BMO CashBack Mastercard vs Scotiabank®SCENE+™ Visa* Card
The short answer: for most people the BMO CashBack Mastercard is the better overall card — we rate it 4.3/5 and it shines if you want no-fee grocery cash back — a great first or student card. Choose the Scotiabank®SCENE+™ Visa* Card instead if your priority is no-fee scene+ points — a solid first or student card.
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| Our rating | 4.3 | 4.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | No annual fee |
| Welcome bonus | $125 | $50 |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| Rewards type | cash back | points |
| Top earn rates |
|
|
| Purchase interest | 20.99% | 21.99% |
| Income required | None stated | None stated |
| Best for | No-fee grocery cash back — a great first or student card | No-fee Scene+ points — a solid first or student card |
| Apply now | Apply now |
BMO CashBack Mastercard
Our winnerOne of the best no-fee cash-back cards for groceries, and an easy approval that makes a strong first or student card. Mind the $500/month cap on the 3% rate.
Scotiabank®SCENE+™ Visa* Card
A friendly no-fee entry into the Scene+ ecosystem: 2x at participating grocers and on entertainment, plus easy approval, make it a good first or student card.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMO CashBack Mastercard or the Scotiabank®SCENE+™ Visa* Card better?
For most Canadians, the BMO CashBack Mastercard is the better overall pick (we rate it 4.3/5 vs 4/5). It's especially strong if you want no-fee grocery cash back — a great first or student card. The Scotiabank®SCENE+™ Visa* Card can still win if you specifically want no-fee scene+ points — a solid first or student card.
Which card has the lower annual fee?
Both cards have no annual fee.
Do either of these cards charge foreign transaction fees?
BMO CashBack Mastercard: 2.5% foreign transaction fee. Scotiabank®SCENE+™ Visa* Card: 2.5% foreign transaction fee.