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Scotiabank Gold American Express Card Review

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is your golden ticket to a world where your loyalty is generously rewarded. 

Scotiabank Gold American Express
Source: Scotiabank Gold American Express

Prepare to elevate your spending into an art form with the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, a premium card designed for those who seek exceptional rewards and unparalleled travel benefits. This card isn’t just about earning points; it’s about unlocking a suite of privileges that enhance your lifestyle, from comprehensive travel insurance coverage to exclusive American Express experiences.

Ways to Benefit: Your Gateway to Gold-Standard Perks!

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is renowned for its robust suite of benefits, particularly catering to avid travellers and those who want to maximize rewards on everyday spending.

  1. No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a standout feature! Save 2.5% on every purchase you make in a foreign currency, whether you’re travelling abroad or shopping online from international retailers.
  2. Accelerated Scene+ Points Earning: Earn Scene+ points at an impressive rate! Get 6X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent in Canada at eligible Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, and more. 
  3. High Earn Rates on Dining and Entertainment: Your nights out and leisure activities become even more rewarding! Earn 5X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible restaurant, food delivery, and entertainment purchases, including movies and theatre. 
  4. Boosted Points on Streaming & Transit: Stay entertained and commute with rewards! Earn 3X Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible select streaming service subscriptions and on eligible gas and daily transit purchases, including rideshares, buses, and subways.
  5. Comprehensive Travel Insurance Package: Travel with exceptional peace of mind. This card includes a suite of travel insurance, typically featuring Travel Emergency Medical Insurance, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Flight Delay Insurance, and Lost or Delayed Baggage Insurance.
  6. American Express Experiences (Amex Invites/Front Of The Line): Gain access to exclusive perks that come with the American Express network, such as presale tickets to concerts, theatre productions, and special events, as well as unique dining experiences.
  7. Discounted Priority Pass Membership: While not always free access, cardholders often receive a discount on Priority Pass membership, giving you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide for a per-visit fee.
  8. Concierge Service: Benefit from 24/7 concierge service to help with travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, gift purchases, and more. It’s like having a personal assistant at your fingertips.
Scotiabank Gold American Express
Source: Scotiabank Gold American Express

Who Can Apply: Eligibility for Gold Tier

To be eligible for the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, applicants generally need to meet the following criteria:

  • Age of Majority: You must have reached the age of majority in your Canadian province or territory of residence.
  • Canadian Resident: You must be a permanent Canadian resident.
  • Minimum Annual Income: A relatively accessible minimum personal annual income of $12,000 is typically required. This makes the card attainable for a broader range of applicants compared to many other premium cards.
  • Good Credit Score: While Scotiabank doesn’t publicly state a specific minimum, a good to excellent credit score is generally needed for approval. Third-party reviewers often suggest a score of 700-725 or higher is recommended. Scotiabank will perform a credit check as part of the application process.
  • Not Undischarged Bankrupt: You should be clear of any bankruptcies that have not been discharged.
  • New Cardholder for Welcome Bonus: To be eligible for certain welcome bonus offers, you typically cannot be a current or previous primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card within the past 2 years (including switches from existing Scotiabank cards). Scotiabank employees may also be excluded from some offers.

Meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval, as Scotiabank will assess your overall creditworthiness and financial situation.

How to Apply: Your Path to Premium Rewards

Applying for the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is a straightforward process, primarily done online:

  1. Visit the Scotiabank Website: Navigate to the official Scotiabank Canada website.
  2. Find the Credit Card Section: Go to the “Credit Cards” section and look for “Travel & Lifestyle Cards” or specifically search for the “Scotiabank Gold American Express Card.”
  3. Review Card Details: Thoroughly read through all the card’s features, Scene+ point earn rates, redemption options, travel benefits, insurance coverage, current welcome offers, the annual fee ($120), and other fees and interest rates to ensure it aligns with your needs.
  4. Click “Apply Now”: Once you’re ready, click the “Apply Now” button to begin the secure online application.
  5. Provide Personal Information: You will need to fill out the application form with your personal details.
  6. Consent to Credit Check: As part of the application process, you must provide your consent for Scotiabank to perform a credit check.
  7. Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information you have entered for accuracy before submitting the application.
  8. Await Decision: After submission, Scotiabank will process your application. You may receive an instant decision online, or it could take a few business days for a more detailed review. Scotiabank will notify you of their decision.
  9. Receive and Activate Your Card: If approved, your new Scotiabank Gold American Express Card will be mailed to you. Upon receipt, you will need to activate it according to the provided instructions before you can start enjoying its many benefits.

You may also have the option to apply by phone or by visiting a Scotiabank branch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card:

  1. What is the annual fee for this card?
    The annual fee for the primary cardholder is $120. A fee of $29 typically applies for each supplementary card.
  2. Is there a cap on the points I can earn at accelerated rates?
    Yes, the accelerated earn rates (6X, 5X, 3X) apply to a combined total of $50,000 in purchases annually across these categories. After that, you earn 1 point per $1.
  3. How can I redeem my Scene+ points?
    Scene+ points can be redeemed for travel (through Scene+ Travel or by applying points to any travel purchase), statement credits, movies, dining, merchandise (Apple, Best Buy), gift cards, and groceries at participating stores.
  4. What is the value of a Scene+ point?
    Generally, 1 Scene+ point is worth 1 cent when redeemed for travel, or for $10 off for every 1,000 points at participating grocery stores or for statement credits.

A credit card expert, she utilizes her expertise to create informative content on credit cards, empowering others with financial knowledge.