Lena Hayes
The Scotiabank Momentum® Mastercard® is a simple, no-fee cash-back card that rewards everyday purchases like groceries and recurring bills. Earn automatic cash back without paying an annual fee — ideal for anyone who wants effortless savings.
Quick highlights
- 💰 1% cash back on groceries, recurring bill payments, and eligible subscription services.
- 💳 0.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
- 💸 No annual fee — keep it long-term.
- 📱 Access digital banking and automatic cash-back redemption.
Why we like the Scotiabank Momentum® Mastercard®
This card is designed for Canadians who want straightforward cash back without complexity. It’s ideal for grocery runs, streaming subscriptions, and regular bill payments — all with no annual fee.
Stand-out features
- ✅ 1% cash back on groceries, recurring bills, and subscriptions.
- ✅ 0.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
- ✅ No annual fee.
- ✅ Automatic cash-back credit to your account.
Good to know
- ⚠️ No bonus offer for new cardholders.
- ⚠️ Foreign transactions include a 2.5% fee.
- ⚠️ Limited insurance benefits.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- 1% back on groceries and recurring bills.
- Automatic cash-back redemption.
- Perfect for new credit users or families.
- Backed by Scotiabank’s digital tools and reliability.
Cons
- No welcome bonus or promo offer.
- Limited earn rates compared to premium cards.
- No travel or mobile insurance.
Rewards program
- 🛒 1% cash back on groceries, recurring bills, and subscription services.
- 💳 0.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
How to maximize rewards
- Use the card for all groceries and recurring bills to maximize 1% cash back.
- Set automatic payments for utilities or subscriptions to earn consistent rewards.
- Pair it with a premium Momentum Visa Infinite for higher tier cash-back rates.
- Redeem automatically to enjoy savings seamlessly.
Insurance & benefits
Included
- 🛍️ Purchase Security — protects items from theft or damage (90 days).
- 🕒 Extended Warranty — doubles the manufacturer’s warranty up to one year.
- 💳 Zero Liability Mastercard® protection.
Not included
- ❌ No travel or rental car coverage.
- ❌ No mobile device insurance.
- ❌ No concierge or premium perks.
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 20.99% |
| Cash advance APR | 22.99% |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
| Grace period | 21 days on new purchases |
Best for
- 🛒 Families and grocery shoppers.
- 📱 Those paying recurring bills or subscriptions.
- 💸 Canadians wanting simple, no-fee rewards.
Where it falls short
- No introductory offer.
- No travel or premium benefits.
- Foreign purchases charged 2.5% conversion fee.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“Perfect starter card — I earn cash back on groceries and bills.”
“Simple, no hidden fees, and I like the auto cash-back credit.”
Critiques
“Wish there was a welcome bonus.”
“Could use more perks or higher earn rate.”
Community insights
Canadians appreciate the Scotiabank Momentum® Mastercard® for its ease of use and steady rewards. It’s commonly paired with another cash-back or travel card for extra earning potential.
AI review (straight talk)
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, no-fee cash-back card, the Scotiabank Momentum® Mastercard® delivers. It’s simple, practical, and works great for groceries, bills, and subscriptions.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Categories | Other Purchases | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Momentum® Mastercard® | $0 | 1% groceries & bills | 0.5% | Auto cash-back credit | Simple earners |
| TD Cash Back Visa* Card | $0 | 1% groceries, gas, bills | 0.5% | Redeem anytime | Everyday spenders |
| CIBC Dividend® Visa Card | $0 | 2% groceries | 0.5% | Annual payout | Grocery shoppers |
| Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard® | $0 | 2% custom categories | 0.5% | Category flexibility | Custom earners |
FAQ
Is there an annual fee?
No, the Scotiabank Momentum® Mastercard® has no annual fee.
What are the cash-back rates?
Earn 1% cash back on groceries, recurring bills, and subscriptions, and 0.5% on all other purchases.
How is cash back redeemed?
Cash back is automatically applied as a statement credit annually or at your request.
Does it include travel insurance?
No, this card includes only purchase-related protections.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take The Scotiabank Momentum® Mastercard® is one of the simplest cash-back cards in Canada. Ideal for groceries, bills, and everyday purchases — all with no annual fee.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.1 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 4.0 / 5 — strong everyday earn rate |
| Benefits & protections | 3.5 / 5 — purchase and warranty coverage only |
| Fees & costs | 5.0 / 5 — no annual fee |
| Ease of approval | 4.4 / 5 — great starter card |
