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Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card review

Justin da Rosa

Mar 7, 2025

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

Overall rating

First year value

$2,133

Get this card if you:

  • travel often and want premium travel perks like lounge access
  • want to avoid paying foreign exchange fees
  • value a great welcome offer

Scores by category

Travel 4.9

Low Interest 4.5

Welcome Bonus 4.4

Rewards 3.8

At a glance

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated earn rates on all eligible purchases, with additional benefits such as complimentary airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance. It charges no foreign transaction fees and provides access to exclusive events.

Highlights

$2,133

First year value

up to 80,000 points

Welcome bonus

$399

Annual fee

Interest Rates

9.99%

Purchase APR

9.99%

Balance transfer APR

9.99%

Cash advance APR

Eligibility

Good

Recommended credit score

$12,000

Required annual personal income

Quick overview of the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

If you fancy yourself a jet setter who enjoys the finer things in life, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card might be the choice for you. With it, you get extensive travel insurance and don’t have to pay foreign exchange fees (no foreign transaction fees apply). And, the best part, in this humble writer’s opinion? Access to over 1,200 Priority Pass and Plaza Premium airport lounges with ten free visits a year (which is more than the standard four to six free passes most other cards provide). 

Who is the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card for?

"The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card is an ideal option for the seasoned traveller who wants luxurious travel perks, big rewards and comprehensive insurance but hates foreign transaction fees."

Cory Santos, Money.ca credit card expert

This card is designed for you, the frequent traveler who indulges in luxury while seeing the world. If you're jet-setting across borders regularly, you'll benefit from the waived foreign transaction fees and the comfort of over 1,200 VIP airport lounges. The comprehensive travel insurance adds a layer of security to your adventures. You're the type who will make the most of the Scene+ points, racking them up with your travel and everyday purchases, and redeeming them for more travel, dining out, or entertainment experiences.

But the card is also ideal for dining and entertainment spenders, as well as Scene+ program loyalists. It's for the discerning spender who sees the annual fee as an investment into a lifestyle of convenience and luxury, ensuring each dollar spent brings you closer to your next getaway or experience. However, if your travels are infrequent or you're more conservative with your spending, you might find a better fit with a lower fee card.

Applicant 
Key benefits
Why they'll love it
Frequent international travellers
No foreign transaction fee
Saves 2.5% on all foreign currency purchases
Dining and entertaining enthusiasts
Accelerated earn rate on dining and entertainment
Quickly accumulates Scene+ points on preferred spending categories
Scene+ loyalists
2X the Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all eligible purchases
Maximizes point earning across all spending for valuable Scene+ redemptions

Pros and cons

Pros

Pros

  • The card offers a competitive low interest rate on purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers

  • Comprehensive insurance coverage

  • Complimentary Airport lounge access

  • No foreign transaction fees

  • Ideal for travelers as it has no foreign transaction fees

  • Offers a substantial welcome bonus that includes up to 80,000 Scene+ points

  • Enjoy premium perks like Hertz #1 Club Gold membership and concierge services.

Cons

Cons

  • High annual fee: At $399, the annual fee is steep, which could offset the rewards and benefits for some cardholders

  • Below average rewards rate: Lower compared to other cards with similar or lower annual fees

  • Limited American Express acceptance: Especially outside major cities

  • Rewards potential: The net rewards potential is relatively low when considering the high annual fee

  • Non-transferable points: Scene+ points cannot be transferred to other rewards programs

Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card welcome bonus

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card impresses right from the start. New accounts enjoy a sign-up bonus that more than makes up for that premium $399 annual fee:

  • Earn up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points

  • Full Scotiabank Platinum Amex welcome bonus details

    +

    Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points.

    To qualify for this Offer make sure to open a new Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card account (“Account”) opened between January 3, 2025 and October 31, 2025.

    To qualify for the 80,000 bonus Scene+ points:

    • Earn 60,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.

    • Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $10,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 14 months.

    Once you qualify, your account will be credited in 2 instalments:

    • 60,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after the qualifying $3,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.

    • An additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after you have met the $10,000 spend threshold in your Account within the first 14 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 60,000 Point Bonus and the Additional 20,000 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.

