Up until now, who would have thought it was possible to awaken our senses while saving money? Like diving into a Marvel action movie, two great superheroes, Scotiabank and Cineplex Entertainment, joining forces to make this dream possible!
By creating the SCENE+ loyalty program, these major institutions reward Canadian moviegoers based on their shopping habits, allowing them to exchange points for movie tickets and more.
However, SCENE+ is constantly evolving, and its range of choices makes it one of Canada's favourite rewards programs. Over the last few months, the superhero family expanded to make room for a redesigned SCENE+ program, welcoming not only Canadian grocery stores but also pharmacies, health stores, and more.
Yes! As a member, you can benefit from these new features and unmatched flexibility with your points.
This update to the SCENE+ program is made possible, among other things, through a new partnership with Empire (Empire Company Limited). Becoming co-owner alongside Scotiabank and Cineplex Entertainment, Empire will allow you to earn points even faster. With the SCENE+ program, you accumulate points based on your needs and tastes.
- What is the SCENE+ rewards program?
- How to sign up for the SCENE+ program?
- How to accumulate SCENE+ points?
- How to maximize your points?
- How to redeem your SCENE+ points?
- How to use SCENE+ points to travel?
- Expiration of your SCENE+ points
- The best credit cards for earning SCENE+ points
- Our verdict on the SCENE+ rewards program
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SCENE+ rewards program?
First, let's dive directly into the SCENE+ novelties. Since August 2022, you can earn points when making eligible purchases at participating Empire grocery stores.
This new SCENE+ program feature will first be available for the Atlantic provinces at the end of summer. Are you located in Western Canada, Quebec, or Ontario? The new grocery store partners is gradually rolling out since the beginning of 2023.
Additionally, as a member of the SCENE+ program, you can earn SCENE+ points by using a Scotiabank debit or credit card. The accumulated points can be used for rewards such as travel, banking services, shopping, dining, and more.
You can also continue to exchange your points for rewards at Cineplex Entertainment. This includes movies, dining, and any purchases made at the Cineplex Store.
How to sign up for the SCENE+ program?
It's easy! If you're not already a loyal member of the SCENE+ program, you can sign up directly on the Scene website.
Just enter your email address, create a password, and provide some additional information. And that's it!
In addition to being quick and free, you have the option to download your membership card directly to your SCENE+ app. You can also request a physical card at no cost.
Furthermore, it is possible to add the SCENE+ card to your Apple Wallet. When you receive your email containing the card or when you open the SCENE+ app, just choose the “Add to Apple Wallet” option. If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions.
How to accumulate SCENE+ points?
First, the most common way to earn points is by using a Scotiabank debit or credit card. SCENE+ points are quickly obtained and, in some cases, multiplied.
Additionally, the SCENE+ program allows you to accumulate points at Cineplex Entertainment and the Cineplex Store. Movie lovers will earn five points per dollar spent on admission tickets for any type of experience! Plus, you'll also earn five points per dollar on food and beverage purchases.
The same number of points applies to online purchases made at the Cineplex Store. For The Rec Room and Playdium locations, it's one point per dollar spent.
The next option appeals to travel lovers. SCENE+ gives you the chance to travel and be rewarded! Yes, you read that right – rewarded for travelling! You'll earn three points for every dollar you spend on hotel stays and car rentals with Scene+ Travel, through Expedia.
More recently, Sobeys grocery stores allow you to earn points with personalized offers and weekly discounts. Some fast food restaurants also allow you to collect rewards.
The most sought-after partners
Another very real way to accumulate points is by making travel purchases on the Expedia portal through your Scene+ account. Any purchase made on hotel stays or car rentals allows you to earn three points per dollar spent. Moreover, some trips are eligible for SCENE+ points, even when you decide to pay the entire amount in points.
The next partners are big names in the technology world and well-known to all. When you make purchases at Apple, Best Buy, and Rakuten, you will earn points and up to a 20% discount at Rakuten. However, this last offer depends on the eligible offers that are available. But don't worry, every week these partners present different and equally interesting offers.
Who doesn't love enjoying life while accumulating points? That's what SCENE+ has made possible for you, dear members.
