# Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ Card: Complete Canadian Review (2026)


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> All figures are in CAD unless noted. This review covers the **Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card** (rebranded in 2026; formerly "Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite"). Data based on Scotiabank published terms and NerdWallet Canada as of May 2026. Always verify current terms with Scotiabank before applying.

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## 1. Summary

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ is a mid-tier travel card ($150/year, waivable) that combines **zero foreign transaction fees**, **6 free DragonPass lounge visits**, and solid travel insurance in a package that costs a fraction of the $599 premium cards. Its core use case is eliminating the 2.5% FX surcharge on international and foreign-currency online spend, with Scene+ points (worth a flat 1¢ each) as a secondary earn. For most Canadian travellers who are not Air Canada loyalists, it offers more practical day-to-day value than cards costing four times the price.

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## 2. Fees & Costs

| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual fee — primary | **$150 / year** |
| Annual fee waiver — Scotiabank Ultimate Package | **Full ongoing waiver** (fee waived every year) |
| Annual fee waiver — Scotiabank Preferred Package | First year waived |
| Annual fee — supplementary card | First supplementary card free; additional cards not published — verify with Scotiabank |
| **Foreign transaction fee** | **$0** (0%) |
| Purchase APR | **20.99%** |
| Penalty APR (2+ missed payments; stays until 12 consecutive on-time) | **25.99%** |
| Cash advance APR | **22.99%** |
| Cash advance fee | $5.00 to $7.50 per transaction |
| Balance transfer APR | **22.99%** |
| Balance transfer fee | $5.00 per transaction (3% or $5, whichever greater, on promotional rates) |
| Late payment fee | Not published — verify with Scotiabank |
| NSF / returned payment fee | Not published — verify with Scotiabank |
| Paper statement fee | Not published — verify with Scotiabank |
| Replacement card fee | Not published — verify with Scotiabank |
| **Effective net cost after fee waiver** | **$0/year** with Scotiabank Ultimate Package; **$0 first year** with Preferred Package |

> **The Ultimate Package waiver:** Scotiabank Ultimate Package chequing has a ~$30.95/month fee waived at $6,000 minimum daily balance. Existing Scotiabank customers on Ultimate Package get this card free every year. — [Scotiabank product page](https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/personal/credit-cards/visa/passport-infinite-card.html)

**FX break-even:** At $150/year, the card pays for itself at roughly **$6,000 in annual foreign-currency spend** compared to a standard 2.5% FX card.

| Annual Foreign Spend | At 2.5% FX Card | At Scotiabank Passport | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $5,125 | $5,000 | $125 |
| $10,000 | $10,250 | $10,000 | $250 |
| $20,000 | $20,500 | $20,000 | $500 |
| $30,000 | $30,750 | $30,000 | $750 |

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## 3. Earn Rate — Scene+ Points

| Category | Earn Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, participating Co-ops | **3x pts / $1** | Scotiabank-affiliated grocery chains only |
| Other eligible grocery stores, dining, entertainment, daily transit (rideshares, buses, subways, taxis) | **2x pts / $1** | Broad everyday category |
| All other eligible everyday purchases | **1x pt / $1** | Base rate |
| Hotel bookings, car rentals, things to do via Scene+ Travel (Powered by Expedia) | **Up to 4x pts / $1** | Must book through Scene+ Travel portal only |
| Other eligible travel purchases (booked outside Scene+ Travel) | **1x pt / $1** | |

**Currency context:** This card earns Scene+ points — not Aeroplan, not Membership Rewards. Scene+ is a fixed-value program: **100 pts = $1 for travel (1¢/point, flat)**. There is no premium airline transfer partner, no ability to move points to a program where their value inflates above 1¢. This simplicity is a genuine advantage for anyone who finds Aeroplan award charts confusing, and a limitation for those trying to stretch point value through business class transfers. Annual cap on bonus categories: not published — verify with Scotiabank. No rotating categories.

