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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).

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:

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:

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.

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

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

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

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 Scene Visa Card for Students is a popular option among Canadian students, offering impressive earning potential, various benefits, and some drawbacks. In this review, we will examine how this card earns points, its key benefits, two significant drawbacks, and other relevant information for potential cardholders.

Earning potential with the card

The Scotiabank Scene Visa Card for Students allows cardholders to earn Scene points, which can be redeemed for free movies, food, and more. Cardholders earn 5 Scene points per dollar spent at participating Cineplex Entertainment theatres or online at cineplex.com, as well as 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

This offers a rewarding earning potential for those who frequently visit the cinema and enjoy entertainment-based rewards.

Benefits

1. 2,500 Bonus Scene Points: One major advantage of this card is the 2,500 bonus Scene points offered upon signing up and spending a minimum of $500 in everyday purchases within the first three months.
   
   This bonus is equivalent to two free movie tickets at participating Cineplex theaters, providing an attractive incentive for movie enthusiasts.





2. No Annual Fee: The second significant advantage of this card is that it comes with no annual fee. This feature makes it easier for students to maintain the card without worrying about added costs, allowing them to accumulate rewards over time.





3. Discount on AVIS Car Rentals: The card also offers a 25% discount on AVIS car rentals, a valuable perk for students who require occasional car rentals for travel or other needs.





4. Free Supplementary Card: The free supplementary card allows authorized users to earn rewards under one account, making it convenient for group purchases or shared family expenses.

Drawbacks

1. Limited Redemption Options: One significant drawback of this card is that it offers limited redemption options. Scene points can primarily be redeemed for movie tickets and concession items at participating Cineplex theaters.
   
   While this may be attractive to frequent moviegoers, it may not appeal to users who prefer a more diverse selection of rewards categories.





2. Lack of Travel or Purchase Insurance Benefits: Another drawback is the lack of travel or purchase insurance benefits that are common in other credit cards. The absence of these features can be a disadvantage for users who value extensive protection for their trips or purchases.

Additional information

It is worth considering that the card has a minimum income requirement of $12,000, making it accessible to a wider audience. Furthermore, students should think about how they typically spend and whether their spending habits align with the rewards offered by the Scotiabank Scene Visa Card for Students.

In conclusion, the Scotiabank Scene Visa Card for Students can be an excellent choice for Canadian students who frequently visit the cinema and enjoy entertainment-based rewards. The card’s earning potential, bonus points, no annual fee, car rental discount, and free supplementary card are appealing benefits.

However, the limited redemption options and the absence of insurance coverage may deter users who seek more versatility in rewards and added protection. Prospective applicants should weigh these factors based on their spending habits and preferences before making a decision.

Is the Scotiabank Scene Visa Card for Students not convincing you? Consider the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card or the Scotiabank Scene Visa Card. Still not the right credit card? Make sure not to miss the Scotiabank US Dollar Visa Card.

FAQ

Key benefits

• Card type: Visa





• Annual fee: $0





• Interest rate: 19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances





• Grace period: 21 days (interest-free)





• Balance transfer rate: 22.99%





• Earn rate: 5 Scene points per $1 spent at Cineplex theatres, 1 Scene point per $1 spent on everything else





• Credit limit: Minimum $500, varies based on applicant’s circumstances





• Credit score: Typically suited for average to good credit ratings





• Eligibility requirement: Canadian resident, minimum age varies by province or territory, currently enrolled in post-secondary education





• Security features: Zero liability protection and chip technology





• Reward expiry: Points expire after five years





• Supplementary card: Free