Scotiabank · American Express · travel
Gold American Express
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Terms read from Scotiabank's page on Oct 16, 2026.
Year 1, after fees
$1,240
Year 2+, after fees
$940
every year after
3 years, after fees
$3,119
Break-even
Month 1
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) | $530 | $230 | $989 | Month 3 |
| Couple ($2,555/mo) | $1,000 | $700 | $2,401 | Month 1 |
| Family ($3,350/mo) | $1,240 | $940 | $3,119 | Month 1 |
| Frequent traveller ($3,880/mo) | $1,255 | $955 | $3,166 | Month 1 |
| Big spender ($7,960/mo) | $2,278 | $1,978 | $6,233 | Month 1 |
Who it suits
- People who spend a lot on groceries and dining, where it earns above its base rate.
- Even light spenders: on a student's $985 a month it still earns back its fee.
- Spending abroad: no foreign transaction fee.
Who should skip it
- Nothing stands out on the presets; check it against your own spending.
Fees and rates
- Annual fee
- $120
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- Purchase APR
- 21.99%
Rewards
- 5x on grocery stores, dining and food delivery
- 4x on hotels and car rentals on Scene+ Travel
- 3x on gas, transit and streaming
- 1x on everything else
Eligibility and availability
- Income
- None published
- 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: 30,000 Scene+ points after $2,000 in everyday purchases in the first 3 months. Your spending meets it in month 1.
- Travel portal: Portal-only rates aren't counted, since you book directly.
- Note: 6x at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and Foodland; 5x is counted for groceries.
- Note: 5x on entertainment isn't modelled.
- Note: The page advertises up to 50,000 bonus points; only the 30,000-point step with published terms is counted.
- Note: Accelerated rates apply to the first $50,000 of purchases a year, shared across categories.
Head to head
Frequently asked questions
Is the Scotiabank Gold American Express worth it?
On a family's spending ($3,350 a month, points at their cash value), it's worth $1,240 in year 1 and $940 a year after that, after a $120 annual fee. It covers its fee by month 1.
What is the Scotiabank Gold American Express welcome offer?
30,000 Scene+ points after $2,000 in everyday purchases in the first 3 months. The issuer lists it until Nov 1, 2026.
Does the Scotiabank Gold American Express charge foreign transaction fees?
No. The issuer states no foreign transaction fee.
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.