Which Scene+ card has the better welcome bonus?

The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite® offers up to 60,000 Scene+ points (worth ~$1,500 when redeemed for travel through the Scene+ portal), while the Scotiabank Gold American Express® offers up to 45,000 Scene+ points (worth ~$450 in travel value). The Passport bonus is structured with 40,000 points after $2,000 in 3 months plus tiered milestones. While the Passport has a larger headline bonus, the Gold Amex compensates with substantially higher ongoing earn rates — up to 6 points per dollar at Empire-banner grocery stores.

How do the earning rates differ between the Passport and the Gold Amex?

The earning structures are quite different:- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite: 3 points per dollar at Empire-banner grocers, 2 points per dollar on restaurants and travel, 1 point per dollar on everything else (and abroad with no FX fee); - Scotiabank Gold American Express: 6 points per dollar at Empire-banner grocers, 5 points per dollar on supermarkets, dining, and entertainment, 3 points per dollar on gas and streaming, 1 point per dollar elsewhere; The Gold Amex delivers the highest grocery rate among Canadian credit cards, beating even the Cobalt at Empire-banner stores.

Which card is better for international travel?

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite wins decisively for travel because it includes:- 0% foreign transaction fee (saves the standard 2.5% FX charge); - 6 complimentary VIP airport lounge visits per year via Priority Pass; - Visa-network acceptance, which is broader than Amex internationally; - 2 Scene+ points per dollar abroad; The Gold Amex offers strong rewards in Canada but charges the standard 2.5% FX, includes no lounge access, and faces narrower acceptance abroad. Frequent travelers should hold the Passport; the Gold Amex is best paired with it for domestic spend.

What are the income requirements for each card?

The income thresholds differ significantly:- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite: $60,000 personal income or $100,000 household income (Visa Infinite standard); - Scotiabank Gold American Express: $12,000 personal income (one of the most accessible mid-tier cards); The Gold Amex is therefore reachable for students, part-time workers, and newcomers, while the Passport requires a more established income. Annual fees are $150 for the Passport (waived with the Scotiabank Ultimate Package) and $120 for the Gold Amex.