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

Pros

Pros

  • Earn 5,000 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.

Cons

Cons

  • The welcome bonus is lower compared to other rewards cards.

  • American Express isn’t accepted everywhere.

  • Limited insurance coverage.

Welcome bonus

  • Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $50 towards travel).¹. Here's how:

    +

    To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank American Express credit card account (“Account”) by October 31, 2024.

    To qualify for the 5,000 bonus Scene+ points offer:

    1. Earn 2,500 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $250 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
    2. You are eligible to earn a 2,500 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
    Once you qualify, we’ll credit your account in 2 instalments:

    1. 2,500 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable  account within approximately 2-3 business days following the qualifying $250 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
    2. An additional 2,500 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable  Scene+ membership account within approximately 2-3 business days after the qualifying $1,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
    Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for this offer.

    See terms and conditions below4 for full details.

How to earn Scene+ points on the Scotiabank American Express Card

  • Earn 3 Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more.
  • 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments and other eligible grocery stores, including food delivery subscriptions
  • 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on eligible entertainment purchases, from movies, theatres, and select streaming services
  • 2 Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on eligible gas and daily transit like rideshares and transit
  • 1x Scene+ point¹ 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 Scotia 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

Scotiabank Gold American Express®

Apply now

4.8

up to 45K pts

Welcome offer

Very Good

Suggested credit score

Earn up to $950* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points¹

Expires

Nov 1, 2024

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • Relatively low-value welcome bonus

  • $120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially

  • Scene points redeem poorly for travel

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • Relatively low-value welcome bonus

  • $120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially

  • Scene points redeem poorly for travel

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more

6x

Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.

5x

Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.

5x

Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more

3x

Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services

3x

Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases

1x

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$120

Foreign Transaction Fee

0%

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+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco and Foodland (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 Scotia 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.

American Express® Green Card

Apply now

3.7

earn 12,500 pts

Welcome offer

Good

Suggested credit score

Earn 12,500 Membership Rewards® points* when you spend $1,250 on your Card in the first 3 months as a new cardmember.

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • No income requirements (unlike many other no-fee cards)

  • Welcome bonus up to 12,500 points (a $125 value)

  • American Express® Experiences

Cons

  • 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 or travel spending

  • Lower earn rates: The reward earn rates are lower than some other no-fee credit cards

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • No income requirements (unlike many other no-fee cards)

  • Welcome bonus up to 12,500 points (a $125 value)

  • American Express® Experiences

Cons

  • 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 or travel spending

  • Lower earn rates: The reward earn rates are lower than some other no-fee credit cards

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

the points on Card purchases

1x

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

1

Purchase APR

21.99%

Cash Advance APR

21.99%

Annual Fee

$0

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

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. 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 Scotia Red or Amex Green. 

Compare Scotiabank American Express Credit Cards

Scotiabank American Express credit cards Scotiabank American Express® Card Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card Scotiabank American Express Green Card
Card Scotiabank American Express® Card Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card American Express Green Card
Annual fee $0 $120 $0
Welcome bonus Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $50 towards travel).¹ Earn up to $950* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points¹ Earn 12,500 Membership Rewards® points* when you spend $1,250 on your Card in the first 3 months as a new cardmember.
Travel insurance No Yes No
Lounge access No Yes No
Benefits Earn 3 Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more. Earn 6x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more

Lounge access.
Earn 1x the points on Card purchases

Apply now Apply now Apply now 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.

FAQs

  • Is the Scotiabank American Express a student credit card?

    +

    The Scotiabank American Express card is not a student credit card. Scotiabank does offer a few student credit card options, though, including the Scotiabank Scene+ Card (for students), Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa Card (for students), and the Scotia Momentum Visa Card (for students). Even though the Scotiabank Amex isn’t a student card, it’s still a good option because it has no annual fee.

  • Is the Scotiabank American Express Card a travel card?

    +

    While not technically a travel card, the Scotiabank Amex does allow you to redeem points toward travel. However, it lacks some of the features often found with travel credit cards, including travel insurance, lounge access and no foreign exchange fees.

  • Can I use my Scotiabank American Express Card abroad?

    +

    Yes, you can use your Scotiabank American Express Card worldwide, wherever Amex is accepted. You’ll also be able to earn points on purchases while travelling. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay foreign exchange fees with your Scotiabank Amex when spending outside of Canada.

Justin da Rosa Freelance Writer

Justin is a writer and editor who has been covering personal finance for over 10 years. He's written for companies such as KOHO, Ratehub, BMO, Zoocasa, and Questrade, among others. Justin also created a course in Content Creation, which he taught at York University for four years. When not writing, Justin can be found at a live concert, on the golf course, riding a motorcycle, or sailing.

Disclaimer

The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.