The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card is a premium cash back credit card issued by Scotiabank. It offers tiered cash back rates on specific everyday spending categories, most notably providing 4% back on groceries and recurring bill payments. The card includes a first-year annual fee waiver and a high introductory cash back offer for new applicants who meet specific timing and eligibility criteria. This guide details the card's features, costs, and rules to help Canadian consumers understand how it works.
Cash Back Earnings Structure
The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card provides cash back at different rates depending on the category of purchase. The highest rate of 4% cash back applies to eligible grocery store purchases and recurring bill payments, which includes subscriptions and pre-authorized debits. A rate of 2% cash back is earned on purchases for gasoline, electric vehicle charging, daily public transit, taxis, rideshares, and food delivery services. All other eligible purchases earn a base rate of 1% cash back. These rewards are earned on eligible purchases only, and monthly spending caps may apply to certain categories as outlined in the card's terms. Cash back does not expire and there is no limit to the total amount you can earn. You can redeem your cash back at any time, provided you have accumulated at least $25, through Scotiabank's online banking or mobile app.
Introductory Offers and Eligibility Windows
Scotiabank periodically offers significant introductory promotions for new Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite cardholders. A key offer provides 15% cash back on all eligible purchases for the first three months from the account opening date, applicable on the first $2,000 spent. This promotional rate is a combination of the regular cash back rate and a temporary bonus rate. For example, a grocery purchase earning 4% regularly would receive an additional 11% bonus during the promotion to reach the total 15%. This introductory offer, along with a waiver of the first year's annual fee, is only available to new accounts opened within specific application periods. One such offer period for these promotions is from July 2, 2026, to November 1, 2026. The card also features a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers and cash advances for the first 12 months, subject to a 2% transfer fee.
Eligibility for these promotional offers has specific restrictions. Individuals who are currently or were previously a primary or secondary cardholder of any Scotiabank personal credit card in the two years prior to application are not eligible. This includes customers who switch from an existing Scotiabank card. Employees of Scotiabank are also excluded from these offers. The offers may be changed, cancelled, or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other promotions. The 15% cash back earned under the introductory offer can be redeemed to your account provided it is open and in good standing at the time of redemption.
Fees, Rates, and Financial Requirements
The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card carries an annual fee of $120 for the primary cardholder, with a fee of $50 for each additional card on the account. Under the current promotional offer, these fees are waived for the first year, including on additional cards. After the first year, the standard fees apply. The regular purchase interest rate is 20.99% per annum. The regular interest rate for cash advances, which also applies to balance transfers after the promotional period, is 22.99%. A cash advance or balance transfer fee of 2% of the amount advanced or transferred is charged, with a minimum fee of $5.00.
To be considered for this card, applicants must meet certain financial thresholds. Scotiabank indicates a personal annual income requirement of $60,000 to $80,000 or more. Alternatively, a household income of $100,000 to $150,000 or more is acceptable. The bank also considers applicants with a minimum of $250,000 to $300,000 or more in assets under management. The final credit limit and approval are based on the overall assessment of the application. The cash advance rate of 22.99% applies to cash advances, balance transfers, and cash-like transactions after any introductory period ends.
Insurance Benefits and Protections
The card includes a suite of insurance coverages common to premium Visa Infinite products. It provides trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance when at least 75% of the trip cost is charged to the card. Coverage includes up to $1,500 per person for trip cancellation and up to $2,000 for trip interruption, with a maximum of $10,000 per trip for the cardholder, spouse, and dependent children. Emergency medical insurance provides up to $1 million CAD in coverage for trips of up to 15 consecutive days for travellers under 65 years old. A notable protection is smartphone and tablet coverage, which provides up to $1,000 CAD if a device is lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged. This requires that the full purchase price was charged to the card and the device is activated with a cellular provider, or that all wireless bill payments for the device are charged to the card.
The card provides several travel insurance protections, including delayed and lost baggage insurance and flight delay insurance. It also includes auto rental collision and loss damage insurance when the rental is paid for with the card. The Purchase Security and Extended Protection Insurance plan covers eligible items against damage or theft for a limited period after purchase and can extend the original manufacturer's warranty. Furthermore, smartphone protection covers up to $1,000 CAD for a new smartphone or tablet if it is lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged, provided the full purchase price was charged to the card and cellular service is activated.
