Scotiabank's Scene+ program rewards you at the movies, on the move, or wherever life takes you.
Scotiabank Rewards (Scotiabank’s former rewards program) and SCENE (Cineplex Entertainment’s loyalty program) merged to become Scene+. So far the merger seems to be a success, creating a loyalty rewards program that features a strong selection of redemption options, and lots of accelerated earning opportunities thanks in part to a powerful complement of Scotiabank credit and debit cards, which allow you to earn Scene+ Points on every purchase. Here's everything you need to know about maximizing your Scene+ rewards.
Top 3 Scene+ cards to earn Scene+ Points
Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card
Earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.
$0 Annual Fee
Good Recommended Credit Score
Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card
Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points.
$399 Annual Fee
Good Recommended Credit Score
$12,000 Required Annual Personal Income
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*
$150 Annual Fee
Excellent Recommended Credit Score
$60,000 Required Annual Personal Income
What is Scene+?
Scotiabank's Scene+ is a rewards program that's like finding money in your pocket every time you shop. Scene+ is all about turning your everyday spending into rewards you'll actually use. Whether you're a movie buff, a travel enthusiast, or just looking to save on your daily expenses, Scene+ has something for everyone.
How to join
Joining Scotiabank Scene+ is a breeze. Registering for Scene+ is as simple as filling out a basic sign-up form on the Scene+ website (sceneplus.ca/register). You will be directed to enter your email address and password.
Just download the Scene+ app and log in with your existing credentials. Once you're set up, link your Scotiabank products to your Scene+ account
Already have a Scene+ card from Cineplex?
If you've got an old Scene card from Cineplex, it's automatically part of Scene+
I was a member of the SCENE program and can say from personal experience that the transition was seamless and did not require me to do anything. If you earned Scotiabank Rewards but were not a SCENE member, a Scene+ account was created for you, and you should have received your new membership number via email. Your Scotiabank Rewards points transferred to your new Scene+ account at a rate of 1:1.
How to earn Scene+ points
There are four ways to earn Scene+ points:
- Welcome bonuses with eligible Scotiabank credit cards
- Bonus categories with eligible Scotiabank credit cards
- Everyday spending with an eligible Scotiabank debit or credit card
- Shopping through Scene+ partners including Cineplex, Best Buy and Expedia
Scene+ top tip: Points "don't" expire
Scene+ points don't expire as long as your account is active. Make at least one purchase every 12 months to keep those points fresh and ready for action.
The easiest way to quickly amass a whole bunch of Scene+ points is by signing up for a Scotiabank card and meeting the welcome bonus requirements:
| Card | Welcome bonus |
|---|---|
| Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card | Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points. |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express Card | Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points. |
| Scotiabank American Express Card | Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $50 towards travel). |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card | Earn up to $1,300* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points* |
| Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card | Earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months. |
Disclosures:
- Conditions Apply. *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.
There’s a wide variety of ways to earn Scene+ points, and the program also features some impressive limited-time offers, such as earning an extra 15x the points at select restaurants. One of the best benefits of a loyalty program like Scene+ is that its many associated debit and credit cards allow you to double dip/stack the points you earn. Here’s some top Scene credit cards that earn Scene+ points:
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card | $399 |
•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 •Earn 1x the Scene+ points on all other purchases |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express Card | $120 |
•Earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
•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. •Earn 1x the Scene+ points on all other purchases |
| Scotiabank American Express Card | $0 |
•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 •1x Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other purchases |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card | $150 |
•Earn 3x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more.
•2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend at other eligible grocery stores, on dining, entertainment and daily transit options •1x Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other purchases |
| Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card | $0 |
•Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more.
•2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca •2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com •1x Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases |
Here's how you can earn points in different categories and maximize your Scene+ rewards through your Scene credit card.
🛒Earning Scene+ Points through groceries
You can easily earn 2 points for every $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, IGA and other participating stores, as well as grocery delivery services such as Voila.
