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Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite Card Review

Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card review

Cameron Smonk

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Overall rating

First year value

$620

Get this card if you:

  • want high cash back rates
  • value a great welcome offer
  • want comprehensive insurance benefits

Scores by category

Cash Back 4.5

Groceries 4.4

Gas 3.3

Rewards 3.0

Welcome Bonus 2.7

At a glance

The Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card is a cash back credit card offering elevated earn rates on purchases in categories such as groceries, recurring bill payments, gas, and daily transit. Cardholders benefit from a competitive welcome bonus, comprehensive insurance coverage, and the potential to have the annual fee waived by bundling the card with certain Scotiabank chequing accounts.

Highlights

$620

First year value

10% back

Welcome bonus

$120

Annual fee

$50 per supplementary card

Interest Rates

20.99%

Purchase APR

22.99%

Balance transfer APR

22.99%

Cash advance APR

Eligibility

Excellent

Recommended credit score

$60,000

Required annual personal income

$100,000

Required annual household income

Quick overview

Quick overview of Scotiabank 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 Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite is – a damn fine cash back card.

As of writing (and as of two years prior when I had it) the Scotiabank 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 it for?

Who’s Scotiabank 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 and cons
Pros

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 Scotiabank chequing accounts (conditions apply)

  • You can get the annual fee waived by bundling the card with certain Scotiabank chequing accounts (conditions apply)

Cons

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

Welcome bonus

Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite Welcome bonus

The Scotiabank 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:

  1. To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite* credit card account by October 31, 2025.

  2. 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:

  1. 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

  2. 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 rewards

How to earn cash back on Scotiabank 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

How to redeem cash back from Scotiabank 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).

Key benefits

Scotiabank 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 Scotiabank 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:

Insurance coverage

Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite Insurance coverage

Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card: What's Covered?
Travel Emergency Medical: coverage for cardholders and their spouses/children under age 65. Max $1 million payout.
Delayed and Lost Baggage: up to $500 per trip for lost or stolen luggage. Up to $500for baggage delays of over four hours.
Trip Cancellation: for non-refundable costs associated with cancelled trips. Max $10,000 payout per cancelled trip.
Trip Interruption: for non-refundable costs associated with interrupted trips. Max $10,000 payout per interrupted trip.
Flight Delay: up to $500 per person per trip for necessary expenses (hotels, meals, etc.) after flight delays of more than four hours.
Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage: up to 48 days of consecutive coverage when you charge the full amount of your rental car to your card. Limited to vehicles up to $65,000 in value.
Hotel/Motel Burglary: N/A
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance: up to $500,000per insured person (max $1M per occurrence).
Purchase Protection: covers theft of or damage to items within 90 days of purchase with the card.
Extended Warranty: extends a purchased item's original manufacturer's warranty by up to 1 year.
Mobile Device Insurance: new mobile devices purchased with your card are covered up to $1,000 in the event of loss, theft, accidental damage, or mechanical failure.

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 Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite* 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 Scotiabank SelectPayTM
Rates and fees

Scotiabank 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 users say

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 it compares

How Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite compares

Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite* vs. CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card

10% back†

Welcome Bonus

$758

First Year Value

$558

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn 10% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $2,000†.

Learn More Apply Now On CIBC's Secure Site

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* Card. For one, the welcome bonus is slightly higher than the bonus with the Scotiabank 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.

Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite* vs. TD Cash Back Visa Infinite*

up to $600 in value

Welcome Bonus

$452

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $600 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. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.

Learn More Apply Now On TD's Secure Site

The welcome bonus gets even better for the TD Cash back Visa Infinite:

  • Earn up to $600 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. Offer effective as of January 7, 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†.

    • 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance with Deluxe TD Auto Club membership, included at no additional cost.

    • Get an annual fee rebate for the first year†.

    To receive the first-year annual fee rebate for the Primary Cardholder, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening. To receive the first Additional Cardholder first-year annual fee rebate, you must add your first Additional Cardholder while the offer is in effect.

    Starbucks Bonus Offer for New Linked Members†: Link your TD Cashback Visa Infinite to earn 600 Starbucks Stars and redeem them for free Starbucks treats. Limited time only. Conditions and restrictions apply.

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.

Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite* vs. BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*

up to 10%

Welcome Bonus

$950

First Year Value

$690

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first anniversary* Expires Jun 01, 2025

Learn More Apply Now On BMO's Secure Site

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 Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card is hardly the only game in town. The BMO CashBack® World® Elite Mastercard technically edges out the Scotiabank 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 Scotiabank card.

Disclosures

*Terms and conditions apply.

BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite* vs. American Express Cobalt® Card

up to 15,000 points

Welcome Bonus

$679.02

First Year Value

$529.02

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*

Learn More Apply Now On American Express' Secure Site

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 Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite. But if you’re not a traveler, averse to points, or just have a preference for cash back, you might lean Scotiabank 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 it worth it?

Is the Scotiabank 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

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

Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card to learn more.

FAQs

FAQs

  • Does Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite have lounge access?

    +

    No, the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite does not have lounge access.

  • How to get Scotiabank Momentum Infinite Visa free?

    +

    The first year fee is waived on the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite, so it’s free until the first year is over.

  • When do you get the cash back from the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite?

    +

    You get paid out once annually as a statement credit.

  • Does the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite charge a foreign transaction fee?

    +

    If using the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite abroad, you will be charged a foreign transaction fee.

  • Does Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite have car rental insurance?

    +

    Yes, the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite does have car rental insurance

Cameron Smonk Freelance Writer

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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†Terms and Conditions apply.