Scotiabank · American Express · points
American Express Card
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Terms read from Scotiabank's page on Oct 16, 2026.
Year 1, after fees
$735
Year 2+, after fees
$635
every year after
3 years, after fees
$2,004
Break-even
No fee
Earn rate by category
Points at 1.00¢ each (cash or statement credit); published range 1¢ to 1¢. Source: Milesopedia points valuations, in effect since September 1, 2026.
All values are after each card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees when you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime or Instacart+) aren't included.
Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.
On each spending preset
After fees; points at their cash value. "~" marks estimates.
| Spending | Year 1 | Year 2+ | 3 years | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student ($985/mo) | $301 | $201 | $703 | No fee |
| Couple ($2,555/mo) | $585 | $485 | $1,556 | No fee |
| Family ($3,350/mo) | $735 | $635 | $2,004 | No fee |
| Frequent traveller ($3,880/mo) | $768 | $668 | $2,105 | No fee |
| Big spender ($7,960/mo) | $1,446 | $1,346 | $4,139 | No fee |
Who it suits
- People who spend a lot on groceries and dining, where it earns above its base rate.
Who should skip it
- Anyone below the published income minimum ($12,000 personal).
Fees and rates
- Annual fee
- None
- Additional card
- No fee
- Foreign transaction fee
- Not stated
- Purchase APR
- 21.99%
Rewards
- 4x on hotels and car rentals on Scene+ Travel
- 3x on sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and other participating grocers (assumed half of grocery spending)
- 2x on dining, other groceries, entertainment, gas, transit and streaming
- 1x on everything else
Eligibility and availability
- Income
- $12,000 personal
- Provinces
- All (no restriction stated)
Published requirements only. We don't estimate approval odds.
Assumptions
- Point value: Scene+ points at 1.00 cents each: no redemption style chosen, so cash or statement credit. Source: Milesopedia points valuations, in effect since September 1, 2026.
- Welcome bonus: 2,500 points after $250 and 7,500 more after $1,000 in the first 3 months. Your spending meets it in month 1.
- Travel portal: Portal-only rates aren't counted, since you book directly.
Not counted or not confirmed
- Foreign transaction fee isn't on the card page.
Earns more every year after year 1
On a family's spending, these keep more value from year 2 than this card's $635.
Scotiabank Gold American ExpressYear 2+ $940
American Express SimplyCash PreferredYear 2+ $936
CIBC Dividend Visa InfiniteYear 2+ $767
Head to head
Frequently asked questions
Is the Scotiabank American Express Card worth it?
On a family's spending ($3,350 a month, points at their cash value), it's worth $735 in year 1 and $635 a year after that, after no annual fee.
What is the Scotiabank American Express Card welcome offer?
2,500 points after $250 and 7,500 more after $1,000 in the first 3 months. The issuer lists it until Nov 1, 2026.
Does the Scotiabank American Express Card charge foreign transaction fees?
The issuer's page doesn't state its foreign transaction fee, so check the full terms before travelling.
What income do you need for the Scotiabank American Express Card?
Scotiabank publishes a minimum of $12,000 personal income. Approval depends on more than income, and we don't estimate approval odds.
Sources
Rates, fees and offers are set by the issuer and may change. Check the issuer's terms before you apply. We don't estimate approval odds.
Compare it with 39 other cards on the Canadian card comparison or read how cards are valued.