Best credit cards for millennials

Millennials are one of the groups most likely to enjoy access to impressive travel perks and generous welcome bonuses with their credit cards.

The best credit cards for millennials are well-suited to this generation's lifestyle, as well as offer rewards and bonuses that you'll actually use.

Let’s be real: financial advice for Boomers isn’t always helpful for finding the best credit card to fit a millennial's lifestyle. Money may be tight. You may still be a student, paying off student loans. You may not be earning the highest salary (yet). And even though you’re sticking to a budget, you may still want to travel and live it up a little — as long as your rent and groceries are paid first, of course.

With these considerations in mind, we set out to find the best Canadian credit cards for millennials and narrowed the list down to our top four best credit cards. 

Best credit cards for millennials in Canada

Best credit card for millennials in the cash back category

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Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card

3.8

$484

First Year Value

$384

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get a bonus 10% cash back for the first 2 months – up to $100. Plus, a 1.95% promotional balance transfer interest rate for the first 6 months.

Learn More

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Get this card if you...

• want flexible cash back categories
• want unlimited cash back
• want to avoid paying an annual fee

Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates

$0

Annual Fee

19.95% - 24.95%

Purchase

19.95%

Cash Advance

1.95% - 19.95%

Balance Transfer

• Overview

  Our Take

  The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a no-annual-fee cash back card that allows cardholders to earn a higher cash back rate in two spending categories of their choice, such as groceries, gas, or restaurants, and a lower rate on all other purchases. By opening a Tangerine Savings Account and directing cash back earnings there, a third higher rate cash back category can be added. Additional benefits include purchase assurance and extended warranty protection, with cash back rewards automatically applied monthly.

  Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card Review

  Eligibility

  Good (620 - 670)

  Recommended Credit Score

  $12,000

  Required Annual Personal Income

• Pros & Cons

  Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
  • Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
  • Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
  • Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
  • 1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*

  Cons

  • Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
  • Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
  • Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
  • Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
• Rates & Fees

  Annual Interest Rates

  19.95% - 24.95%

  Purchase

  19.95%

  Cash Advance

  1.95% - 19.95%

  Balance Transfer

  1.95%

  Balance Transfer (Introductory)

  24.95%

  Penalty

  Fees

  $0

  Annual Fee

  $2.5

  Foreign Transaction

  3.00%

  Balance Transfer

  $3.5

  Cash Advance

  $25

  Over The Limit Penalty

  $25

  Return Penalty

• Rewards & Benefits

  Rewards cash back

  2%

  Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)

  3

  Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.

  0.5%

  Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.

• Offer Details

  Get a bonus 10% cash back – up to $100. Applies to purchases in your first 2 months. Plus, a 1.95% promotional balance transfer interest rate for the first 6 months.

  The Tangerine 10% Limited-time Promotional Offer (the “Offer”) is only available to new Tangerine Credit Card Account holders who (i) apply for a Tangerine World Credit Card (the “Account”) by January 31, 2025, (ii) activate their Account within 45 days of approval, and (iii) have up to a maximum of $1,000 in total Net Purchases posted to their Account within the 60-day period beginning on the date the Tangerine World Credit Card is activated. Limit of one Offer per eligible Client. This Offer is non-transferable. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time. All other Account terms, including the Tangerine Money-Back Rewards program terms, remain unchanged and continue to apply. See the Tangerine Credit Card Cardholder Agreement for more details, including definitions of any capitalized terms.

Our Take

The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a no-annual-fee cash back card that allows cardholders to earn a higher cash back rate in two spending categories of their choice, such as groceries, gas, or restaurants, and a lower rate on all other purchases. By opening a Tangerine Savings Account and directing cash back earnings there, a third higher rate cash back category can be added. Additional benefits include purchase assurance and extended warranty protection, with cash back rewards automatically applied monthly.

Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card Review

Eligibility

Good (620 - 670)

Recommended Credit Score

$12,000

Required Annual Personal Income

Pros

• No annual fee
• Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
• Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
• Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
• Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
• 1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*

Cons

• Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
• Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
• Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
• Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches

Annual Interest Rates

19.95% - 24.95%

Purchase

19.95%

Cash Advance

1.95% - 19.95%

Balance Transfer

1.95%

Balance Transfer (Introductory)

24.95%

Penalty

Fees

$0

Annual Fee

$2.5

Foreign Transaction

3.00%

Balance Transfer

$3.5

Cash Advance

$25

Over The Limit Penalty

$25

Return Penalty

Rewards cash back

2%

Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)

3

Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.

0.5%

Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.

Get a bonus 10% cash back – up to $100. Applies to purchases in your first 2 months. Plus, a 1.95% promotional balance transfer interest rate for the first 6 months.

The Tangerine 10% Limited-time Promotional Offer (the “Offer”) is only available to new Tangerine Credit Card Account holders who (i) apply for a Tangerine World Credit Card (the “Account”) by January 31, 2025, (ii) activate their Account within 45 days of approval, and (iii) have up to a maximum of $1,000 in total Net Purchases posted to their Account within the 60-day period beginning on the date the Tangerine World Credit Card is activated. Limit of one Offer per eligible Client. This Offer is non-transferable. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time. All other Account terms, including the Tangerine Money-Back Rewards program terms, remain unchanged and continue to apply. See the Tangerine Credit Card Cardholder Agreement for more details, including definitions of any capitalized terms.

Nothing is as flexible as cash in your hand. Until recently, cash-back credit cards weren’t offering the right mix of good reimbursement rates, eligible spend categories, and low (or no) annual fees. It seems that the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card has finally hit the sweet spot with these perks. Earn 2% Money-Back Rewards on your purchases in up to 3 categories of your choice, and 0.5% Money-Back Rewards on all other purchases.

If that’s not enticing enough, there’s an awesome promotion right now. There’s some easy money to be made just by signing up and it won’t cost you a thing!

• Additional benefits: Automatic, monthly reimbursement to your credit card balance or savings account; unlimited cash back
  
• Welcome offer: New cardholders get a bonus 10% cash back for the first 2 months – up to $100. Offer ends Jan. 31, 2025
  

The fact is, you can use cash for anything you need and this flexibility along with decent reimbursement rates is why it tops this list. There are no restrictions or complicated rules to follow. It’s just money back in your pocket—and it doesn’t cost you a thing.

*Terms and conditions apply

Best credit card for millennials that love to travel

Learn More Apply Now On Scotiabank's Secure Site

Scotiabank Gold American Express®

4.8

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

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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

• Overview

  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.

  Scotiabank Gold American Express® Review

  Eligibility

  Very Good (671 - 739)

  Recommended Credit Score

• Pros & Cons

  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
• Rates & Fees

  Annual Interest Rates

  20.99%

  Purchase

  22.99%

  Cash Advance

  22.99%

  Balance Transfer

  Fees

  $120

  Annual Fee

  $0

  Foreign Transaction

• Rewards & Benefits

  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

• Offer Details

  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 To qualify for the 40,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: 1. Earn 20,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $2,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. 2. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $7,500 in everyday eligible purchases in your first year. Once you qualify, your account will be credited in 2 instalments: 1. 20,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after the qualifying $2,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening. 2. An additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after you have met the $7,500 annual spend threshold in your Account in your first year. 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 20,000 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.

  
  
  

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.

Scotiabank Gold American Express® Review

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 To qualify for the 40,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: 1. Earn 20,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $2,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months. 2. Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $7,500 in everyday eligible purchases in your first year. Once you qualify, your account will be credited in 2 instalments: 1. 20,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after the qualifying $2,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening. 2. An additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after you have met the $7,500 annual spend threshold in your Account in your first year. 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 20,000 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.

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card has some serious points-earning potential that can be put towards your next trip. Earn 6x Scene+ points on every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on all eligible purchases¹ at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.

Earn 5X the Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on other eligible grocery stores, restaurants, fast food, and drinking establishments (including food delivery and food subscription services), as well as on eligible entertainment purchases (movies, theatre, and ticket agencies). Plus, you’ll get 3X the Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible gas, daily transit, and eligible select streaming purchases.

