Category: Point and Mile Bonuses

This is a credit card by ScotiaBank and American Express. I own two different AMEX cards (SPG and their rewards card) but I wanted to  review their Scotiabank Gold American Express card.

Benefits:

• Earn 15,000 Bonus Points, a $150 travel value
• Flexible point redemption; no expiry or blackouts
• Earn 4x Scotia Rewards points for every $1 you spend at eligible gas stations, grocery stores, on dining and entertainment.

• Receive up to 20% off the lowest published offer at over 18,000 hotels worldwide, with special rates and/or complimentary amenities.

• Receive up to 20% off the Best Available Rates and a complimentary room upgrade (if available) at some of the world’s most incredible properties. Enjoy a free amenity, complimentary breakfast and late checkout privileges (if available).
• Receive a special yearly Priority Pass Membership price for only $65 USD (a 35% discount off the regular price) and access each lounge visit for just $27 USD.
• As the primary Cardmember, you, your spouse and accompanying dependent children are each automatically covered for up to $1 million in emergency medical coverage if sudden and unexpected illness or accidental injury should occur while travelling outside your province or territory of residence in Canada.
• When you purchase common carrier tickets with your Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, you are eligible for coverage against the loss or the delay of your checked luggage.
• You may be reimbursed for eligible reasonable living expenses incurred during the period of a delayed flight or missed connection which lasts four hours or more to a limit $500 per trip for all insured travellers. Simply charge the full cost of your tickets to your Scotiabank Gold American Express Card.

My feedback:

This card has an Annual Fee of $99 for the Primary Card Holder and an Additional Card Holder Annual Fee of $29. The travel benefits are really standard with most high-end American Express Cards. I like the 4x Scotia Rewards points for every $1 you spend at eligible gas stations, grocery stores, on dining and entertainment but one thing to remember is that it only applies to merchants that may qualify for accelerated Scotia Rewards points.

The card is easy to figure out – 1 point = 1 penny towards travel. I look at this as a 1 % return or cash back equivalent (unless you can find a merchant for four times the points).

You only need a travel purchase to redeem those points that you accumulate.

The minimum redemption is 5,000 points (not disclosed on their page so be aware of that fact)!

I prefer the American Express Gold Rewards Card as I can transfer to other programs like Aeroplan and Avios and have the option to use for any travel.

This card also has no annual fee for the first year and gives you 20,000 Membership rewards points. This is worth $200 in travel benefits.

My recommendation is that if you are looking for an American Express travel card to look at the American Express Gold Rewards Card.