The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card is a Canadian cash back credit card that offers high rewards on everyday spending categories. It provides a significant introductory cash back rate on all purchases for new cardholders and features ongoing rewards for groceries, recurring payments, gas, and transit. The card includes various travel benefits, insurance coverages, and a first-year annual fee waiver under a promotional offer. Understanding its structure, eligibility, and terms is important for Canadians considering this financial product.
Card Features and Cash Back Structure
The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card provides a multi-tiered cash back rewards program on eligible purchases. The primary ongoing earning structure offers a 4 percent cash back rate on purchases in the groceries and recurring bill payments category. This category includes preauthorized payments for subscriptions and utilities. Cardholders earn 2 percent cash back on gas, electric vehicle charging, daily public transit, taxis, rideshares, and food delivery services. All other eligible purchases earn a base rate of 1 percent cash back. Monthly spending caps may apply to these categories as outlined in the card's program terms.
New cardholders can access a significant introductory offer under specific conditions. The promotional offer provides 15 percent cash back on all eligible purchases for the first three months from the account opening date. This high rate applies only to the first $2,000 in total purchases made during this promotional period. The 15 percent rate is a combination of the regular cash back program rate and a temporary cash back bonus rate. For example, a grocery purchase earning 4 percent regular cash back would receive an additional 11 percent bonus during the promotional window.
Cash back rewards do not expire as long as the account remains open and in good standing. Redemption is permitted at any time provided the total cash back balance exceeds $25. Cardholders can redeem their cash back through the Scotia mobile app or online banking platform. Rewards can be applied as a statement credit to reduce the card balance or deposited directly into a Scotiabank chequing or savings account. There is no limit to the total amount of cash back that can be redeemed through these methods.
Fees, Rates, and Introductory Offers
The standard annual fee for the primary Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card is $120. An additional fee of $50 applies for each supplementary card added to the account. A promotional offer waives the annual fee for the first year for both the primary and any additional cards. This waiver applies only to new accounts opened within a specific offer period. The standard purchase interest rate charged on revolving balances is 20.99 percent. The cash advance interest rate, which also applies to balance transfers and cash-like transactions, is 22.99 percent.
A key introductory offer involves balance transfers. New accounts are eligible for a 0 percent introductory interest rate on balance transfers and other cash advances for the first 12 months from the account opening date. A balance transfer fee of 2 percent of the transferred amount applies to each transaction, with a minimum fee of $5. After the 12-month promotional period ends, any remaining balance from these transfers will accrue interest at the standard cash advance rate of 22.99 percent. This offer is subject to the card's approved credit limit and cash advance limits.
The promotional offers for the card, including the first-year fee waiver, the 15 percent introductory cash back, and the 0 percent balance transfer rate, have specific eligibility windows. These offers apply only to new accounts opened between May 1, 2026, and November 1, 2026. The offers may be changed, cancelled, or extended by Scotiabank without prior notice. The introductory offers cannot be combined with any other promotional offers from the bank. All other standard account terms and conditions remain in effect during any promotional period.
Eligibility Requirements and Application
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card applications are subject to credit approval and specific income or asset thresholds. Individual applicants must have a minimum personal annual income between $60,000 and $80,000. Alternatively, applicants can qualify based on a total household income between $100,000 and $150,000 per year. A third pathway to eligibility involves having a minimum of $250,000 to $300,000 in assets under management with Scotiabank. The bank uses the information provided in the application to assess which card product is appropriate.
Certain individuals are not eligible for the new account promotional offers. This exclusion applies to anyone who is currently or was previously a primary or secondary cardholder on any Scotiabank personal credit card within the past two years. The exclusion also covers individuals who switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card to this product. Employees of Scotiabank and its affiliated entities are also ineligible for these promotional offers. The standard cash back program and card features remain available to approved cardholders outside the promotional windows.
Applicants must be Canadian residents of the age of majority in their province or territory. The application process typically involves providing personal identification, employment information, and financial details. Scotiabank will conduct a credit check as part of its standard approval process. Approved applicants will receive a credit limit based on their creditworthiness and the information supplied. The card is issued as a Visa Infinite product, which denotes a premium tier within the Visa network with associated benefits and requirements.
- Minimum personal income: $60,000 to $80,000 per year.
- Minimum household income: $100,000 to $150,000 per year.
- Minimum assets under management: $250,000 to $300,000.
- Exclusion: Current or former Scotiabank personal cardholders in the past two years.
- Exclusion: Individuals who switch from an existing Scotiabank card.
- Exclusion: Employees of Scotiabank.
- Offer period for promotions: May 1, 2026, to November 1, 2026.
Travel Benefits and Insurance Coverage
The card includes several travel-related benefits as part of its Visa Infinite designation. Cardholders receive a complimentary 10 gigabytes of GigSky global mobile data for use over 15 consecutive days each year. They also get unlimited access to Travel Essentials by GigSky for select travel applications. An additional benefit is one complimentary 1 gigabyte per 15 day GigSky global mobile data plan annually, plus a 20 percent discount on future GigSky purchases. A 24 hour concierge service is available for assistance with travel, dining, or event bookings.
Several insurance protections are included when travel expenses are charged to the card. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance provides coverage when at least 75 percent of the trip costs are paid for with the card. Coverage includes up to $1,500 per person for trip cancellation expenses and up to $2,000 for trip interruption expenses, with a maximum of $10,000 per trip. Emergency medical insurance provides up to $1 million in coverage for the cardholder, their spouse, and eligible dependent children. This medical coverage is for travellers under 65 years of age and applies for trips of up to 15 consecutive days.