The annual fee is a bit steep, which is a bit of a bummer. This card is a winner in our books, as it provides amazing benefits, such as no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive travel insurance, and Amex Front Of the Line® access. Plus, for a limited time, this card has an incredible welcome bonus for new cardholders.

What’s also exceptional about this credit card is the flexibility in rewards redemption. All you have to do is log in to the system and select the “Apply Points to Travel” option. Then just use your accumulated points to offset any travel costs (flights, rental cars, hotels, etc.) charged to your credit card. It’s that easy – no black-out periods or annoying restrictions. It’s no wonder the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is often ranked as the best travel credit card in Canada.

• Welcome bonus: Earn up to $780* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points..
• Other perks: No foreign transaction fees, comprehensive travel insurance, Amex Front of the Line® 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.

Best credit card for a millennial's lifestyle and rewards

Learn More Apply Now On BMO's Secure Site

BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card

3.9

up to 60K pts

Welcome Bonus

$762.4

First Year Value

$262.4

Annual Value

Welcome Bonus: Get up to 60,000 points worth $400 in travel rewards, a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year - that's a $570 value in your first anniversary!*

Learn More Apply Now On BMO's Secure Site

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Get this card if you...

• want to maximize rewards on everyday spending
• want travel insurance and exclusive Visa Infinite perks
• value a generous welcome offer

Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates

$120

Annual Fee

20.99%

Purchase

23.99%

Cash Advance

23.99%

Balance Transfer

• Overview

  Our Take

  The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card is a rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on categories such as groceries, dining, gas, and transit. It offers flexible redemption options through the BMO Rewards program and includes additional benefits like a lifestyle credit and various insurance coverages.

  BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card Review

  Eligibility

  Very Good (671 - 739)

  Recommended Credit Score

  $60,000

  Required Annual Personal Income

  $100,000

  Required Annual Household Income

• Pros & Cons

  Pros

  • Excellent welcome offer: Get up to 60,000 points and a $50 lifestyle credit
  • Good earn rate in top spending categories
  • First year annual fee waiver* (Value: $120)
  • Includes new mobile device insurance: Up to $1,000 in coverage**
  • Annual $50 lifestyle credit to spend however you like*
  • Includes comprehensive travel insurance
  • Access to exclusive Visa Infinite benefits

  Cons

  • High minimum annual income: Minimum $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household)
  • Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage
• Rates & Fees

  Annual Interest Rates

  20.99%

  Purchase

  23.99%

  Cash Advance

  23.99%

  Balance Transfer

  Fees

  $120

  Annual Fee

• Rewards & Benefits

  Rewards BMO Rewards

  5x

  Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining in and out and transit.*

  10%

  Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*

  $50

  Get a $50 annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want*

  Insurance Benefits

  $1,000

  Mobile device insurance amount

  $500,000

  Travel accident insurance amount

  $65,000

  Rental car insurance amount

• Offer Details
  Get up to 60,000 points worth $400 in travel rewards, a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year - that's a $570 value in your first anniversary!*
  
  

  • 30,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, and 2,500 points for each subsequent month in which you make at least $2,000 in purchases on your card, for 12 months.

Our Take

The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card is a rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on categories such as groceries, dining, gas, and transit. It offers flexible redemption options through the BMO Rewards program and includes additional benefits like a lifestyle credit and various insurance coverages.

BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card Review

Eligibility

Very Good (671 - 739)

Recommended Credit Score

$60,000

Required Annual Personal Income

$100,000

Required Annual Household Income

Pros

• Excellent welcome offer: Get up to 60,000 points and a $50 lifestyle credit
• Good earn rate in top spending categories
• First year annual fee waiver* (Value: $120)
• Includes new mobile device insurance: Up to $1,000 in coverage**
• Annual $50 lifestyle credit to spend however you like*
• Includes comprehensive travel insurance
• Access to exclusive Visa Infinite benefits

Cons

• High minimum annual income: Minimum $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household)
• Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage

Annual Interest Rates

20.99%

Purchase

23.99%

Cash Advance

23.99%

Balance Transfer

Fees

$120

Annual Fee

Rewards BMO Rewards

5x

Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining in and out and transit.*

10%

Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*

$50

Get a $50 annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want*

Insurance Benefits

$1,000

Mobile device insurance amount

$500,000

Travel accident insurance amount

$65,000

Rental car insurance amount

Get up to 60,000 points worth $400 in travel rewards, a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year - that's a $570 value in your first anniversary!*

• 30,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, and 2,500 points for each subsequent month in which you make at least $2,000 in purchases on your card, for 12 months.

If you’re looking for a credit card that gets you valuable and flexible rewards that fit your urbanite lifestyle, consider the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card. Earn 5 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent in essential categories like travel, dining, gas, groceries, and pharmacy*. This bonus applies up to an annual threshold of $50,000. Earn 1 BMO Rewards point per $1 spent in these categories after that threshold as been met. Other purchases will earn 1 BMO Rewards point per $1 spent*.

BMO Rewards points are simple to redeem—just visit BmoRewards.com—and can be applied towards travel at a rate of 150 points per dollar. Alternatively, you can redeem your BMO Rewards for merchandise or gift cards, or use the Pay with Points program to apply your points to purchases made on your card. You can even deposit their value into a BMO investment account. That said, the value per point is lower than travel redemptions.

This is a good card for people who like to treat themselves. 

With Visa Infinite* perks that gain you access to special dining and wine events, we bet you can find something to splash out on. You’ll also automatically receive perks at luxury hotels and have access to the Visa Infinite complimentary concierge. Take note of the included comprehensive travel insurance and the new mobile device coverage of up to $1,000*.

• Welcome offer: 50,000 points when you spend $6,000 in the first 3 months, plus 30,000 points when you spend at least $30,000 in the first 6 months. Receive an additional 40,000 points when you spend at least $75,000 in the first year.
• Other perks: Travel insurance*, new mobile device insurance*, annual $50 “lifestyle credit”*, Visa Infinite perks*
  
• *Terms and conditions apply.
  
  BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
  
  

Best credit card for millennials who want entertainment perks

Learn More Apply Now On Scotiabank's Secure Site

Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card

3.0

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

Learn More Apply Now On Scotiabank's Secure Site

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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

• Overview

  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.

  Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card Review

  Eligibility

  Good (620 - 670)

  Recommended Credit Score

• Pros & Cons

  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
• Rates & Fees

  Annual Interest Rates

  20.99%

  Purchase

  22.99%

  Cash Advance

  22.99%

  Balance Transfer

  Fees

  $0

  Annual Fee

  $2.5

  Foreign Transaction

• Rewards & Benefits

  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

• Offer Details

  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.

Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card Review

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.

There are a lot of credit cards aimed at students, but what they all typically offer is a quick way to get into debt. Even if you’re at the beginning of your credit history, it’s possible to make your spending work for you—and that’s what the Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card excels at the most.

A high earn rate and redemption ease make this a really attractive option for those who enjoy movies, shopping, and restaurants.

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. Get 1x Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases.

The redemption rate is super-low (starting at 1,000 points), which means you can basically use this card for everyday purchases and skim the points for things that make you happy—like movies and meals. Best yet? The points never expire.

• Welcome bonus: Earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.
• 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.
  
  

The bottom line

Despite what the media might have you believe, millennials aren’t a monolith. There’s a wide age spread included in this group, from folks just applying to university to those learning how to save money for retirement. Some of you may be saving to travel the world, while others might be buying your first home. Whatever your millennial money goals are, it’s much easier to achieve them when you’ve got the right plastic in your wallet.

Millennial credit cards FAQ

Keph Senett Author

Keph Senett Author

Keph Senett is a Canadian freelance writer whose areas of expertise include personal finance, travel and sports. When not writing, she spends her free time trying to figure out how to qualify for a soccer squad in Asia, Australia, or Antarctica.

Cory Santos Finance editor

Cory Santos Finance editor

Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk.

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