🎬 Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa Student Credit Card Review — A Smart First Card for Movie Lovers & More

8.6

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Highlights:

• Annual fee: $0
• Second Card: $0
• Purchase Rate: 20.99%
• Cash Advance Rate: 22.99%

For students looking to build credit and earn perks without paying annual fees, the Scotiabank SCENE+® Visa Student Card* is an appealing starter option. With rewards on groceries, dining, and Cineplex movies, plus access to the SCENE+ program, it offers a solid mix of everyday utility and fun experiences — especially for students on a budget.

But how does it really hold up compared to other student cards in Canada? Let’s dig into the features, see what real users think, and answer the top questions students have before applying.

🧾 Key Features Overview

Our take: This is a great starter card for students who want real rewards without paying fees. The grocery and dining bonuses are well-targeted for campus life — and let’s be honest, discounted Cineplex nights don’t hurt either.

💵 Cashback & Rewards Breakdown

This card earns SCENE+ points — one of Canada’s most popular loyalty programs.

🎬 1,000 SCENE+ points = $10 in rewards at Cineplex or Scene+ partners
💡 Bonus: You can also redeem SCENE+ points at participating grocery chains like Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, and more.

CreditAssess.ca user review:
“I signed up as a first-year student and it’s been a great intro card. I swipe it for groceries and get Scene points fast — I’ve already used points for 3 free movie nights with friends.”
— Melissa, Queen’s University

Our opinion: The 2x categories are genuinely helpful for students. Most people in college spend heavily on food, takeout, and cheap entertainment. This card actually rewards that lifestyle.

🎁 Welcome Bonus

New cardholders can earn up to 5,000 SCENE+ points when they:

• Make their first eligible purchase
• Set up automatic recurring payments within 2 months of activation

That’s about $50 in value, which could be 4-5 free movies or a decent grocery discount.

CreditAssess.ca user review:
“I got the 5,000 points just from using it for my phone bill and pizza delivery. Super easy to get.”
— Zaid, UBC

📲 Scene+ Ecosystem Perks

Here’s where this card stands out — it plugs directly into Scene+, one of Canada’s largest multi-retailer reward programs.

You can redeem points at:

• Cineplex: Free movie tickets or VIP upgrades
• Grocery stores: Redeem points for food
• Travel: Through Scene+ Travel powered by Expedia
• Dining: Through partners like Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, East Side Mario’s
• Merchandise: Scene+ store (tech, gift cards, etc.)

Opinion: If you live near Cineplex and shop at Sobeys or Foodland, the Scene+ system can easily turn into hundreds in savings per year. If you don’t, the appeal drops off — but the 2x grocery rate still delivers.

🔐 Security & Insurance

While this is a no-fee student card, it does come with some basic protections:

• Purchase Protection (90 days against theft/damage)
• Extended Warranty (doubles original warranty up to 1 year)
• Zero Liability Protection on unauthorized transactions
• Optional balance protection insurance (not recommended unless needed)

Our opinion: It doesn’t have travel or rental car insurance — but that’s normal for student cards. Still, the inclusion of purchase protection is a nice plus.

🧾 Application Process

You can apply online in minutes with:

• Proof of enrollment (student ID or admission letter)
• No minimum income requirement
• Credit check required (but approval odds are good for students)
• You must be the age of majority in your province

Scotiabank has a quick digital application and often approves students with little to no credit history.

✅ Pros & ❌ Cons

✅ Pros

• No annual fee
• Good earn rates on groceries, restaurants, Cineplex
• Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
• Scene+ redemption flexibility (groceries, movies, gift cards)
• Simple application — made for students

❌ Cons

• No travel insurance or perks
• Rewards value mostly locked to Scene+ partners
• 2x categories only apply at select merchants (not universal)
• Cineplex appeal may vary based on location

CreditAssess.ca user review:
“I wish I could use the points at Amazon or Best Buy, but Scene+ is still decent. I mainly use it for food and tickets.”
— Ari, Concordia University

💡 Who Should Get This Card?

You should consider this card if:

• You’re a student with limited or no credit history
• You want to earn rewards on food, groceries, and movies
• You shop at Scene+ partner stores (Sobeys, Cineplex, etc.)
• You want a no-hassle, no-fee credit card to build your credit score

Not ideal for:

• Frequent travelers (no insurance, no points transfer to airlines)
• People who don’t live near Scene+ partner stores
• Shoppers looking for flat cashback on all purchases

🧮 Real-World Earnings Example

Let’s say a student spends:

Over 12 months, that’s nearly 20,000 points, or about $200 in value — not bad for a no-fee student card!

🙋‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓Can international students apply for the Scotiabank SCENE+ Visa* Student Card?

Yes — international students can apply with proof of enrollment, study permit, and ID. Some may need to apply in person at a branch rather than online.

❓Is this card a secured credit card?

No — this is a standard unsecured credit card designed for students. There’s no deposit required.

❓Do SCENE+ points expire?

Points do not expire as long as your Scene+ account is active (i.e., has recent activity in 24 months).

❓Where can I use SCENE+ points?

You can redeem points for:

• Movie tickets at Cineplex
• Groceries at Sobeys, Foodland, FreshCo, etc.
• Travel through Scene+ Travel
• Dining at Scene+ restaurant partners
• Gift cards and merchandise

❓Is there a mobile app to track rewards?

Yes! Download the Scotiabank mobile app and the Scene+ app to track your card activity and points.

🏁 CreditAssess.ca Verdict

The Scotiabank SCENE+® Visa Student Card* is a smart first card for students who want to earn rewards in real life — groceries, food delivery, and movies. It’s built for students in mind: low risk, no fees, and very tangible rewards through Scene+.

If you’re looking to build your credit, earn some perks, and avoid any fees, this is one of the best no-fee starter cards in Canada. And if you’re a Cineplex regular, it becomes even more valuable.

Final Rating: 8.6 / 10

Disclaimer: Refer to the credit card official web page for the latest up to date rates, terms, and conditions. Nothing in the Site constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information on the Site constitute professional and/or financial advice.