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Choosing the right credit card in Canada can make a real difference in your financial life, especially when it comes to cash back, insurance coverage, and long-term value. The Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite Card is one of the most popular cash back credit cards in the country, designed for Canadians who want strong rewards on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, transit, and recurring bills.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn how the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite works, its main benefits, who it’s best for, how it compares to other premium cards like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, and how it stacks up against a Santander credit card alternative. The focus here is entirely on the Canadian market, Canadian spending habits, and what truly matters to cardholders in Canada.
What Is the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite Card?
The Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite is a premium cash back credit card aimed at middle- to high-income Canadians. Instead of points or travel miles, this card rewards you with straightforward cash back that can be applied directly to your statement.
One of its biggest draws is the generous welcome offer, which allows new cardholders to earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first three months, up to $2,000 in total spending. On top of that, the annual fee of $120 is waived for the first year, including for supplementary cards.
This card is especially appealing for families and professionals who spend consistently on groceries, transportation, and monthly bills and want predictable, easy-to-use rewards.
Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite
Key Features and Fees at a Glance
Before diving into the benefits, it’s important to understand the basic structure of the card.
The Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite comes with an annual fee of $120, which is waived for the first year under the current promotion. The minimum credit limit is $5,000, which aligns with Visa Infinite standards in Canada.
The purchase interest rate is 20.99%, while the cash advance rate is 22.99%. Supplementary cards cost $50 per year, though this fee is also waived in the first year as part of the special offer.
To qualify, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: a minimum personal income of $60,000, a minimum household income of $100,000, or at least $250,000 in assets under management.
How the Cash Back Program Works
The Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite is built around a tiered cash back structure that rewards everyday spending.
After the introductory offer period, cardholders earn:
4% cash back on groceries and recurring payments
2% cash back on gas and daily transit
1% cash back on all other purchases
This structure makes the card especially valuable for Canadians who use their credit card for monthly subscriptions, utility bills, streaming services, and household shopping.
Cash back is accumulated throughout the year and is typically paid out annually as a statement credit. This makes the rewards simple, transparent, and easy to redeem, with no need to manage points, blackout dates, or travel portals.
Welcome Offer: Why It Matters for Canadians
The introductory offer of 10% cash back for the first three months, up to $2,000 in purchases, is one of the most competitive cash back offers in Canada. This means you can earn up to $200 in cash back quickly, just by using the card for your regular spending.
Combined with the first-year annual fee waiver, this makes the first year of holding the card extremely cost-effective. For many Canadians, the welcome bonus alone can outweigh the card’s annual fee for several years.
Insurance Coverage and Additional Benefits
As a Visa Infinite card, the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite includes a robust insurance package that adds significant value, especially for families and frequent shoppers.
Typical coverage includes travel medical insurance, trip interruption and cancellation insurance, rental car collision damage coverage, and purchase protection. Extended warranty coverage also applies to eligible items purchased with the card, which is particularly useful for electronics and appliances.
Another standout feature is Scotia SelectPay, a flexible payment option that allows cardholders to pay off eligible purchases of $100 or more in installments, with lower interest rates and no installment plan fee. This can be especially helpful for managing larger expenses without putting pressure on monthly cash flow.
Why This Card Works Well for Canadian Lifestyles
Canadian households often have predictable monthly expenses, such as groceries, transit, gas, and recurring bills. The Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite is designed around exactly these spending categories.
Unlike some travel-focused cards that only shine when you fly frequently, this card delivers value whether you live in downtown Toronto, suburban Vancouver, or a smaller Canadian city. If your priority is maximizing everyday spending rather than travel perks, this card fits naturally into most Canadian budgets.
Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite vs Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
While both cards are premium Visa Infinite products from Scotiabank, they serve very different purposes.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite: Fee-Free Travel card is designed for Canadians who travel internationally. It offers no foreign transaction fees, airport lounge access, and travel-focused benefits. However, its rewards are primarily travel-oriented rather than cash back.
The Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite, on the other hand, focuses on cash back and everyday spending. It does charge foreign transaction fees, but it compensates by offering higher cash back rates on groceries, gas, and recurring payments.
If you travel frequently outside Canada and want to avoid foreign exchange fees, the Passport Visa Infinite may be the better option. If most of your spending happens inside Canada and you prefer cash back over travel perks, the Momentum Visa Infinite is usually the stronger choice.
Passport Visa Infinite
Comparison: Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite vs Santander Credit Card
Santander is not a major retail bank in Canada, and its credit card offerings are far more limited compared to Scotiabank. While Santander cards may be popular in Europe or Latin America, Canadian consumers typically have fewer options and benefits when choosing a Santander-issued card.
In comparison, the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite stands out in Canada due to its locally tailored benefits, strong cash back categories, and integration with Scotiabank’s banking ecosystem. Features like Scotia SelectPay, Canadian-focused insurance coverage, and compatibility with Scotia Preferred and Ultimate Packages make it more practical for everyday Canadian use.
For Canadians living and earning in Canada, the Momentum Visa Infinite generally offers more value, better support, and stronger rewards than a Santander alternative.
Awards and Recognition in Canada
The Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite has received significant recognition within the Canadian financial industry. It has won awards from respected platforms such as Milesopedia and MoneySense, including Best Cash Back Card and Best Credit Card for Recurring Payments.
These awards reflect consistent performance, strong consumer satisfaction, and a rewards structure that aligns well with real Canadian spending habits.
How to Qualify and Maximize Value
To get the most value from the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite, it’s important to use it strategically. Focus your spending on groceries, gas, transit, and recurring bills to take full advantage of the higher cash back rates.
If you already bank with Scotiabank, you may also qualify for an annual fee waiver in future years by maintaining a Preferred Package or Ultimate Package. This can effectively eliminate the card’s annual cost while preserving all its benefits.
Adding supplementary cardholders can also help households consolidate spending and earn more cash back faster, especially when managing family expenses.
Is the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite Worth It?
For many Canadians, the answer is yes. This card is ideal for those who want a premium credit card with strong cash back rewards, reliable insurance coverage, and simple redemption. It’s especially well-suited for families, professionals, and anyone who prefers predictable rewards over complex travel programs.
While it may not be the best choice for frequent international travelers, it excels as an everyday credit card in Canada. When combined with the welcome offer and first-year fee waiver, it delivers outstanding value in the first year and remains competitive long-term.
Final Thoughts for Canadians
The Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite Card is a powerful tool for Canadians who want to earn meaningful cash back on everyday purchases without overcomplicating their finances. Its strong welcome offer, generous cash back categories, and practical benefits make it one of the top cash back credit cards in Canada.
If your goal is to turn regular spending into real savings while enjoying Visa Infinite-level perks, this card deserves serious consideration in the Canadian market.
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