Choosing a premium travel credit card in Canada is about much more than collecting points. For many, it’s about unlocking extra value from everyday purchases, reducing the costs of travel, and gaining access to perks that make life on the road more comfortable. With so many options available, narrowing down the best card for your lifestyle can be overwhelming.

Two popular contenders in the Canadian market are the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite and the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite. Both are designed for higher-income Canadians who want to turn their spending into meaningful travel rewards, but the way they deliver value is very different. On the surface, both cards offer attractive bonuses and premium perks, but when you take a closer look, their differences become clear.

This comprehensive breakdown of TD First Class Travel vs Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Canada explores every aspect of the two cards, including welcome offers, earning potential, travel benefits, lounge access, insurance, redemption options, and fees. We’ll also look at how Great Canadian Rebates can add another layer of savings before finishing with a verdict on which card comes out ahead.

Welcome Bonuses and First-Year Value

When comparing premium travel cards, the welcome bonus can make a significant difference in the overall first-year value. These initial offers provide a head start on rewards, but the actual benefit depends on both the size of the bonus and the spending requirements to unlock it. Understanding these details is crucial when evaluating the TD First Class Travel vs Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Canada comparison.

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite currently offers one of the most generous welcome bonuses available in Canada. New cardholders can earn up to 165,000 TD Rewards Points within the first six months. Of this, 20,000 points are awarded immediately after your first purchase, while the remaining 145,000 points require $7,500 in spending within 180 days. When redeemed through Expedia for TD, these points are worth approximately $825, providing a substantial boost to your travel budget early on.

In addition to the points, TD cardholders also benefit from a first-year annual fee rebate valued at $139, a $100 annual travel credit, and four complimentary lounge passes worth about $200. When all of these perks are combined, the total first-year value reaches approximately $1,226, making this card especially appealing for Canadians who can meet the higher spending thresholds and want to maximize early rewards.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, on the other hand, offers a slightly smaller headline bonus: 35,000 Scene+ points after $2,000 in purchases within the first three months, equivalent to $350 toward travel. However, the real strength of this card lies in the ongoing benefits that complement the welcome bonus. Cardholders receive six complimentary lounge visits valued at $366, and the card eliminates the typical 2.5% foreign transaction fee, which can save the average international traveller around $136 annually. Factoring in these perks, the first-year value of the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite reaches approximately $1,350, even though the raw bonus points appear smaller than TD’s.

The distinction between the two cards is primarily in structure and timing. The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite rewards high spenders upfront, offering a larger bonus for those able to meet its $7,500 spending requirement, making it ideal for Canadians who want to quickly accumulate points for major travel bookings. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite distributes value more evenly across its perks, catering to individuals who travel internationally and prefer a combination of lounge access, no foreign transaction fees, and moderate bonus points.

In summary, when evaluating the TD First Class Travel vs Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Canada, TD may appeal more to high-spending travellers seeking an immediate points windfall, while Scotia offers consistent, practical value for frequent international travellers who want ongoing savings and travel comfort throughout the year.

Everyday Spending and Rewards Earning Potential

The long-term value of a travel rewards card depends heavily on how much you can earn back from your regular spending habits. While welcome bonuses provide an upfront boost, everyday earning rates determine whether the card remains rewarding year after year. Both the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite and the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offer strong earning potential, but their systems are designed for different lifestyles.

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite stands out for its high earning multipliers across multiple categories. The card’s structure is best suited for households that not only book travel but also spend significantly on dining, groceries, and digital services.

• 8 points per dollar on travel booked through Expedia for TD — This is the highest multiplier on the card and translates to roughly 4% in travel rewards. If you regularly book flights, hotels, or vacation packages through Expedia for TD, your points will accumulate rapidly.
• 6 points per dollar on groceries and dining — For many Canadian households, groceries are one of the biggest monthly expenses. Dining out and takeout also add up quickly. At 6 points per dollar, these categories can generate hundreds of dollars in travel rewards annually.
• 4 points per dollar on recurring bill payments and streaming services — With more Canadians relying on subscription services like Disney+, this category ensures that even fixed monthly expenses help maximize rewards.
• 2 points per dollar on all other purchases — This base rate is roughly equivalent to 1% back in travel rewards, keeping the card competitive with general cash back cards.

