The Scotiabank Business Platinum American Express is Scotiabank’s premium business travel card, earning Scene+ points on business spending while delivering an executive-level travel benefits package including lounge access and comprehensive insurance. At $399/year, it competes with other premium Canadian business cards for high-spending companies.
Quick Verdict
Best for: Established Canadian businesses whose principals travel frequently, value lounge access, and want to earn Scene+ points redeemable for travel, groceries (Sobeys family), and entertainment (Cineplex).
Not ideal for: Businesses with tight budgets, those who primarily use suppliers that don’t accept Amex, or those who prefer Aeroplan or Avion points over Scene+.
Key Card Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $399 CAD |
| Employee Cards | Available (fee may apply) |
| Network | American Express |
| Purchase Interest Rate | 19.99% |
| Cash Advance Rate | 22.99% |
| Income Requirement | Qualifying business |
Welcome Bonus
Scotiabank periodically offers welcome bonuses for new cardholders. Check Scotiabank’s website for the current Scene+ points offer on the Business Platinum Amex.
Earn Rates
| Spending Category | Scene+ Points per $1 |
|---|---|
| Travel purchases | Accelerated (verify with Scotiabank) |
| All other eligible purchases | Base rate |
Confirm current earn rates at scotiabank.com before applying.
Scene+ Points Redemption
Scene+ points (100 points = $1) are redeemable for:
- Travel — flights, hotels, and car rentals via Scene+ Travel
- Cineplex — movie tickets and concessions
- Groceries — at Sobeys, IGA, FreshCo, Safeway, and other Empire stores
- Statement credits — applied against your business card balance
The grocery redemption is useful for businesses that buy supplies at Sobeys-family stores. Travel redemptions deliver strong per-point value for business travel bookings.
Benefits and Perks
- Airport lounge access — premium lounge network access for business travel
- Comprehensive travel insurance — emergency medical, trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost baggage
- Employee cards — extend benefits to key team members
- Purchase protection and extended warranty
- Amex Offers — exclusive merchant deals and credits for American Express cardholders
- Business expense tools — account management and reporting
Fees and Rates
| Fee / Rate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $399 CAD |
| Employee Cards | Verify with Scotiabank |
| Purchase Interest | 19.99% |
| Cash Advance | 22.99% |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.5% |
| Returned Payment | $48 |
Who Is This Card Best For?
The Scotiabank Business Platinum American Express suits:
- Frequent business travellers who need lounge access and travel insurance
- Scotiabank business banking clients who want to consolidate rewards within the Scene+ ecosystem
- Sobeys-ecosystem businesses that benefit from grocery redemptions at Empire-owned stores
- Entertainment-forward clients with hospitality or media industry spending
Alternatives
| Card | Annual Fee | Network | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Business Platinum | $799 | Amex | Ultimate Amex MR business perks |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express | $120 | Amex | Personal Scotiabank Amex |
| TD Business Travel Visa Infinite | $199 | Visa | Business Visa with travel rewards |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business | $180 | Visa | Aeroplan-earning business |
Bottom Line
The Scotiabank Business Platinum American Express delivers a premium business travel experience for established Canadian companies. The combination of Scene+ rewards, lounge access, and a solid insurance suite makes it competitive at the $399 price point—particularly for businesses embedded in the Scotiabank and Empire (Sobeys) ecosystem.
Disclaimer: Card terms, earn rates, and benefits are subject to change. Verify all current details at scotiabank.com before applying.