You are currently viewing New Increased Bonuses On 2 Great Scotiabank Travel Credit Cards

One of the rare upsides of the pandemic is that if you are not traveling, you can be accumulating a huge stash of travel rewards points so your next trip (or trips) can be heavily discounted. If you haven’t started yet, you’ve already lost a full year… so it’s time to take action now. And even if you have been earning already, these 2 great Scotiabank travel credit cards could be the right options for you.

Both cards have seen their welcome bonus increased in March (and of course, welcome bonuses are the key to getting over $1,000 in travel rewards each year as we do).

That doesn’t mean they are the best credit cards in Canada right now, it’s just that we wanted to tell you about these brand-new offers.

For example, in terms of travel rewards value, there are at least 7 cards with higher welcome bonuses right now:

Best credit card offers
(May 2025)
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(20.5% back on $5k)
Rewards: $1025
Annual fee: $0 $139
Spend required:$5k in 6 mos.
Best for: Among highest offers ever seen for simple points
SIMPLE 60k/100k
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(≈ 28.3% back on $3k)
Rewards: ≈ $969
Card fee: $120
Spend required:$3k in 3 mos. spend $3k
in 3 mos. (OR $20k in 12 mos. for 110k pts)
Best for: Very lucrative hotel points for specific hotels
LUCRATIVE No min. inc.
ends August 18th
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(≈ 15.6% back on $6k)
Rewards: ≈ $1083
Card fee: $150
Spend required:$6k in 3 mos.
Best for: For those who already have the one above
LUCRATIVE No min. inc.
ends August 18th
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(≈ 8.8% back on $18k)
Rewards: ≈ $1590
Card fee: $0 $199
Spend required:$18k in 12 mos. (or $5k/$9k)
Best for: Incredible offer for those with more spending
SIMPLE 80k/150k
limited time
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(≈ 7.5% back on $10k)
Rewards: ≈ $750
Card fee: $0 $89
Spend required:$10k in 12 mos. (or $3k/$6k)
Best for: Great offer for those with more spending
SIMPLE No min. inc.
limited time
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(≈ 7.8% back on $12k)
Rewards: ≈ $1180
Card fee: $250
Spend required:$12k in 12 mos.
Best for: Lucrative rewards and 4 passes for VIP airport lounges
LUCRATIVE No min. inc.
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(≈ 15.6% back on $5k)
Rewards: ≈ $900
Card fee: $120
Spend required:$5k in 6 mos.
Best for: Lucrative rewards w/ unlim. value great if you're flexible
LUCRATIVE 60k/100k
ends June 11th
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(≈ 8.3% back on $9k)
Rewards: ≈ $900
Card fee: $156
Spend required:$9k in 12 mos.
Best for: Best overall  card in Canada
LUCRATIVE No min. inc.
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(8.7% back on $7.5k)
Rewards: $775
Card fee: $120
Spend required:$7.5k in 12 mos. (or $2k)
Best for: Very good travel insurance and earn rate
SIMPLE 12k
ends July 1st
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(≈ 5.3% back on $12k)
Rewards: ≈ $641
Annual fee: $0 $139
Spend required:$12k in 12 mos. spend $12k in 12 mos.
(incl. $7.5k in 180 days)
Best for: Valuable Aeroplan pts and travel benefits like free bags on AC
LUCRATIVE 60k/100k
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(≈ 6.5% back on $10k)
Rewards: ≈ $1451
Card fee: $799
Spend required:$10k in 3 mos.
Best for: Unlimited access to VIP airport lounges and lucrative rewards
LUCRATIVE No min. inc.
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(6.0% back on $10k)
Rewards: $1000
Card fee: $399
Spend required:$10k in 14 mos. (or $3k)
Best for: 10 airport lounge passes and no FX fees
SIMPLE 12k
ends October 31st
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(≈ 2.2% back on $24k)
Rewards: ≈ $1126
Annual fee: $599
Spend required:$24k in 12 mos. (or $12k)
Best for: For Air Canada lounge access and 6 passes (other lounges)
LUCRATIVE 150k/200k
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(≈ 10.4% back on $5k)
Rewards: ≈ $919
Card fee: $399
Spend required:$5k in 6 mos.
Best for: Lucrative pts and 6 passes for VIP airport lounges
LUCRATIVE 200k/200k
limited time
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
(≈ 5.9% back on $7.5k)
Rewards: ≈ $1041
Card fee: $599