Additional Cardholder Perks and Services
Beyond cash back and insurance, the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card provides several lifestyle and convenience perks. Cardholders receive a complimentary 10GB global mobile data plan from GigSky for 15 consecutive days each year, plus unlimited access to Travel Essentials by GigSky for select apps. An additional complimentary 1GB/15-day GigSky data plan is provided annually, along with a 20% discount on future GigSky purchases. A 24/7 concierge service is available to assist with travel, dining, and event bookings. The Visa Infinite Dining and Wine Country program offers access to curated multi-course meals with wine pairings.
The card provides savings on travel and fuel. Cardholders can save up to 25% off base rates at participating Avis and Budget rental car locations in Canada and the US when paying with the card, using specific discount codes. A fuel savings program offers up to 7 cents per litre in value on fuel purchases at Shell stations in Canada when using the linked card. For managing larger purchases, the Scotia SelectPay plan allows cardholders to pay off eligible purchases of $100 or more over time with a fixed installment plan and no plan fee, though interest does apply to the plan amount. The concierge service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for help with travel, dining, or events.
Key Rules for Cash Back and Redemption
Understanding the specific rules governing cash back earnings and redemption is crucial for cardholders. Cash back is earned only on eligible purchases, which explicitly exclude payments, cash advances, balance transfers, cash-like transactions, interest, fees, or other charges. The 15% introductory cash back offer applies only to the first $2,000 in eligible purchases made within the first three months of the account being opened. The bonus portion of this promotional cash back, which brings the total to 15%, is typically deposited into the account approximately five months after the account opening date. The regular cash back earned at the standard rates can be redeemed anytime once the minimum threshold is met.
- Cash back can only be redeemed when the account is open and in good standing.
- A minimum redemption amount of $25 is required each time you request cash back.
- Redemption can be done as a statement credit to reduce your balance or as a deposit into an eligible Scotiabank account.
- There is no maximum limit on the total cash back you can earn.
- Accumulated cash back does not expire as long as the account remains active.
- The regular cash back rates of 4%, 2%, and 1% apply after the introductory promotional period ends.
Frequently asked questions
What are the income requirements to apply for this card?
Scotiabank lists several financial thresholds for applicants. You generally need a personal annual income of $60,000 to $80,000 or more. Alternatively, a household income of $100,000 to $150,000 or more is acceptable. The bank may also approve applicants who have a minimum of $250,000 to $300,000 or more in assets under management.
What is the annual fee for the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card?
The annual fee for the primary card is $120, and it is $50 for each additional card. The first year's annual fee is currently waived for both the primary and any additional cards under a promotional offer. This waiver applies only to new accounts opened within a specified period, such as from July 2, 2026, to November 1, 2026. All other terms and conditions of the program continue to apply during the offer period. This offer may be changed, cancelled, or extended at any time without notice.
How much cash back do I earn on groceries with this card?
You earn 4% cash back on eligible grocery purchases. This is part of the card's regular cash back program rate. During an introductory offer, you can earn 15% cash back on all eligible purchases, including groceries, for the first three months on up to $2,000 in total spending. This promotional 15% rate is composed of the regular 4% rate plus an 11% cash back bonus rate. After the promotional period, the regular 4% cash back rate on groceries applies.
Is there a fee for balance transfers?
Yes, there is a balance transfer fee of 2% of the amount transferred, with a minimum fee of $5.00. This fee applies during the introductory 0% interest rate period for balance transfers, which lasts for the first 12 months from account opening. After this promotional period ends, the interest rate on cash advances, which includes balance transfers, increases to the preferred rate of 22.99%. This offer is subject to any cash advance limits on your account.
Does the cash back I earn ever expire?
No, your cash back never expires. You can redeem it at any time as long as you have over $25 in cash back available and your account is open and in good standing. Redemption can be done through the Scotia mobile app or online banking. There is no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn or redeem. Cash back can be applied as a statement credit or deposited into a Scotiabank account.
What insurance comes with the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite?
The card includes several insurance benefits. It offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance when you charge at least 75% of your trip costs to the card. It provides emergency medical coverage of up to $1 million CAD for travelers under 65 years old for up to 15 consecutive days. The card also includes smartphone protection for up to $1,000 CAD for a lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged device under specific conditions. Additional common benefits like auto rental collision and loss damage insurance are also typical for Visa Infinite cards.
Sources and further reading
- Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite +* Card scotiabank.com
- Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite +* Card, overview ratehub.ca
This article explains how things work and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules, limits and rates change, so check the current figures with the Canada Revenue Agency, your province or your financial institution before you act.