Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Card review

How the Scene+ Visa earns points

The Scene+ Visa has two earn rates. Groceries at Sobeys-group stores earn 2 Scene+ points per dollar, as do entertainment and dining. Everything else earns 1 point per dollar.

For example, someone spending $400 a month at Sobeys-group grocers, $150 on entertainment and dining, and $600 on everything else earns 800, 300 and 600 points, or 1,700 points a month. That’s 20,400 Scene+ points a year with no annual fee.

Where you buy groceries matters. The 2x rate applies to the Sobeys group, so if you shop mainly elsewhere, most of your grocery spending will earn the 1x base rate.

The welcome offer

New cardholders can earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points in the first 3 months. Check Scotiabank’s current terms for the spending or activity needed to collect the full amount.

In the example above, 5,000 points is roughly three months of regular earning, so the bonus effectively doubles what you collect in your first quarter with the card.

Using Scene+ points

Scene+ points can be used for free movies, and the 2x rate on entertainment helps you get there faster. Scene+ points can also go toward travel or groceries, so you aren’t limited to the cinema.

Because the 2x categories cover both groceries and entertainment, regular grocery runs and an occasional night out move you toward a free movie at the same time.

Fees, interest and the fine print

There is no annual fee. Purchases are charged 21.99% interest and cash advances 22.99%. With no fee, the card also costs nothing to keep open as your credit history grows.

Foreign currency purchases carry a 2.5% fee, about $25 for every $1,000 spent abroad or with US online stores. For a student or first-time cardholder, the most valuable habit is paying the full balance each month, which keeps interest from wiping out the points.

Insurance coverage

Coverage is limited to things you buy with the card. Purchase security generally protects new items against theft or damage for a limited time after purchase, and extended warranty lengthens the manufacturer’s warranty; the certificate sets the exact terms, limits and exclusions.

• Purchase security
• Extended warranty

Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere

The Scene+ Visa suits students, first-time cardholders and moviegoers who shop at Sobeys-group grocers and want points without paying a fee.

If you spend a lot on groceries or dining, a fee-based Scene+ card earns at a much higher rate, and if you travel often, the 2.5% fee and limited insurance are drawbacks. Students who shop mostly outside the Sobeys group may also earn more from a card that pays a bonus at any grocery store.

How it compares

The Scotiabank American Express Card also has no annual fee and earns up to 3x at Sobeys-family grocery stores, with up to 10,000 bonus Scene+ points in the first 3 months. If the places you shop accept American Express, it earns more on groceries.

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card costs $120 a year but earns up to 6x at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and other grocers and charges no foreign transaction fee. It’s the step up for heavier spenders.

All three cards earn Scene+ points, so you can start with the no-fee Visa and compare the others as your spending grows.

Before you apply

The recommended credit score is 600 or higher, and Scotiabank makes the final decision based on your full credit profile. Confirm the welcome offer and earn rates on Scotiabank’s website before you apply.