Quick overview
If you fancy yourself a jet setter who enjoys the finer things in life, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card might be the choice for you. With it, you get extensive travel insurance and don’t have to pay foreign exchange fees. And, the best part, in this humble writer’s opinion? Access to over 1,200 Priority Pass and Plaza Premium airport lounges with 10 free visits a year (which is more than the standard four to six free passes most other cards provide). Rounding out the premium services are access to a concierge and exclusive access to events. You’ll also earn 2X the Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all eligible purchases, which you can redeem for travel, dining and more. That’s a lot of value packed into one tiny credit card.
However, it’s not all jet planes and caviar. The $399 annual fee will turn off many would-be globetrotters. If you don't travel often or spend enough to take full advantage of the rewards, this fee might not outweigh the benefits. Also, keep in mind that American Express isn't accepted everywhere, especially outside major urban areas. Still, if you're looking to make use of the card’s premium travel perks and can justify the fee, it's a great choice.
Compare Scotiabank American Express credit cards
Scotiabank American Express credit cards | Scotiabank American Express® Card | Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card | Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card |
---|---|---|---|
Card | |||
Annual fee | $0 | $120 | $399 |
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 up to $2,100* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points. Offer valid November 1, 2023 - October 31, 2024. |
Earn rate | 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshcoand 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 and 1x Scene+ point¹ for every $1 spent on all other purchases | 6x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco and Foodland, 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery, food subscriptions and other eligible grocery stores, 5x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores., 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options, including rideshares, buses and subways and 3x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services. | Earn 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent on hotel and car rental bookings through Scene+ Travel. Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases |
Apply now | Apply now | Apply now | Apply now |
- Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Platinum 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.
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.
- 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.
Read more: Best Scotiabank credit cards
Who is this card for?
This card is designed for you, the frequent traveler who indulges in luxury while seeing the world. If you're jet-setting across borders regularly, you'll benefit from the waived foreign transaction fees and the comfort of over 1,200 VIP airport lounges. The comprehensive travel insurance adds a layer of security to your adventures. You're the type who will make the most of the Scene+ points, racking them up with your travel and everyday purchases, and redeeming them for more travel, dining out, or entertainment experiences.
If your calendar is marked with frequent international trips and you enjoy the exclusivity of premium services, this card is tailored for you. It's for the discerning spender who sees the annual fee as an investment into a lifestyle of convenience and luxury, ensuring each dollar spent brings you closer to your next getaway or experience. However, if your travels are infrequent or you're more conservative with your spending, you might find a better fit with a lower fee card.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card pros and cons
Pros
-
The card offers a competitive low interest rate on purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers
-
Comprehensive insurance coverage
-
Complimentary Airport lounge access
-
No foreign transaction fees
-
Ideal for travelers as it has no foreign transaction fees
-
Offers a substantial welcome bonus that can be worth up to 60,000 Scene+ points
-
Enjoy premium perks like Hertz #1 Club Gold membership and concierge services.
Cons
-
High annual fee: At $399, the annual fee is steep, which could offset the rewards and benefits for some cardholders
-
Below average rewards rate: Lower compared to other cards with similar or lower annual fees
-
Limited American Express acceptance: Especially outside major cities
-
Rewards potential: The net rewards potential is relatively low when considering the high annual fee
-
Non-transferable points: Scene+ points cannot be transferred to other rewards programs
Welcome bonus
- Earn up to $2,100* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points. Offer valid November 1, 2023 - October 31, 2024.
- To qualify for this Offer make sure to open a new Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card account (“Account”) by October 31, 2024.To qualify for the 60,000 bonus Scene+ points:
- Earn 50,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
- Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 10,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $10,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 14 months.
Once you qualify, we’ll credit your account in 2 instalments:- 50,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account within approximately 2-3 business days after the qualifying $3,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
- An additional 10,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account within approximately 2-3 business days after you have met the $10,000 spend threshold in your Account within the first 14 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 points
- Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
- No maximum earning cap mentioned for the 2X points on purchases.