✈️Earning Scene+ Points with travel
If you're an avid traveller, you can earn 3 points per $1 spent on hotels and car rentals (*note that you don’t earn on flights) via the Scene+ Travel portal, which is powered by Expedia. Scene+ Travel also has great discounts on flights and stays, allowing you to save money on travel while earning reward points.
🛍️Earning Scene+ by shopping
If you link your Scene+ and Rakuten.ca (one of Canada’s best cash back apps for shopping) accounts you’ll earn Scene+ points (rather than cash back) from hundreds of retailers, such as Best Buy, Apple, Rakuten, Home Hardware and more. Scene+ members will also have access to special offers where they can earn up to 20% more points than non-Scene+ members. Earning potential depends on what the retailer is offering, but cash back earned will be converted to Scene+ points at a rate of $0.01 per point.
🎬Earning Scene+ with entertainment
You can earn 5 points for every $1 spent on movie, food, and drink purchases at Cineplex theatres across Canada. You will also earn 1 point per $1 spent at The Rec Room and Playdium.
🍔Earning Scene+ while dining
Earn 1 point for every $3 spent at participating restaurants, including Harvey’s, Swiss Chalet, East Side Mario’s, Montana’s, Milestones, Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse, and more.
🏦Earning with select Scotiabank accounts
You can earn points when you shop with a debit card connected to any of four Scotiabank accounts: the Preferred Package, Ultimate Package, Student Banking Advantage Plan, and the Getting There Savings Program for Youth. With those accounts you’ll earn 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent at Cineplex and 1 Scene+ point per $5 spent on everything else.
Read more and learn about special promotional offers: Best Scotiabank chequing accounts or best Scotiabank savings accounts.
What are Scene+ points worth?
Scotiabank Scene+ points redeem in increments of 100 points per $1, meaning Scene+ points are worth one cent each ($0.01/per point). This valuation applies to more than just statement credits, but also towards flights, hotels and other travel awards booked through the Scene+ travel portal, powered by Expedia. Below is a summary of all the different options to redeem your points and the overall Scene point redemption value.
Do Scotiabank Scene+ points expire?
No, Scene+ points never expire as long as your eligible card is open and in good-standing. If you don’t have any Scene+ activity in more than 24 months, your account may be closed. Scene+ does note however that they will warn you before they close your account.
"My best tip for Scene points is to go for the gift cards. That's because you spend 3000 points for $20 statement credit, but you can get more value for money by opting for gift cards from grocery chains, saving you even more money on your weekly shop"
Lubna Umar, Money.ca financial expert and Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite cardholder
How to redeem your Scene+ points
Not only does Scene+ offer lots of ways to earn points, it also has an impressive array of redemption opportunities.
The redemption process is very straightforward. To buy merchandise and gift cards, members simply go to the website, log in and tap on the Rewards tab and then select either Shopping or Gift Cards. For participating restaurants, members can redeem points in person or for drive-thru or take-out where applicable. Redeem points for Cineplex movie tickets online or in-person. To redeem points against a statement credit go to the Rewards tab and select “Points For Credit” and then just follow the prompts.
If you want to redeem points for travel you can access the dedicated Scene+ travel portal via the main Scene+ website. Tap “Rewards” and then hit the travel option and you’ll be given the option to redeem points for travel or apply points to a travel-related purchase you’ve already made with a Scotiabank credit card.
There are two ways to redeem Scene+ points for travel:
- 1.
Scene+ Travel portal, powered by Expedia. Book a flight, hotel, or rental car via the portal at a redemption rate of 100 points per $1 reward. A laudable feature of Scene+’s travel portal is that if you don’t have enough points, you can pay for your travel by using a mix of points and another method of payment.
- 2.
Apply Points to Travel. If you don’t want to use their proprietary travel portal, you can instead use a Scene+ Scotiabank credit or debit card to independently book an eligible travel product, like a flight, car rental, or hotel. You have 12 months from the date of the transaction to use your points to offset the purchase (including taxes) at a rate of 100 points for $1 in credit.