    Apply now for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card

How to earn Scene+ points with the Scotiabank Platinum Amex Card

  • Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
  • No maximum earning cap mentioned for the 2X points on purchases
  • Earn up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia

Top tip: Amex Offers

Keep an eye on your American Express account for exclusive Amex Offers. These can include statement credits or bonus points for shopping at specific retailers and can help you quickly max out your Scene+ points

How to redeem Scene+ points

Redemption category
Award options
Travel 🌎
Flights, hotels, vacation packages, car rentals, cruises
Statement credits 💳
Reduce your credit card balance
Merchandise and gift cards 🛍️
Electronics, home goods, retailer gift cards
Dining and entertainment 🍽️🎬
Movie tickets, restaurant redemptions
Experiences 🎭
Exclusive events and experiences

Ready to start redeeming? It’s straightforward to redeem Scene+ points with the Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card:

  • Visit sceneplus.ca
  • Log in to your Scene+ account
  • Browse through the redemption options
  • Pick your poison (er, reward) and follow the prompts

Scene+ points never expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. So, feel free to save up for that dream vacay or go on a shopping spree whenever the mood strikes.

Key benefits of the Platinum American Express Card from Scotiabank

  • No foreign transaction fee on any foreign currency purchases, including online shopping and when traveling abroad.
  • 10 complimentary airport lounge passes per year.
  • Access to Scene+ Travel for booking and redeeming travel with no restrictions.
  • Premium concierge services for various personal assistance tasks.

Scene+ hidden feature: Price match protection

Found a better deal elsewhere? Scene+ Travel has a price match guarantee. If you find a lower price within 24 hours of booking, they'll refund the difference.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express insurance coverage

Coverage Protection amount
Travel emergency medical insurance 31 days of coverage for those under 65, and 10 days for 65 and over up to $2,000,000 per insured person per trip.
Travel accident insurance Up to $500,000 per insured person, $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Trip cancellation $2,500 per insurance person, maximum $10,000 per trip.
Trip interruption $5,000 per insurance person, maximum, $25,000 per trip.
Lost/delayed luggage insurance Up to $1,000 per trip.
Hotel/motel burglary insurance Up to $1,000 per burglary occurrence.
Rental car insurance 48 days for vehicles up to $65,000.
Purchase security insurance Up to 120 days post purchase, maximum $60,000 lifetime.
Extended warranty insurance Up to 2 years, maximum $60,000 lifetime
Flight delay Up to $1,000 per insured person per trip for eligible expenses.
Purchase security Coverage for 120 days from the date of purchase, up to $60,000 per lifetime.
Mobile device Up to $1,000 coverage for new mobile devices against loss, theft, accidental damage, or mechanical failure.

Extra benefits of the Scotiabank Platinum Amex Card

  • Access to exclusive Amex Offers and invites
  • Access to VIP events
  • Hertz #1 Club Gold Membership

Hertz #1 Club gold membership benefits

Enjoy speedier service, less paperwork, and other special privileges and benefits at over 8,500 locations across 147 countries:

  • Get on the road faster by bypassing the rental counter for both pick-up and drop-off
  • Hertz FastLane: Powered by CLEAR®, exit the gate in 30 seconds or less at participating locations
  • Select your preferred vehicle from Hertz's best fleet and hit the road
  • Earn 1 Hertz Gold Plus Rewards point for every $1 spent on rentals
  • Add your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver at no extra cost in the US
  • Enjoy up to 10% off the base rate in Australia and New Zealand, and 5% off in other locations worldwide

How does the Scotiabank Platinum Amex Card compare?

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express holds its own against the competition thanks yo its impressive perks, lucrative welcome bonus and luxurious travel perks. Here's how it stacks up with rival credit card offers:

up to 100,000 points

Welcome Bonus

$931

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,000 in value.

Learn More Apply Now On American Express' Secure Site

The Scotiabank option has a lower annual fee of $399 compared to $799 for the Amex Platinum. While both cards offer generous welcome bonuses, the Amex Platinum's welcome offer surpasses the up to 80,000 points points offered by Scotiabank, albeit with a higher spending requirement to unlock the full bonus.

In terms of earning points, the Scotiabank card provides a flat rate of 2X the Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all eligible purchases, while the Amex Platinum offers 2X points on dining and food delivery purchases in Canada and 1X point on everything else. The Scotiabank card is less limiting than the Platinum Amex in terms of rewards. 

