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Scotiabank American Express® Card Review

Scotiabank American Express® Card review

Justin da Rosa

While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.

Overall rating

First year value

$471

Get this card if you:

  • want to quickly rack up SCENE points
  • want to access exclusive SCNE and Amex offers
  • value a great welcome offer

Highlights

$471

First year value

up to 5K pts

Welcome bonus

Interest Rates

19.99%

Purchase APR

22.99%

Balance transfer APR

22.99%

Cash advance APR

Eligibility

Good

Recommended credit score

Quick overview

The Scotiabank American Express Card is a no-fee entry-level rewards card aimed at Canadians who want to earn Scene+ rewards without having to shell out extra cash for a yearly fee. For a $0 annual fee card, it offers an impressive rewards structure that rivals some of its costlier and more luxurious cards: Users can earn 3 points for every dollar spent at certain grocery stores (such as Foodland, Sobeys and FreshCo), and 2 points for every dollar spent on takeout, restaurants, good delivery, eligible entertainment, gas and ride sharing, and streaming services. 

Who’s this card for?

This card is designed for someone new to the credit card game. Maybe they’re in their early twenties and have been building credit with their first credit card, usually a bare-bones offering from their bank. They’ve heard about credit card rewards and want to get in on the action without shelling out too much for a yearly fee. The welcome bonus may be one of the lowest around, but that’s not what this card is about: it’s for those curious and want to start earning points on the cheap. 

Pros and cons

Pros

Pros

  • Earn 5,000 welcome bonus rewards points.

  • Earn up to three Scene+ points on everyday spending.

  • Earn points across five different categories, including food, travel, entertainment and streaming.

  • No annual fee.

Cons

Cons

  • The welcome bonus is lower compared to other rewards cards.

  • American Express isn’t accepted everywhere.

  • Limited insurance coverage.

Welcome bonus

  • up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months. Here's how:

    +

    Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $50 towards travel).

    To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank American Express credit card account (“Account”) between November 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025.

    To qualify for the 5,000 bonus Scene+ points offer:

    1. Earn 2,500 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $250 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.

    2. You are eligible to earn an additional 2,500 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $1,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.

    Once you qualify, we’ll credit your account in 2 instalments:

    1. 2,500 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable account approximately8 weeks following the qualifying $250 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.

    2. An additional 2,500 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately8 weeks after the qualifying $1,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.

    Note: For joint Accounts, the applicable bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower that completed the last transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases in the case of the 2,500 Point Bonus and the Additional 2,500 Point Bonus.

    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 this offer.

    See terms and conditions for full details.

How to earn Scene+ points on the Scotiabank American Express Card

  • Earn 3 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more.
  • 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments and other eligible grocery stores, including food delivery subscriptions
  • 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible entertainment purchases, from movies, theatres, and select streaming services
  • 2 Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible gas and daily transit like rideshares and transit
  • 1x Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

In addition to the card’s spending categories, the Scene+ program has made great strides recently with retailers, allowing users to earn additional points with various Scene+ partners. They include various restaurants and grocery stores, travel companies and pharmacies. Have a look at which ones are included and make a point of shopping there to earn extra rewards with your daily spending. Rakuten, a cash back app that allows users to earn cash back when they shop online, is another way to earn additional points. Scene+ members can earn up to 20% more points than non-users when using Rakuten.

How to redeem points

The process for redeeming Scene+ points is simple. You can redeem points online by logging into the Scene+ website and clicking the rewards tab. 

You can also redeem Scene+ points in person at various retailers, including grocery stores, movie theatres, restaurants and pharmacies. 

For restaurants, points can be redeemed in person, through drive-thru, or for take-out. Cineplex movie tickets can be redeemed online or in person. To redeem points for a statement credit, navigate to the Rewards tab, select "Points For Credit" and follow the outlined steps.

For travel redemption, access the dedicated Scene+ travel portal on the main Scene+ website. Click on "Rewards," select the travel option, and choose to redeem points for travel or apply them to a travel-related purchase made with a Scotiabank credit card.

There are two ways to redeem Scene+ points for travel:

Scene+ Travel Portal (powered by Expedia): Book flights, hotels, or rental cars through the portal at a redemption rate of 100 points per $1 reward.

If you don’t have enough points, you can pay for travel using a combination of points and another payment method.

Apply points to travel: Use a Scene+ Scotiabank credit or debit card to independently book eligible travel products like flights, car rentals, or hotels.

Key benefits

  • Earn up to 3 points per dollar spent
  • $0 annual fe
  • Mobile device insurance 
  • Extended warranty protection and purchase security

Insurance coverage

  • New mobile device insurance: Coverage for up to $500 if your cell phone, smartphone, or tablet is lost, stolen, or broken.
  • Purchase security and extended warranty protection: Some items purchased with your card are covered for up to 90 days in the event of theft, loss, or damage plus additional warranty coverage.

The American Express Scotiabank card also offers optional insurance with its Scotiabank Credit Card Protection Program. There are two options to choose from, but they both come at a cost.

