[wpcode id=\"6346\"]
{{card.name}} Review

{{card.annualFee}}
Annual Fee
{{card.rewards}}
Annual Rewards
{{card.introOffer}}
Intro Offer
{{card.annualFee}}
Annual fee
{{card.rewards}}
Annual rewards
{{card.introOffer}}
Intro offer
Pros
{{Pros}}
Cons
{{Cons}}
Editorial Note: DollarWise may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page.
Performance test results
At DollarWise, for each credit card we test 7 different factors including the rewards, value for money, perks, insurance, strengths and weaknesses of the card.
You can see our full testing methodology here to learn why we're the most trusted source for credit card reviews.
The {{card.name}} has earned a {{ranking}} DollarWise Rating out of 5. This score is based on a weighted average of the two highest scoring factors (excluding acceptance and approval).
{{factor_score_rewards}}
Rewards
{{factor_score_fee}}
Fees
{{factor_score_perks}}
Perks
{{factor_score_interest}}
Interest rates
{{factor_score_insurance}}
Insurance
{{factor_score_acceptance}}
Acceptance
{{factor_score_approval}}
Approval
The highest scoring categories for the {{card.name}} are {{score_1}} and {{score_2}}.
These factors are weighted 70% to the highest scoring factor and 30% to the second highest score to get an overall review score.
This weighting allows us to judge cards on their merits and the customers they are designed for.
For the {{card.name}} the most important factors for scoring this card are its {{score_1}} and {{score_2}}.
Rewards
With the {{card.name}}, here's the rates at which you earn rewards for different spending categories per dollar you spend:
Bills | {{reward_bills}} |
Pharmacy | {{reward_drug}} |
Gas | {{reward_gas}} |
Groceries | {{reward_grocery}} |
Restaurants | {{reward_restaurant}} |
Specific Stores | {{reward_store}} |
Travel | {{reward_travel}} |
All Other Spend | {{reward_other}} |
Calculating your annual rewards
We estimate that spending {{monthlyspend}} per month with the {{card.name}} would earn {{card.rewards}} in rewards over the year.
Our performance testing research uses an accurate estimation of the average Canadian households spending patterns to predict the rewards a card will earn.
We found that you'd earn this per category:
Bills | {{bills_dollarrewards}} |
Pharmacy | {{drug_dollarrewards}} |
Gas | {{gas_dollarrewards}} |
Groceries | {{grocery_dollarrewards}} |
Restaurants | {{restaurant_dollarrewards}} |
Specific Stores | {{store_dollarrewards}} |
Travel | {{travel_dollarrewards}} |
All Other Spend | {{other_dollarrewards}} |
Our study investigating the value found that each dollar spent on the {{card.name}} is worth up to {{card.max_reward}}, depending on how you redeem.
This {{card.rewards}} in rewards value puts the {{card.name}} in the {{decile.annual_rewards}} of credit cards in Canada based on rewards earned.
The average credit card in our database earns {{averages.mean_annual_rewards}} in rewards for the same spend that the {{card.name}} earns {{card.rewards}} in rewards value.
We can compare this card to other options by looking at the earn rate by category.
This earn rate is the percentage return that you would get when you spend on this card, assuming you redeem at the predicted maximum value.
For example, if a card earned 5 points per dollar on gas and each point is worth up to $0.02, then the earn rate is 5 points multiplied by $0.02 each, divided by the dollar you spent.
In this example, that's a 10% earn rate on gas.
