Which card is better for groceries, Scotia Momentum Mastercard or Smart Cash World?

The Scotia Momentum Mastercard earns 1% on groceries, while the Smart Cash World earns 5%. The better choice depends on your grocery spending and the specific merchants you shop at.

Scotia Momentum Mastercard vs Smart Cash World — Which Is Better? | Churnr

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

Smart Cash World wins by $701/yr — strongest in groceries

Smart Cash World earns $511 more on groceries
Smart Cash World earns $50 more on dining & restaurants

Groceries: +$511Dining & Restaurants: +$50Bills & Utilities: +$48

Scotia Momentum Mastercard: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Smart Cash World: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Showing Year 1 analysis

Dollar Value

$249

/first year

0.6% effective$21/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: −$169

Annual rewards earned+$279

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$0

Winner

$950

/first year

2.3% effective$79/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: +$531

Annual rewards earned+$975

Welcome bonus+$5

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$0

Best for your spendingSmart Cash World—$950Year 1 value

+$701 more than Scotia Momentum Mastercard

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The Bottom Line

Smart Cash World wins by $701/yr — strongest in groceries

Smart Cash World earns $511 more on groceries
Smart Cash World earns $50 more on dining & restaurants

Groceries: +$511Dining & Restaurants: +$50Bills & Utilities: +$48

Showing Year 1 analysis

Smart Cash World 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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