Looking for a credit card that can earn you rewards on movie tickets and discounts? The Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card might be what you need.
This rewards credit card from Scotiabank offers a variety of features and benefits, along with a few downsides.
In this review, we’ll cover how to activate it, its eligibility requirements, customer service, and foreign transaction fees for students. Keep reading to find out if it’s the right fit for you.
Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card: Summary
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
Benefits of the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card
The Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card offers a range of benefits to cardholders. These include:
- Generous rewards program: Cardholders can earn 5x SCENE points on eligible food and entertainment purchases, making it easy to accumulate points quickly.
- Enjoy a range of movie-going benefits: Earn 5 points for every $1 spent on movie and entertainment purchases, food, and drink (excluding alcohol) at over 160 Cineplex theatres across Canada, as well as at the Cineplex store.
- Pay with your Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card or your smartphone: Visa PayWave* saves time on minor, routine purchases. Swipe your card and go!
- Car Rental Discounts: When you pay with your Scotiabank Scene+ Visa card, you can save up to 25% off base prices at eligible AVIS sites and participating Budget locations in Canada and the United States.
- Optional insurance coverage: Protect yourself and your family from unexpected life events like death, critical illness, hospitalization, disability, job loss, strike, or lockout by paying off your account balance or helping with credit card payments.
Downsides of the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card
Despite its numerous benefits, the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card has a few downsides that potential cardholders should be aware of:
- High-interest rate: Cash advances (including balance transfers, Scotia Credit Card Cheques, and cash-like transactions) are subject to a 22.99% interest rate.
- Insurance benefits: There is no embedded insurance coverage for this card.
- Cash Back Rewards: This card may not be for you if you prefer cash back rewards.
How to Apply for the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card
To be eligible, you must be a Canadian resident who has reached the age of majority and has not filed for bankruptcy in the past seven years. You also need to have a minimum personal annual income of $12,000 to qualify.
You can apply online, call Scotiabank SCENE+ customer service, or visit in person at the nearest Scotiabank branch.
How to Redeem SCENE+ Points
Redeem your SCENE+ points for exclusive discounts and benefits on Travel, Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping by using your Scotiabank SCENE+ log-in and choose your reward.
Enjoy discounts on flights and hotels, dining at popular restaurants, and gift cards from your favourite brands like Starbucks and Indigo.
Plus, get exclusive offers and perks from popular retailers like Sport Chek and Staples.
Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card Alternatives
While the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card is a great option for moviegoers, there are other credit cards available that may better suit your needs. Here are some of the alternatives:
SimplyCash Card from American Express: This card offers 1.25% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee.
SimplyCash Card from American Express
Rewards: Earn up to 2% cash back on gas and groceries and 1.25% cash back on everything else.
Welcome offer: In the first 10 months, earn a $10 statement credit for each month in which you spend $300 (up to $100 in statement credits).
Interest rates: 20.99% for purchases, 21.99% for cash advances.
Annual fee: $0
Recommended credit score:
Good to Excellent
On American Express’s website
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card: This card allows you to choose two categories in which to earn 2% cash back and 0.5% cash back on all other purchases, with no annual fee.
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
Rewards: Earn 2% unlimited cash back in up to 3 categories of your choice plus 0.50% on all other purchases.
Welcome offer: Get an additional 10% cash back after spending $1,000 in the first 2 months ($100 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
Neo Financial Mastercard: This card offers cash back on all purchases, with a percentage that varies based on the merchant. It also has no annual fee.
Neo Financial Mastercard
Rewards: Earn up to 15% cash back at Neo partners and never fall below 0.5% average cash back.
Welcome offer: Get an extra 15% cash back on your first purchases at many Neo partners.
Interest rates: 19.99% to 26.99% for purchases, 22.99% to 28.99% for cash advances.
Annual fee: $0
Recommended credit score:
Fair to Excellent
On Neo’s website
KOHO Prepaid Mastercard: This is a prepaid card that offers cash back on all purchases with no annual fee.
KOHO Prepaid Mastercard
Rewards: Earn 1% cash back on all grocery and gas purchases and up to 5% cash back at KOHO partners.
Welcome offer: NA.
Interest rates: N/A
Annual fee: $0*
Recommended credit score:
N/A
On KOHO’s website
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Cash Advance Interest Rate | Purchase Interest Rate | Rewards |
Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card | $0 | 22.99% | 19.99% | Various rewards from Grocery, Entertainment, Movie, Shopping and Dining categories. |
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card | $0 | 19.95% | 19.95% | Earn 2% cash back in various Money-Back Categories, 0.50% cash back on everything else |
Koho Prepaid Mastercard | $0 | 12.99% | 12.99% | 1% Cash Back on groceries, internet bills, and delivery services |
Neo Financial Mastercard | $0 | 22.99%-28.99% | 19.99%-26.99% | Earn an average of 5% cashback at 10,000+ partners across the country. |
SimplyCash Card from Amex | $0 | 21.99% | 19.99% | Cash back on all purchases, up to 1.25% |
Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card: Conclusion
In conclusion, the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card is a great option for moviegoers who want to earn rewards and discounts on entertainment and dining purchases.
With its generous rewards program, movie-going benefits, and car rental discounts, it’s an excellent choice for those who frequently visit Cineplex theatres.
But potential cardholders should be aware of the high-interest rate if they carry a balance from month to month, the lack of embedded insurance coverage, and the absence of a cash-back rewards program.
It’s essential to consider the alternatives before deciding on this card. Choose the card that suits your needs and preferences best, and start earning rewards today!
FAQs
Is there an annual fee for the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card?
There is no annual fee for the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card.
Does the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card have a foreign transaction fee?
Yes, the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card charges a 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency.
How can I contact customer service for the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card?
You can contact the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card customer service by dialling the number found on the back of your card.
Is the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card available to students?
Yes, the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card is available to students. However, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for the card.
How to activate SCENE+ card from Scotiabank?
You can activate your card online or by calling 1-800-806-8600. It’s quick, simple, and safe. Your card, as well as any other cards associated with your account, will be ready to use once activated. Please keep in mind that a credit card can only be activated by the primary cardholder.