Spend required:$7.5k in 3 mos.
Best for: For Air Canada lounge access & other AC benefits
LUCRATIVE No min. inc.
ends August 18th
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.
Best credit card offers
(May 2025)
SIMPLE
60k/100k
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: $1025
Annual fee: $0 $139
(20.5% back on $5k)
Spend required:
$5k in 6 mos.
Best for: Among highest offers ever seen for simple points
NEW
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
LUCRATIVE
No min. inc.
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: ≈ $969
Card fee: $120
(≈ 28.3% back on $3k)
Spend required:
$3k in 3 mos. spend $3k
in 3 mos. (OR $20k in 12 mos. for 110k pts)
ends August 18th
SEE ALL CARD DETAILS
Best for: Very lucrative hotel points for specific hotels
NEW
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
LUCRATIVE
No min. inc.
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: ≈ $1083
Card fee: $150
(≈ 15.6% back on $6k)
Spend required:
$6k in 3 mos.
ends August 18th
SEE ALL CARD DETAILS
Best for: For those who already have the one above
SIMPLE
80k/150k
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: ≈ $1590
Card fee: $0 $199
(≈ 8.8% back on $18k)
Spend required:
$18k in 12 mos. (or $5k/$9k)
limited time
SEE ALL CARD DETAILS
Best for: Incredible offer for those with more spending
SIMPLE
No min. inc.
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: ≈ $750
Card fee: $0 $89
(≈ 7.5% back on $10k)
Spend required:
$10k in 12 mos. (or $3k/$6k)
limited time
SEE ALL CARD DETAILS
Best for: Great offer for those with more spending
American Express Gold Rewards Card
LUCRATIVE
No min. inc.
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: ≈ $1180
Card fee: $250
(≈ 7.8% back on $12k)
Spend required:
$12k in 12 mos.
Best for: Lucrative rewards and 4 passes for VIP airport lounges
LUCRATIVE
60k/100k
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: ≈ $900
Card fee: $120
(≈ 15.6% back on $5k)
Spend required:
$5k in 6 mos.
Best for: Lucrative rewards w/ unlim. value great if you're flexible
LUCRATIVE
No min. inc.
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: ≈ $900
Card fee: $156
(≈ 8.3% back on $9k)
Spend required:
$9k in 12 mos.
Best for: Best overall  card in Canada
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
SIMPLE
12k
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: $775
Card fee: $120
(8.7% back on $7.5k)
Spend required:
$7.5k in 12 mos. (or $2k)
ends July 1st
SEE ALL CARD DETAILS
Best for: Very good travel insurance and earn rate
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
LUCRATIVE
60k/100k
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: ≈ $641
Annual fee: $0 $139
(≈ 5.3% back on $12k)
Spend required:
$12k in 12 mos. spend $12k in 12 mos.
(incl. $7.5k in 180 days)
Best for: Valuable Aeroplan pts and travel benefits like free bags on AC
Platinum Card from American Express
LUCRATIVE
No min. inc.
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: ≈ $1451
Card fee: $799
(≈ 6.5% back on $10k)
Spend required:
$10k in 3 mos.
Best for: Unlimited access to VIP airport lounges and lucrative rewards
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
SIMPLE
12k
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: $1000
Card fee: $399
(6.0% back on $10k)
Spend required:
$10k in 14 mos. (or $3k)
ends October 31st
SEE ALL CARD DETAILS
Best for: 10 airport lounge passes and no FX fees
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card (excl. QC)
LUCRATIVE
150k/200k
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: ≈ $1126
Annual fee: $599
(≈ 2.2% back on $24k)
Spend required:
$24k in 12 mos. (or $12k)
Best for: For Air Canada lounge access and 6 passes (other lounges)
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card
LUCRATIVE
200k/200k
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: ≈ $919
Card fee: $399
(≈ 10.4% back on $5k)
Spend required:
$5k in 6 mos.
limited time
SEE ALL CARD DETAILS
Best for: Lucrative pts and 6 passes for VIP airport lounges
NEW
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
LUCRATIVE
No min. inc.
Flytrippers Valuation (BONUS)
Rewards: ≈ $1041
Card fee: $599
(≈ 5.9% back on $7.5k)
Spend required:
$7.5k in 3 mos.
ends August 18th
SEE ALL CARD DETAILS
Best for: For Air Canada lounge access & other AC benefits
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