Basic protection:

  • Life benefit
  • Critical illness benefit  
  • Hospitalization benefit

Comprehensive protection:

  • Life benefit
  • Critical illness benefit
  • Hospitalization benefit
  • Disability benefit
  • Job loss benefit
  • Strike or lockout benefit

Extra benefits

  • Use your card to book travel through Scene+ Travel, a full-service travel agency.
  • Get access to exclusive American Express experiences.
  • Save up to 25% on car rentals through AVIS and Budget.

What people have to say about this card

It appears the Scotiabank American Express Red card used to be a more feature-rich travel card, according to one user in this Reddit thread about the card, claiming it used to offer travel insurance. 

Another Reddit user mentions having trouble qualifying for the card as a student in this Reddit thread entitled credit card application rejected by Scotiabank. “They said if I really wanted the card they would need a letter of enrollment from my university and would have to see my schedule,” the user claims. “Even then, they said I wouldn't get approved because American Express does not want to give students credit cards.”Another user replies that Amex does, in fact, issue cards to students as long as they have credit history. This suggests some students may have difficulty applying for the card and that it’s best to have a backup card in case their application is rejected. 

How the card compares

up to $780 in value

Welcome Bonus

$1,382

First Year Value

$602

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points

Learn More Apply Now On Scotiabank's Secure Site

Scotiabank American Express vs. Scotiabank Gold American Express

You can think of the Scotiabank Gold American Express card as the older brother (or sister) of the red card. They’re similar, but the gold does everything just a bit better – at a cost, of course. 

The Gold card costs $120 a year, but it will also earn you a lot more points than its free version. With the Gold, you’ll earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco and Foodland (vs. 3 with the red card), 5 points for every dollar spent on eating in and dining out, eligible entertainment (vs. 2 points), and 3 points for every dollar spent on gas, transit and streaming (vs. 2 points). 

The Gold card also has a more lucrative signup bonus. The Scotiabank Amex Gold also comes with travel insurance, a perk that’s lacking with the red version, as well as lounge access.

  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card to learn more.

    *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

earn 10,000 pts

Welcome Bonus

$460

First Year Value

$360

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: 10,000 Membership Rewards® points* when you spend $1,000 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*

Learn More Apply Now On American Express' Secure Site

Scotiabank American Express vs. American Express Green Card

Both the Scotiabank American Express and American Express Green Card are no-fee, basic rewards cards. They both offer small welcome bonuses and both offer ways for the users to earn points. The Amex Green offers 1x the points on Card purchases and 1 additional Membership Rewards® point for every $1 you charge to your card on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel.

Neither card comes with travel insurance, but with no fees, who can complain? Overall, both are good options for a second credit card if you want to start earning rewards. While both are eclipsed by others that charge a yearly fee and offer more robust rewards and higher earning potential, you won’t go wrong with either the Scotiabank Red or Amex Green. 

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.

Compare Scotiabank American Express Credit Cards

Scotiabank American Express credit cards Scotiabank American Express® Card Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card American Express Green Card
Card Scotiabank American Express® Card Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card American Express Green Card
Annual fee $0 $120 $0
Welcome bonus Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $50 towards travel). Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points. Earn a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards® points – that’s $100 in value
Travel insurance No Yes No
Lounge access No Yes No
Benefits Earn 3 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more. Earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more

Lounge access.
Earn 1x the points on Card purchases

Apply now Apply now Apply now Apply now

Is the Scotiabank American Express Card worth it?

The Scotiabank American Express card is a great option if you’d like to earn points with a card with no annual fee. You’ll earn up to 3 points per dollar spent and even more bonus points in the first year. The mobile insurance it comes with is a nice bonus as well. 

However, if you’re looking for premium features, such as travel insurance, lounge access, or no foreign exchange fees, you’ll have to consider something a little pricier. 

  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank American Express® Card to learn more. *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

FAQs

  • Is the Scotiabank American Express a student credit card?

    +

    The Scotiabank American Express card is not a student credit card. Scotiabank does offer a few student credit card options, though, including the Scotiabank Scene+ Card (for students), Scotiabank Momentum No-Fee Visa Card (for students), and the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Card (for students). Even though the Scotiabank Amex isn’t a student card, it’s still a good option because it has no annual fee.

  • Is the Scotiabank American Express Card a travel card?

    +

    While not technically a travel card, the Scotiabank Amex does allow you to redeem points toward travel. However, it lacks some of the features often found with travel credit cards, including travel insurance, lounge access and no foreign exchange fees.

  • Can I use my Scotiabank American Express Card abroad?

    +

    Yes, you can use your Scotiabank American Express Card worldwide, wherever Amex is accepted. You’ll also be able to earn points on purchases while travelling. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay foreign exchange fees with your Scotiabank Amex when spending outside of Canada.

Justin da Rosa Freelance Writer

Justin is a writer and editor who has been covering personal finance for over 10 years. He's written for companies such as KOHO, Ratehub, BMO, Zoocasa, and Questrade, among others. Justin also created a course in Content Creation, which he taught at York University for four years. When not writing, Justin can be found at a live concert, on the golf course, riding a motorcycle, or sailing.

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