Choose from a variety of newcomer credit cards and start building your credit history in Canada with the Scotiabank StartRight® Program2.
Choose from a variety of trusted credit card brands available through Scotiabank such as American Express®1, MasterCard®* and Visa* with the Scotiabank StartRight® Program1 2.
When you apply for credit in Canada, lenders will normally check your credit history to help with their decision.
Building good credit could help you save money on interest rates and get approved more easily for things like cell phones, lines of credit and car loans.
Get a credit card and use it on a regular basis.
Always pay your bills on time.
Pay your bills off in full whenever possible.
Limit yourself to just one or two credit cards.
Know your credit score.
Credit scores are calculated by Canada’s two major credit-reporting agencies: Equifax and TransUnion. They calculate your score based on information in your credit report. Key factors that can affect your score include your payment history, how much debt you have and how long you’ve been using credit.
A Scotiabank account lets you access your credit report for free through your online banking. You are also entitled to free reports from Equifax and TransUnion Canada.
Rewards are incentives you get when you use certain credit cards to pay for everyday purchases. In Canada, rewards can come in a variety of formats like points, miles, or cash back. Whatever the format, reward types typically give you some sort of benefit for using your card to make your everyday purchases.
Scotiabank offers the following reward options.
Scotiabank offers a variety of cards from trusted brands including VISA**, MasterCard®* and American Express®1.
Book an appointment with a Scotiabank Advisor to apply for a credit card once you’re in Canada.
Our most popular credit cards for newcomers.
Earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases).3 Plus, get a 7.99% introductory interest rate on everyday purchases for the first 6 months (19.99% after that; annual fee $0)3
Rates and fees are subject to change.
Earn 5,000 bonus Scotia Rewards points with your first $500 in everyday purchases in first 3 months5
Rates and fees are subject to change.
0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months (12.99% after that; annual fee $29)7
Rates and fees are subject to change.
Earn up to 40,000 bonus Scotia Rewards points in your first year (that’s up to $400 towards travel)8
Rates and fees are subject to change.
Earn 2,500 bonus SCENE points with your first $500 in everyday purchases in first 3 months10.
Rates and fees are subject to change.
Earn 7.5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases).14 Plus, get a 2.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months (22.99% after that; annual fee $39).14
Rates and fees are subject to change.
7.99% introductory interest rate on purchases for the first 6 months (19.99% after that; annual fee $0)16
Rates and fees are subject to change.
Important Notice: Effective April 1, 2021, the annual interest rate for Purchases and certain other fees are changing. There are no changes to the introductory interest rate on Purchases. View more details on all changes.
Our most popular credit cards for international students.
Earn 1,250 bonus SCENE points upon first purchase18
Rates and fees are subject to change.
Book an appointment with a Scotiabank Advisor to apply for a credit card once you’re in Canada.