- Earn 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent on hotel and car rental bookings through Scene+ Travel.
Key benefits
- No foreign transaction fee on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when traveling abroad.
- 10 complimentary airport lounge passes per year.
- Access to Scene+ Travel for booking and redeeming travel with no restrictions.
- Premium concierge services for various personal assistance tasks.
Insurance coverage
- Travel emergency medical insurance: 31 days of coverage for those under 65, and 10 days for 65 and over up to $2,000,000 per insured person per trip.
- Travel accident insurance: Up to $500,000 per insured person, $1,000,000 per occurrence.
- Trip cancellation: $2,500 per insurance person, maximum $10,000 per trip.
- Trip interruption: $5,000 per insurance person, maximum, $25,000 per trip.
- Lost/delayed luggage insurance: Up to $1,000 per trip.
- Hotel/motel burglary insurance: Up to $1,000 per burglary occurrence.
- Rental car insurance: 48 days for vehicles up to $65,000.
- Purchase security insurance: Up to 120 days post purchase, maximum $60,000 lifetime.
- Extended warranty insurance: Up to 2 years, maximum $60,000 lifetime
- Flight delay: Up to $1,000 per insured person per trip for eligible expenses.
- Purchase security: Coverage for 120 days from the date of purchase, up to $60,000 per lifetime.
- Mobile device: Up to $1,000 coverage for new mobile devices against loss, theft, accidental damage, or mechanical failure.
Extras
- Access to exclusive American Express offers and invites.
- Access to VIP events.
- Hertz #1 Club Gold Membership.
How this card compares
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card vs. The Platinum Card by American Express
The Platinum Card
3.5
80,000 pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points*
Pros
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
1
21.99% - 28.99%
Variable APR applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance
$799
Annual Fee Supplementary Platinum Cards: $250 each
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
21.99% - 28.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
1
21.99% - 28.99%
Variable APR applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance
$799
Annual Fee Supplementary Platinum Cards: $250 each
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
21.99% - 28.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
The Scotiabank option has a lower annual fee of $399 compared to $799 for the Amex Platinum. While both cards offer generous welcome bonuses, the Amex Platinum's 80,000 MR points surpass the up to 60K pts points offered by Scotiabank, albeit with a higher spending requirement to unlock the full bonus.
In terms of earning points, the Scotiabank card provides a flat rate of 2X the Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all eligible purchases, while the Amex Platinum offers 2X points on dining and food delivery purchases in Canada and 1X point on everything else. The Scotia card is less limiting than the Platinum Amex in terms of rewards.
Both cards offer extensive insurance coverage, however, it's worth noting that the Amex Platinum doesn’t provide travel medical coverage for cardmembers over the age of 65, which is a significant consideration for older travellers. The Amex Platinum also boasts superior travel perks such as unlimited access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, a at some of Canada's best restaurants, elevated hotel services and a $100 NEXUS◊ statement credit – which are tailored for the frequent and luxury-focused traveler.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card vs. American Express® Gold Rewards Card
American Express® Gold Rewards Card
3.9
60,000 pts
Welcome offerVery Good
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points*
Pros
-
Generous welcome bonus of up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points.
-
Convertibility of Member Rewards® points to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs (e.g. Aeroplan, Marriott).
-
Earn two points per dollar on travel, gas, grocery and drugstore purchases.
-
$100 annual travel credit when booking through American Express® Travel online.
-
Built-in travel medical insurance and trip coverage.
Cons
-
$250 annual fee.
-
2.5% foreign transaction fee.
-
Travel medical insurance only covers those under age 65.
Eligibility
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
2
Earn 2 MR points per $1 dollar spent on travel (flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more)
2
Earn 2 MR points per $1 spent in everyday purchases (gas, groceries and drugstore purchases)
1
Earn 1 MR point per $1 dollar spent on everything else
1
Earn 1 additional MR point for every dollar charged on bookings made through Amex Travel Online
Earn 2 MR points per $1 dollar spent on travel (flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more)
2
Earn 2 MR points per $1 spent in everyday purchases (gas, groceries and drugstore purchases)
2
Earn 1 MR point per $1 dollar spent on everything else
1
Earn 1 additional MR point for every dollar charged on bookings made through Amex Travel Online
1
21.99%
Purchase APR on purchases
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$250
Annual Fee Includes annual $100 travel credit and 1 free additional card.
