Quick overview of Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite
This is not only a card I’ve had, it’s also a card I’ve written about before, primarily as a go-to example of a high-tier cash back card. Because that’s what the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite is – a damn fine cash back card.
As of writing (and as of two years prior when I had it) the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite offers an impressive welcome bonus valued at approximately $200. That’s a great hook, but even after the bonus period things look bright. Great cash back on groceries and recurring payments, plus pretty good returns on other purchases, which I’ll dive into below.
Who’s Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite for?
This card is for a cash-back aficionado who spends primarily on groceries and recurring bills. Oh – and if you’re one of those financial min-maxers who’se figured out how to pay your rent on credit card and set it as a recurring payment – enjoy the 4% cash back on that expense.
Pros
-
Competitive welcome bonus
-
Very high cash back rates for groceries and recurring bills
-
You can get the annual fee waived by bundling the card with certain Scotia chequing accounts (conditions apply)
-
You can get the annual fee waived by bundling the card with certain Scotia chequing accounts (conditions apply)
Cons
-
Not all Canadians can use credit cards to pay for major recurring bills, like utilities or insurance premiums
-
So-so cash back rate for gas and transit
-
Average flat cash back rate for all other purchases
-
Annoying once-a-year policy for redeeming cash back
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Welcome bonus
The Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card currently has a very strong promotion:
Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases).1 Plus, no annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards. Here's how that breaksdown:
To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* credit card account by October 31, 2025.
To earn 10% cash back, make sure to use your new card to make everyday eligible purchases and earn 10% cash back on the first $2,000 you spend in your first 3 months from account opening.
Once you qualify, we’ll credit your account in 2 instalments:
Bonus Cash Back: The amount earned under the Cash Back Bonus Rate will be credited to your Account within approximately 7 months from the account open date; and
Regular Cash Back: The amount earned under your regular Cash Back Program Rate will be credited to your Account according to the regular cash back payment schedule as set out under the Program (i.e., November).
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 these offers.
See terms and conditions for full details.
So those who reach the purchase cap and who add an authorized user to the card get a combined value of $370, which is quite good for a cash back card.
How to earn cash back on Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite
After the welcome period ends the card earns 4% cash back on groceries, recurring bills, and subscription purchases; 2% back on gas and daily transit (i.e. taxis, Uber, buses, trains, etc.); and 1% back on all other purchases. The 4% and 2% rates apply to the first $25,000 spent annually on groceries/recurring bills and gas/transit respectively, caps which the vast majority of cardholders won’t pass.
While virtually everyone will benefit from a high cash back rate on groceries, the real wild card here is the special rate for recurring payments. This category includes some obvious monthly or annual expenses, like streaming services, gym membership, paid apps, and software. But it can potentially apply to far bigger bills as well, including:
- Electricity, gas, and water
- Phone, internet, and cable
- Home, auto, health, and life insurance premiums
Some Canadian utility providers and insurers accept pre-authorized credit card payments without charging any fee; some accept credit card payments for a small fee, like 2.5%; and others don’t accept credit card payments at all. Your options will vary depending on your insurance providers and city/province of residence, but you’ll likely be able to schedule at least a few of those big-ticket items as pre-authorized credit card payments, which is what makes this card so appealing.
How to redeem cash back from Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite
Now we get to the downside of this card. Rather than getting “cash” back, you get paid out once per year as a statement credit – definitely the least sexy way to earn cash back if you ask me (a Tangerine World Mastercard user who’s cash comes monthly directly into his savings account).
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Key benefits
Most credit cards with great travel insurance are, not surprisingly, travel rewards cards, which earn reward points rather than cash back. But the Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card comes with a really respectable purchase and travel insurance package for a cash back card, so it’s a good fit for those who travel regularly but prefer the ease of cash credit over the headache of redeeming reward points. Its insurance coverage is summarized in the table below:
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Insurance coverage
A standout of this coverage is the mobile device insurance, which is still a relatively uncommon feature among Canadian credit cards, and typically costs over $100 if purchased separately. Nonetheless, there are coverage gaps, like the lack of hotel/motel burglary insurance, so it’s not quite as comprehensive as the insurance you get from some top travel rewards cards, like the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card.
Extra benefits of the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinit* Card
- Save up to 25% off base rates at participating AVIS locations and at participating Budget locations in Canada and the U.S. when you pay with your card.
