Daniela Hanna
The Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card is a straightforward cash-back card with $0 annual fee. Earn 1% back on everyday essentials like groceries, gas, drug stores and recurring payments — plus 0.5% on everything else — and get a strong intro offer to jump-start your rewards.
Quick highlights
- 💸 No annual fee for the primary cardholder.
- 🎁 Intro offer: 5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).
- ↔️ 0% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (transfer fee may apply).
- 🛍️ Ongoing earn: 1% on groceries, gas, drug stores & recurring payments; 0.5% on other purchases.
Why we like the Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card
This no-fee card hits the sweet spot for everyday spending. The limited-time 5% intro cash back helps you earn quickly, and the ongoing 1% categories cover most routine bills and shopping. Add the 0% balance transfer promotion and it’s a practical pick for savers looking to reduce interest while collecting steady rewards.
Stand-out features
- ✅ 5% cash back for the first 3 months (cap applies).
- ✅ 0% interest on balance transfers for 6 months (fee may apply).
- ✅ 1% on groceries, gas, drug stores & recurring payments; 0.5% on other purchases.
- ✅ $0 annual fee, easy to keep long term.
Good to know
- ⚠️ Intro offer has a purchase cap and time limit.
- ⚠️ Balance transfers may include a one-time transfer fee.
- ⚠️ Foreign transactions incur a 2.5% fee.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Strong intro offer (5% for 3 months).
- 0% balance transfer promo for 6 months.
- Useful 1% categories for daily life.
- Simple, automatic cash back redemption.
Cons
- Intro rate ends after 3 months and has a cap.
- Other purchases earn just 0.5%.
- No premium perks or travel insurance.
Rewards program
- 🛒 1% cash back on groceries, gas, drug stores and recurring bill payments.
- 💵 0.5% on all other eligible purchases.
- 🎁 Intro: 5% cash back for first 3 months (up to the promotional cap).
How to maximize rewards
- Front-load everyday spending during the 5% intro period (within the cap).
- Set up recurring payments (phone, streaming, utilities) to capture 1% automatically.
- Use the card for groceries and gas throughout the year for steady returns.
- Consider a category card for dining/travel to complement the 0.5% “other” rate.
- Pay in full monthly so interest doesn’t negate your cash back.
Insurance & benefits
Included
- 🛍️ Purchase Security on eligible items (limited time period).
- 🕒 Extended Warranty (doubles manufacturer’s warranty up to one additional year on eligible items).
- 💳 Zero Liability protection for unauthorized transactions.
- 🔎 24/7 fraud monitoring and alerts.
Not included
- ❌ No travel medical, trip interruption/cancellation.
- ❌ No car rental collision damage waiver.
- ❌ No premium airport or concierge perks.
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 19.99% |
| Cash advance APR | 22.99% (21.99% in Quebec) |
| Balance transfer APR | 0% intro for 6 months, then 22.99% (fee may apply) |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
| Grace period | 21 days on new purchases |
Best for
- 🛍️ Canadians who want $0-fee cash back with simple categories.
- 📈 New cardholders or students looking for an easy starter card.
- 💡 Savers who can leverage the 5% intro period effectively.
- 💸 Those planning a short-term balance transfer at 0% intro.
Where it falls short
- Intro offer window is brief and capped.
- Non-category spend earns only 0.5%.
- Lacks travel insurance and premium perks.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“Great starter card — no fee and the 5% intro helped me earn quickly.”
“1% on my bills and groceries adds up faster than I expected.”
Critiques
“I wish ‘other purchases’ earned more than 0.5%.”
“Perks are basic — fine for a no-fee card.”
Community insights
Among Canadian cash-back fans, the Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* is valued for its low cost, strong intro, and practical category coverage. It’s often paired with a second card for dining/travel to cover weak spots while keeping this as a no-fee workhorse.
AI review (straight talk)
Want a no-fee card that pays you back on the basics? This one nails it. The intro 5% window is excellent if you plan ahead, and the 1% categories match everyday life. It’s light on perks, but that’s the trade-off for $0 annual fee and simple, steady rewards.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Categories | Other Purchases | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* | $0 | 1% groceries, gas, drug, recurring | 0.5% | 5% intro, 0% BT intro | Everyday cash back |
| Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard® | $0 | 2% (chosen categories) | 0.5% | Pick 2–3 categories | Custom earners |
| BMO CashBack® Mastercard® | $0 | 3% groceries | 0.5% | Simple redemptions | Grocery spenders |
| CIBC Dividend® Visa Card | $0 | Up to 2% cash back | 0.5% | Category cash back | Balanced earners |
FAQ
Is there an annual fee?
No, the Scotia Momentum® No-Fee Visa* Card has a $0 annual fee.
What is the intro cash back offer?
5% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months, up to a promotional purchase cap.
Is there a balance transfer promotion?
Yes — 0% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (a transfer fee may apply).
What are the ongoing earn rates?
1% back on groceries, gas, drug stores and recurring bill payments; 0.5% back on all other eligible purchases.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take A high-value, no-fee cash-back card with an excellent intro and useful ongoing categories. Ideal as a primary starter card or a long-term keeper alongside a category companion card.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 4.2 / 5 — strong intro + practical categories |
| Benefits & protections | 3.5 / 5 — basic coverage |
| Fees & costs | 5.0 / 5 — no annual fee |
| Ease of approval | 4.4 / 5 — accessible for many applicants |
