Which card is better for groceries, American Express Green Card or Scotiabank American Express?

The American Express Green Card earns 1.5x on groceries, while the Scotiabank American Express earns 0.8x. The better choice depends on your grocery spending and the specific merchants you shop at.

Is the American Express Green Card accepted everywhere in Canada?

The American Express Green Card runs on the American Express network, which is not accepted at some Canadian retailers like Costco and Loblaws. Visa and Mastercard have broader acceptance in Canada.

American Express Green Card vs Scotiabank American Express — Which Is Better? | Churnr

Header Quick Take Value Earn Rates Merchants Wallet Bonus FX Benefits Eligibility Perks Downgrade Verdict

American Express Green Card wins by $701/yr — strongest in groceries

American Express Green Card earns $281 more on groceries
American Express Green Card earns $125 more on travel

Groceries: +$281Travel: +$125Bills & Utilities: +$106

American Express Green Card: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

American Express Green Card (Amex) — not accepted at Costco, Loblaws, No Frills, Walmart

Scotiabank American Express: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Scotiabank American Express (Amex) — not accepted at Costco, Loblaws, No Frills, Walmart

Showing Year 1 analysis

Dollar Value

Winner

$1,082

/first year

2.6% effective$90/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: +$664

Annual rewards earned+$1,112

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$0

$381

/first year

0.9% effective$32/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: −$37

Annual rewards earned+$361

Welcome bonus+$50

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$0

Best for your spendingAmerican Express Green Card—$1,082Year 1 value

+$701 more than Scotiabank American Express

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The Bottom Line

American Express Green Card wins by $701/yr — strongest in groceries

American Express Green Card earns $281 more on groceries
American Express Green Card earns $125 more on travel

Groceries: +$281Travel: +$125Bills & Utilities: +$106

Showing Year 1 analysis

American Express Green Card wins in both Year 1 and Year 2+ — consistent long-term value.

Data Sources

Issuer terms & conditions (verified Mar 2026)

Merchant MCC verification (239 merchants)

Insurance certificates (PDF review)

Reward program documentation

User-reported acceptance data

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