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$250
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Generous welcome bonus of up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points.
-
Convertibility of Member Rewards® points to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs (e.g. Aeroplan, Marriott).
-
Earn two points per dollar on travel, gas, grocery and drugstore purchases.
-
$100 annual travel credit when booking through American Express® Travel online.
-
Built-in travel medical insurance and trip coverage.
Cons
-
$250 annual fee.
-
2.5% foreign transaction fee.
-
Travel medical insurance only covers those under age 65.
Eligibility
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
2
Earn 2 MR points per $1 dollar spent on travel (flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more)
2
Earn 2 MR points per $1 spent in everyday purchases (gas, groceries and drugstore purchases)
1
Earn 1 MR point per $1 dollar spent on everything else
1
Earn 1 additional MR point for every dollar charged on bookings made through Amex Travel Online
Earn 2 MR points per $1 dollar spent on travel (flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more)
2
Earn 2 MR points per $1 spent in everyday purchases (gas, groceries and drugstore purchases)
2
Earn 1 MR point per $1 dollar spent on everything else
1
Earn 1 additional MR point for every dollar charged on bookings made through Amex Travel Online
1
21.99%
Purchase APR on purchases
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$250
Annual Fee Includes annual $100 travel credit and 1 free additional card.
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$250
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card and the American Express® Gold Rewards Card both offer excellent rewards, but they cater to different types of spenders. The Scotiabank Platinum Amex provides a higher earn rate on groceries, gas, dining, and entertainment, making it ideal for people who prioritize everyday spending categories. It also offers comprehensive travel insurance but comes with a high annual fee.
On the other hand, the Amex Gold Rewards Card is more flexible with a strong rewards program across multiple categories, especially travel-related purchases, and offers the ability to transfer points to airline partners. However, its earn rate on everyday purchases is lower than Scotiabank's card.
You might choose the Scotiabank card for its strong daily rewards and insurance, while frequent travelers looking for flexibility and travel partnerships might lean towards the Amex Gold Rewards Card despite its lower base earn rate.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card Vs. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
4.3
up to 35K pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to $1,100* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points
Expires
Nov 1, 2024
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
Both cards are designed with the traveler in mind, but they cater to slightly different needs and spending habits. You know all about the Scotia American Express by now, so let’s look at the Passport Infinite Visa.
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card offers a more tiered approach, with 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, and Foodland, 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend at other eligible grocery stores, on dining, entertainment and daily transit options and 1x Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Both cards offer attractive travel benefits, but the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite costs less at just $150 per year. Though it comes with only 6 lounge passes per year, compared to the Amex’s 10 complimentary airport lounge passes per year. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual spending patterns and travel habits.
- *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.
Is the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card worth it?
If you're a frequent traveler who enjoys the finer things in life, this card could be a perfect match. With its comprehensive travel insurance package, you're covered on multiple fronts, from emergency medical to trip cancellation. You'll love the comfort of access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, ensuring your travel starts on a luxurious note. The no foreign transaction fees save you money with every purchase abroad, making this card a savvy choice for international spending. However, weigh these perks against the $399 annual fee, which could be justified if you take full advantage of the card's benefits.
Now, consider your spending habits and rewards potential. You earn two Scene+ points for every dollar spent, which can accumulate quickly if you're a high spender. The points you earn can unlock a world of travel, entertainment and more, but it's crucial to assess if your spending will earn enough rewards to offset the annual fee. If you're not a big spender or a frequent traveler, the card's benefits might not outweigh the costs. In that case, you might want to look for a card with a lower fee and a rewards structure that better aligns with your lifestyle.
- Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Platinum 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
- 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.
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.
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