Currently there is a 5,000-point minimum ($50) required when redeeming points against independently booked travel, but the Scene+ website states that “the ability to use Scene+ points for a partial redemption of an eligible travel transaction is coming soon.”
Points can be redeemed for Cineplex movies, and in Scene+ it’s pretty much the only way you can get a redemption value of more than $0.01 per point.
So, how many Scene points do you need for a free movie ticket? You’ll need 1,250 Scene points for a General Admission or 3D movie ticket, 2,000 points for an enhanced movie ticket (UltraAVX, IMAX, Prime seats and D-Box), or 2,500 points for a VIP movie ticket.
It can be hard to pinpoint an exact point value for this redemption path, as movie prices vary across Canada. But on average, a standard movie tickets costs about $15.40 (with tax), meaning that you’d get a value of about $0.012 per redeemed point for General Admission. For enhanced movies, with a D-Box seat, you would normally pay approx. $23.45 with tax, giving a good point value of $0.017 each.
You can also redeem 500 points for $5 off food and drinks at Cineplex movie theatres or use 100 points for $1 off movie rentals or your Cineplex Store purchases. 500 points can also be redeemed for $5 off a variety of items at the Rec Room or Playdium.
Scene+ has a flat redemption rate of 500 points for $5 off at its partner restaurants, including Swiss Chalet, East Side Mario’s, Bier Markt, Fionn MacCool’s and more. When used at restaurants, points have a value of $0.01 each.
Redeem Scene+ points for gift cards with over 60 brands (like Amazon.ca, Canadian Tire, Gap, Walmart, and more) through the Scene+ website. For the majority of merchants, gift card redemptions start as low as 1,400 points for a $10 gift card, and go up to 64,000 points for a $500 gift card. Points have a value range of $0.0071–$0.0078 each if you go with this redemption option.
Shop for over 50,000 items via the Best Buy and Apple Store Scene+ catalogue. Examples include:
- iPhone 13 for 158,745 points (sells for $1,241.87 including taxes, for a value of $0.0078 per point)
- Apple watch SE 40mm for 53,300 points (sells for $484.77 including taxes, for a value of $0.009 per point)
- Dyson cyclone v10 animal cordless stick vacuum for 101,110 points (sells for $790.99 including taxes, for a value of $0.0078 per point)
After looking at a random sampling of other items, point values seem to range from $0.0067–$0.0087, for an average point value of $0.0077.
What’s nice about this redemption option is that if you don’t have enough points, you can pay as little as 20% of the item’s value plus taxes using points, and use any other payment method to cover the remaining 80%.
You can use your Scene+ points toward a statement credit (non-travel) with your Scotiabank debit card and credit card accounts. The redemption values are as follows:
- 3,000 Scene+ points = $20
- 4,500 Scene+ points = $30
- 7,500 Scene+ points = $50
- 11,000 Scene+ points = $75
- 14,500 Scene+ points = $100
- 21,500 Scene+ points = $150
- 43,000 Scene+ points = $300
- 71,500 Scene+ points = $500
With this redemption path the value you get for your points increases slightly as you redeem more, with values ranging from $0.0067–$0.0070.
Scene+ top tip: Mix and match to max rewards
Use different Scene+ cards for different purchases. The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is your go-to for groceries and dining, while the Scene+ Visa might be perfect for your everyday spending.
How to check the number of Scene+ points you have
To check how many Scene+ points are in your account visit sceneplus.ca or use the Scene+ app. It can take up to three days for points to post to your account.
Tips for Maximizing Your Scene+ Redemptions:
- 1.
Travel for the win: Generally, travel redemptions offer the best value per point.
- 2.
Stack those savings: Use your points for travel, then pay with your Scene+ card to earn more points on the taxes and fees.
- 3.
Keep an eye on promotions: Scene+ often runs redemption bonuses, especially for travel.
- 4.
Flex those points: Mix points and cash to make redemptions if you’re short on points.
- 5.
Think big: Save up for larger redemptions to potentially get better value.
Is Scene+ the best rewards program in Canada?
Let's see how Scene+ rewards stacks up against its competitors.
