The HSBC World Elite Mastercard and Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card are premium credit cards offering distinct rewards and benefits.
The HSBC card focuses on travel rewards and features travel enhancement credits, while the Scotiabank card emphasizes earning Scene+ points, with no foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.
Both cards provide comprehensive insurance coverage and have similar interest rates on purchases and cash advances.
They cater to different spending habits, with HSBC being more travel-centric and Scotiabank offering broader rewards categories.
| HSBC World Elite Mastercard | Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite | |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | None at the moment | Up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points |
| Annual Fee | $149 | $150 |
| Interest Rate | 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances | 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances |
| Reward Points | 3% on travel, 2% on gas, groceries, drugstores, 1% on others | Up to 3X Scene+ points on groceries, dining, entertainment |
| Insurance Coverage | Travel emergency medical, flight delay, baggage delay/loss, trip cancellation/interruption, hotel/motel burglary, car rental, price protection, purchase assurance, extended warranty, mobile device | Travel emergency medical, trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, delayed/lost baggage, rental car collision loss/damage, hotel/motel burglary, travel accident, purchase security, extended warranty |
| Additional Benefits | DragonPass membership, $100 annual travel credit, no foreign transaction fees, Apple Pay, Zero liability protection | Complimentary airport lounge access, Avis Preferred Plus membership, no foreign transaction fees |
Welcome Offer
HSBC: None at the moment.
Scotiabank: Offers substantial initial value including 35,000 bonus Scene+ points, providing a strong start for new cardholders.
Annual Fee
HSBC: $149, and supplementary cards are available at no additional cost.
Scotiabank: $150, first supplementary card free and subsequent cards at $50 each.
Interest Rates
Both: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances, typical for premium credit cards.
Points Earning Structure
HSBC: earns 6 points per $1 on eligible travel purchases (equivalent to 3% in travel rewards), 4 points per $1 on eligible gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases (2% in travel rewards), and 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases (1% in travel rewards).
Scotiabank: 3 points per $1 at specific grocery stores (like Sobeys, Safeway, IGA), 2 points per $1 on dining and other eligible grocery stores, 2 points per $1 on eligible entertainment purchases, and 2 points per $1 on eligible daily transit options (rideshare, buses, taxis, subway).
Rewards Redemption
HSBC: Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, and financial rewards, offering flexibility to suit various preferences.
Scotiabank: Scene+ points are redeemable for a wide range, including travel, dining, entertainment, and more, providing a diverse array of options for cardholders.
Additional Benefits
HSBC: $100 annual travel enhancement credit, complimentary DragonPass membership for airport lounge access (with a fee per visit), and exclusive discounts on Expedia and Agoda hotel bookings. It also provides unlimited Wi-Fi access through Boingo at numerous hotspots worldwide. Cardholders can enjoy additional perks such as select food experiences, spa treatments, and retail discounts while waiting for flights.
Scotiabank: No foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge visits, Visa Airport Companion Program membership, Avis Preferred Plus membership, and Visa Infinite benefits like concierge services and exclusive dining experiences.
Insurance Coverage
HSBC: Extensive insurance including emergency travel medical, flight delay, baggage delay/loss, trip cancellation/interruption, hotel burglary, car rental, price protection, purchase assurance, extended warranty, and mobile device insurance.
Scotiabank: Includes travel emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, delayed/lost baggage, rental car collision loss/damage, hotel burglary, travel accident, and purchase security & extended warranty protection.
