Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card review
Jul 8, 2025
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Jul 8, 2025
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Overall rating
First year value
$1,582
Get this card if you:
At a glance
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a rewards credit card that offers accelerated earn rates on categories such as groceries, dining, and entertainment. It also provides benefits like no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel insurance, making it suitable for both everyday spending and international use.
$1,582
First year value
up to 45,000 points†
Welcome bonus
$120
Annual fee
$29 for each supplementary card
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance transfer APR
22.99%
Cash advance APR
Very Good
Recommended credit score
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card has “Scene” better days. I was actually using this card for a secret point scheme to fly my wife’s friend to visit her in France. All was going well until they migrated over to Scene points! Which, while not bad (we’ll dive into why below) are definitely nerfed in a big way for travel-fiends.
That’s not to say it’s all doom and gloom, though. For every-day-purchasers, Scene+ points can pack a punch and are relatively valuable when applied to things like groceries, paying down your balance and (of course) movie tickets. Plus, one for my fellow travellers, the Scotiabank American Express Gold saves you on foreign exchange fees when abroad, which adds up if you’re away for a while. Your savings might even help you pay off the not-insubstantial $120 fee. And on top of that, it offers wildly good travel-related insurance, including emergency medical, trip cancellation, flight delay, lost baggage and more.
There’s sort of a melange going on with the Scotiabank Gold Amex that makes it hard to pin to a certain type of person. The Scene+ points are earned on everyday purchases, with big bonuses on earning them from participating grocery stores, dining and movies. But then there’s the fact that it’s an Amex, making consistent daily spending tough (you’re out of luck Loblaws fans). And on top of that, though the waived foreign exchange fees are going to tempt travellers (plus a discount on Priority Pass for lounges), the Scene+ points aren’t nearly as good as Amex or Aeroplan for travel. In essence, the Scotiabank Gold Amex is a grab bag, with morsels that will appeal to several demographics without directly catering to one.
As I mentioned before, the best way to use this card is as your daily spender:
That is actually pretty good. While the welcome bonus isn’t exactly compelling, achieving minimum spend on basically all life-requirement purchases should be a cinch, and you’ll be racking up big points in the meantime. My advice? Before leaping in, check where you spend your money. That grocery bonus looks pretty sweet, but if your local store is a Loblaws, your SOL. Oh, and just like Loblaws, many places still don’t take Amex cards. Make sure your regular haunts do, or you might find the Scene point stream cut down to a trickle.
Scene+ points may not offer premium value for travel, but they excel in versatility for everyday redemptions. We recommend exploring these redemption options:
The Scene+ website offers a streamlined redemption experience with an intuitive interface for managing all your point transactions. While travel redemptions provide slightly better value than standard statement credits, they don't match the premium returns offered by dedicated travel rewards programs.
This has to be one of the few cards I’ve actually been excited to write about the insurance for. If the points aren’t appealing to travellers, the insurance coverage definitely is.
I would say the biggest reasons to take the Scotia card are if you will spend a lot in the 5x entertainment category, and if you really value the trip cancellation and interruption insurance. No foreign exchange fee is nice but if you are travelling outside of North America, Amex is pretty bad for acceptance.
/u/bohemian_plantsody
up to 60,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$680
First Year Value
$80
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points*.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$250
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The American Express® Gold Rewards Card is a travel credit card that allows cardholders to earn points on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates for categories such as gas, groceries, and travel. These points can be flexibly redeemed for travel bookings, merchandise, or transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering versatility for those seeking to maximize rewards on routine expenditures.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$250
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more
1
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
1
Earn 1 additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge to your Gold Rewards Card on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points*
Our Take
The American Express® Gold Rewards Card is a travel credit card that allows cardholders to earn points on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates for categories such as gas, groceries, and travel. These points can be flexibly redeemed for travel bookings, merchandise, or transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering versatility for those seeking to maximize rewards on routine expenditures.
Eligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$250
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more
1
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
1
Earn 1 additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge to your Gold Rewards Card on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points*
The Amex Gold was, is and probably will remain the king of the (relatively) accessible travel card. It's a big ole welcome bonus. Plus it has tons of perks, great lounge access, travel credit and insurance that rivals or surpasses the Scotiabank Gold Amex.
