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Get up to a $15,000 credit limit on an unsecured credit card

As a newcomer, choose from a variety of credit cards and start building your credit history in Canada with the Scotiabank StartRight® Program† – even without a credit history§.

Increase your credit limit

Nova Credit lets you use your credit history from back home to help you settle in faster. Take advantage of the credit score you built in your home country to access a higher credit limit on your Scotiabank credit card††.

Get a higher credit limit

Earn rewards with our credit cards

Earn rewards with specific credit cards for everyday purchases in Canada. Whether it be in points, miles or cash back, our credit cards offer many benefits for everyday spending. 

Cash back

Earn cash back rewards on everyday purchases. Get cash deposited directly into your account.

Lifestyle

As a Scene+ member, earn and redeem points for travel, shopping, dining and more.

Build your credit history faster

  • 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.

Choose the card that's right for you

Help me choose Calculate and save

Choose the card that's right for you

Travel & Lifestyle
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite credit card

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card

Earn up to $1,300+ in value in the first 12 months, including up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points.‡

Earn 3 Scene+ points1 on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland & Participating Co-ops and more.

 

Annual fee: $150

Interest rates: 20.99% purchases / 22.99% cash advances

No annual fee
Scotia Momentum No-Fee Visa credit card

Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card

Earn 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases).2 

Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months (2% fee per cash advance, 22.99% after that; annual fee $0).2

 

Annual fee: $0

Interest rates: 19.99% purchases / 22.99% cash advances

REWARDS
SCENE Visa credit card

Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card

Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.2

Earn 2 Scene+ points4 on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland & Participating Co-ops, FreshCo and more.

Earn 2 Scene+ points4 on every $1 you spend at Home Hardware.

Annual fee: $0

Interest rates: 20.99% purchases / 22.99% cash advances

Student
SCENE Visa Card for Student

Scotiabank® Scene+™ Visa* Card (for students)

Earn up to 5,000 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months.2

Earn 2 Scene+ points4 on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland & Participating Co-ops, FreshCo and more.

Earn 2 Scene+ points4 on every $1 you spend at Home Hardware.

Annual fee: $0

Interest rates: 20.99% purchases / 22.99% cash advances

A couple stands on a bridge, holding glasses of orange juice, enjoying a refreshing drink together.

Why do I need to build my credit history in Canada?

 

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.

A man and child stand together, gazing at their reflections in a mirror.

How to find out my 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 family of four, including two children, happily posing with their beloved dog in a scenic setting.

How can I get a credit card?

 

Scotiabank offers a variety of cards from trusted brands including VISA*, MasterCard®** and American Express®^.

Book an appointment with a Scotiabank Advisor to apply for a credit card once you’re in Canada.

Looking for valuable advice?

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We’re here to help, ask us anything

The StartRight™ team is here to support you. Call, email or book an appointment today.

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More advice on all things Canadian

Find more personal stories, articles, and resources to help you settle in sooner.

†
Scotiabank StartRight® Program is available only for Canadian Permanent Residents from 0-5 years in Canada, International Students and Foreign Workers.
§
Subject to credit approval. To be eligible, you must be a participant in the Scotiabank StartRight® Program. To qualify for a credit card, you must be a resident of Canada and the age of majority in your province/territory where you live. Your approval for a credit card and the credit limit assigned will be determined based on Scotiabank’s credit criteria, including your verifiable income and credit history (If available). The credit limit amount of up to $15,000 under the Scotiabank StartRight® Program is subject to change by Scotiabank from time to time without prior notice. A credit history in Canada is not required in order to be eligible for a credit card under the Scotiabank StartRight® Program.
††
Subject to credit approval and other conditions. Only available for the following select countries: Australia, Austria, Dominican Republic, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, United States and Ukraine. Select countries are subject to change without notice.
®
Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia.
™
Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia.
®**
Mastercard, Priceless Cities and Tap & Go are registered trademarks, and the circles design and Mastercard Global Services are trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated and used under license by The Bank of Nova Scotia.
®^
Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia. American Express is a registered trademark of American Express. This credit card program is issued and administered by the Bank of Nova Scotia under license from American Express.
*
Visa Int. / Licensed User.