The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a top-tier travel and lifestyle credit card designed for Canadians who want maximum rewards.
Whether you’re buying groceries, streaming your favorite shows, or planning your next vacation, this card turns routine purchases into valuable Scene+™ points.
Below is a complete guide on how to enjoy the benefits of this card and what you need to know before and after applying.
Why Choose the Scotiabank Gold?
This card is perfect for people who spend regularly in categories like food, travel, gas, and streaming.
Also, those who want a card that gives more back without high fees or complex conditions.
Top reasons to consider it:
- Accelerated rewards: Earn high points on groceries, dining, and entertainment.
- No foreign transaction fees: Save when traveling or shopping online from abroad.
- Built-in insurance: Coverage for travel, rental cars, new purchases, and more.
- Scene+ program access: Redeem for travel, movie tickets, groceries, or a statement credit.
Key Features and Benefits
Scotiabank Gold American Express offers generous rewards in popular spending categories:
5x Scene+™ points on:
- Groceries
- Restaurants
- Food delivery services
3x Scene+™ points on:
- Gas purchases
- Public transit (bus, subway, etc.)
- Streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV, and Spotify
1x Scene+™ point on all other eligible purchases
No 2.5% foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for travel or global online shopping
Comprehensive travel coverage:
- Emergency medical (up to $1 million for travelers under 65)
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Flight delay and lost/delayed baggage insurance
- Rental car collision damage waiver
- Mobile device insurance: Up to $1,000 protection for devices bought with the card
- Exclusive Amex offers: Includes access to ticket presales through Front of the Line®
Safety and Security Tips
Enable transaction alerts for real-time notifications of purchases and use biometric login in the app for extra security.
Report lost or stolen cards immediately to prevent fraud.
Review statements monthly and dispute unfamiliar charges promptly.
Less Common but Important Benefits
Some features are often overlooked but very useful, like the extended Warranty Protection that doubles the manufacturer’s warranty for up to one extra year.
Also, purchase protection that covers new items from theft, loss, or damage within 90 days.
Amex offers special promotions, cash-back deals, and limited-time partner discounts.
Scene+ Points Redemption Options
Scene+™ points are flexible and easy to use:
- Travel: Redeem for flights, hotels, and car rentals via Scene+ Travel
- Groceries: Spend points at affiliated grocery stores like Sobeys and Safeway
- Entertainment: Use points for Cineplex movie tickets and snacks
- Statement Credit: Offset purchases directly from your card balance
- 1,000 Scene+™ points = $10, and there are no blackout dates when redeeming for travel.
How to Maximize Your Rewards
Always pay with this card when shopping for groceries or dining out, where you get the highest earn rate.
Set it as your default card for streaming services like Netflix or Spotify. Book travel through Scene+ Travel to use your points directly at a consistent rate.
Redeem Scene+ points at partners like Cineplex, Sobeys, and FreshCo to stretch their value.
Track bonus offers and limited-time promotions via Scotiabank and Scene+ emails.
Application Process – Step-by-Step
Scotiabank allows applicants to apply completely online through a secure platform. The process is user-friendly and gives several entry points depending on your situation:
Step 1: Choose Your Application Path
Once you click “Apply Now” on the Scotiabank Gold American Express page, the site asks whether:
You’re an existing Scotiabank client and want to sign in, you’re already a Scotiabank product holder, or a newcomer.
You’ll need to pick the path that suits your situation.
Step 2: Consent and Terms
Before proceeding, you must:
Accept Scotiabank’s terms and disclosures related to personal data, credit verification, and consent to receive electronic communications.
Acknowledge that Scotiabank will perform a credit check and may share your data with credit bureaus.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
The application requires:
- About You: Full name, date of birth, SIN (optional but recommended), citizenship
- Contact Information: Phone, email, and mailing address
- Where You Live: Rent or own, monthly housing cost, years at current address
- Employment Details: Employer name, job title, years employed, annual income
- Your Finances: Other income, household assets, and liabilities
- Optional Services: You can add balance protection insurance, set up pre-authorized payments, or request supplementary cards
Once submitted, Scotiabank typically responds with a decision in minutes. If approved, your card arrives by mail in about 5–7 business days.
Interest Rates and Fees
Understanding the rates and fees helps you avoid surprises:
- Annual Fee: $120
- Additional Card Fee: $29 per extra user
- Purchase APR: 20.99%
- Cash Advances APR: 22.99%
- Balance Transfers APR: 22.99%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
While the APR is standard, the zero foreign transaction fee is a key advantage that can save you money abroad.
Credit Limit and Review Policy
The card’s initial credit limit depends on your reported income, credit history, and debt load, and credit utilization.
Scotiabank reviews accounts regularly and may increase your limit based on responsible use.
You can also request a credit limit increase through the online banking portal after a few months.
What to Do If Your Application Is Denied
If your application is not approved, Scotiabank will inform you by email or mail with the reason for the denial.
Check your credit report through Equifax or TransUnion for any issues, also pay down existing debts, and improve credit utilization before reapplying.
Consider a secured card or building credit with a different product before trying again in 3–6 months.
Customer Service & Contact Information
You can get support or ask questions through the following:
- Phone (Toll-free): 1-800-472-6842
- Outside Canada: 1-416-701-7200 (collect calls accepted)
- Mailing Address: Scotiabank, P.O. Box 4100, Station A, Toronto, ON M5W 1T1
- Online Support: Available 24/7 through Scotiabank’s online banking or mobile app
Conclusion
The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is a powerful financial tool for those who want strong everyday rewards, no foreign fees, and travel insurance perks.
From generous point categories to flexible redemption through Scene+, the value can quickly outweigh the annual fee when used strategically.
If you’re ready to elevate your spending experience, consider applying for this feature-rich card today.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Terms, rates, and conditions are subject to change. Please verify all current details directly with Scotiabank before applying.