 

Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is one of the best credit cards in Canada for many travelers.

Here’s why it’s great (detailed post to come soon; subscribe to our free travel rewards newsletter):

  • Its new welcome bonus offer is worth $230 in travel rewards based on our Flytrippers Valuation
  • The welcome bonus requires a low minimum spend of $1,000 in 3 months (that’s just ≈ $77/week)
  • It earns a whopping 5 points per dollar (5%) on groceries (and 3% on gas, transit, and streaming services)
  • Scotia points are literally the easiest type of travel rewards, as they can be applied to any travel expense
  • It is one of the very few cards in Canada with no foreign transaction fees (2.5% in savings)
  • It has some of the best travel insurance coverage for those with a lower income
  • It has a very low minimum income requirement of $12,000 only

If you can spend a bit more each month, I would strongly consider the American Express Cobalt Card which also earns 5 points per dollar on groceries (even 6 points per dollar actually by transferring to Marriott for even more value) and also has an increased welcome bonus worth ≈ $706 (with a higher spending required but no minimum income).

The American Express Cobalt Card is simply one of the very best cards in Canada, and it now has its best-ever welcome bonus offer. It’s the card I used the most myself when I’m not unlocking the many new welcome bonuses I get each year.

But in case you don’t want to spend as much, the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is by far the best alternative. You can also consider the other best credit cards in Canada for groceries in case you don’t want to do as I did (which is to change for one of the grocery stores that accept American Express in Canada).

Here’s how the card deal works (and download our free checklist for when you get a new card to avoid common mistakes):

  • Apply for the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
  • Spend $1,000 in 3 months
  • Get 35,000 Scotia points
  • Use for a $350 discount on any travel purchase
  • By deducting the $120 fee, you’ll have gotten $230 in value
  • Re-evaluate the card in one year, as always

Have any questions? Ask us in the comments below.

 

Scotia Passport Visa Infinite* Card

The Scotia Passport Visa Infinite* Card is one of the best credit cards in Canada for those who enjoy airport lounge access.

Here’s why it’s great (detailed post to come soon; subscribe to our free travel rewards newsletter):

  • Its new welcome bonus offer is worth $171 in travel rewards based on our Flytrippers Valuation
  • The welcome bonus requires a low minimum spend of $1,000 in 3 months (that’s just ≈ $77/week)
  • It gives you 6 annual free airport lounge passes around the world
  • It is one of the very few cards in Canada with no foreign transaction fees (2.5% in savings)
  • Scotia points are literally the easiest type of travel rewards, as they can be applied to any travel expense
  • It has some of the best travel insurance coverage in Canada
  • However, it has a minimum income requirement of $60,000

While not many of you are in need of airport lounge passes right now, given how it will almost certainly be easy to travel this fall at the latest (and next winter), you’d likely be able to use the 6 passes within the year pretty easily.

That said, if you earn over $60,000 per year, there are many other higher offers in terms of rewards value among the best credit cards in Canada. For example, if you want even more value, the aforementioned American Express Cobalt Card is by far the best offer in Canada right now (≈ $706).

Of course, there’s always the Marriott Bonvoy American Express® Card (≈ $357) if you don’t have it yet: it’s the card that every Canadian traveler should have (the welcome bonus gives you 8 free hotel nights in many cool destinations, like Bali). If you prefer sticking to a Visa card, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card* ($327) will give you points (and credits) that are almost just as easy to use as Scotia points (or easier).

Here’s how the card deal works (and download our free checklist for when you get a new card to avoid common mistakes):

  • Apply for the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite* Card
  • Spend $1,000 in 3 months
  • Get 31,000 Scotia points
  • Use for a $310 discount on any travel purchase
  • By deducting the $139 fee, you’ll have gotten $171 in value
  • Re-evaluate the card in one year, as always

Have any questions? Ask us in the comments below.

 

Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card

The Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card does not have an increased welcome bonus, but they at least continued the previous (good) one.

It is one of the best offers for cashback (even though cashback is definitely not the way to go if you want to maximize your rewards):

  • Its welcome bonus offer is worth $200 in cashback (min. spend $2,000 in 3 months)
  • The welcome bonus requires a low minimum spend of $2,000 in 3 months (that’s just ≈ $77/week)
  • It earns a good 4% on groceries (and 1-2% elsewhere)
  • It comes with free supplementary cards the first year to earn faster
  • It has some of the best travel insurance coverage in Canada
  • However, it also has a minimum income requirement of $60,000

Other cashback alternatives include the BMO CashBack® World Elite®* MasterCard®* ($200 welcome bonus) that will soon earn 5% back on groceries (but with very low monthly caps) and the American Express® AIR MILES®* Platinum Card ($227 welcome bonus as AIR MILES Cash Rewards) that is still higher as cashback, even if you are way better off using AIR MILES for travel to get more value (like with all rewards programs).

There is also the SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express® which has an even higher welcome bonus ($301) but requires twice the spending to maximize it.

Here’s how the card deal works (and download our free checklist for when you get a new card to avoid common mistakes):

Have any questions? Ask us in the comments below.

 

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Summary

The 2 best Scotiabank credit cards for travelers have just seen their welcome bonuses increased significantly, so it could be a good time to get them if you were considering these as part of your travel rewards strategy.

What do you think of mandatory masks on flights? Tell us in the comments below.

 

Explore awesome destinations: travel inspiration

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Discover free travel: travel rewards

 

Featured image: Kauai (photo credit: Karsten Winegeart)

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Andrew D'Amours

Andrew is the co-founder of Flytrippers. He is passionate about traveling the world but also, as a former management consultant, about the travel industry itself. He shares his experiences to help you save money on travel. As a very cost-conscious traveler, he loves finding deals and getting free travel thanks to travel rewards points... to help him visit every country in the world (current count: 71/193 Countries, 47/50 US States & 9/10 Canadian Provinces).

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