Scotiabank American Express Card review: how to apply
Travel with confidence enjoy insurance, purchase protection, and more perks
The Scotiabank American Express Card is designed for Canadians who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases without paying an annual fee.
The card earns Scene+ points on routine spending, especially groceries, dining, entertainment, gas and transit, and you can use those points for travel and other rewards in the Scene+ program.
It focuses on everyday use rather than premium travel features, so it’s an option for people who want a simple rewards card with access to American Express benefits.
Scotiabank American Express credit card benefits
The Scotiabank American Express Card includes benefits aimed at people who want rewards on common expenses and access to American Express experiences.
Below is an overview of its main features.
Rewards program
Earn rate
Cardholders earn Scene+ points on eligible purchases:
- 3 points per $1 at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and other participating grocery stores;
- 2 points per $1 on dining, entertainment, gas, daily transit, select streaming services and other eligible grocery store purchases;
- 1 point per $1 on every other purchase.
Redemption options
You can redeem Scene+ points for travel booked anywhere, anytime, with no travel restrictions. For example, Scotiabank says 10,000 points are worth up to $100 towards travel.
Points can also be redeemed for other rewards available in the Scene+ program, at sceneplus.ca or through the Scene+ app.
Travel and foreign purchases
Travel insurance
This card doesn’t include travel insurance. If travel coverage matters to you, Scotiabank’s Gold and Platinum American Express Cards include it, but both have an annual fee.
Foreign currency transactions
Purchases made in currencies other than Canadian dollars are subject to a 2.5% foreign currency conversion fee.
American Express exclusives
Front Of The Line® access
Cardholders can access American Express Front Of The Line® benefits, which may include presale tickets and access to select events, subject to availability.
Shell offer
You can link your card to your Shell Go+ account to get up to 10¢ per litre in value on fuel at Shell stations across Canada.
Complimentary supplementary cards
Supplementary cards can be added to the account at no cost, and their purchases earn Scene+ points under the same rewards program.
Mobile Device Insurance
New cell phones, smartphones and tablets purchased with the card are covered by Mobile Device Insurance, subject to the terms, limits and exclusions in the Certificate of Insurance.
Security features
Scotiabank’s zero liability policy protects you against unauthorized transactions on your card, subject to its terms. You can also add the card to your mobile wallet to pay with your phone.
Convenience and flexibility
Online management
You can manage your account through Scotiabank’s online and mobile banking, including viewing transactions and making payments.
Customer service
To activate your card, call 1-800-806-8600 or activate it online. To report a lost or stolen card, call 1-800-472-6842.
Credit card limit
The credit limit on the Scotiabank American Express Card is set individually for each applicant, with a minimum of $1,000.
Scotiabank reviews factors such as credit history, income and overall financial profile to set the approved limit.
Scotiabank American Express: fees and rates
- Annual fee: $0;
- Supplementary cards: $0;
- Interest rate on purchases: 21.99%;
- Interest rate on cash advances: 22.99%;
- Foreign currency conversion fee: 2.5%.
Other fees, such as over-limit charges, may apply according to 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 American Express Card online through Scotiabank’s official website. If you’re already a Scotiabank client with online banking, you can sign in to start your application. If you’re not, 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. A minimum personal income of $12,000 applies. Approval and credit limits are subject to Scotiabank’s review.
Is it worth applying for the Scotiabank American Express credit card?
The Scotiabank American Express Card may suit people who want to earn Scene+ points on everyday purchases without paying an annual fee.
It can be especially useful if you shop at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo or Foodland and spend regularly on dining, entertainment, gas and transit.
However, it doesn’t include travel insurance, and it charges a 2.5% fee on foreign currency purchases. Interest rates of 21.99% and higher also make it a poor fit if you carry a balance from month to month.
Click the button below to be redirected to the official Scotiabank website to apply for the Scotiabank American Express Card.
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Disclaimer: This site is independent and strictly informational, and its content does not constitute financial advice. Finvyu is not affiliated with Scotiabank or American Express. We do not guarantee credit card approval, which is solely subject to a credit check and risk analysis by the issuing bank (Scotiabank). Finvyu Editorial Team.