Spend | This Card | Average |
---|---|---|
Bills | {{bills_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_bills_earnrate}} |
Pharmacy | {{drug_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_drug_earnrate}} |
Gas | {{gas_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_gas_earnrate}} |
Groceries | {{grocery_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_grocery_earnrate}} |
Restaurant | {{restaurant_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_restaurant_earnrate}} |
Store | {{store_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_store_earnrate}} |
Travel | {{travel_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_travel_earnrate}} |
Other | {{other_earnrate}} | {{averages.mean_other_earnrate}} |
Redemption method | Annual rewards |
---|---|
Transfer to partner airlines | {{transfer_airlines}} |
Fixed points travel | {{fixed_points_travel}} |
Transfer to partner hotels | {{transfer_hotel}} |
Redeem for travel | {{redeem_travel}} |
Apply to statement credit | {{statement_credit}} |
Ticketmaster | {{ticketmaster}} |
Charity | {{charity}} |
Gift cards | {{gift_cards}} |
Amazon.ca | {{amazon}} |
Merchandise | {{merchandise}} |
Make investments | {{investments}} |
Enjoy experiences | {{experiences}} |
Car rentals | {{car_rental}} |
Vacations | {{vacation}} |
Attractions | {{attractions}} |
Cash rewards | {{cash_rewards}} |
Grocery rewards | {{grocery_rewards}} |
Restaurant rewards | {{restaurant_rewards}} |
Movie rewards | {{movie_rewards}} |
Apple / BestBuy | {{apple_bestbuy}} |
Flight rewards | {{flight_rewards}} |
Airlines Rewards (Charts) | {{airlines_rewards_chart}} |
CIBC financial products | {{cibc_financial_products}} |
Air travel - redemptions (scheduled) | {{air_travel_redemptions_schedule}} |
RBC travel | {{rbc_travel}} |
Transfer to WestJet | {{transfer_westjet}} |
Transfer to Hudson Bay | {{transfer_bay}} |
RBC financial products | {{rbc_financial_products_rewards}} |
Air Canada gift cards | {{aircanada_gift_card}} |
Air Canada vactions | {{air_canada_vacations}} |
Electronics gift cards | {{electronics_gift_cards}} |
Cash - World Elite | {{cash_worldelite}} |
Cash - Platinum Plus | {{cash_platinumplus}} |
Banking plans | {{banking_plans}} |
Desjardins financial products | {{desjardins_financial_products}} |
Expedia travel | {{expedia_td}} |
Educational rewards | {{education_rewards}} |
HSBC financial products | {{hsbc_financial_products}} |
Walmart | {{walmart_rewards}} |
Triangle (Canadian Tire) | {{triangle_rewards}} |
Meridian travel | {{meridian_travel}} |
Direct deposit | {{direct_deposit_rewards}} |
Costco gift cards | {{costco_gift_cards}} |
Wireless Rogers rewards | {{wireless_rogers_rewards}} |
1 Rogers rewards | {{1_roger_rewards}} |
Other Rogers rewards | {{other_roger_rewards}} |
Other 1 Rogers rewards | {{other_1_roger_rewards}} |
For an annual spend of {{annualspend}}, we estimated annual rewards value at up to {{total_net_rewards}}.
That's equivalent to a {{total_earn_rate}} return on spending.
The {{card.name}} has an annual fee of {{card.annualFee}}. After deducting this, we predicted net annual rewards of {{net_after_fee}}.
This puts it in the {{decile.net_annual_rewards}} of credit cards for net rewards after fees.
In comparison, the average card earns net annual rewards of {{averages.mean_net_annual_rewards}}.
Fees
The {{card.name}} has a {{card.annualFee}} annual fee.
The average card charges {{averages.mean_annual_fee}}. So, the {{card.name}} is in the {{decile.annual_fee}} of cards based on the cost of the annual fee.
Perks
We manually review the perks of each credit card to determine how they compare to other cards.
The {{card.name}} scored a {{factor_score_perks}} out of 5 for perks, putting it in the {{decile.factor_score_perks}} of cards.
The average card scores {{averages.mean_factor_score_perks}} out of 5 for perks.
Interest Rates
Purchase | {{purchase_interest_rate}}% |
Cash Advance | {{cash_advance_interest_rate}}% |
Balance Transfer | {{balance_transfer_interest_rate}}% |
The average (median) credit card has a purchase interest rate of {{averages.median_purchase_interest_rate}} and so the {{card.name}} charges {{purchase_interest_diff}} than the average.
For cash advances it costs {{cash_advance_interest_rate}}% compared to the average of {{averages.mean_cash_advance_interest_rate}}.
Testing the {{card.name}} with a $2,000 starting balance, you can see in the graph how the {{purchase_interest_diff}} in interest rates impacts the interest over a year, compared to the average card.
Insurance coverage
Insurance | This Card | Average |
---|---|---|
Extended Warranty | {{warranty}} | {{averages.median_warranty}} |
Purchase Protection | {{purchase_protection}} | {{averages.median_purchase_protection}} |
Travel Accident | {{travel_accident}} | {{averages.median_travel_accident}} |
Emergency Medical Term | {{emergency_medical_term}} | {{averages.median_emergency_medical_term}} |
Emergency Medical over 65 | {{emergency_medical_65}} | {{averages.median_emergency_medical_65}} |
Trip Cancellation | {{trip_cancellation}} | {{averages.median_trip_cancellation}} |
Trip Interruption | {{trip_interruption}} | {{averages.median_trip_interruption}} |
Flight Delay | {{flight_delay}} | {{averages.median_flight_delay}} |
Baggage Delay | {{baggage_delay_insurance}} | {{averages.median_baggage_delay_insurance}} |
Lost or Stolen Baggage | {{stolen_baggage}} | {{averages.median_stolen_baggage}} |
Event Cancellation | {{event_cancel}} | {{averages.median_event_cancel}} |
Rental Car Theft & Damage | {{rental_theft_damage}} | No |
Rental Car Personal Effects | {{rental_personal}} | {{averages.median_rental_personal}} |
Rental Car Accident | {{rental_accident}} | {{averages.median_rental_accident}} |
Hotel Burglary | {{hotel_burglary}} | {{averages.median_hotel_burglary}} |
Mobile Phone Insurance | {{mobile_insurance}} | {{averages.median_mobile_insurance}} |
Personal Effects Insurance | {{personal_effects}} | {{averages.median_personal_effects}} |
Price Protection Insurance | {{price_protection}} | {{averages.median_price_protection}} |
We scored it {{factor_score_insurance}} out of 5 for insurance.
