Are you looking for the best travel credit cards in Canada with no annual fee? The Scotiabank American Express Card is definitely a top choice.
In this Scotiabank American Express Card review, we will delve into its benefits, American Express benefits, downsides, and alternatives.
Perhaps you’re a regular traveller or someone who simply wants to optimize your benefits; this review will further shed light if this card is a match for your needs.
Discover what American Express Canada has to offer and explore the best Canadian travel rewards credit cards available today.
Main Highlights
- The Scotiabank American Express Card is a good option for people looking for a no-fee travel rewards credit card in Canada.
- Cardholders can earn Scene+ points, exclusive invites, and points at participating pharmacies.
- Downsides include a slightly lower acceptance rate and limited insurance benefits.
- The card is a good choice for those who already have a Scotiabank account and want to manage their banking in one location.
Benefits of the Scotiabank American Express Card
Here are some of the noteworthy benefits this card has to offer:
- No annual fee: The Scotiabank American Express Card does not charge an annual fee. This makes it an affordable option for people who wish to earn rewards on their purchases.
- Scene+ points: You can earn 3 Scene+ points for every $1 you spend with the Scotiabank American Express Card at participating grocers. Plus, you’ll earn 2 Scene+ points for every $1 spent at movies, restaurants, and daily transit.
- Exclusive Invites: American Express Invites® provides you with exclusive offers, access, and experiences. Enjoy exclusive access to fantastic music, theatre, dining, film, fashion, and retail events.
- Pharmacy purchases (New!): Earn points at participating pharmacies by taking advantage of weekly product specials, flyers, and in-store events. Get member-only prices on excellent products every week.
Downsides of the Scotiabank American Express Card
- Lower acceptance rate: The fact that this card is issued by American Express indicates that it has a slightly lower acceptance rate than Visa or Mastercard.
- Limited Insurance Benefits: The card offers minimal insurance coverage. In the event that you need something that isn’t offered by another card in your possession, you may need to consider another card.
How to Apply for the Scotiabank American Express Card
To be eligible, you must be:
- at least the age of majority,
- a Canadian resident,
- no bankruptcy records in the last seven years,
- $12,000 annual income.
You can apply for the card online, by phone, or at a Scotiabank branch nearest you.
How to Redeem Scene+ Points
To redeem your Scene+ points, log in to your Scene account and select “Redeem Points.” You can then choose from a variety of redemption options, such as movie tickets, restaurants, hotels, and car rentals are few of the examples.
Scotiabank American Express Card Alternatives
In the event that you’re in search of alternatives to the Scotiabank American Express Card, some options to consider are the following:
Scotiabank Scene+ Visa
Great as a simple and secure payment method for everyday purchases. Also, perfect for those who prefer to not pay any annual fees.
Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card
Rewards: Earn 2x Scene+ points on groceries and Cineplex purchases. Earn 1 Scene+ point on everything else.
Welcome offer: Earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within the first year.
Interest rates: 19.99% for purchases 22.99% for cash advances.
Annual fee: $0
Recommended credit score:
Good to Excellent
On Scotiabank’s website
Tangerine World Mastercard
The card allows you to earn 2% cash back on purchases in up to three categories of your choice. Perfect for those who want a higher earning potential but don’t want to pay annual fees.
Tangerine World Mastercard
Rewards: Earn 2% unlimited cash back in up to 3 spending categories of your choice, plus 0.50% on all other purchases.
Welcome offer: Get 15% cash back on up to $1,000 in the first 2 months ($150 value).
Interest rates: 19.95% for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances.
Annual fee: $0
Recommended credit score:
Fair to Excellent
On Tangerine’s website
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
The card allows you to earn 6x Scene+ Rewards points at participating grocers, as well as 5x Scene+ Rewards points at other eligible grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
Rewards: Earn up to 6x Scene+ points for every $1 spent.
Welcome offer: Earn up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points in the first year, plus the first year annual fee waived.
Interest rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
Annual fee: $120
Recommended credit score:
Good to Excellent
On Scotiabank’s website
Scotiabank Momentum No-Fee Visa Card
The card allows you to earn 1% cash back on purchases from eligible gasoline stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and recurring payments.
Is the Scotiabank American Express Card Worth It?
The answer is a resounding yes. The card’s many advantages, such as no annual fee, a large rewards program, and the option to earn Scene+ points, make it a good choice for anyone searching for a travel rewards credit card.
While the rewards rate for non-grocery and non-gas purchases is lower than on some other cards, the inclusion of Scene+ points helps to compensate.
Furthermore, the card is an excellent option for those who already have a Scotiabank account and prefer to have all of their banking in one location.
The Scotiabank app and online banking platform’s simplicity of use and convenience make managing your credit card and rewards simple and uncomplicated.
Comparison Table of Scotiabank Credit Cards
To help you make an informed decision, we have prepared a summary comparison table of the Scotiabank credit cards discussed in this article.
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | APR Purchases | APR Cash Advances | Rewards |
| Scotiabank American Express Card | $0 | 19.99% | 22.99% | 1% cash back on eligible purchases |
| Scotiabank Scene+ Visa | $0 | 19.99% | 22.99% | Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on eligible grocery, entertainment, and dining purchases |
| Tangerine World Mastercard | $0 | 19.95% | 19.95% | Earn 2% Money-Back Rewards on purchases in two categories of your choice. |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express Card | $120 | 20.99% | 22.99% | Earn 6x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on eligible grocery, entertainment, and dining purchases. |
| Scotiabank Momentum No-Fee Visa Card | $0 | 19.99% | 22.99% | 1% cash back on eligible purchases |
FAQs
What is the minimum income for Scotiabank American Express card?
The minimum income requirement for the Scotiabank American Express Card is $12,000 annually.
How is Amex different from other credit cards?
American Express credit cards are different from other credit cards in a few ways:
-It is both a credit card issuer and a payment network. This means that American Express credit cards can be used at merchants that accept American Express but may not be accepted at all merchants that accept credit cards.
-It offers a variety of rewards and benefits, including exclusive access to events, travel perks, and other benefits depending on the specific credit card.
-It has a reputation for providing excellent customer service to its card members.
Which Canadian banks issue American Express cards?
In addition to Scotiabank, American Express in Canada, or Amex Canada, offers a variety of American Express credit cards with different rewards, fees, and benefits. So it is important to compare and choose the card that best suits your needs.
Related: How Does Overdraft Protection Work?