**Notable gap vs Aeroplan cards:** Scene+ points are worth a flat 1¢ regardless of how they are redeemed. The TD Aeroplan Infinite Privilege and Amex Aeroplan Reserve can return 1.6¢–2.1¢/point or more on premium Air Canada redemptions. If your goal is maximum Air Canada points value, Aeroplan cards outperform Scene+ on a per-point basis. The Scotiabank Passport's advantage is in the 3x Sobeys-chain grocery earn, the 0% FX fee, and the 50% lower annual fee — not in points value at the top end.

**Redemption options:** There are two ways to use Scene+ for travel. *Apply Points to Travel* — charge any travel purchase to the card, then redeem Scene+ points as a statement credit via sceneplus.ca within 12 months. This is the more flexible method and works with any airline or hotel. *Scene+ Travel (Expedia portal)* — book hotels, car rentals, or flights directly through the portal for up to 4x earn; points are applied at checkout. Non-travel redemptions (dining, Cineplex, merchandise) are also available but generally at the same 1¢/pt rate or less.

**Point value:** Flat **1¢/point** across all travel redemptions. NerdWallet Canada confirms the 1¢ rate as the ceiling for Scene+ regardless of redemption path. At 1¢/pt, the 60,000-point welcome bonus is worth $600 in travel — four times the annual fee in the first year.

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## 4. Welcome Offer & Ongoing Bonuses

| Tier | Points | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| First bonus | 40,000 pts (~$400 travel value) | $2,000 in eligible purchases within **first 3 months** |
| Second bonus | 10,000 pts (~$100 travel value) | $10,000 total within **first 6 months** |
| **Total welcome bonus** | **Up to 60,000 pts (~$600)** | |
| **Annual spend bonus (ongoing)** | **10,000 pts/year** | $40,000 annual spend; +2,000 pts per additional $10,000 |

- Welcome offer valid for accounts opened January 2 – July 1, 2026. Verify current dates at [scotiabank.com](https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/personal/credit-cards/visa/passport-infinite-card.html).
- **Previous Scotiabank personal cardholders within the past 2 years are not eligible** for the welcome bonus. Ongoing annual spend bonus is available to all.
- **Referral program:** Not published — verify with Scotiabank.

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## 5. Statement Credits

No recurring annual statement credits exist on this card.

| Credit | Amount | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel / airline credits | None | — | — |
| Dining / hotel | None | — | — |
| Annual spending bonus (points, not credit) | 10,000 pts at $40K spend | Ongoing | Scene+ points, not cash credits |

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## 6. Travel & Lifestyle Benefits

### Lounge Access

**Visa Airport Companion Program (DragonPass), 1,200+ worldwide lounges:**
- **6 complimentary lounge visits per membership year** (anniversary date, not calendar year)
- Enrollment required via the Visa Airport Companion App or [visaairportcompanion.ca](https://visaairportcompanion.ca)
- Additional visits beyond 6: **$32 USD per person per visit** (subject to change)
- ⚠️ Only the **primary cardholder can enroll** — supplementary cardholders have no independent lounge access
- ⚠️ **Guest visits count against your 6 free visits** — bringing one guest = 2 visits deducted. A couple travelling together exhausts the annual allocation in 3 trips. — [Scotiabank legal footnote 6](https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/personal/credit-cards/visa/passport-infinite-card.html)

### Hotel & Status Benefits
- **Visa Infinite Hotel Collection:** 900+ luxury properties — room upgrades, $100 USD hotel credit, 12pm check-in, late checkout (when available)

### Other Perks & Lifestyle Benefits
- **Avis Preferred Plus (complimentary membership):** Complimentary car upgrades when available; dedicated Preferred Plus phone line; 5–25% discount on select retail rates in Canada and the US; enrollment required
- **Visa Infinite Concierge:** 24/7 for travel, dining, and event assistance; no service fee (cardholder pays for goods/services)
- **Visa Infinite Dining Series:** Curated multi-course meals with renowned chefs and wine pairings
- **Visa Infinite Wine Country:** 60+ participating wineries in BC and Ontario — complimentary tastings, tours, discounts on wine purchases
- **GigSky mobile data:** 10GB of free GigSky global mobile data for 15 consecutive days per year + unlimited access to Travel Essentials by GigSky (select essential apps); one complimentary 1GB/15-Day GigSky plan each year; 20% off future GigSky purchases; covers 190+ countries — verify coverage at [gigsky.com](https://gigsky.com)
- **Shell fuel savings:** Eligible Scotiabank clients earn and save on fuel at Shell locations (rolling out nationally May 26, 2026) — [Scotiabank fuel benefit](https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/personal/programs-services/fuel.html)
- **Scotia SelectPay:** Installment payment plans for eligible purchases of $100+; low interest; no installment fee

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## 7. Insurance Coverage

| Coverage | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Travel medical | Up to **$2,000,000 CAD** | Primary cardholder, spouse, eligible dependents; pre-existing condition exclusion |
| Travel medical (age 65+) | Not published — verify in COI | |
| Trip cancellation | Up to **$1,500/person, max $10,000/trip** | Must charge **75%+ of trip costs** to card |
| Trip interruption | Up to **$10,000/trip** | Must charge 75%+ of trip costs |
| Travel accident (common carrier) | Up to **$1,000,000/occurrence** | |
| Flight delay | Up to **$500** | |
| Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage | Up to **$1,000** | |
| Hotel burglary | Up to **$1,000** | |
| Rental car CDW | Up to **48 days** | |
| Purchase protection | **90 days** | |
| Extended warranty | Up to **1 additional year** | |
| Mobile device insurance | **Not included** | |
| Price protection | Not included | |

Underwritten by **The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company** and **First North American Insurance Company**. Scotiabank is not the insurer.

Certificate of Insurance: [Scotiabank Passport Infinite+ COI (PDF)](https://www.scotiabank.com/content/dam/scotiabank/canada/common/documents/pdf/Passport-Infinite-plus-COI-EN.pdf)

> ⚠️ **75% charge requirement for trip cancellation and interruption.** Higher threshold than the TD and Amex cards, which generally require only that the ticket cost be charged to the card. Using points, airline credits, or another card for part of your trip cost may jeopardize coverage.

**Excellent value for a $150 card.** The $10,000 per-trip combined cancellation/interruption cap is actually higher than the Amex Aeroplan Reserve's $3,000 and the Wealthsimple Visa Infinite+'s $3,000 — a genuine advantage for travellers booking expensive trips. The $2,000,000 travel medical limit is lower than the $5,000,000 on the premium $599 cards (TD and both Amex cards), but still substantial for most medical emergencies abroad. The $1,000,000 common carrier accident limit is the highest of any card in this review series.

**The 75% charge requirement is the most operationally inconvenient limitation.** If you habitually book flights with Aeroplan points, airline credits, or another card — and only charge taxes to the Scotiabank Passport — you likely won't meet the 75% threshold and your trip cancellation coverage may not apply. The TD and Amex cards trigger coverage more easily. For this card's insurance to work as intended, the majority of your trip cost must be charged to it.

**What's missing vs premium cards.** No mobile device insurance (TD includes $1,500). No stated coverage for the 65+ age bracket in published materials. Purchase protection is 90 days vs TD's 120. These gaps are reasonable at $150/year but are worth understanding if this card is your only travel card.

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## 8. Network & Acceptance

- **Network:** Visa Infinite
- **Domestic acceptance:** Broad — better than American Express
- **International acceptance:** Full global Visa acceptance — meaningfully better than Amex for international travel, particularly at smaller merchants and in regions where Amex lags
- **Apple Pay / Google Pay:** Supported
- **Chip & PIN:** Yes
- **Visa Secure:** 3D Secure equivalent for online purchases
- **Contactless / tap:** Yes
- **Backup card consideration:** Strong Visa network makes this the ideal foreign-currency Visa to pair with an Amex primary card

**The network is a structural advantage over both Amex cards in this review series.** The Amex Aeroplan Reserve and Amex Platinum share the same acceptance gap problem — declined at transit systems, smaller hotels, and independent merchants internationally. The Scotiabank Passport runs on Visa Infinite, accepted at virtually every merchant globally. For an Amex primary cardholder, this card doesn't just fill the FX fee gap — it fills the acceptance gap at the same time. No other card at $150/year does both.

**Visa Infinite vs Visa Infinite Privilege.** The TD card runs on the higher Visa Infinite Privilege tier, which unlocks a few additional airport and parking benefits. In practical day-to-day and international use, the difference is minor — both networks are accepted equally at the merchant level. The Privilege tier benefits are largely domestic Canadian airport perks.

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## 9. Application & Underwriting

| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum personal income | **$60,000 / year** (verify exact figure on application) |
| Minimum household income | **$100,000 / year** (verify exact figure on application) |
| Alternative qualifying threshold | $250,000–$300,000 in managed assets |
| Canadian residency | Required |
| No bankruptcy in last 7 years | Required |
| Age | Age of majority in province/territory |
| Previous Scotiabank cardholders (2 years) | Eligible for card; **not eligible for welcome bonus** |
| Credit pull | Full hard pull on application |
| Personal guarantee | N/A — personal card |
| Reports to | Personal credit bureau (Equifax/TransUnion) |
| Approval timeline | Not published — verify with Scotiabank |

**The most accessible income threshold of the travel cards with lounge access.** At $60,000 personal / $100,000 household, this card is reachable for a much broader range of Canadian households than the TD card ($150K personal). The Amex cards have no stated threshold, but at $599–$799/year as charge or premium cards, the practical bar is higher. The Scotiabank Passport is the only card in this group that combines lounge access with an income requirement the median dual-income Canadian household can meet.

**The managed assets pathway is an underrated option.** Scotiabank also qualifies applicants with $250,000–$300,000 in managed assets — useful for retirees, self-employed individuals, or anyone whose investment portfolio is substantial but whose annual income on paper doesn't cross the threshold. Verify exact asset qualifying criteria with Scotiabank directly.

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## 11. Statement & Payment

| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Card type | **Revolving credit card** |
| Statement cycle | Monthly |
| Grace period on purchases | **21 days** from statement date when previous balance paid in full |
| Auto-pay options | Full balance, minimum payment, or fixed amount — via Scotia Online or mobile app |
| Payment methods | Scotia Online, mobile app, bill payment from any Canadian bank, branch, ATM |
| Statement detail | Itemized transactions; available via Scotia Online and Scotiabank app |
| Multi-currency billing | No — all charges billed in CAD |
| **Scotia SelectPay** | Installment plans on eligible purchases of $100+ with set schedule |

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## 12. Customer Service

| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Card support | **1-800-4-SCOTIA (1-800-472-6842)** |
| Lost or stolen card (24/7) | 1-800-472-6842 |
| Emergency card replacement | Available — call number on back of card |
| Scotia Online | scotiabank.com |
| Scotiabank app | iOS and Android |
| Languages | English and French |

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## 13. Security & Risk

- **Regulatory framework:** Scotiabank is a Schedule I federally chartered bank regulated by OSFI under the Bank Act. Standard chartered bank regulatory framework applies; FCAC oversight on consumer credit practices.
- **Fraud protection:** Visa Zero Liability Policy — no liability for unauthorized transactions reported promptly
- **Tokenization:** Apple Pay and Google Pay via Visa token service; card number not transmitted at point of sale
- **3D Secure:** Visa Secure for online authentication
- **T&C change history:** Card was rebranded from "Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite" to "Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+" in 2026. Scotiabank has periodically adjusted Scene+ earn rates following the Cineplex/Empire rebranding — verify current rates before applying.
- **Devaluation risk:** Scene+ points are issued by a joint venture between Scotiabank and Cineplex; changes to the redemption structure are possible.
- **Forced arbitration:** No US-style forced arbitration; disputes handled under Canadian consumer protection framework (FCAC)