It offers {{insurance_count}} types of insurance, whereas the average card has {{averages.insurance_count}} types of coverage.
Approval and qualifying
Do I qualify? | |
---|---|
Estimated Credit Score | {{credit_score_low}} - {{credit_score_high}} |
Personal Income | {{personal_income}} |
Household Income | {{household_income}} |
Fees | |
---|---|
Annual Fee | {{card.annualFee}} |
Extra Card Fee | $0 |
Card type | {{card_type}} |
We scored it {{factor_score_approval}} out of 5 for approval.
We predict that you will require a credit score of at least {{credit_score_low}} to qualify for the {{card.name}}, while the average card requires {{averages.mean_credit_score_low}} to qualify.
This puts it in the top {{decile.credit_score_low}} of cards by approval difficulty.
The personal income requirements are {{personal_income}}, while the average card requires {{averages.mean_personal_income}}.
This puts it in the {{decile.personal_income}} of cards by the income required to qualify.
The Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card is a student-friendly credit card designed for higher education students. This review aims to provide an overview of the earning potential, key benefits, and drawbacks of this card, along with other relevant information to help potential users make an informed decision.
Earning potential with the card
The Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card offers cash back as a reward. Cardholders can earn 1% cash back on all eligible purchases made using the card, without any limitations on spending categories. This means that regardless of whether you are spending on dining, travel, groceries, or any other category, you will earn 1% cash back on your purchases.
Benefits
- No Annual Fee: The first major advantage of this card is its suitability for students building their credit history. The card has no annual fee, making it cost-effective for students who may be on tighter budgets during their time in school.
- Discounts on Car Rentals: The second major advantage of the Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card is the discounts offered on car rentals with select rental companies. This benefit can appeal to students who need transportation for travel or school-related activities.
- Visa payWave Feature: The third major advantage of this card is the Visa payWave feature, which allows for contactless payments using the card. This feature adds convenience for students who need to make quick payments without the hassle of swiping or inserting their card.
- Comprehensive Protection Package: The fourth major advantage of the Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card is the comprehensive protection package that comes with the card.
It includes purchase security, extended warranty, zero liability protection, and optional insurance plans. These features offer valuable financial protection for students who may be new to managing their finances.
Drawbacks
- Drawback: A significant drawback of the Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card is its relatively low cash back rate of 1%. Other credit cards in the market may offer higher potential returns on spending, especially in specific categories like groceries or dining.
- Drawback: Another significant drawback of this card is the lack of additional perks or offers, such as bonus cash back for certain categories, travel rewards, or lounge access. Potential users looking for additional benefits or features may find this card somewhat limited compared to other options in the market.
Additional information
Overall, the Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card is a solid choice for students who are looking for a simple, no-fee credit card that helps them build their credit history and earn cash back rewards at the same time. However, users who prefer a higher rewards rate or added benefits may want to explore other credit card options in the market.
Interested in other credit cards? If the Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card credit card isn’t perfect for you, you might want to consider the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card. Plus, many Canadian’s that like the Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card like the Scotiabank Momentum Mastercard Credit Card, and the Scotiabank American Express Card.
FAQ
The Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card does not offer a traditional points-based rewards system. Instead, it uses the Moneyback Reward program, which provides users with an annual cash back reward based on their annual spend.
With this cash back reward, cardholders can use the money towards any purchases or expenses they desire, making its usage flexible and convenient.
The Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card does charge foreign transaction fees on purchases made in a foreign currency. Cardholders will be required to pay a 2.5% fee on the converted transaction amount for any purchase made in a currency other than Canadian dollars.
This is a standard foreign transaction fee that many credit cards in Canada charge their customers when making purchases internationally or when shopping online with merchants based outside of Canada.
The Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card does not have a minimum income requirement. This makes it an accessible option for students and individuals with lower incomes.
Key benefits
- Cashback rewards rate: 1% on all eligible purchases
- Credit limit: Starts at $500, may increase with responsible usage
- Interest rate: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances and balance transfers
- Free supplementary cards available
- Access to My Mobile Wallet for mobile payments
- Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized transactions
- Step-by-step guide available for first-time cardholders
- Card may support credit-building through on-time payments and low utilization
- Access to Scotiabank’s Scene+ Program for added rewards
- Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay for contactless payments