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Scotiabank Gold American Express Card Review 

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, a premium card designed for Canadians who seek exceptional rewards and unparalleled travel benefits.

Scotiabank Gold American Express
Source: Scotiabank Gold American Express

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is your golden ticket to a world where your loyalty is generously rewarded. With its impressive points accelerators, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your Scene+ points accumulate, ready to be redeemed for travel, movies, dining, merchandise, or even statement credits. 

Benefits: Your Gateway to Gold-Standard Perks

  1. No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a standout feature that saves you real money! You will save the typical 2.5% fee on every single purchase you make in a foreign currency.
  2. Exceptional 6X Points at Empire Grocery Stores: Your grocery shopping becomes incredibly rewarding! You will earn a massive 6 Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent in Canada at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, and other eligible Empire banner grocery stores. 
  3. High 5X Earn Rates on Dining and Entertainment: Your lifestyle spending has never been more valuable! You will earn an impressive 5 Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on other eligible grocery stores, all restaurant and dining purchases (including food delivery), and on entertainment, which includes movies, theatre, and ticket agencies.
  4. Boosted 3X Points on Gas, Transit & Streaming: Your daily commute and digital life also earn you more! You get 3 Scene+ points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible gas station purchases, daily transit (including rideshares, buses, and subways), and on select popular streaming service subscriptions.
  5. Generous Welcome Offer: Start your Scene+ journey with a significant advantage! New cardholders can earn up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points (worth $750 in travel). This bonus is typically tiered, with an initial 20,000 points for meeting a spending threshold in the first 3 months, and an additional 20,000 points for meeting a higher threshold within the first year.
  6. Comprehensive Travel Insurance Package: Travel with ultimate peace of mind. This card includes a full suite of travel insurance, featuring Travel Emergency Medical Insurance (up to $1 million for 25 days if under 65), Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance (up to $1,500 per person), Flight Delay Insurance, and comprehensive Lost or Delayed Baggage Insurance.
  7. American Express Invites (Front Of The Line): Gain access to exclusive entertainment perks! As a Cardmember, you get access to presale tickets for concerts, theatre productions, and special events across Canada, as well as unique curated dining experiences. It’s your ticket to being first in line.
  8. Flexible Scene+ Points Redemption: Your Scene+ points are incredibly versatile. Redeem them for travel through Scene+ Travel (powered by Expedia), movies, dining, merchandise from partners like Apple and Best Buy, gift cards, or even for statement credits on your Scotiabank account.
  9. Concierge Services: Enjoy the convenience of 24/7 concierge services. They can assist with everything from making hard-to-get dinner reservations to planning travel itineraries, acting as your personal assistant.
Scotiabank Gold American Express
Source: Scotiabank Gold American Express

Who Can Apply: Eligibility for Gold Tier

The eligibility requirements for the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card are designed to be accessible:

  • 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 Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Minimum Annual Income: A minimum gross personal annual income of $12,000 is required.
  • 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 or higher is recommended.
  • New Cardholder for Welcome Bonus: Welcome bonus offers are typically available only to new Scotiabank Gold American Express Card account holders. Previous or existing Scotiabank personal credit cardholders might not be eligible.

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: Go to the official Scotiabank Canada website.
  2. Review Card Details: Thoroughly read through all the card’s features, Scene+™ point earn rates, travel benefits, insurance coverage, current welcome offers, the annual fee ($120), and other fees and interest rates.
  3. Click “Apply Now”: Start the secure online application.
  4. 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).
  5. Consent to a Credit Check: As part of the application, you must agree to allow Scotiabank to perform a credit check.
  6. Review and Submit: Carefully check all entered information for accuracy before submitting the application.
  7. Await a Decision: You may receive an instant decision online, or it could take a few business days. Scotiabank will notify you of the outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is the annual fee for this card?
    The annual fee for the primary cardholder is $120. A fee of $29 applies for each supplementary card.
  2. How much is a Scene+ point worth?
    Generally, 100 Scene+ points = $1 for travel, groceries at participating stores, and movies. The value for direct statement credits (“Points for Credit”) is usually lower.
  3. What travel insurance is included?
    The card typically includes Travel Emergency Medical Insurance, Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance, Flight Delay Insurance, Lost or Delayed Baggage Insurance, and Rental Car Collision/Loss Damage Insurance.
  4. Is this card 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.

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