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## 14. Hidden Gotchas / Fine Print

1. **Scene+ points are worth 1¢ each, always.** No premium airline transfer partner — the earn rates must be evaluated at exactly 1¢/point.
2. **3x grocery earn is Sobeys-chain only.** Loblaws, Metro, Walmart, and Costco do not qualify.
3. **4x travel earn requires the Scene+ Travel (Expedia) portal.** Booking directly with airlines, hotels, or car rentals earns only 1x.
4. **Guest lounge visits count against your 6 free annual visits.** A couple exhausts the allocation in 3 trips.
5. **Only the primary cardholder can enroll in the lounge program.** Supplementary cardholders have no independent lounge access.
6. **75% charge requirement for trip cancellation/interruption.** Higher threshold than most comparable cards.
7. **Pre-existing condition exclusion on travel medical.** Unstable medical conditions prior to departure are not covered.
8. **Annual spend bonus requires $40,000.** $100 in extra value at $40K spend = 0.25% uplift.
9. **Shell fuel benefit is new (May 2026)** — confirm it is active and available in your area.

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## 15. Who It Is For — and Who It Is Not

**Best for:** The Canadian traveller who spends meaningfully in foreign currencies — frequent international travel, heavy USD/EUR online shopping, or both. The zero FX fee is rare at this price point. Also excellent as a **travel backup card** alongside a premium Aeroplan card: use TD or Amex Reserve for Air Canada and Canadian bonus categories; use the Scotiabank Passport for all foreign-currency spend. At $150/year (or free with Ultimate Package), the cost-benefit is straightforward for $6,000+ in annual foreign spend.

**Also suits:** Moderate travellers (2–3 trips/year) who want lounge access and travel insurance without a $599 commitment. Scotiabank banking customers on the Ultimate Package for whom the card is effectively free.

**Not for:** Air Canada loyalists who need Maple Leaf Lounge access, Aeroplan SQC acceleration, priority airport services, and free checked bags. Not ideal for travellers who want maximum return on Air Canada spend (Amex Reserve's 3x is superior). Not for anyone who obsesses over maximizing redemption value through airline transfer partners — Scene+'s 1¢ flat rate limits that strategy.

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## 16. Quick Comparison Context

The Scotiabank Passport fits best as a companion card in a premium stack, not as a standalone:

| Role | Card | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada flights (direct) | Amex Aeroplan Reserve | 3x Aeroplan pts |
| Canadian groceries, dining, transit | TD Aeroplan Infinite Privilege | 1.5x Aeroplan pts |
| **All foreign-currency purchases** | **Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+** | **0% FX, 6 lounge visits** |
| Foreign ATM withdrawals | EQ Bank or Wealthsimple Cash | No FX + low/no ATM fees |

At $150/year or free with Ultimate Package, it fills the foreign-currency gap without the $599 premium. For travellers who don't need Maple Leaf Lounge access, it may be their best standalone mid-tier option.

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## 17. Sources

| Source | URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank product page | https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/personal/credit-cards/visa/passport-infinite-card.html | Primary source; checked May 2026 |
| Scotiabank legal terms (footnotes 4–7) | https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/personal/credit-cards/visa/passport-infinite-card.html | Lounge terms, FX fee definition, insurance underwriter |
| Scotiabank COI (PDF) | https://www.scotiabank.com/content/dam/scotiabank/canada/common/documents/pdf/Passport-Infinite-plus-COI-EN.pdf | Insurance details |
| NerdWallet Canada — 2026 review | https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/p/reviews/credit-cards/scotiabank-passport-visa-infinite-card-review | Third-party; may have referral incentives |

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