The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is a premium credit card with several benefits and perks.
In addition to the ability to earn Scene+ points, it also includes several travel perks as well as a low-interest rate.
In this Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card review, we will look at the pros and cons of the card and compare alternative cards. This will help you decide whether it is the right credit card for you.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card Summary
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
Rewards: Earn 2 Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all purchases.
Welcome offer: Earn up to 70,000 bonus Scene+ points in the first 14 months
Interest rates: 9.99% for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances.
Annual fee: $399
Recommended credit score:
Good to Excellent
On Scotiabank’s website
Benefits of the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
There are several Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card benefits that may make it a good option for you.
The main benefit is the ability to earn the popular Scene+ points. You can earn 2x points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases, so this is a great way to earn points on all your everyday spending and redeem them later for discounts and other bonuses.
You can also earn 3 Scene+ points for every dollar you spend at the Scene+ Travel agency, where you can also redeem points for flights, hotels, car rentals and more.
You won’t be charged any foreign exchange fees if you purchase something outside of Canada, either while travelling or online. These fees are usually 2.5%, so this can add up to a considerable saving.
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card also has low-interest rates. It has an APR of 9.99% for purchases and cash advances, which is very low compared to most credit cards.
There is also a low annual income requirement of just $12,000 per year, making it accessible to more people.
In addition to these key benefits, it comes with several additional perks, most related to travel. These include:
- Comprehensive travel insurance coverage. This includes travel emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, flight delay insurance, and more.
- Mobile device insurance provides cover if your mobile device is lost, stolen or damaged.
- Priority Pass™ membership, which gives you complimentary access to 10 airport lounges each year.
- Hertz #1 Club Gold membership so you can enjoy faster service and additional benefits when renting a car.
- American Express Invites®, which provides special offers and experiences related to music, dining, fashion, etc.
- VIP Pass, which provides you with exclusive access to events like Fashion Week in New York City.
- You can use Premium concierge services to make restaurant reservations, get tickets to shows, etc.
Downsides of the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
There are not too many downsides to the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card.
However, as a premium card, it also comes with a premium price. The annual fee is set at $399 per year, which is quite high compared to many credit cards.
This means it’s only really suitable if you use your card frequently and can take advantage of all the benefits.
You also have to pay for supplementary cards. Each additional card will cost you $99 annually, while many other cards provide these for free.
Related: Learn the different credit card fees in Canada.
How to Apply for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
Applying for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is a straightforward process.
You can apply quickly and easily online. However, if you prefer, you can apply over the phone. You can even book an appointment at your nearest branch and apply in person.
The online and phone application process takes about eight minutes and involves answering several questions.
Just make sure you meet all of the requirements. Fortunately, the minimum annual income requirement is quite low at just $12,000 per year. This is less than many other premium cards.
The other requirements are all standard. You must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, the age of majority in your province or territory, and not have declared bankruptcy in the last seven years.
How Does the Scene+ Rewards Program Work?
The Scene+ Rewards Program is very popular across Canada. Scene+ is run by Scotiabank and Cineplex, and it combines Scene and Scotia Rewards into one program.
It provides many ways to earn points and redeem them for discounts or other benefits. You earn points when you make everyday purchases, and the number of points you earn depends on the card you use.
For example, some credit cards provide you with 6x points when you spend at certain grocery stores.
However, with the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card, you earn 2x points for all eligible purchases. Simply shop at a partner store and use your Scotiabank credit card to earn points.
You can then redeem points easily to make discounts and enjoy benefits in various categories, including shopping, travel and dining.
How to Redeem Your Scene+ Points
You can redeem your Scene+ points easily for a wide range of benefits. For example, you can use them for free cinema tickets, bonus offers when dining out, and personalized offers.
Scene+ points can get you discounts on your grocery shopping. For example, you can redeem 1,000 points for $10 off at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and more.
At Cineplex, you can redeem 100 points to save $1.00 on movie tickets or 500 points for $5 off food and drink.
Simply use the Scotiabank App to view your points, visit Scotia OnLine and log in, or go to sceneplus.ca. You can quickly redeem your points at any of these places.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card Alternatives
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card may be a good choice for you, but this depends on your spending habits and personal circumstances.
There are lots of rewards credit cards and travel credit cards in Canada. As such, it’s always a good idea to compare several cards before deciding which to apply for.
Here are several other credit cards you might also want to consider:
Scotiabank Gold American Express
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 Passport Visa Infinite Card
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
Rewards: Earn up to 3x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, and entertainment.
Welcome offer: Earn up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points in the first year (up to $400 towards travel).
Interest rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances
Annual fee: $150
Recommended credit score:
Very Good to Excellent
On Scotiabank’s website
American Express Cobalt Card
American Express Cobalt Card
Rewards: Earn up to 5x Membership Rewards points on purchases.
Interest rates: 20.99% for purchases, 21.99% for cash advances.
Annual fee: $155.88 ($12.99 paid monthly)
Recommended credit score:
Good to Excellent
On American Express’ website
Scotiabank American Express Card
You can also apply for the Scotiabank American Express Card and pay no annual fees. This card offers Scene+ points on all purchases.
Is the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card Worth It?
If you enjoy travelling, want to earn Scene+ points and want a credit card with a low-interest rate, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card may be a good choice. Compare it with the other cards to help you decide whether it’s suitable for you.
Comparison Table
| Annual Fee | APR Purchases | APR Cash Advances | Rewards | |
| Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card | $399 | 9.99% | 9.99% | Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express | $120 | 20.99% | 22.99% | Earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 spent on eligible grocery, entertainment, and dining purchases. |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card | $150 | 20.99% | 22.99% | Earn 3 Scene+ points for every $1 spent on eligible dining, grocery and entertainment purchases. |
| American Express Cobalt Card | $155.88 | 20.99% | 21.99% | Earn 5x Amex points for purchases at eligible restaurants & food deliveries. |
| Scotiabank American Express Card | $0 | 19.99% | 22.99% | Earn 3x Scene+ points on grocery purchases at Sobeys, Safeway and more. |
FAQs
Is the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card a luxury card?
This card is a premium credit card that includes many perks as well as the ability to earn Scene+ points.
Is it hard to get a Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card?
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is not particularly hard to get. The minimum income requirement is quite low, and the application process is straightforward. However, you will need to have a good credit score.
What income do you need for Amex Platinum?
To apply for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card, you will need to have a minimum income of $12,000 per year.
Related:
