Is the ScotiaGold Passport Visa Card no longer issued in Canada ? Here are some alternatives

One guarantee in life is change. In the financial landscape, this is not too different - especially with credit cards. Credit cards are constantly evolving, leaving long-established favorites behind to make way for new ones.

The ScotiaGold Passport Visa card, which is no longer available to new users, is one example of this shift.¹ Let's learn more, shall we?

ScotiaGold American Express Card

The ScotiaGold American Express Card is a premium credit card offering a range of benefits tailored for frequent travelers and everyday spenders alike.

Eligibility

Canadians of legal age in their home province or territory can apply for the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, provided that they have had

• no instances of bankruptcies in the past seven years
• a good - excellent credit score
• a personal income of at least CAD 12,000 per year.²

Travel Benefits

When traveling, cardholders enjoy:

• Zero foreign transaction fees of 2.5% apply, including for foreign online shopping and when abroad. The only charge is the exchange rate applies.²
• Access to Amex Offers for shopping, dining, and when traveling.²
• Book flights with Scene+ Travel, which is a full-service travel agency.²
• Relax with airport lounge access to more than over 1200 VIP lounges around the world.²

Insurance

Cardholder insurance protection includes:

• Up to 1 million CAD in travel Emergency Medical Insurance coverage for trips up to 25 days, including hospital treatment, nursing, prescription medication, licensed ambulance trips, and more.²
• A maximum of 500,000 CAD - 1 million CAD per instance - in Accident Insurance when traveling.²
• Up to 1,500 CAD per person - or 10,000 CAD per trip - for any disruptions to trips or cancellations.²
• Up to 500 CAD per person for any flight delays, to help offset hotel accommodations, meals, and other necessary emergency items²
• 1,000 CAD per person for lost or delayed baggage²
• A maximum of 1,000 CAD to cover theft and burglary that occurs in accommodation at any hotel or motel in Canada or the U.S.²
• Rental Car Loss and Damage Insurance for up to 48 days.
• Enjoy up to 90 days for purchases.²
• Extended manufacturer's warranty for an additional 12 months. ²
• Cardholders can opt for Scotia Credit Card Protection, which can cover any outstanding balance or assist with monthly payments in the event of unexpected life incidents like Death, Critical Illness, Hospitalization, Disability, Job Loss or Strike..²

Fees and interest rates to be paid

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

Designed with travelers in mind, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card offers a wide range of benefits for travel expenses.

Eligibility

You must be a Canadian resident of legal age and have no recent bankruptcy filings to become a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card holder. ¹ Additionally, you must meet at least one of the following:

1. Earn a minimum of 60,000 CAD annually.⁴
2. Have a household income of at least 100,000 CAD annually⁴
3. Hold assets totaling a minimum of 250,000 CAD.⁴

Travel Benefits

Cardholders can take advantage of the following travel benefits with this card :

• No foreign transaction fees, whether made online or when outside of Canada. ⁴
• 6 airport lounge access per year for the cardholder and one guest, with access to more than 1,000 airport lounges globally, including participating Plaza Premium Lounges.⁴
• Book trips with Scene+ Travel, or book travel with your preferred method and redeem Scene+ points to cover the cost⁴
• Save on car rentals with complimentary Avis® Preferred Plus membership.⁴
• Obtain the best available rates on hotels and get an automatic room upgrade—when it’s available—plus free Wi-Fi in your room.⁴

Insurance

The following is offered for peace of mind:

1. Coverage for a maximum of 2 million CAD for sudden illness or injury while traveling outside Canada.⁴
2. Reimbursement for any non-refundable trips up to 1,500 CAD per person for cancellation and up to 2,500 CAD per person for trip interruption.⁴
3. A maximum compensation of 500 CAD per insured person due to flight delays.⁴
4. 1,000 for lost luggage and 1,000 CAD for delayed luggage.⁴ Protects against any damage or theft to any rental vehicle, up to the actual cash value of the vehicle.⁴
5. Covers up to 1,000 CAD for theft from hotel or motel rooms, inside or outside Canada.⁴
6. 500,000 CAD for accidental loss of life or dismemberment while on a trip.⁴ Insurance from theft, loss, or damage of purchases.⁴ Extends manufacturer's warranty for purchases, up to one year.⁴

Fees and interest rates to be paid

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card

For globetrotting Canadians looking to maximize their Aeroplan rewards, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card is an option. . This card allows holders to earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases, which can then be redeemed for flights and other travel rewards.

Eligibility⁵

To be eligible for The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card, one must meet the following requirements:

• personal annual income of CAD 60,000 or a household income of CAD 100,000.
• Canadian residency
• legal age in your province or territory of residence

Travel Benefits⁵

• Earn Aeroplan points for any purchases, which can be shared with up to 8 family members. Redeem points for flights, hotels, gift cards, and merchandise.
• Get one free checked bag for you, any cardholders, and folks traveling with you on the same Air Canada reservation.
• Access to toll-free emergency travel help for translation services, lost documents, ticket replacement, and emergency cash transfer support in case of theft, loss, or other emergencies.
• Get a rebate on the NEXUS application fee (up to CAD 100). Any earned Aeroplan points do not expire as long as you remain a cardholder in good standing.

Insurance

The card also offers the following insurance benefits ⁵:

1. A maximum of 2 million CAD coverage for the first 21 days in Travel Medical Insurance with add-ons available.
2. Up to 1,500 CAD per person for Trip Cancellation maxed out at 5,000 CAD for all insured.
3. For any flight or trip delay, enjoy up to 500 CAD per person for delays exceeding 4 hours.
4. Up to 1,000 CAD per person if baggage is delayed over 6 hours or gets lost.
5. Up to 500,000 CAD coverage for covered losses on common carriers. Coverage for 48 days in a row for any vehicle rentals that experience collision, loss, or damage. Toll-free access for personal emergencies while traveling.
6. Up to 2,500 CAD protection for stolen items belonging to the Cardholder or eligible family members in a hotel, motel, or other accommodation.

Fees

Final Thoughts

As stated at the outset, change is inevitable. However, it needn't be frightening when alternatives to the ScotiaGold American Express card, like the ones listed in this article, are available. . Each has its perks, rewarding cardholders with impressive travel benefits that make you want to go out and book that flight!

Sources verified on 2 July 2024