- Visa Infinite* benefits (Hotel Collection, Concierge Service, Dining and Wine Country program)
- Make purchases via installment payments with Scotia SelectPayTM
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite* interest rates and rees
- Annual Fee: $120for primary card; $50 per supplementary card
- Purchase Interest Rate: 20.99%
- Cash Advance Rate: 22.99%
- Balance Transfer Rate: 22.99%
- Foreign Transaction: 2.5% charge per foreign transaction
Note that you can waive the annual fee every year if you choose to bundle your credit card. Conditions apply.
Related: Best Scotiabank chequing accounts
What people have to say about this card
I have this card and I am pretty happy with it. Seemed simplest and most effective for my needs. I run everything I can through it.
Reddit user /u/AbbreviationsSea341
If you like cash back cards, and you like spending money on groceries and recurring bills, like the above user said, the Scotiabank Momentum Infinite Visa is sure to “fit your needs” (unless you want cash back more than once a year as a statement credit.)
How Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite compares
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite* vs. CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite*
CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card
4.1
10% back†
Welcome offerGood
Suggested credit scoreGet a first-year annual fee rebate for you and up to three Authorized Users† and earn 10% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $3,000†.
Pros
-
First-year annual fee rebate
-
10% cash back welcome bonus up to $3,000 spend
-
4% cash back on gas, electric vehicle charging and grocery stores
-
2% cash back on transportation, dining and recurring payments
-
High annual spending cap on benefits ($20,000 in bonus categories or $80,000 total)
Cons
-
High income requirement
-
Sparse travel insurance offering
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000†
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000†
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000†
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000†
4%
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
2%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
1%
cash back on all other purchases†
10 cents
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
4%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
2%
cash back on all other purchases†
1%
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
10 cents
20.99%†
Purchase APR non-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate non-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR non-Quebec residents†
$120
Annual Fee First year rebated. Each additional card is $30 per year, max 3.
Purchase APR
20.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR
22.99%†
Annual Fee
$120
Pros
-
First-year annual fee rebate
-
10% cash back welcome bonus up to $3,000 spend
-
4% cash back on gas, electric vehicle charging and grocery stores
-
2% cash back on transportation, dining and recurring payments
-
High annual spending cap on benefits ($20,000 in bonus categories or $80,000 total)
Cons
-
High income requirement
-
Sparse travel insurance offering
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000†
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000†
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000†
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000†
4%
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
2%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
1%
cash back on all other purchases†
10 cents
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
4%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
2%
cash back on all other purchases†
1%
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
10 cents
20.99%†
Purchase APR non-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate non-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR non-Quebec residents†
$120
Annual Fee First year rebated. Each additional card is $30 per year, max 3.
Purchase APR
20.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR
22.99%†
Annual Fee
$120
These are two of my favourite cash back cards, head to head. But I’ll spoil my conclusion – I give the nod to the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite. For one, the welcome bonus is slightly higher than the bonus with the Scotia card.
It also has dining in the 2% category, which appeals to me and I’m sure many others. And finally, the real nail in the coffin for the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite, CIBC allows you to redeem your cash back every time you’ve accrued at least $25, sealing the deal.
Disclosures
†Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for the residents of Quebec.
The information for the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite* vs. TD Cash Back Visa Infinite*
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card
4.0
10% back
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreto receive the latest news, tips and offers by email
Pros
-
Solid welcome offer
-
High earn rate for 3 popular categories
-
Can use cash back right away
-
Useful automotive benefits
Cons
-
Maximum spend limit for 3% cash back
-
High annual fee for a cash back card
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
3%
Earn 3% cash back on groceries, gas, and recurring bill payments†
1%
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases†
50%
Earn 50% more Starbucks Stars when you link your TD card to your Starbucks account.†
Earn 3% cash back on groceries, gas, and recurring bill payments†
3%
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases†
1%
Earn 50% more Starbucks Stars when you link your TD card to your Starbucks account.†
50%
20.99%
Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate APR for balance transfers 22.99%†
22.99%
Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
$139
Annual Fee Get an Annual Fee Rebate for the first year†
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$139
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Solid welcome offer
-
High earn rate for 3 popular categories
-
Can use cash back right away
-
Useful automotive benefits
Cons
-
Maximum spend limit for 3% cash back
-
High annual fee for a cash back card
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
3%
Earn 3% cash back on groceries, gas, and recurring bill payments†
1%
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases†
50%
Earn 50% more Starbucks Stars when you link your TD card to your Starbucks account.†
Earn 3% cash back on groceries, gas, and recurring bill payments†
3%
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases†
1%
Earn 50% more Starbucks Stars when you link your TD card to your Starbucks account.†
50%
20.99%
Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate APR for balance transfers 22.99%†
22.99%
Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
$139
Annual Fee Get an Annual Fee Rebate for the first year†
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$139
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
The welcome bonus gets even better for the TD Cash back Visa Infinite:
Earn up to $500 in value†, including 10% in Cash Back Dollars in the first 3 months on Bonus Eligible Purchases up to a total spend of $3,500. Conditions apply. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.
