Scotiabank Gold American Express Review 2023
- Written by
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![Aaron Brovernman Headhshot]()
- Edited by
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![Headshot of Michelle Bates, the associate editor of WealthRocket]()
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The team at WealthRocket only recommends products and services that we would use ourselves and that we believe will provide value to our readers. However, we advocate for you to continue to do your own research and make educated decisions.
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
Rewards
- 6pt Earn 6 Scene+ points per dollar you spend in Canada at Sobeys, safeway, FreshCo, and more.
- 5pt Earn 5 Scene+ points per dollar spent on entertainment, dining, and groceries.
- 3pt Earn 3 Scene+ points for every dollar spent on gas, transit, and streaming services.
- 1pt Earn 1 Scene+ point for all other purchases.
- Welcome Offer Up to 40,000 Scene+ points Terms and conditions apply.
- Annual Rewards $700 Learn how we calculate this.
- Annual Fee $120
- Minimum Income Required $12,000
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Low personal income requirement ($12,000)
- A generous bonus of 40,000 points after signing up
- Access to special perks for Amex holders
- Comprehensive travel insurance options
Cons
- Card is less widely accepted in Canada than in the United States
- Annual fee of $120
- Requires a high credit score to qualify
The Scotiabank Gold American Express credit card has a wide variety of perks, which means its ideal audience is quite broad. However, its ideal customer will probably spend a considerable amount of time across the border so that they can reap all of the benefits of having zero foreign exchange fees. It offers essential benefits like travel insurance and luxury benefits like concierge services and a robust points system, covering a wide range of everyday categories such as groceries and gas.
While it may come with a name that makes it sound like it is exclusive to our friends to the south of the border, the Scotiabank Gold American Express is a credit card with plenty of perks for Canadians.
From unique travel benefits to an enticing rewards program to the ability to save on foreign transaction fees, the Scotiabank Gold American Express makes a name for itself on the Canadian credit card market. But how does this card stack up against its counterparts?
Finding the right credit card for your needs and lifestyle is tricky. We hope that this Scotiabank Gold American Express Card review will bring some clarity to the selection process for your new piece of plastic. After all, your next credit card has the honor of gracing your wallet!
Scotiabank Gold American Express: an overview
While American Express has nothing short of an omnipresence among our American neighbours, for the most part, it is less frequent on Canadian soil.
That was true, at least, before the implementation of the Scotiabank Gold American Express card, which has been quickly gaining the reputation of being a standout choice among credit cards in Canada.
This recommendation mostly comes as a result of the card’s versatile rewards system and international flexibility.
For a limited time, all new Scotiabank Gold American Express cardholders can earn up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points at the time of account opening. If you want to know whether or not to pull the trigger and apply, now might be the time.
In addition to the card’s basic features, it also includes 24/7 concierge services and comprehensive trip insurance.
Scotiabank Gold American Express rewards
Unlike many rewards credit cards, where the rewards are often in the form of cashback and calculated on a percentage basis, the Scotiabank Gold American Express offers its users a points system that varies based on the spending category.
For example, Scotiabank has partnered with 13 grocery stores and will reward 6 Scene+ points for every dollar spent at the stores. These popular grocers include Sobeys, FreshCo, and Foodland.
Here is a full breakdown of the earn rates:
- Earn 6 Scene+ points per dollar you spend in Canada at Sobeys, safeway, FreshCo, and more.
- Earn 5 Scene+ points per dollar spent on entertainment, dining, and groceries.
- Earn 3 Scene+ points for every dollar spent on gas, transit, and streaming services.
- Earn 1 Scene+ point for all other purchases.
The Scotiabank Gold Amex card also offers its users a relatively simple process for redeeming their rewards, with popular choices including gift cards, electronics, statement credits, travel expenses, and of course, entertainment.
There is no expiry on Scene+ points. However, if an account holder is no longer in good standing, the customer will no longer have access to their points.
Points also cannot be earned on balance transfers, returns, refunds, interest payments, cash advances, and more.
Scotiabank Gold American Express eligibility
Applicants will have to boast not a good nor a great but an excellent credit score of at least 760.
However, the minimum personal income required is $12,000, making it much more accessible than many other types of cards, like some cashback credit cards that can require a $60,000 income to qualify.
You can apply for a Scotiabank Gold American Express online through Scotiabank’s website.
Once there, you will need to accept the terms and conditions and submit a series of personal details, including your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
While having a bank account with Scotiabank may make it easier to get approved, it is not a requirement.
While you are most likely to have a credit card from your home bank, it is certainly possible to have more than one credit card from more than one different bank.
Scotiabank Gold American Express interest rates and fees
Fees
- Annual fee: $120
- Foreign transaction fee: $0 (only pay the exchange rate)
- Extra card fee: $29
- Cash advance fee: $5
Interest rates
- Purchases: 20.99%
- Cash advances: 22.99%
Scotiabank Gold American Express perks
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American Express Invites
The Scotiabank Gold American card offers its customers access to American Express Invites, an exclusive service that allows access to ticket presales and reserved seating for certain events.
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Scene+ Travel
Access a full service travel agency and redeem points on flights with ease. The best part is you can still earn points when you pay with points on select purchases.
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No foreign transaction fees
Save 2.5% by skipping the fee for foreign transactions. Just pay the exchange rate.
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Extensive travel insurance
Access nine types of insurance, including but not limited to emergency medical insurance that can last up to 25 days, flight delay insurance, lost baggage insurance, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation, and rental car collision or damage insurance.
Compare Scotiabank Gold American Express alternatives
Our Final Thoughts
All things considered, this card has unique options and is quite underrated in the potential benefits that it can offer a good number of Canadians. This sentiment is especially true for those who find themselves making frequent purchases on the other side of the border.
If you’re considering the addition of the Scotiabank Gold American Express to your credit card family, then this is likely a suitable option for you.