Taken together, the TD card is designed for Canadians who spend heavily across a broad mix of categories. Someone who charges groceries, dining, subscriptions, and travel to their card will benefit the most.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite takes a simpler, category-focused approach, offering Scene+ points across fewer—but still valuable—categories. Its structure works best for cardholders who shop regularly at Sobeys-affiliated stores and travel internationally.

• 3 points per dollar at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, IGA, and other participating grocery stores
   This elevated grocery rate is unique to Scotia, making the card ideal for households that rely on these grocery chains.
• 2 points per dollar on other groceries, dining, entertainment, and daily transit
   This broader category captures much of the average household’s weekly spending. Everything from rideshares and bus fares to movie tickets and restaurant bills earns double points.
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
   The flat base rate ensures steady earnings across all non-bonus categories.
• Up to 4 points per dollar on travel booked through Scene+ Travel (powered by Expedia)
   Similar to TD, Scotia rewards travel bookings through its partner platform. While the multiplier is lower, the system integrates seamlessly with Scene+, offering flexible redemption options for groceries, entertainment, and travel.

Real-Life Earning Comparison

The choice between TD and Scotia ultimately depends on lifestyle. Consider the following example:

• Household spends $12,000 annually on groceries and $6,000 on dining:
  • With TD, those groceries and dining charges would earn 108,000 points (6 points per dollar), worth about $540 in travel rewards.
  • With Scotia, the same spending at Sobeys-affiliated stores would earn 36,000 Scene+ points (3 points per dollar), worth about $360.
• Recurring bills and subscriptions of $3,600 annually:
  • With TD, this earns 14,400 points (4 points per dollar), worth about $72 in travel.
  • With Scotia, these would fall under the 1 point per dollar category, earning 3,600 Scene+ points, worth about $36.
• International purchases of $5,000 annually:
  • With TD, the purchases would generate 10,000 points (2 per dollar), worth $50 in travel, but the 2.5% foreign transaction fees would cost $125, wiping out the value.
  • With Scotia, the same purchases would earn 5,000 Scene+ points, worth $50, but with zero foreign transaction fees—a clear savings advantage.

Bottom Line on Everyday Spending

• If your spending is broad and includes multiple categories—groceries, dining, subscriptions, and frequent Expedia bookings—the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite generates more overall rewards.
• If your spending is focused on Sobeys-affiliated groceries and you frequently make purchases abroad, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite becomes the smarter choice. Its no-foreign-transaction-fee structure protects you from hidden costs, making it a valuable everyday companion for international shoppers and travellers alike.

Travel Benefits and Airport Lounge Access

Premium credit cards aren’t just about earning rewards—they’re also designed to make every step of your journey more comfortable. From skipping long lines to enjoying refreshments before a flight, the added perks can make travel significantly less stressful. Both the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite and the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite include travel benefits, but the scope and focus of these perks differ.

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite is well-suited for domestic travellers or Canadians who primarily fly within North America. Its benefits include:

• Four annual lounge passes through the DragonPass Visa Airport Companion program. These passes can be used in more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, providing a quiet place to relax, access Wi-Fi, and enjoy complimentary food and beverages. While four passes may not cover every trip, they’re a strong addition for travellers who take a few vacations or business flights each year.
• $100 annual travel credit that can be applied toward any travel expense, including airline tickets, hotels, or car rentals booked through Expedia for TD. This credit offsets part of the annual fee and helps cardholders get more value out of each trip.
• Troon Rewards membership for golf enthusiasts, which offers up to 50% off green fees at participating courses around the world. This is a niche perk but highly valuable for those who golf regularly.
• Visa Infinite benefits, including exclusive dining and entertainment events, concierge services, and access to luxury hotel collections with perks such as room upgrades and late check-outs.

