Which card is better for groceries, Scotiabank American Express or Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard?

The Scotiabank American Express earns 0.8x on groceries, while the Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard earns 0.5%. The better choice depends on your grocery spending and the specific merchants you shop at.

Is the Scotiabank American Express accepted everywhere in Canada?

The Scotiabank American Express 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.

Scotiabank American Express vs Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard — Which Is Better? | Churnr

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

Scotiabank American Express wins by $238/yr — strongest in gas

Scotiabank American Express earns $40 more on gas
Scotiabank American Express earns $38 more on groceries

Gas: +$40Groceries: +$38Dining & Restaurants: +$36

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

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

Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Showing Year 1 analysis

Dollar Value

Winner

$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

$143

/first year

0.3% effective$12/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: −$275

Annual rewards earned+$173

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$0

Best for your spendingScotiabank American Express—$381Year 1 value

+$238 more than Tangerine Money-Back Mastercard

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The Bottom Line

Scotiabank American Express wins by $238/yr — strongest in gas

Scotiabank American Express earns $40 more on gas
Scotiabank American Express earns $38 more on groceries

Gas: +$40Groceries: +$38Dining & Restaurants: +$36

Showing Year 1 analysis

Scotiabank American Express 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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