When you make a purchase at a participating restaurant in the rewards program, you receive one point per $3 spent when you dine in or take out. With over 700 partners, SCENE+ includes restaurants like Harvey's, Swiss Chalet, East Side Mario's, Montana's BBQ & Bar, Bier Markt, Fionn Macool's, and Kelsey's Original Roadhouse.
Finally, SCENE's newest partner, Empire, allows you to accumulate points on your everyday purchases. This new perk added to the program gives you the opportunity to take advantage of all the offers contained in promotional flyers providing access to points online and in-store. These include IGA, Rachelle Béry, Les Marchés Tradition, Sobeys, Thrifty Foods, liquor stores, and many more.
How to maximize your points?
Thanks to the flexibility and modernization of SCENE+, you and all members can regularly enjoy the benefits of the program. Unlike SCENE's predecessor, which was primarily focused on entertainment, the additional ways to earn points allow you to exchange your points for rewards without waiting too long.
Of course, you should think about making your purchases at a partner store or on the SCENE+ platform. This way, you are sure to have enough points to get the reward you want.
Another way to maximize your points would be to share your account with a family member. By providing them with the SCENE+ card number, they can accumulate points every time they visit a Scene partner in person or online. Moreover, when you have a Scotiabank debit or credit card, you are sure to maximize your points.
How to redeem your SCENE+ points?
Great news! Unlike many loyalty programs, SCENE+ points maintain a consistent redemption value across categories. This remains true, no matter how you choose to use them.
For entertainment, you can redeem 100 points for $1 off a movie ticket, or $1 off a movie rental or purchase at the Cineplex store. As for food and beverages, with 500 points you get $5 off.
At Rec Room and Playdium locations, when you redeem 500 points, you receive a $5 discount on food, music, movie tickets, tokens, snacks, and activities at Playdium. Not bad deals at all!
Where to shop?
The SCENE+ program also allows you to exchange 100 points per dollar spent when you make a reservation on SCENE+ Travel. As for dining, you can exchange 500 points for a $5 discount. This discount is valid for food and, in some provinces, for alcoholic beverages.
Additionally, the program allows you to exchange your points for products in the SCENE+ Apple or Best Buy store. You can also exchange your points for gift cards to more than 60 brands and retailers.
The new partnership with Empire also allows you to exchange 1,000 points for a $10 discount on your purchases. This reward can be applied at grocery stores and pharmacies affiliated with the program.
Save the best for last, as they say! Scotiabank offers you the chance to use your points for a credit on your account. By exchanging your points, you will receive a sum of money paid directly onto your eligible debit or credit card. For travel, you can book with the supplier of your choice and, in your account, use your Scene+ points to pay a portion of the cost with the Pay for Travel with Points option.
How to use SCENE+ points to travel?
There are two ways to use your points to travel at a lower cost. Book your trip through SCENE+ Travel or through Expedia to redeem your points directly. SCENE+ Travel is a travel service center operated by Expedia and part of the new SCENE+ program.
You can also redeem your points for travel with the Apply Points to Travel feature. The ability to redeem your points to pay for a portion of a trip you have already purchased will soon be available. For up to a year after your purchase, you'll be able to redeem your points to offset the cost of your trip.
SCENE+ points are great for booking travel that is otherwise difficult to book using points. Use it to make a reservation on cruises, car rentals, or independent hotels.
When you book a trip, you'll earn 3 points for every dollar spent on hotel nights and car rentals. Then, redeem your points in 100-point increments for $1 on your next getaway. Scene+ points are useful to reduce travel expenses and bring down the overall cost of a trip.
Expiration of your SCENE+ points
First, it is essential to clarify that the changes made to the SCENE+ program will have no impact on your SCENE+ point balance. So, you will keep your current balance without any action required on your part.
In the event that your account remains inactive for a period of 24 consecutive months, your SCENE+ account will be cancelled. However, an exception applies when you have a Scotiabank debit or credit card. Please note that SCENE+ points are not transferable.
The best credit cards for earning SCENE+ points
Scotiabank offers a variety of credit cards, all designed to meet your lifestyle and shopping habits. However, navigating this world can sometimes be overwhelming when you are not perfectly familiar with it. Don't worry, we've got you covered! Thanks to our ingenious tool that allows you to compare credit cards, you can finally find the credit card that truly meets your needs while meeting your expectations.