Other insurance benefits include mobile device protection. Coverage of up to $1,000 applies if a new smartphone or tablet is fully charged to the card and cellular service is activated with a provider. This protection covers loss, theft, or accidental damage. The card also provides common carrier travel accident insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver insurance when the rental is charged to the card. Delayed and lost baggage insurance is included, along with hotel burglary insurance and purchase security and extended warranty protection on eligible items.
- Trip Cancellation: Up to $1,500 per person.
- Trip Interruption: Up to $2,000 per person, $10,000 maximum per trip.
- Emergency Medical: Up to $1 million for trips under 15 days (under age 65).
- Mobile Device Protection: Up to $1,000 for loss, theft, or damage.
- Travel Data: 10GB GigSky data for 15 days annually.
- Concierge: 24/7 service for travel, dining, and events.
Additional Cardholder Perks and Programs
The card provides access to the Visa Infinite Dining and Wine Country program. This program offers multi-course meals with wine pairings prepared by notable chefs at participating establishments. Cardholders can save on car rentals through partnerships with Avis and Budget in Canada and the United States. Savings of up to 25 percent off base rates are available when paying with the card and using specific corporate discount codes. The Avis worldwide discount code is C030400 and the Budget Corporate Discount code is A363302.
A fuel savings program is available at Shell Canada locations. Cardholders can get up to 7 cents per litre in value at the pump when using their linked Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card. The card also offers a flexible payment plan feature called Scotia SelectPay. This allows cardholders to pay off eligible Scotiabank Visa credit card purchases of $100 or more with a low interest installment plan. The Scotia SelectPay plan does not charge an installment plan fee for setting up the payment schedule.
Hotel booking benefits are available through the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection. Benefits can include room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and early check in or late check out privileges. Cardholders also have access to exclusive entertainment event presales and offers through Visa Entertainment. These additional perks are managed through the Visa network and are subject to the terms and conditions of each individual program.
Important Terms and Common Considerations
The cash back rewards are earned on eligible purchases only, which excludes certain transactions. Payments, cash advances, balance transfers, cash-like transactions, interest charges, fees, and other similar charges do not earn cash back. The 15 percent introductory cash back bonus is calculated separately from the regular cash back earnings. The bonus amount earned during the promotional period becomes available for redemption approximately five months after the account opening date. The regular cash back earned at the standard rates appears on monthly statements and is redeemable at any time.
The promotional 0 percent balance transfer rate has specific conditions. The offer applies only to eligible cash advances, including balance transfers, initiated during the promotional period. The 2 percent balance transfer fee is charged on the amount of each transfer. The offer is subject to the cash advance limits on the account and the approved credit limit at the time the offer is provided. If a requested balance transfer exceeds the approved credit limit, the transaction may not be processed by the bank.
Cardholders should be aware of the standard rates that apply after introductory periods conclude. After the first three months, all purchases earn cash back at the standard tiered rates of 4 percent, 2 percent, or 1 percent. After the first 12 months, any remaining balance from a promotional balance transfer will accrue interest at the standard cash advance rate of 22.99 percent. After the first year, the standard annual fee of $120 for the primary card and $50 for each additional card will be charged to the account on each anniversary date.
- Cash back not earned on: payments, cash advances, balance transfers, fees, interest.
- Intro cash back bonus available for redemption about 5 months after account opening.
- Balance transfer fee: 2% of amount transferred (minimum $5).
- Post-promo balance transfer rate: 22.99%.
- Post-promo cash back rates: 4% (groceries/recurring), 2% (gas/transit), 1% (other).
- Annual fee after first year: $120 primary, $50 per additional card.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cash back rate for groceries on the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite?
The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card offers a 4 percent cash back rate on eligible grocery store purchases and recurring bill payments. This category includes preauthorized payments for subscriptions and utilities. The rate applies after any introductory promotional period ends and is subject to the card's standard program terms. Monthly spending caps may apply to this rewards category.
Is there an annual fee for the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card?
The standard annual fee for the primary Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card is $120. A fee of $50 applies for each additional card on the account. A promotional offer waives the annual fee for the first year for both primary and additional cards for accounts opened between May 1, 2026, and November 1, 2026. After the first year, the standard annual fees will be charged on each account anniversary.
What is the introductory offer for new cardholders?
New cardholders who open an account during the offer period receive 15 percent cash back on all eligible purchases for the first three months, up to the first $2,000 spent. They also receive a 0 percent introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 12 months, with a 2 percent transfer fee. The first year's annual fee is waived for both primary and additional cards. These offers apply to accounts opened between May 1, 2026, and November 1, 2026.
What are the income requirements for the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite?
To qualify for the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite card, an individual applicant typically needs a minimum personal annual income between $60,000 and $80,000. Alternatively, applicants can qualify with a total household income between $100,000 and $150,000. A third qualification path requires having between $250,000 and $300,000 in assets under management with Scotiabank. The bank uses the application information to determine eligibility.
How do I redeem cash back earned with this card?
Cash back can be redeemed once the balance exceeds $25. Redemption is done through the Scotia mobile app or online banking platform. Cardholders can choose to apply the cash back as a statement credit to reduce their card balance or deposit the funds directly into a Scotiabank chequing or savings account. There is no limit on the redemption amount and cash back does not expire as long as the account is open and in good standing.
What travel insurance comes with the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite?
The card includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance. This provides 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. It also includes emergency medical insurance of up to $1 million for trips under 15 consecutive days for travellers under 65 years old. This coverage applies when at least 75% of the eligible travel costs are charged to the card.
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.