Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card review

May 15, 2025

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Overall rating

First year value

$1,155

Get this card if you:

  • are a frequent, luxury traveller
  • want flexible redemption options
  • value premium travel perks

Scores by category

Travel 4.9

Welcome Bonus 4.5

At a glance

The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is an ultra-premium travel credit card that prioritizes points and perks. The card, which charges a $599 annual fee, features generous credit limits of at least $10,000 and offers complimentary airport lounge access, a $250 annual travel credit, no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance.

Highlights

$1,155

First year value

80,000 Scene+ points

Welcome bonus

$599

Annual fee

Get a $150 reduction of your annual fee with an Ultimate Package account. Supplementary cards $199/year.

Interest Rates

20.99%

Purchase APR

22.99%

Cash advance APR

Eligibility

Very Good

Recommended credit score

$150,000

Required annual personal income

$200,000

Required annual household income

Quick overview of the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is an ultra-premium travel credit card that prioritizes points and perks. The card, which charges a $599 annual fee, features generous credit limits of at least $10,000 and offers complimentary airport lounge access, a $250 annual travel credit, no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance.

Who’s the Passport VIP Card for?

  • Frequent international travellers who can benefit from no foreign transaction fees
  • Luxury travellers who value airport lounge access (10 free visits annually)
  • Canadians who spend heavily on travel, dining and entertainment categories
  • Travellers seeking comprehensive travel insurance coverage
  • Anyone who prefers flexible redemption options rather than being locked into specific loyalty programs
  • Those who value premium travel perks like priority airport services and hotel benefits

Pros and cons

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* welcome bonus

The Passport VIP treats you like one right from the start, thanks to an impressive welcome bonus:

  • Earn up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points in the first 14 months.†
  • Full welcome bonus details

    +

    Earn up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points in the first 14 months.†

    To qualify for this Offer make sure to open a new Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* credit card account between January 27, 2025 and October 31, 2025.

    To qualify for up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points:

    1. Earn 30,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.

    2. Earn an additional 30,000 bonus Scene+ points when you spend at least $20,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 6 months. 

    3. Earn an additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points when you make at least one eligible purchase that is posted to your new Account during the 14th month after the month the Account was opened.

How to earn Scene+ points

The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* carries a similar name to the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite, but don’t get them confused. The VIP-version prioritizes travel-related purchases whereas the VI-version emphasizes grocery rewards at 3x points at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA and partner stores.

The Scotiabank Passport VIP card earns the following Scene+ points on purchases:

  • Earn 3X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible travel purchases.†
  • Earn 2X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible dining and entertainment.†
  • Earn 1X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.†
  • Up to 6 Scene+ points per dollar on eligible travel booked through Scene+ Travel (includes 3x from card + 3x from Scene+ Travel portal)

Read more: Scene+ points guide

Do Scene+ points expire?

No, Scene+ points don't expire as long as your account is active. Keeping your account is simple: Just make at least one purchase every 12 months to keep your points active.

While Scene+ points are usually associated with redeeming for free movie tickets, there are plenty of great ways to use points. Here’s how to redeem your Scene+ points (and what they’re worth):

  • Travel: 10,000 points = $100 (1¢/point) - Book through Scene+ Travel portal or apply points to past travel purchases within 12 months
  • Movies: 1,250 points = General admission ticket (1.12¢/point)
  • Restaurants: 500 points = $5 off at partner restaurants (1¢/point)
  • Gift cards: 14,000 to 15,000 points = $100 gift card (0.6 to -0.71¢/point)
  • Statement credit: 14,500 points = $100 credit (0.77¢/point)
  • Merchandise: Various points for Apple, Best Buy products (0.5 to 0.8¢/point)

How much can you earn with the Scotiabank Passport VIP?

Sure, the Passport VIP offers up to 3x Scene+ points on travel purchases, but how much money can you really save with the card? Here’s an example earn for a cardholder who travels frequently:

Monthly Spending:

  • $2,500 on flights and hotel bookings (travel category): 7,500 Scene+ points (3X points)
  • $1,000 on restaurants and entertainment: 2,000 Scene+ points (2X points)
  • $3,500 on everyday purchases (groceries, gas, shopping): 3,500 Scene+ points (1X points)

Total monthly points earned: 13,000 Scene+ points

That's a value of approximately $130 in travel rewards in just one month. And if this spending pattern holds for a year, it amounts to around 156,000 Scene+ points, worth approximately $1,560 in travel value.

