You can apply for a Scotiabank credit card online at scotiabank.com, through the Scotia mobile app (for existing clients), or at a Scotiabank branch. The online process takes about 10 minutes.
Step-by-Step: Applying Online
- Choose your card — Review Scotiabank’s credit card lineup and confirm you meet the income requirements
- Go to scotiabank.com — Click “Apply Now” on your chosen card
- Log in or apply as a guest — Scotia Online banking clients can pre-fill personal information
- Complete the form — Legal name, date of birth, SIN (optional), income, employment, and address details
- Submit — Scotiabank performs a hard credit inquiry; most applicants receive an instant decision
What Scotiabank Needs from You
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal name and date of birth | As it appears on government ID |
| SIN | Optional; helps speed up the credit check |
| Annual gross income | All sources: employment, pension, investment |
| Employment status | Employed, self-employed, retired, student |
| Employer name and duration | For employed applicants |
| Home address | Including time at address |
| Monthly housing cost | Rent or mortgage payment |
Scotiabank Client vs. New Customer
Existing Scotia clients (those with a Scotiabank chequing, savings, or investment account) can apply through Scotia Online or the Scotia mobile app, where personal data is pre-filled. Pre-approvals may appear in the app.
New customers apply at scotiabank.com. No Scotiabank bank account is required for a credit card.
Income Requirements Quick Reference
| Card | Personal Income Required |
|---|---|
| Scotiabank Platinum Amex | $12,000 |
| Scotiabank Gold Amex | $12,000 |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite | $60,000 |
| Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite | $60,000 |
| Scotiabank Scene+ Visa, Momentum No-Fee | None |
See the full Scotiabank Income Requirements guide.
After You Apply
| Outcome | Timing | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Approved — instant | Immediate | Card mailed; arrives in 7–10 business days |
| Pending — under review | 1–3 business days | Scotiabank may call for documentation |
| Declined | Immediate or 1–3 days | Consider a lower-tier card |
To follow up on a pending application, call 1-888-882-8958 (Scotiabank Credit Cards).
Tips for a Successful Application
- Check your credit score first — Target 700+ for Visa Infinite cards; the Gold and Platinum Amex have lower income requirements and may be more accessible
- Apply when a welcome bonus promotion is active — Scotiabank regularly runs elevated offers with first-year-fee-waived promotions
- Space applications out — Multiple credit applications in 90 days can hurt approval odds
- Scotiabank Gold Amex advantage — If your income is under $60K, go directly to the Gold Amex ($120, $12K income req.) — it’s a stronger card than most Visa Infinite alternatives
Related Articles
- All Scotiabank Credit Cards
- Scotiabank Credit Card Income Requirements
- How to Apply for a Credit Card in Canada
Application process current as of June 2026. Scotiabank may update its process at any time. See our Advertiser Disclosure.