Both cards offer extensive insurance coverage, however, it's worth noting that the Amex Platinum doesn’t provide travel medical coverage for cardmembers over the age of 65, which is a significant consideration for older travellers. The Amex Platinum also boasts superior travel perks such as unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, elevated hotel services and a $100 NEXUS◊ statement credit – which are tailored for the frequent and luxury-focused traveler.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card The Platinum Card by American Express
Annual fee:
$399 		Annual fee:
$799
Income:
$12,000 (personal)
Income:
N/A
Welcome bonus:
Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points. 		Welcome bonus:
Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,000 in value.
Rewards:
• Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
• Earn up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
Rewards:
• Earn 2X points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada
• Earn 2X points on eligible travel
• Earn 1X point on everything else
• Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel or car rental bookings at Amex Travel
Perks:
• 10 airport lounge passes
• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to Amex offers 		Perks:
• $100 NEXUS◊ statement credit
• Unlimited lounge access through the American Express Global Lounge Network
• Statement credits for hotels and travel
Apply Now Apply Now

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.

up to 60,000 points*

Welcome Bonus

$1,070

First Year Value

$470

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 5,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember.*

Learn More Apply Now On American Express' Secure Site

The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card and the American Express® Gold Rewards Card both offer excellent rewards, but they cater to different types of spenders. The Scotiabank Platinum Amex provides a higher earn rate on groceries, gas, dining, and entertainment, making it ideal for people who prioritize everyday spending categories. It also offers comprehensive travel insurance but comes with a high annual fee.

On the other hand, the Amex Gold Rewards Card is more flexible with a strong rewards program across multiple categories, especially travel-related purchases, and offers the ability to transfer points to airline partners. However, its earn rate on everyday purchases is lower than Scotiabank's card.

You might choose the Scotiabank card for its strong daily rewards and insurance, while frequent travelers looking for flexibility and travel partnerships might lean towards the Amex Gold Rewards Card despite its lower base earn rate.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card American Express® Gold Rewards Card
Annual fee:
$399 		Annual fee:
$250
Income:
$12,000 (personal) 		Income:
N/A
Welcome bonus:
Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points. 		Welcome bonus:
Earn Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 5,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember.*
Rewards:• Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases• Earn up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia Rewards:
• Earn 2 Membership Rewards points on travel, including eligible flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more
• Earn 2 Membership Rewards points on gas, grocery and drugstore purchases in Canada
• Earn 1x point on everything else
• Earn an additional 1 Membership Rewards point when booking travel through the American Express Travel website
Perks:
• 10 airport lounge passes
• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to Amex offers 		Perks:
• $50 NEXUS◊ statement credit
• 4 airport lounge passes
Apply Now Apply Now

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.

up to 40,000 pts*

Welcome Bonus

$926

First Year Value

$0

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*. Expires Jul 01, 2025

Learn More Apply Now On Scotiabank's Secure Site

Both cards are designed with the traveler in mind, but they cater to slightly different needs and spending habits. You know all about the Scotiabank American Express by now, so let’s look at the Passport Infinite Visa.

The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card  offers a more tiered approach, with 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, and Foodland, 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend at other eligible grocery stores, on dining, entertainment and daily transit options and 1x Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Both cards offer attractive travel benefits, but the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite costs less at just $150 per year. Though it comes with only 6 lounge passes per year, compared to the Amex’s 10 complimentary airport lounge passes per year. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual spending patterns and travel habits.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
Annual fee
:$399 		Annual fee:
$150
Income:
$12,000 (personal) 		Income:
• $60,000 (personal)
• $100,000 (household)
Welcome bonus:
Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points. 		Welcome bonus:
Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*.
Rewards:
• Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
• Earn up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia 		Rewards:
• Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more.
• Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
• Earn 1x Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Perks:
• 10 airport lounge passes
• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to Amex offers 		Perks:
• 6 airport lounge passes through Visa Airport Companion
• Visa Infinite Program benefits
Apply Now Apply Now

Disclosures:

  • Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 3, 2025. Subject to change.

    Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* 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.

up to 85,000 pts†

Welcome Bonus

$3,067

First Year Value

$67

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.