Key benefits of the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege*

The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card includes a $250 annual travel credit as one of its premium benefits. This travel credit effectively reduces the annual fee from $599 to $349 (or potentially $199 with the Scotiabank Ultimate Package banking rebate) for cardholders who regularly book travel.

The $250 travel credit can be applied toward eligible travel purchases, specifically:

  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Vacation packages

Unfortunately, the travel credit does come with limitations and restrictions. The credit only works for flights, hotels and vacation packages booked through Scene+ Travel.

Beyond the travel credit, the Passport VIP offers tremendous value for the frequent traveller — in part due to these impressive travel perks:

  • No foreign transaction fees: The card waives the standard 2.5% foreign transaction fee typically charged by most Canadian credit cards, providing significant savings on all international purchases
  • Airport lounge access: Complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership that provides 10 free lounge visits per year to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide
  • Airport perks: Save time and money with priority security and taxi lanes, discounted valet parking, and dedicated parking
  • Hotel benefits: Enjoy luxury benefits at over 200 Relais & Châteaux properties around the world
  • Avis rental car benefits: Cardholders enjoy a complimentary Avis President's Club membership annually, allowing them to bypass rental counter queues and head directly to their vehicle at most Avis locations
  • Visa travel perks: Visa Infinite Privilege priority services at select Canadian airports provide expedited baggage handling and priority check-in

Finally, the card comes with that previously mentioned welcome bonus. The card offers up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points†(worth $800) through a three-tiered structure:

  • Earn up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points in the first 14 months.†

    To qualify for this Offer make sure to open a new Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* credit card account between January 27, 2025 and October 31, 2025.

    To qualify for up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points:

    1. Earn 30,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.

    2. Earn an additional 30,000 bonus Scene+ points when you spend at least $20,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 6 months. 

    3. Earn an additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points when you make at least one eligible purchase that is posted to your new Account during the 14th month after the month the Account was opened.

Scotiabank Passport® VIP insurance coverage

Insurance type
Coverage details
Emergency medical insurance
Up to $5 million for trips up to 31 days (10 days for travellers aged 65+)
Trip cancellation insurance
Up to $10,000
Trip interruption insurance
Up to $25,000
Flight delay insurance
Up to $1,000 per person for delays over four hours
Lost and delayed baggage insurance
Up to $1,000
Rental car collision/damage insurance
Covers vehicles with MSRP up to $85,000
Mobile device insurance
Up to $1,000 for lost, stolen, or damaged smartphones/tablets
Purchase security
Covers purchases against theft or damage for 180 days
Extended warranty
Extends manufacturer warranties by up to 2 years

Extra benefits of the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege*

  • Concierge service: 24/7 expert advice with your complimentary and unlimited concierge service in English and French
  • OpenTable: Get access to primetime reservations at some of the hottest restaurants in select cities in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico through OpenTable
  • Exclusive benefits at the Toronto International Film Festival
  • Golf benefits: Experience world-class golf with access to more than 25 members-only Privé Club courses around the world
  • Scene+ mobile app access

Both cards earn Scene+ points and have no foreign transaction fees, but the Privilege card justifies its higher fee with a $250 annual travel credit, 10 complimentary airport lounge visits annually and premium Visa Infinite Privilege benefits, including airport fast-track services. The regular Infinite card provides six airport lounge visits annually, but doesn't include a travel credit or the enhanced airport services.

The regular Infinite card makes sense for occasional travellers who want to avoid foreign transaction fees without paying a premium annual fee. The Privilege card delivers financial value for frequent international travellers who can maximize the enhanced earnings, annual travel credit and premium benefits to offset the higher fee.

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite
Annual fee:
$599
Annual fee:
$150
Welcome bonus:
Join and earn 80,000 Scene+ points
Welcome bonus:
Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*.

Top rewards category:
Travel (3x)
Top rewards category:
Groceries (3x)
Best for:
Frequent travellers
Best for:
Everyday spending

Disclosures:

  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 3, 2025. Subject to change.

    Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* 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.

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*. Expires Jul 01, 2025

On Scotiabank'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • travel often and want premium travel perks like lounge access
  • want to avoid paying foreign exchange fees
  • appreciate a good welcome offer

The Scotiabank card ($599) offers fixed-value Scene+ points with no foreign transaction fees and 10 annual lounge visits. It's better for travellers wanting straightforward rewards and wider card acceptance.

The Amex Platinum ($799) provides transferable points with potentially higher value, unlimited premium lounge access worldwide and exclusive hotel benefits. It's ideal for luxury travellers who can maximize its extensive premium perks despite the higher fee and foreign transaction charges.