Like Scene+, the Amex Membership Rewards® Program also has varied redemption options, as well as credit cards (like the popular Amex Cobalt® card) that offer high earn rates and generous welcome bonuses.
Where Amex Membership Rewards® really outshine Scene+, however, is in the value of its travel rewards and its transfer partners. If you redeem points using its Fixed Points Travel Program, your points could be worth up to as much as $0.02 each, which is double what you can get with Scene+.
Furthermore, Amex lets you transfer points to six airline and two hotel partners, often at a value of 1:1, which gives you incredible flexibility and makes the program especially appealing to globetrotters. The one major drawback compared to Scene+, however, is that Amex credit cards have a lower degree of merchant acceptance in Canada than Visa (the processor for Scene+ cards), making it harder to amass points.
Key takeaways
- Scene+ shines for everyday Canadians with its no-fee card options and easy-to-understand rewards structure.
- Amex MR takes the cake for travel enthusiasts, offering valuable transfer partners for maximum point stretching.
- Movie buffs will love Scene+'s deep integration with Cineplex, turning movie nights into point-earning bonanzas.
- Amex caters to the jet-setting crowd with premium perks and higher-end card offerings.
- Scene+ cards often have lower income requirements, making them more accessible to a broader range of Canadians.
- Both programs offer unique entertainment perks, but Amex’s Experiences program might give it an edge for event-goers.
- Scene+ points are easier to earn across various Scotiabank products, including debit cards.
- Amex’s transfer partners can potentially squeeze more value out of your points, if you’re willing to put in the work.
- Both programs offer solid merchandise redemption options, but Scene+ often has better value for everyday items.
Read more: Best American Express credit cards
If you prefer to stick with Visa, note that RBC Rewards also has Scene+ beat when it comes to travel redemptions, provided you have an Avion credit card. Avion points are valued from $0.02–$0.0233 each if you redeem them for travel via RBC’s Air Travel Redemption Schedule.
Another great feature of the RBC Rewards program is that, unlike Scene+, you can convert points to other eligible loyalty programs like WestJet dollars and Hudson’s Bay Rewards. But while RBC Rewards does potentially offer far higher redemption value for travel, you can’t put RBC points toward independently booked travel expenses like you can with Scene+ (or Amex MR, for that matter), and RBC Avion credit cards tend to earn less points overall than the high-end Scotiabank Scene+ cards.
Key takeaways
- Scene+ is a scene-stealer for everyday Canadians with its no-fee card options and easy-to-understand rewards structure.
- Avion takes flight with its airline transfer partners, offering flexibility for travel hackers.
- Movie buffs will give Scene+ two thumbs up for its deep integration with Cineplex.
- Avion caters to the business crowd with its premium card offerings and travel perks.
- Scene+ cards often have lower income requirements, making them more accessible to a broader audience.
- Both programs offer unique entertainment perks, but Scene+'s Cineplex connection is hard to beat for film fanatics.
- Scene+ points are easier to earn across various Scotiabank products, including debit cards.
- Avion’s transfer partners can potentially offer more value, if you’re willing to play the points game.
- Both programs offer solid merchandise redemption options, but Scene+ often has better value for everyday items.
- When it comes to annual fees, Scene+ is generally easier on the wallet, especially for its premium card offerings.
Read more: Best RBC credit cards Canada
What's the best Scene+ credit card?
Best Scene+ card overall
up to 7,500 pts
Welcome Bonus
$351
First Year Value
$276
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months Expires Mar 02, 2025
Get this card if you...
-
are a student
-
want to collect SCENE points on everyday purchases
-
want a flexible rewards program
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card is a no-annual-fee credit card designed for individuals who spend less than $10,000 annually, including students and those seeking to redeem rewards frequently without significant spending. It offers Scene+ points on everyday purchases, with elevated rates at Cineplex theatres and select grocery stores, making it ideal for moviegoers and frequent shoppers at participating retailers.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Generous rewards with 2X points at Cineplex and grocery stores
-
Low redemption thresholds for various rewards
-
7,500 bonus Scene+ points as a sign-up bonus
-
Points don't expire
Cons
-
Limited earning potential for high spenders
-
Limited travel-related benefits compared to travel cards
-
Focus on entertainment and dining rewards may not suit all users
-
Limited sign-up bonus compared to cards with annual fees
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
2x
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.