These benefits make the TD card appealing for travellers who value occasional comfort at the airport, enjoy booking through Expedia for TD, or want the added lifestyle perks beyond flights and hotels.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, by contrast, is tailored for international travellers who want consistent perks every time they go abroad. Its highlights include:

• Six complimentary lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion program, powered by DragonPass. With two extra visits compared to TD, frequent flyers or couples travelling together can stretch their benefits further.
• No foreign transaction fees, saving cardholders the standard 2.5% surcharge applied to all purchases made in foreign currencies. This applies not only when you’re abroad but also when shopping online from retailers like Expedia U.S. For Canadians who spend $5,000 annually in foreign currencies, this perk alone saves $125.
• Strong international travel support, including worldwide concierge access, preferred rates at select hotels, and emergency card replacement services, which add peace of mind when travelling far from home.
• Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection benefits, which often include complimentary breakfasts, upgrades when available, and late check-outs at premium properties worldwide.

Together, these benefits make the Scotia Passport a go-to choice for Canadians who cross borders frequently, whether for business or leisure. The no-foreign-transaction-fee feature ensures every dollar spent abroad works harder, while the extra lounge passes provide consistent comfort at the airport.

Bottom Line on Travel Benefits

• If your travel is mainly domestic, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite offers excellent perks with its $100 travel credit and four lounge passes. The additional lifestyle benefits, like Troon Rewards, can also appeal to cardholders who enjoy golf or exclusive dining events.
• If your travel is international or frequent, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is stronger thanks to its six lounge passes and elimination of foreign transaction fees, which can save hundreds of dollars annually for frequent travellers.

For those who value both comfort and savings, the Scotia Passport clearly stands out as one of the best Canadian travel cards for global use.

Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance is another area where these cards show their differences, and it’s worth reviewing carefully before you decide.

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite includes trip cancellation insurance up to $1,500 and trip interruption up to $5,000. It provides emergency medical coverage of up to $2 million for trips lasting 21 days if you’re under 65, or four days if you’re older. You also get $1,000 for lost or delayed baggage, $500 for flight delays, $2,500 for hotel burglary, and even mobile device insurance up to $1,000—something not all premium cards provide.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite also includes up to $1,500 for trip cancellation, but offers $10,000 for trip interruption, which is significantly higher than TD’s coverage. Emergency medical coverage is capped at 25 days for travellers under 65 and three days for those over 65. Other protections include $1,000 for baggage, $500 for flight delays, and $1,000 for hotel burglary.

If you’re under 65 and take longer trips abroad, Scotia provides a slight edge with longer medical coverage. But TD adds extra protection for devices and offers higher burglary insurance, which can be particularly appealing if you travel with expensive electronics.

Fees and Eligibility Requirements

Both cards fall into the premium category, so the annual fees and income requirements reflect that.

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite charges a $139 annual fee, waived for the first year. Supplementary cards cost $50. To qualify, you need a minimum annual income of $60,000 personally or $100,000 as a household.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite has a slightly higher fee of $150, and this is not waived in the first year. However, the first supplementary card is free, with additional ones costing $50. The income requirements are identical to TD’s.

While TD’s first-year fee waiver makes it cheaper initially, Scotia makes up for this with its no-foreign-transaction fee feature, which can save far more than $150 annually for those who spend abroad.

Rewards Redemption Flexibility

Earning points is only half the equation—how you can redeem them determines the true value of a rewards program. The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite and the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite both provide strong redemption options, but their approaches differ significantly.

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite

The TD card’s redemption system is closely tied to Expedia for TD, which is where cardholders unlock the best value.

• Travel Bookings via Expedia for TD: Each TD Rewards Point is worth 0.5 cents, meaning 200 points equals $1 in travel. This is equivalent to about 4% back when earning at the highest category multipliers.
• Other Redemptions: Outside of Expedia, redemption values are much lower. For example:
  • Gift cards typically provide about 0.25 cents per point.
    
  • Merchandise can vary in value, but often doesn’t match the return from travel bookings.

