency.
- Get access to exclusive American Express experiences.
- Save up to 25% on car rentals through AVIS and Budget.
What people have to say about this card
It appears the Scotiabank American Express Red card used to be a more feature-rich travel card, according to one user in this Reddit thread about the card, claiming it used to offer travel insurance.
Another Reddit user mentions having trouble qualifying for the card as a student in this Reddit thread entitled credit card application rejected by Scotiabank. “They said if I really wanted the card they would need a letter of enrollment from my university and would have to see my schedule,” the user claims. “Even then, they said I wouldn't get approved because American Express does not want to give students credit cards.”Another user replies that Amex does, in fact, issue cards to students as long as they have credit history. This suggests some students may have difficulty applying for the card and that it’s best to have a backup card in case their application is rejected.
How the card compares
up to 50,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$1,782
First Year Value
$732
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,050* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points. Expires Oct 31, 2025
Get this card if you...
- want exclusive travel benefits like no foreign exchange fees
- need comprehensive travel insurance benefits
- want to access exclusive Amex offers
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a rewards credit card that offers accelerated earn rates on categories such as groceries, dining, and entertainment. It also provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance, making it suitable for both everyday spending and international use.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
- Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
- Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
- Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
- Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
- Relatively low-value welcome bonus
- $120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
- Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,050* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points. Here's how:
$500 in travel rewards (50,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Gold American Express Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months (to earn 30,000 points) and who spend $7,500 within the first 12 months (to earn an additional 20,000 points);
$61 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average first year annual foreign spend per account over the last 2 years (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by card issuers);
$377 in first year point earn potential (37,700 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual first year spend per account over the last 2 years with an average spend of 25% in 5X accelerator, 5% in 3X accelerator categories, and 70% in 1x categories.
$120 in savings with first year free (annual fee waived for the primary card on the account for the first year only)
Potential First Year Value = up to $1,050
To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card account (“Account”) between July 2, 2025 and October 31, 2025.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2025. Subject to change.
Our Take
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a rewards credit card that offers accelerated earn rates on categories such as groceries, dining, and entertainment. It also provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance, making it suitable for both everyday spending and international use.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
- Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
- Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
- Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
- Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
- Relatively low-value welcome bonus
- $120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
- Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,050* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points. Here's how:
$500 in travel rewards (50,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Gold American Express Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months (to earn 30,000 points) and who spend $7,500 within the first 12 months (to earn an additional 20,000 points);
$61 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average first year annual foreign spend per account over the last 2 years (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by card issuers);
$377 in first year point earn potential (37,700 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual first year spend per account over the last 2 years with an average spend of 25% in 5X accelerator, 5% in 3X accelerator categories, and 70% in 1x categories.
$120 in savings with first year free (annual fee waived for the primary card on the account for the first year only)
Potential First Year Value = up to $1,050
To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card account (“Account”) between July 2, 2025 and October 31, 2025.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2025. Subject to change.
Scotiabank American Express vs. Scotiabank Gold American Express
You can think of the Scotiabank Gold American Express card as the older brother (or sister) of the red card. They’re similar, but the gold does everything just a bit better – at a cost, of course.
The Gold card costs $120 a year, but it will also earn you a lot more points than its free version. With the Gold, you’ll earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more (vs. 3 with the red card), 5 points for every dollar spent on eating in and dining out, eligible entertainment (vs. 2 points), and 3 points for every dollar spent on gas, transit and streaming (vs. 2 points).
The Gold card also has a more lucrative signup bonus. The Scotiabank Amex Gold also comes with travel insurance, a perk that’s lacking with the red version, as well as lounge access.
-
Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card to learn more.
*See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
10,000 points*
Welcome Bonus
$340
First Year Value
$240
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points* when you spend $1,000 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*
Get this card if you...
- want rewards without paying an annual fee
- want to earn points on everyday spending
- want a flexible rewards program with exclusive perks
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The American Express® Green Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn points on all purchases, with additional points for eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel. It also provides benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty and access to exclusive events through American Express® Experiences.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
- No annual fee
- No income requirements (unlike many other no-fee cards)
- Welcome bonus up to 10,000 points (a $100 value)
- American Express® Experiences
- The card only offers basic extended warranty and purchase protection insurance. No travel insurance or rental car coverage
- Some places might not accept American Express®. However, most major retailers do (more small businesses are starting to as well)
- Fewer perks: No specific benefits for travel or dining and no accelerated earning rates on grocery
- Lower earn rates: The reward earn rates are lower than some other no-fee credit cards
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
1x
the points on Card purchases
1
additional Membership Rewards® point for every $1 you charge to your American Express® Green Card on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points* when you spend $1,000 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*
That’s $100 towards your next shopping spree or ordering dinner in.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express® Green Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn points on all purchases, with additional points for eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel. It also provides benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty and access to exclusive events through American Express® Experiences.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
- No annual fee
- No income requirements (unlike many other no-fee cards)
- Welcome bonus up to 10,000 points (a $100 value)
- American Express® Experiences
- The card only offers basic extended warranty and purchase protection insurance. No travel insurance or rental car coverage
- Some places might not accept American Express®. However, most major retailers do (more small businesses are starting to as well)
- Fewer perks: No specific benefits for travel or dining and no accelerated earning rates on grocery
- Lower earn rates: The reward earn rates are lower than some other no-fee credit cards
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
28.99%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
1x
the points on Card purchases
1
additional Membership Rewards® point for every $1 you charge to your American Express® Green Card on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points* when you spend $1,000 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*
That’s $100 towards your next shopping spree or ordering dinner in.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Scotiabank American Express vs. American Express Green Card
Both the Scotiabank American Express and American Express Green Card are no-fee, basic rewards cards. They both offer small welcome bonuses and both offer ways for the users to earn points. The Amex Green offers 1x the points on Card purchases and 1 additional Membership Rewards® point for every $1 you charge to your card on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel.
Neither card comes with travel insurance, but with no fees, who can complain? Overall, both are good options for a second credit card if you want to start earning rewards. While both are eclipsed by others that charge a yearly fee and offer more robust rewards and higher earning potential, you won’t go wrong with either the Scotiabank Red or Amex Green.
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Compare Scotiabank American Express Credit Cards
| Scotiabank American Express credit cards | Scotiabank American Express® Card | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card |
American Express Green Card
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Card |
|
|
|
| Annual fee | $0 | $120 | $0 |
| Welcome bonus | Earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $75 towards travel).† | Earn up to $1,050* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points. | Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points* when you spend $1,000 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.* |
| Travel insurance | No | Yes | No |
| Lounge access | No | Yes | No |
| Benefits | Earn 3 Scene+ points† on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more. |
Earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
Lounge access. |
Earn 1x the points on Card purchases
|
| Apply now |
Is the Scotiabank American Express Card worth it?
The Scotiabank American Express card is a great option if you’d like to earn points with a card with no annual fee. You’ll earn up to 3 points per dollar spent and even more bonus points in the first year. The mobile insurance it comes with is a nice bonus as well.
However, if you’re looking for premium features, such as travel insurance, lounge access, or no foreign exchange fees, you’ll have to consider something a little pricier.
-
Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank American Express® Card to learn more. *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