Bonus Eligible Purchases are Gas Purchases, Grocery Purchases & Pre-authorized payments, until a total collective spend of $3,500 of such purchases have been made†.
Get an Annual Fee Rebate for the first year†.
To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders by January 6, 2025.
But after that TD gets clobbered. Only 3% cash back on groceries, gas and recurring bill payments† and 1% cash back on all other purchases†.
Compounding its lack of luster is the fact that the TD card actually costs more, with a $139 annual fee. The one thing it has going for it over the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite is you can redeem your cash back at any time you’d like, which is a solid perk.
Disclosures
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.
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.
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite* vs. BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*
BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*
4.9
up to 10%
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreGet up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first anniversary*.
Expires
Nov 30, 2024
Pros
-
Valuable sign-up bonus
-
High 5% cash back rate on groceries
-
Free roadside assistance
-
Excellent extended warranty and purchase protection terms
Cons
-
Restrictive spending limits for most cash back categories
-
Sign-up bonus structure is head-scratchingly complicated
-
High minimum income requirements
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
5%
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
4%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
3%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
2%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
1%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
5%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
4%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
3%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
2%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
1%
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$120
Annual Fee annual fee waived in the first year*
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Valuable sign-up bonus
-
High 5% cash back rate on groceries
-
Free roadside assistance
-
Excellent extended warranty and purchase protection terms
Cons
-
Restrictive spending limits for most cash back categories
-
Sign-up bonus structure is head-scratchingly complicated
-
High minimum income requirements
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
5%
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
4%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
3%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
2%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
1%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
5%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
4%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
3%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
2%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
1%
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$120
Annual Fee annual fee waived in the first year*
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
If your eligible recurring bill payments are scanty and you’re more drawn to the possibility of raking in cash back at the grocery store, the Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card is hardly the only game in town. The BMO CashBack® World® Elite Mastercard technically edges out the Scotia card with its 5% rate on groceries. But keep in mind that the BMO card’s 5% rate is capped at $500 in grocery purchases each month; after you pass that it will only earn 1% on groceries until a new month starts*. That’s still a lucrative option for singles, but it’s less realistic for families, who will easily pass the $500monthly threshold and should instead go with the Scotia card.
Disclosures
*Terms and conditions apply.
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite* vs. American Express Cobalt® Card
American Express Cobalt® Card
4.9
up to 15k pts
Welcome offerFair
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
Eligibility
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
5x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
3x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
2x
the points on everything else
1x
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
1
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
$100 USD
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$155.88
Annual Fee 12.99/month
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$155.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
Eligibility
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
5x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
3x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
2x
the points on everything else
1x
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
1
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
$100 USD
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$155.88
Annual Fee 12.99/month
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$155.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
These cards are pretty incomparable, beyond the fact that they’re both vying to be your daily spender. If travel is what you’re interested in, the points you collect on the Cobalt are way more valuable than the cash you’re getting back from the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite. But if you’re not a traveler, averse to points, or just have a preference for cash back, you might lean Scotia and I won’t blame you.
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.
Is the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite worth it?
While it might not be the objective “best” cash back card, it certainly is near the top of the heap. Especially if you spend a lot on subscriptions and recurring bills, I think this card is worth your consideration.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the card you’ll need at least an Excellent credit score, and you must meet one of the below income requirements:
- Make at least $60,000in annual income personally
- Have at least $100,000 in combined annual household income
- Have at least $250,000 in assets under management (total market value of your investments held by financial institutions)
Disclosures
FAQs
Cam is a content marketer with a passion for saving, financial independence, and pulling off elaborate credit card point schemes. He has worked in Fintech and Finserve (specifically Group Retirement) and loves researching and writing about finance.
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