To help you in your search for the best credit cards for earning SCENE+ points, our team has rolled up their sleeves to solve the mystery. So, we have decided to present three Scotiabank credit cards that will allow you to maximize your points:
The Scotiabank SCENE Visa Card
The Visa SCENE+ credit card is one of the most popular choices among Canadians. In addition to not having to pay a cent on annual fees, the interest rate on purchases is only 19.99%.
Moreover, this card allows you to earn 2 SCENE+ points when you use your card at a Cineplex Entertainment cinema, online at cineplex.com, and at eligible grocery stores. For every dollar you spend on everything else, you will earn 1 SCENE+ point. Among the many benefits that this card offers, savings on car rentals is one.
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
- Annual fee: $120
- Interest rate on purchase: 20.99%
- Interest rate on cash advances: 22.99%
- 6 Scene+ points per dollar at partipating grocery stores
- 5 Scene+ points per dollar on food and entertainment
- 3 Scene+ points per dollar on gas, transit and streaming services
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card costs $120 per year. However, remember that you can always negociate to waive credit card fees. Nevertheless, it is one of the greatest credit cards for travel.
With a 20.99% interest rate on purchases, this credit card does not charge any foreign transaction fees. Perfect for frequent travellers!
In fact, having received the award for the best travel card in 2022 according to Rewards Canada, it offers you up 6 SCENE+ points at eligible grocery stores, 5 points on dining, food delivery, and entertainment and 3 points on gas, daily transit and streaming services. Usage also includes several benefits, such as exclusive American Express offers, airport lounge access, and more.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card
- Annual fee: $399
- Interest rate on purchase: 9.99%
- Interest rate on cash advances: 9.99%
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card costs $399 per year. With a very low-interest rate of 9.99%, this card allows you to earn 2 SCENE+ points for every dollar spent on all your eligible purchases.
Furthermore, when you use your card, no foreign transaction fees will be charged. You also benefit from mobile device insurance and privileged access to airport lounges during your trips within Canada or internationally.
Our verdict on the SCENE+ rewards program
After extensive research on the subject, we sincerely believe in the benefits put forth by the SCENE+ rewards program. Not only does the program cater to your everyday needs, but it also allows you to indulge in daily pleasures such as enjoying a good meal or spending an evening at the movies with your loved ones. All this is possible thanks to the rewards you earn when you take advantage of SCENE+ and its many partners.
Program summary:
| How to sign up for the SCENE+ rewards program |
|
| How to accumulate points |
|
| Best credit cards for accumulating points |
|
| Program features |
|
| Program Benefits |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
You can redeem 100 points for a purchase value of one dollar.
Your SCENE+ points do not expire. However, in the event that your account remains inactive for a consecutive period of 24 months, your account will be cancelled. A notice will be sent to you to use the points at that time.
No, you can join the program quickly and for free by visiting the SCENE+ website directly.
You must accumulate enough points to cover the cost of your ticket. Each 100 points gives you a $1 discount.
You redeem your points at participating businesses, such as grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters and Expedia. You can also redeem points for products in Apple and Best Buy catalogs and gift cards at over 60 retailers. You can also use your points to pay off your Scotiabank credit card statement.
No, SCENE+ is not a credit card. It is a rewards or loyalty program. However, some Scotia credit cards allow you to earn SCENE+ points.
In 2021, Scene and Scotia rewards merged to become SCENE+.
If you are not already a member of the SCENE+ program, you can register directly on the website.
Check out SCENE+ partners to see where you can collect and redeem your points.
Fill in the fields on the SCENE+ form and they'll get back to you with your card number.
Open the Wallet application on your iPhone. Tap “Add to wallet”, then “Loyalty card”. Use the search bar to find SCENE+.
Scene+ is a joint venture between Scotiabankᴹᴰ, Empire and Cineplexᴹᴰ.
Your points balance is available through your online Scotia account but not on the app. To keep track of your points on your phone, you can download the SCENE+ app and by clicking “Rewards” you should see your points and be able to choose how you’d like to put them to work.
About The Author: Katherine Parent
A veteran of traditional media, Katherine has many years of experience in the field of communications and marketing. Her passion for words led her to take a more content-oriented path. She is the co-founder of AKCENT Agency, which specializes in digital marketing and advertising campaigns.
More posts by Katherine Parent