That said, its annual fee, is more than double that of American Express Gold Scotiabank. So – is travel twice as important to you compared to, say, groceries and movies? If so, the Amex Gold is the clear winner. But for a daily collector and a lukewarm traveler, I might give the nod to Scotiabank on this one.
Disclosures:
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. Conditions apply. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
up to 80,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$2,581
First Year Value
$81
Annual Value
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$399
Annual Fee
9.99%
Purchase
9.99%
Cash Advance
9.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated earn rates on all eligible purchases, with additional benefits such as complimentary airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance. It charges no foreign transaction fees and provides access to exclusive events.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Annual Interest Rates
9.99%
Purchase
9.99%
Cash Advance
9.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$399
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards Scene+
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
0%
No foreign transaction fees
10
Complimentary airport lounge passes per year
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
10
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points.
To qualify for this Offer make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card account (“Account”) between January 3, 2025 and October 31, 2025.
To qualify for the 80,000 bonus Scene+ points:
Earn 60,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $10,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 14 months.
Once you qualify, your account will be credited in 2 instalments:
60,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after the qualifying $3,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
An additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after you have met the $10,000 spend threshold in your Account within the first 14 months of Account opening.
Note: For joint Accounts, the applicable bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower that completed the last transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases in the case of the 60,000 Point Bonus and the Additional 20,000 Point Bonus.
Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for this offer.
*See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2025. Subject to change.
Our Take
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated earn rates on all eligible purchases, with additional benefits such as complimentary airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance. It charges no foreign transaction fees and provides access to exclusive events.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Annual Interest Rates
9.99%
Purchase
9.99%
Cash Advance
9.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$399
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards Scene+
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
0%
No foreign transaction fees
10
Complimentary airport lounge passes per year
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
10
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $2,500* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 80,000 bonus Scene+ points.
To qualify for this Offer make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Platinum American Express credit card account (“Account”) between January 3, 2025 and October 31, 2025.
To qualify for the 80,000 bonus Scene+ points:
Earn 60,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $3,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
Plus, for a limited time, you are eligible to earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $10,000 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 14 months.
Once you qualify, your account will be credited in 2 instalments:
60,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after the qualifying $3,000 in eligible purchases being posted to your Account within the first 3 months of Account opening.
An additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points will be credited to the applicable Scene+ membership account approximately 8 weeks after you have met the $10,000 spend threshold in your Account within the first 14 months of Account opening.
Note: For joint Accounts, the applicable bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower that completed the last transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases in the case of the 60,000 Point Bonus and the Additional 20,000 Point Bonus.
Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for this offer.
*See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2025. Subject to change.
The best points, the best perks, and a sexy metal card to boot. For point-heads, it's hard to beat Scotiabank Platinum American Express. But all that comes with an hefty annual fee, something anyone but the travel-obsessed or incredibly well-to-do would grow squamish at.
Basically, if you’re looking at the Scotiabank Amex Gold, you’re probably not considering the Platinum. I think this is essentially a Venn Diagram where the only comparison in the middle is, “I like a concierge service attached to my credit card.”
Disclosures:
up to 15,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$630
First Year Value
$480
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$191.88
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$191.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$191.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
For a slightly higher annual fee, you can access Amex's flexible rewards program with the Amex Cobalt. However, if superior travel insurance coverage is your priority, the Scotiabank Gold Amex is the better choice.
Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value. with the Cobalt.
Disclosures:
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
You know what? Yes! I think this card offers a lot for $120 a year, even if it’s target audience is a little vague. It’s a grab bag with a lot that will appeal to a lot of people, and while in and of itself isn’t going to allow you to pull off an incredible point scheme, I think it could definitely find a place in a lot of wallets. Don't forget to check out our best Scotiabank credit cards list to compare more great cards.
Cam is a content marketer with a passion for saving, financial independence, and pulling off elaborate credit card point schemes. He has worked in Fintech and Finserve (specifically Group Retirement) and loves researching and writing about finance.
Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, BlogTO, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk. He's also the creator and author of the annual Money.ca Credit Card Awards.
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