Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card vs MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®: Which one is better?

Annual Fees and Requirements

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card has a higher annual fee compared to the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard, though both have relatively similar minimum income requirements. While the MBNA card has a slightly lower fee, those with higher income might not find this a major concern. It's worth noting that both cards target individuals with good to excellent credit.

Rewards Comparison

The MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard generally offers higher yearly rewards compared to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, especially for spending in popular categories like groceries and restaurants. Additionally, the MBNA card’s sign-up bonus is slightly more generous. However, Scotiabank's Scene+ program still provides solid value, especially for those who shop at affiliated stores and prefer more flexibility in rewards categories such as travel and dining.

Reward Redemption Options

Both cards offer a range of redemption options, though the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite tends to shine more in travel-related redemptions, offering good value per point when used for travel bookings. However, the MBNA card stands out with more flexibility, allowing points to be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or as statement credits. The Scotiabank card lacks cashback options, which may make the MBNA card a more versatile choice for users preferring straightforward cash returns.

Benefits and Insurance

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card offers a unique benefit: no foreign transaction fees, which can be highly valuable for international travelers. It also includes airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance, making it ideal for frequent flyers. On the other hand, the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard features price protection, a rare perk, and an annual birthday bonus, adding extra value to regular spending. Its insurance coverage is solid but not as extensive as the Scotiabank card's.

Network Acceptance

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is part of the Visa network, while the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard is a Mastercard. Both Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted worldwide, but there are a few key differences. Mastercard is accepted at Costco, where Visa is not. Additionally, Mastercard considers Walmart as a grocery store for rewards purposes, allowing cardholders to earn grocery rewards there, while Visa typically categorizes Walmart as a department store, which may not offer the same rewards. These differences could impact where cardholders can maximize their rewards.

Conclusion

Frequent international travelers who prioritize travel perks, such as airport lounge access and no foreign transaction fees, would likely find the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card more appealing. On the other hand, those seeking higher rewards on everyday purchases, greater flexibility in redemption, and unique benefits like price protection may prefer the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether the user values travel benefits or everyday rewards flexibility.