Learn More Apply Now On TD's Secure Site

The TD  Aeroplan VIP Card is ideal for those who frequently fly with Air Canada and want to earn Aeroplan points. It offers a generous welcome bonus of up to 115,000 Aeroplan points and provides Air Canada benefits such as priority check-in and boarding. The earn rate is competitive, especially for Air Canada purchases.

While it doesn’t waive foreign transaction fees, it does offer a NEXUS fee rebate, which can be valuable for frequent cross-border travellers.

On the other hand, the Scotiabank Platinum American Express offers a solid value proposition for Canadian travellers. Its standout feature is the lack of foreign transaction fees, which can lead to significant savings for those who frequently make purchases abroad or in foreign currencies online. The card also provides a competitive earn rate on all purchases, making it simple to rack up rewards quickly.

Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
Annual fee:
$399 		Annual fee:
$599
Income:
$12,000 (personal) 		Income:
• $150,000 (personal)
• $200,000 (household)
Welcome bonus:
Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points. 		Welcome bonus:
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Offer effective as of January 7, 2025.
Rewards:
• Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
• Earn up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia 		Rewards:
• Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
• Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery, travel and dining purchases
• Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card
• Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 170+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore)
Perks:
• 10 airport lounge passes
• No foreign transaction fees
• Access to Amex offers 		Perks:
• 6 airport lounge passes plus unlimited Maple Leaf Lounges visits in Canada
• Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate†
• Access to Amex offers
Apply Now Apply Now

Disclosures:

  • 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. Sponsored Content.

    †Terms and conditions apply.

"Travellers looking for more flexibility with their points may find greater value with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege as they can transfer Aeroplan points to a huge selection of major international airline and hotel loyalty programs."

Cory Santos, Money.ca credit card expert

Compare Scotiabank American Express credit cards

Scotiabank American Express® Card Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
Scotiabank American Express® Card Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
Annual fee:
$0 		Annual fee:
$120 		Annual fee:
$399
Welcome bonus:
up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points 		Welcome bonus:
up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points 		Welcome bonus:
up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points
Earn rates:
3x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco 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 and 1x Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other purchases 		Earn rates:
6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco and Foodland, 5x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery, food subscriptions, other eligible grocery stores, and eligible entertainment purposes, up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia, 3x Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options, including rideshares, buses and subways, as well as eligible select streaming services. and 1 Scene+ point on all other purchases. 		Earn rates:
Earn up to 4x Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia Earn 2x Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
Apply now Apply now Apply now

Disclosures:

  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Platinum 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.

  • 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.


  • 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.


Read more: Best Scotiabank credit cards

Wondering what real users think about the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card? Reddit is often a goldmine for honest, unfiltered opinions. Here’s what Redditors have to say:

  1. 1.

    Lounge access: ✈️“The 10 free lounge visits per year are great, especially if you’re not a super frequent flyer. It’s a good middle ground between no lounge access and unlimited access cards.” - u/TravelHacker2025

  2. 2.

    Insurance coverage: 🛡️“The travel insurance package is comprehensive. It’s one of the main reasons I keep this card in my wallet for trips.” - u/InsuranceSavvy

  3. 3.

    Customer service: 👨‍💼“Scotiabank’s customer service has been hit or miss for me. Sometimes great, sometimes frustrating. Not quite at Amex’s level.” - u/BankingBuff

"For me, I value travel insurance, especially medical insurance out of province, because you never know when you might break a bone and need to go to the hospital. The Scotia Amex Plat is probably one of the few that offers 31 days of travel insurance."

u/uid213

Tip
Explanation
Book travel through Scene+ Travel 🌎
Earn bonus Scene+ points on hotel and car rental bookings made through Scene+ Travel. This elevated earn rate can significantly boost your points balance on travel purchases.
Use the card for foreign transactions 💱
Save 2.5% on foreign transaction fees. While this doesn’t directly earn points, it saves you money on every foreign purchase, effectively increasing the value of your card.
Utilize airport lounge access ✈️
Take advantage of the complimentary airport lounge visits per year. This perk can save you money and enhance your travel experience.
Leverage the concierge service 📱
Use the complimentary concierge service for restaurant reservations, travel planning, and more. This can save you time and potentially money, adding value to your card membership.
Explore Amex Offers 💰
Regularly check and take advantage of Amex Offers for additional savings and point-earning opportunities on your purchases.
Use Scene+ points strategically 🧠
Redeem your points for travel through Scene+ Travel or use the “Apply Points to Travel” option for flexibility. This ensures you’re getting maximum value from your earned points.
Maximize insurance benefits 🚑
Use your card to pay for travel to automatically access comprehensive travel insurance, potentially saving on separate insurance costs.