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* The Platinum Card
Annual fee:
$599
Annual fee:
$799
Welcome bonus:
Earn up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points in the first 14 months.†
Welcome bonus:
Earn up to 180,000 Membership Rewards® points* - that’s up to $1,800 towards a weekend away.
Earn rates:
Earn up to 6X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do when you book through Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.†
Earn 3X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible travel purchases.†
Earn 2X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible dining and entertainment.†
Earn 1X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.†
Earn rates:
Earn 2X points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada
Earn 2X points on eligible travel
Earn 1X point on everything else
Perks:
$250 annual travel credit
Visa Airport Companion lounge access (10 visits)

Perks:
Priority Pass lounge access (unlimited)
$100 NEXUS◊ statement credit
$200 annual travel credit
$200 annual dining credit

Disclosures:

  • 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.

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 180,000 Membership Rewards® points* - that’s up to $1,800 towards a weekend away. Expires Aug 18, 2025

On American Express'Secure Site

Get this card if you...

  • are a frequent traveler who wants luxury perks like lounge access
  • want to rack up rewards quickly
  • want great travel insurance, perks and concierge services

These two cards both cater to similar Canadians – namely, high-income Canadians who travel frequently. However, the cards cater to different travel preferences and priorities.

The fundamental difference between these cards lies in their reward systems:

  • The Scotiabank card earns Scene+ points (fixed value of 1 cent per point) with 3x on travel, 2x on dining/entertainment and 1x on everything else
  • The TD Aeroplan card earns Aeroplan points (variable value, averaging 1.6 cents per point) with 2x on Air Canada purchases, 1.5x on groceries/gas/travel/dining and 1.25x on everything else

The TD card features significant Air Canada-specific perks including priority airport services, annual companion pass (from $99+taxes after spending $25,000) and free first checked bag for up to eight travellers.

The Scotiabank card offers a $250 annual travel credit (for Scene+ Travel bookings) and no foreign transaction fees, while TD charges the standard 2.5% on foreign transactions.

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
Annual fee:
$599
Annual fee:
$599
Welcome bonus:
Earn up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points in the first 14 months.†
Welcome bonus:
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
Earn rates:
Earn up to 6X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do when you book through Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia.†
Earn 3X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible travel purchases.†
Earn 2X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible dining and entertainment.†
Earn 1X the Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on all other eligible purchases.†
Earn rates:
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card
Perks:
$250 annual travel credit
Visa Airport Companion lounge access (10 visits)

Perks:
Maple Leaf Lounges access (6 visits)
$100 NEXUS credit
Aeroplan perks

Disclosures:

  • †Terms and conditions apply.

    This offer is not available to residents of Quebec.

    The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.

On TD'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want exclusive travel perks like lounge access
  • want to maximize your Aeroplan points with great offers
  • want comprehensive travel insurance to ensure peace of mind

What users have to say about the Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege*

While the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is relatively new to the Canadian credit card market, that doesn’t mean Reddit users haven’t chimed in on the new product from Scotia bank. 

“I feel like lounge access is no longer the exclusive perk it used to be. The lines get longer and it gets more crowded every time I go."

Reddit user u/stanleys-nickels

Is the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card worth it?

Just how well suited you are for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* really depends on what you want out of a travel credit card. If it’s premium perks at a reasonable price point, the Passport ticks the right boxes thanks to its 10 airport lounge passes, no foreign transaction fees, $250 travel statement credit and a plethora of other perks from Scotiabank, Scene+, Visa, OpenTable and more. 

The card is even a decent earner, offering travel-focused rewards where the more everyday focused Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card. Heck, even the welcome bonus is great (and valued at more than $800). 

But if you are interested in value (i.e. squeezing every cent’s worth of value out of the card), it may not be for you. Indeed, you can probably use the Visa Infinite Card and accomplish many of the same tricks. For example, you can get 12 lounge visits with the regular Passport Visa Infinite by adding an authorized user and registering their card.

Ultimately, the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card makes most sense for the dedicated Scotiabank customer who can pair the card with existing Scotiabank products to reduce the annual fee.

Eligibility requirements

  • Age: Must be the age of majority in your province or territory (18+)
  • Residency: Must be a Canadian resident
  • Income: $150,000 (personal), $200,000 (household) or a minimum of $400,000 assets under management by Scotiabank
  • Credit needed: Very Good

Disclosures

  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Privilege* 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.

Cory Santos Credit card editor

Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk. He's also the creator and author of the annual Money.ca Credit Card Awards.

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†Terms and Conditions apply.