Scotiabank Gold American Express
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card stands out as one of Canada’s most rewarding lifestyle and travel credit cards. With accelerated earn rates in everyday categories, no foreign transaction fees, and comprehensive insurance coverage, this card is tailored for Canadians who want to earn more from daily purchases and travel without extra costs.
Welcome Bonus and First-Year Value
New cardholders can take advantage of an impressive welcome bonus of up to 45,000 Scene+ points. The bonus is structured as follows:
- 25,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months
- An additional 20,000 points after spending $7,500 within the first 12 months
In total, this bonus equals up to $450 in travel value, especially when redeemed via Scene+ Travel or Expedia for TD. Additionally, the first-year annual fee of $120 is waived, effectively bringing the overall value to approximately $570.
Earn Rates and Everyday Value
The Scotiabank Gold Amex offers one of the most competitive earn structures in the market:
- 5 Scene+ points per $1 spent on groceries, dining, and entertainment
- 3 Scene+ points per $1 on gas, daily transit (bus, subway, taxis), and eligible streaming services
- 1 Scene+ point per $1 on all other purchases
With this structure, everyday spending categories quickly add up to meaningful rewards. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, ordering food, or filling your tank, this card helps you maximize your earning potential.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Unlike most credit cards in Canada that charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card offers zero fees on foreign currency purchases, whether online or abroad. This makes it an excellent choice for frequent travelers or those who shop with international retailers.
Travel and Lifestyle Insurance Coverage
The card includes a strong suite of travel and purchase insurance benefits, such as:
- Travel emergency medical insurance
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Flight delay and baggage delay insurance
- Rental car collision/loss damage insurance
- Mobile device insurance (up to $1,000 for theft, loss, or damage)
These protections offer peace of mind and add tremendous value, especially for those who regularly travel or invest in high-cost devices.
Scene+ Rewards Flexibility
Points earned with the Scotiabank Gold Amex can be redeemed for:
- Travel (via Scene+ Travel or Expedia for TD)
- Statement credits
- Gift cards
- Merchandise
- Dining, entertainment, and more
This flexibility allows cardholders to customize how they use their points, whether for experiences or everyday savings.
Annual Fee and Supplementary Cards
- Annual fee: $120 (waived in the first year)
- Supplementary cards: $29 each
Even with the fee reinstated after the first year, the card’s strong rewards structure and included benefits can easily outweigh the cost for most users.
Who Should Consider This Card?
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is best suited for:
- Canadians who spend heavily in food, dining, entertainment, and transit
- Those who frequently travel or shop in foreign currencies
- Users looking for a balance of high earning rates, insurance, and point flexibility without high annual fees
Comparative: Scotiabank Gold American Express vs. others
| Feature | Scotiabank Gold Amex | RBC Avion Visa Infinite | American Express Cobalt Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $120 (waived 1st year) | $120 | $132.30 |
| Welcome Bonus | Up to 45,000 Scene+ points | Up to 55,000 RBC points | Up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points |
| Earn Rate – Groceries & Dining | 5x Scene+ points | 1.5x RBC points | 5x Membership Rewards points |
| Earn Rate – Travel | 3x Scene+ points | 1.5x RBC points | 2x Membership Rewards points |
| Earn Rate – Other Purchases | 1x Scene+ point | 1x RBC point | 1x Membership Rewards point |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| Travel Insurance | Comprehensive (medical, trip cancellation, rental car, baggage) | Comprehensive | Moderate coverage |
| Mobile Device Insurance | Up to $1,000 | Not included | Included |
| Lounge Access | No | Yes (Priority Pass) | Limited (Plaza Premium) |
| Supplementary Card Fee | $29 | $50 | $50 |
Conclusion
With its top-tier earn rates, no foreign transaction fees, and generous welcome bonus, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is an ideal option for Canadians looking to maximize rewards on everyday spending and travel. Add in strong insurance coverage and redemption flexibility, and it’s easy to see why this card ranks among the most valuable in the country.