To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank Scene+ Visa credit card account (“Account”) between November 1, 2024 and March 2, 2025.
To qualify for the 7,500 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 5,000 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 Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after the qualifying $250 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
2. An additional 5,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 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 5,000 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.
Our Take
The Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card is a no-annual-fee credit card designed for individuals who spend less than $10,000 annually, including students and those seeking to redeem rewards frequently without significant spending. It offers Scene+ points on everyday purchases, with elevated rates at Cineplex theatres and select grocery stores, making it ideal for moviegoers and frequent shoppers at participating retailers.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
-
No annual fee
-
Generous rewards with 2X points at Cineplex and grocery stores
-
Low redemption thresholds for various rewards
-
7,500 bonus Scene+ points as a sign-up bonus
-
Points don't expire
Cons
-
Limited earning potential for high spenders
-
Limited travel-related benefits compared to travel cards
-
Focus on entertainment and dining rewards may not suit all users
-
Limited sign-up bonus compared to cards with annual fees
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
2x
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.
To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank Scene+ Visa credit card account (“Account”) between November 1, 2024 and March 2, 2025.
To qualify for the 7,500 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 5,000 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 Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after the qualifying $250 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
2. An additional 5,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 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 5,000 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.
The Scotiabank Scene+ Visa Card is like the feel-good movie of credit cards - it's got something for everyone, doesn't cost much to enjoy, and leaves you with a smile on your face. Whether you're a movie buff, a savvy shopper, or just someone who likes getting more bang for their buck, this card is ready to roll out the red carpet for you!
Key features:
- No annual fee: It's like getting free refills on your rewards! Keep more money in your pocket while you rack up those Scene+ points.
- Easy earning: Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops, Freshco and more. Earn 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on Home Hardware, Home Building Center, Home Furniture locations in Canada and online at homehardware.ca., 2x Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend at Cineplex theatres or online at cineplex.com and 1x Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
- Cineplex perks: Earn 5x the points on Cineplex purchases. That's right, movie night just got five times more rewarding!
- Welcome bonus: Earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.
- Flexible redemptions: Use your points for movies, travel, dining, merchandise, and more. It's like having a buffet of rewards at your fingertips!
- Low income requirement: You don't need to be a Hollywood star to qualify. This card is accessible to a wide range of Canadians.
Disclosures:
- Conditions apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* 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.
Best Scene+ for travel
up to $1,300* value
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
Get this card if you...
-
travel often and want premium travel perks like lounge access
-
want to avoid paying foreign exchange fees
-
appreciate a good welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$150
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated Scene+ points on eligible grocery store purchases, dining, entertainment, and daily transit, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from no foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Scene+
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
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)
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Insurance Benefits
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,300 in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*.
Potential First Year Value = up to $1,345 |
Our Take
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated Scene+ points on eligible grocery store purchases, dining, entertainment, and daily transit, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from no foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Scene+
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
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)
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Insurance Benefits
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,300 in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*.
Potential First Year Value = up to $1,345 |
While the Passport Visa Infinite does come with a $150 annual fee, for frequent travelers, the perks can quickly outweigh the cost - and that starts with the sign-up bonus:
Earn up to $1,300 in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points*.
$300 in travel rewards (30,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months;
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $40,000 annually on your Account each year (12-months);
$50 supplementary card annual fee waiver on the first supplementary card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients;
$137 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average first year annual foreign spend per account (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by othercard issuers);
$399 in first year point earn potential (30,000 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account with an average spend of 20% in 2X accelerator categories;
$359 value with a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership that includes 6 lounge passes (based on ‘Preferential’ membership valued at approx. CAD$359/USD$259). Currency conversion as at October 25, 2024.