This means that while the TD card is excellent for those who consistently book hotels, flights, and vacation packages online, it loses flexibility for cardholders who want a variety of redemption options.

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite

The Scotia Passport offers a much simpler and more predictable redemption structure through the Scene+ program.

• Travel Purchases: Points are consistently worth 1 cent each, regardless of the booking platform. This means 10,000 points always equal $100 in travel savings.
• Grocery Stores: Scene+ points can also be redeemed at partnered grocery chains like Sobeys, Safeway, and FreshCo at the same 1 cent per point rate.
• Dining and Entertainment: Restaurants, movie theatres, and other entertainment partners also allow redemptions at the same predictable rate.
• Everyday Purchases: Even smaller purchases, such as coffee or transit, can be offset with Scene+ points, giving cardholders more control over how and when they use rewards.

This structure removes the guesswork. You don’t need to strategize around redemption categories—every point has clear and equal value.

Which Card Wins on Redemption?

• For cardholders who book the majority of their travel online and don’t mind being tied to Expedia for TD, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite offers strong value.
• For those who want flexibility, transparency, and a straightforward redemption process, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite has the edge, especially since Scene+ points apply across groceries, dining, and travel with equal value.

In short, TD rewards can be more lucrative for Expedia users, while Scotia rewards are more versatile and user-friendly across a wider range of everyday purchases.

Maximizing Value with Great Canadian Rebates

While both the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite and the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite already offer excellent value through rewards points, travel perks, and insurance coverage, Canadians can further enhance their savings by leveraging Great Canadian Rebates (GCR). This online platform allows users to compare top credit cards, apply directly through the site, and earn extra cash back rebates upon approval.

Applying for either card through GCR is particularly advantageous because it stacks cash back on top of the bank’s welcome bonuses. For instance, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite may provide up to 165,000 TD Rewards Points as a welcome bonus, while the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite offers up to 45,000 Scene+ points. By using GCR, you can earn additional cash back rebates, essentially giving you more value for the same spend. Over time, these extra rewards can amount to hundreds of dollars in additional savings.

Beyond credit cards, GCR partners with over 700 well-known merchants across Canada, providing rebates, discounts, and deals on a wide variety of purchases. Whether you’re shopping for electronics, clothing, home goods, or booking travel, members can take advantage of these ongoing offers. For example, you could book a flight through Expedia for TD with your TD First Class Travel card, earn bonus points, and also receive a cash back rebate through GCR—a true multiplier effect on your spending.

Membership with Great Canadian Rebates is completely free, making it accessible to anyone looking to maximize rewards. By combining premium credit card perks with ongoing merchant rebates, Canadians can significantly boost their financial efficiency, turning everyday spending into a strategic way to earn more.

In essence, GCR isn’t just about getting your initial card bonus; it’s about creating a long-term rewards ecosystem. Frequent travellers, online shoppers, and everyday spenders alike can benefit from stacking bank rewards, cash back, and merchant deals, ensuring that every dollar spent delivers maximum value.

Final Verdict: Which Card Is Better?

When comparing the TD First Class Travel vs Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Canada, the winner depends entirely on how you spend and travel.

The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite is best for Canadians who want a big upfront bonus and spend heavily on groceries, dining, and recurring bills. Its waived first-year fee, $100 travel credit, and large bonus points make it especially rewarding in the first year.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite shines for international travellers. The six annual lounge passes and elimination of foreign transaction fees provide consistent, long-term value that goes beyond the first year. For anyone who shops online in foreign currencies or travels outside Canada, this feature alone can outweigh the annual fee many times over.

Ultimately, if your spending and travel remain largely within Canada, TD may deliver more immediate rewards. If your lifestyle takes you abroad frequently or you value predictable redemption and ongoing savings, Scotia is the stronger choice.

Apply Through Great Canadian Rebates

If you’re planning to apply for a travel credit card, head to Great Canadian Rebates. The online platform will help you find and compare the top rewards, travel, and cash back credit cards in Canada. Plus, you can earn generous cash back rebates upon approval of credit cards applied for through the website.