The Scotiabank L’earn Visa card is an entry-level credit card for students similar to the Scotiabank SCENE Visa Card.
In addition to this card being a good one for students who are getting their first credit cards, it is also available to new immigrants and international students who are looking for a secured credit card to build their credit score.
Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card – At a Glance
- $0 annual fee
- 19.99% on purchases; 22.99% on cash advances and balance transfers
- Up to 1% cash back
- Up to 20% discounts on car rentals at participating AVIS locations
Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card Cash Back Rewards
The L’earn Visa card is a plain-vanilla credit card with very little to offer in the way of perks; however, it does provide up to 1% cash back.
The cash back rewards are tiered depending on how much you spend per year as follows:
- On the first $500: 0.25% cash back
- On the next $500: 0.50% cash back
- On any amounts over $1,000: 1.00%
Thus, after spending $1,000 using your Scotiabank L’earn Visa Card, you start earning 1% in cash back, and there is no limit.
Scotiabank L’earn Visa Car Rental Discounts & Other Benefits
When you rent a car at participating AVIS car rental locations worldwide, you can get discounts of up to 20%.
The card works great for payments and is eligible for Apple Pay and Android Pay. It also works with Visa payWave, and cardholders can access thousands of Scotiabank ABMs.
In addition, you can add optional protection to the card (at a fee) if you so wish.
Downsides of the Scotiabank L’earn Visa
This is an entry-level card for individuals who are looking for a credit card that requires minimum personal income and is easy to be approved for.
It does not offer any insurance coverage.
Scotia L’earn Visa vs. SCENE Visa Card
The SCENE Visa Card is Scotiabank’s second student credit card. It offers 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on everyday purchases and 5 points per $1 spent at Cineplex theatres and Cineplex.com.
The Scotia SCENE Visa card is great for earning free movies and food/drinks at participating restaurants.
A free movie can be redeemed for 1,250 points (general admission or 3D movie tickets), while you get $10 off your bill at participating restaurants in exchange for 1,000 points.
You can learn more about the SCENE Rewards Program.
The L’earn Visa and SCENE Visa cards are similar regarding having $0 annual fees and ease of approval.
To apply for either card, you must:
- Have a Canadian address
- Not have declared bankruptcy within the last 7 years
- Have reached the age of the majority in your province or territory, i.e. 18 or 19 years or older
- International students must have at least 6 months left on their student permit
Scotia L’earn Visa Alternatives
You can earn better rewards and get more benefits with the following no-fee credit cards as a student.
1. Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
Rewards: Earn up to 2% unlimited cash back in up to 3 spending categories and 0.50% on all other purchases.
Welcome offer: Get an extra 10% cash back on up to $1,000 in spending in the first 2 months ($100 value); 1.95% balance transfer rate for 6 months.
Interest rates: 19.95% for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances.
Annual fee: $0
2. SimplyCash Card from American Express
SimplyCash Card from American Express
Rewards and benefits: Earn up to 2% cash back on gas and groceries; 1.25% cash back on all other purchases; travel accident insurance.
Welcome offer: NA
Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on cash advances.
Annual fee: $0
3. Neo Card
Neo Credit card
Rewards: Average of 5% cash back at 12,000+ partners and a guaranteed minimum of 0.50% cash back across all purchases
Welcome offer: Get up to 15% cash back on your first-time purchases, plus a $25 welcome cash bonus.
Interest rates: 19.99% – 29.99% on purchases; 22.99% – 31.99% for cash advances.
Annual fee: $0
Conclusion
The L’earn Visa card is one of Scotiabank’s student cards and also works well for newcomers and foreign students who have no previous credit history.
For a higher rate of cash back rewards, the no-fee Tangerine CashBack Credit card or SimplyCash Card from AMEX work better.
Scotiabank L'earn Visa Card Review
Overall
Summary
The Scotiabank L’earn Visa card is one of two Scotiabank credit cards for students. This L’earn Visa card review covers what you need to know.
Pros
- Easy to qualify for
- Offers cash back rewards
Cons
- No insurance coverage