Is the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card worth it?

If you're a frequent traveler who enjoys the finer things in life, this card could be a perfect match. With its comprehensive travel insurance package, you're covered on multiple fronts, from emergency medical to trip cancellation. You'll love the comfort of access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, ensuring your travel starts on a luxurious note. The no foreign transaction fees save you money with every purchase abroad, making this card a savvy choice for international spending. However, weigh these perks against the $399 annual fee, which could be justified if you take full advantage of the card's benefits.

Now, consider your spending habits and rewards potential. You earn two Scene+ points for every dollar spent, which can accumulate quickly if you're a high spender. The points you earn can unlock a world of travel, entertainment and more, but it's crucial to assess if your spending will earn enough rewards to offset the annual fee. If you're not a big spender or a frequent traveler, the card's benefits might not outweigh the costs. In that case, you might want to look for a card with a lower fee and a rewards structure that better aligns with your lifestyle. 

Eligibility

Applying for the Scotiabank Platinum Amex Card is simple, with the card only requiring fairly basic Eligiblity requirements:

  • Residency: Must be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in your province or territory
  • Income: $12,000 personal
  • Credit needed: Good

Applying for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the application:

Step
Explained
Check your eligibility
• Ensure you're a Canadian resident• Be of the age of majority in your province or territory • Meet the minimum annual income requirement
Gather information
  • Personal details (name, address, DOB)• Employment info • Income requirements
Fill out application
    • Check application for accuracy and completion• Review terms & conditions carefully • Add  supporting documents (ID, pay stubs, tax files)
Wait for approval
• Online applications often receive instant decisions but paper applications may take longer
Activate
• Once approved, you'll receive your card by mail• Follow the provided instructions to activate it

Disclosures:

  • Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Platinum 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

  • What are the main benefits of the Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card?

    +

    The card shines for travelers, offering no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive travel insurance and VIP lounge access with Priority Pass. You'll also earn Scene+ points on purchases, enjoy premium concierge services and get exclusive access to events and luxury hotels.

  • How does the Scene+ rewards program work with the Scotiabank Amex Platinum?

    +

    Earn Scene+ points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. These points are redeemable for travel, dining and entertainment, with no earning cap. Points don't expire, and you can boost your balance through promotions and travel bookings via Scene+ Travel.

  • Is the Scotiabank Platinum Amex's annual fee worth it?

    +

    The card's value hinges on your lifestyle. Frequent travelers and those who spend abroad could find the fee worthwhile, thanks to the travel perks and savings on foreign transaction fees. If your spending is modest or travel is infrequent, a card with a lower fee might be more beneficial.

  • What travel insurance is included with the card?

    +

    The card includes comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including travel emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance, flight delay protection, lost and delayed baggage insurance and more.

  • How does the airport lounge access work?

    +

    As a primary cardholder, you receive complimentary Priority Pass™ membership plus 10 free visits per year. Supplementary cardholders receive 4 free visits per year.

    You must present your Priority Pass Membership Card (or Digital Membership Card) to enter lounges accessible through Priority Pass and present your Scotiabank American Express Platinum card to access the Plaza Premium lounges.

  • Can you increase your credit limit with Scotiabank?

    +

    You can request a credit limit increase through the Scotiabank mobile app, online banking, or by calling the number on the back of your card.

  • What should I do if my Scotiabank Platinum Amex Card is lost or stolen?

    +

    Immediately report a lost or stolen card by calling 1-800-472-6842 (Canada/US) or 416-288-4622 (collect from elsewhere).

  • Can I manage my Scene+ points through the mobile app?

    +

    Yes, you can view your Scene+ points balance, redeem points, and explore redemption options directly through the Scotiabank mobile app.

  • How can I contact the Scotiabank Platinum American Express concierge service?

    +

    ou can reach the concierge service 24/7 by calling 1-866-800-5160.

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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