Scotiabank Gold American Express review: how to apply
Learn about fees, benefits, and application requirements
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is a rewards credit card for Canadians who want to earn points on everyday purchases while also getting travel-related features, such as travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees.
Its rewards are designed around common spending categories such as groceries, dining, entertainment, gas and transit, and it includes benefits linked to the American Express network.
Below is an overview of how this card works, who it may suit and what to consider before applying.
Who is the Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card for?
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card may suit people who spend regularly on groceries, dining and entertainment and prefer earning Scene+ points, especially if they shop at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo or Foodland.
It can also be useful for people who travel occasionally and want travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees and the option to redeem points for travel.
The card is aimed at people who are comfortable paying a $120 annual fee in exchange for higher earn rates in specific categories and added travel and lifestyle services.
Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card benefits
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card includes a range of benefits focused on earning rewards and travelling.
Scene+ points
Cardholders earn Scene+ points on eligible purchases:
- 6 points per $1 spent in Canada at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and other participating grocery stores;
- 5 points per $1 spent in Canada on dining, entertainment and other eligible grocery store purchases;
- 3 points per $1 spent in Canada on eligible gas, daily transit and select streaming services;
- 1 point per $1 on everything else.
The accelerated earn rates apply up to an annual spending threshold. After that, purchases earn 1 point per $1.
You can redeem points for travel booked anywhere, anytime, with no travel restrictions, and for other rewards available in the Scene+ program.
Travel and purchase insurance
The card includes travel insurance, such as emergency medical, trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight delay and delayed or lost baggage coverage. It also includes Mobile Device Insurance for new phones and tablets purchased with the card.
Coverage limits, exclusions and conditions apply and should be reviewed in the Certificate of Insurance.
No foreign transaction fees
The card doesn’t charge the 2.5% foreign transaction fee that many Canadian credit cards apply to purchases in other currencies. The exchange rate still applies.
Exclusive access
Cardholders can access American Express Front Of The Line® benefits, which may include presale tickets and access to select events, subject to availability and program terms.
The card also includes a concierge service and a discounted Priority Pass™ membership for airport lounges. Lounge visits themselves aren’t included.
Credit card limit
The credit limit for the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is set individually, with a minimum of $5,000.
Scotiabank reviews factors such as credit history, income and overall financial profile during the application process, and approved limits may be adjusted over time.
Scotiabank Gold American Express: fees and rates
Annual fee
The annual fee is $120 for the primary card and $29 for each supplementary card.
Interest rates
The interest rate is 21.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances, including balance transfers and cash-like transactions. Interest applies when balances aren’t paid in full by the due date, and from the transaction date on cash advances.
Other fees
There’s no foreign transaction fee. Other fees, such as for over-limit usage, may apply as outlined in the cardholder agreement.
Fees and rates checked on September 22, 2026, against the official Scotiabank website. Confirm current terms on the Scotiabank website before applying.
How to apply?
You can apply for the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card online through Scotiabank’s official website. If you already bank with Scotiabank and use online banking, you can sign in to start your application. If you’re not a client, you can start a new application online.
If you arrived in Canada in the past three years, Scotiabank asks you to apply at a branch.
To apply, you must be a Canadian resident, have reached the age of majority in your province or territory and not have declared bankruptcy in the past seven years. You’ll need to provide personal and financial information for Scotiabank’s credit assessment, and approval and credit limits are subject to its review.
Our opinion about the Scotiabank Gold American Express
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card may appeal to people who want to earn Scene+ points on everyday spending and take advantage of travel-related features.
Its 6x and 5x earn rates can be useful if you spend regularly at participating grocery stores, on dining and on entertainment, while the lack of foreign transaction fees can benefit cardholders who travel or shop in other currencies.
At the same time, the $120 annual fee and the 21.99% interest rate should be weighed carefully, especially if you don’t plan to use the higher-earning categories or travel benefits. Keep in mind that American Express isn’t accepted everywhere Visa or Mastercard are.
Reviewing your spending habits and the full cost of the card can help you decide whether it fits your financial needs.
Click the button below to be redirected to the official Scotiabank website to apply for the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card.
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Legal Disclaimer: This website is independent and purely informational, and its content does not constitute financial advice. Finvyu is not affiliated with Scotiabank or American Express. We do not guarantee credit approval or card issuance, which are subject solely to the risk analysis of The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank). Finvyu Editorial Team.
