
The Scotiabank American Express Card seamlessly blends the robust earning power of the Scene+ program with the exclusive benefits of American Express. With a generous welcome offer to kickstart your points balance, and valuable perks like Amex Invites for presale ticket access, this card offers more than just points—it offers experiences.
It’s the smart, no-fee way to make your spending more rewarding and open doors to a world of entertainment and travel possibilities.
Benefits: Your No-Fee Path to Scene+ and Amex Perks
- $0 Annual Fee: This is the most compelling advantage! You gain access to the versatile Scene+ rewards program and the American Express network without paying any annual fee. This means every Scene+ point you earn directly contributes to your rewards without being offset by a yearly cost.
- Generous Welcome Offer: Start your Scene+ collection with a fantastic boost! New Cardmembers can often earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within the first few months. That’s up to $75 in value towards travel or other rewards!
- Accelerated Earning at Empire Grocery Stores (3X): Your grocery shopping has never been more rewarding! Earn an impressive 3 Scene+ points for every $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà by IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.
- Boosted Earnings on Everyday Categories (2X): Keep the points rolling in with 2 Scene+ points for every $1 spent on other eligible grocery stores, dining (restaurants, fast food, food delivery/subscriptions), entertainment (movies, theatre, ticket agencies), gas, daily transit (rideshares, buses, subway, taxis), and select streaming services.
- Solid Base Earn Rate (1X): For all other eligible purchases that don’t fall into the accelerated categories, you’ll still earn a reliable 1 Scene+ point for every $1 spent. This ensures every purchase helps grow your points balance.
- Flexible Scene+ Rewards Program: Your Scene+™ points are incredibly versatile! Redeem them for travel through Scene+ Travel (Powered by Expedia), movies at Cineplex, dining at partner restaurants, statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise from Apple and Best Buy.
- Access to American Express Invites: Get exclusive access to entertainment! As a Cardmember, you’ll often have access to presale tickets for concerts, theatre productions, and special events across Canada through Front Of The Line®, before they go on sale to the general public.
- Car Rental Discounts: Hit the road with savings. Enjoy discounts of up to 25% on base rates at participating Avis and Budget car rental locations in Canada and the U.S. when you pay with your card.
- No Cost for Supplementary Cards: Share the benefits and earn points faster by adding supplementary cards for family members to your account at no additional annual fee.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements for the Scotiabank® American Express® Card are designed to be accessible:
- Age of Majority: You must have reached the age of majority in your province or territory of residence.
- Canadian Resident: You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Minimum Annual Income: A minimum gross personal annual income of $12,000 is required.
- Good Credit Score: While not officially stated, a good credit score (typically 660 or higher) is generally recommended for approval.
- New Cardholder for Welcome Bonus: Welcome bonus offers are typically available only to new Scotiabank American Express Card account holders. Previous or existing Scotiabank personal credit cardholders (including those switching from other Scotiabank cards) may not be eligible for the welcome offer.
How to Apply: Your Steps to Scene+ Rewards
Applying for the Scotiabank American Express Card is a straightforward online process:
- Visit the Scotiabank Website: Go to the official Scotiabank Canada website.
- Review Card Details: Thoroughly read the card’s features, current welcome offer, Scene+ earn rates, insurance, and other terms.
- Click “Apply Now”: Start the secure online application.
- Provide Your Information: Fill out the application form with your personal details (name, date of birth, address, SIN, contact info) and financial information (employment, income).
- Consent to a Credit Check: You must agree to allow Scotiabank to perform a credit check.
- Review and Submit: Carefully check all entered information for accuracy before submitting.
- Await a Decision: You may receive an instant online decision, or it could take a few business days. Scotiabank will notify you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How much are Scene+ points worth?
Generally, 100 Scene+ points = $1 for travel, groceries at participating stores, and movies. - Does this card include any travel insurance?
No, the no-fee Scotiabank American Express Card does not typically include travel medical or trip cancellation/interruption insurance. - Is American Express widely accepted in Canada?
American Express acceptance has grown significantly and is common at most national retailers, grocery stores (especially Sobeys and its banners), gas stations, and restaurants. However, some smaller independent businesses may only accept Visa or Mastercard. - Can I use this card at Costco?
No, Costco warehouses in Canada only accept Mastercard.