Potential First Year Value = up to $1,345
Key features:
- No foreign transaction fees: Say goodbye to that pesky 2.5% fee on foreign currency purchases. It's like finding extra cash in your suitcase every time you shop abroad!
- Airport lounge access: Enjoy 6 free visits per year to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ membership through Visa Airport Companion.
- Travel insurance: Travel with peace of mind knowing you're covered for trip cancellation/interruption, travel medical, flight delay, and more.
- Flexible redemptions: Use your Scene+ points for flights, hotels, car rentals, or even statement credits.
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.
Honorable mention
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 Expires Jul 01, 2025
Get this card if you...
-
want exclusive travel benefits like no foreign exchange fees
-
need comprehensive travel insurance benefits
-
want to access exclusive Amex offers
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a rewards credit card that offers accelerated earn rates on categories such as groceries, dining, and entertainment. It also provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance, making it suitable for both everyday spending and international use.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
-
Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
-
Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
-
Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
-
Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
-
Relatively low-value welcome bonus
-
$120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
-
Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points. To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card account (“Account”) opened between January 3, 2025 and July 1, 2025 |
Our Take
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a rewards credit card that offers accelerated earn rates on categories such as groceries, dining, and entertainment. It also provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance, making it suitable for both everyday spending and international use.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
-
Lots of daily spend options to earn multiplied point bonuses
-
Swanky Amex perks like Front of the Line presale concert tickets
-
Save on foreign transaction fees when abroad
-
Fantastic insurance coverage, especially for travel
Cons
-
Relatively low-value welcome bonus
-
$120 annual fee that chews into your point value substantially
-
Scene points redeem poorly for travel
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
$0
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
6x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshco, Foodland and more
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on dining, food delivery and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
5x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada eligible entertainment purposes. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshares, buses, subway, taxis and more
3x
Scene+ points for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$1,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points. To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card account (“Account”) opened between January 3, 2025 and July 1, 2025 |
If you're looking for a Scene+ credit card that's more blockbuster than B-movie, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is ready for its close-up. The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is a rewards powerhouse that'll make your wallet do a happy dance. For anyone who loves to dine, travel, and get more bang for their buck, the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card isn't just good – it's 24-karat awesome.
Key features:
- No foreign transaction fees: Like the Passport, the Gold Amex from Scotia charges no foreign transaction fees (saving you that pesky 2.5% on purchases abroad)
- Comprehensive insurance: It's like having a VIP pass to worry-free wanderlust!
- Welcome bonus: New cardholders often get a juicy welcome bonus. It's like finding an extra bag of popcorn at the movies!
Disclosures:
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.
Read more: Best Scotiabank credit cards
Pros and cons of Scene+
Pros
-
Lots of earning and redemption options
-
Solid point values for most redemption categories
-
Stack points earning opportunities by using Scotiabank credit or debit cards while shopping at Scene+ partner merchants
-
You don’t have to use the Scene+ travel portal for travel redemptions
Cons
-
Points rarely exceed a value of $0.01 each
-
Best redemption deals are for movie tickets
Is Scene+ worth it?
Aside from a few travel-related weaknesses, it’s clear that overall the Scene+ program has lots to offer even if you aren’t a moviegoer. It’s a flexible program with an impressive cast of redemption and earning partners, as well as respectable (if not jaw-droppingly high) point values in every redemption category. The program really has something that will appeal to everyone. That being said, those who spend more time in the air than on the ground probably have more to gain from other flyer-friendly rewards ecosystems
Scene+ selling point
Remember, Scene+ points are flexible. From travel to movies, merchandise to gift cards, you've got options.
FAQs about the Scene Rewards program
Sandra MacGregor has been writing about finance and travel for nearly a decade. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications like the New York Times, the UK Telegraph, the Washington Post, Forbes.com and the Toronto Star.
Scotiabank credit cards
Credit card rewards programs in Canada
Credit card rewards programs in Canada
Latest Articles
Disclaimer
The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.
†Terms and Conditions apply.