The best Sobeys credit card is the American Express Cobalt Card – which should come as no surprise since it's Canada's best credit card for groceries. Sobeys doesn't have any branded credit cards, but you can earn valuable Scene+ points when shopping here, with or without a credit card.
This article reviews the Cobalt card along with a few other top credit card options, including some Scene+ cards. It also gives a quick overview of the Scene+ program, discusses the Voila grocery delivery service, and more.
Key Takeaways
- The best overall credit card to use at Sobeys is the American Express Cobalt Card.
- Sobeys does not offer co-branded credit cards, so look for a credit card that offers accelerated rewards for grocery purchases.
- Scene+ credit cards allow you to earn bonus points for shopping at Sobeys, and you can redeem Scene+ points for discounts at Sobeys.
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Best Sobeys credit cards
Whether you're shopping with Sobeys or another store operated by the Empire Company, check out these top grocery credit cards:
The Empire Company also operates Safeway, IGA, Thrifty Foods, Extra, and Foodland, just to name a few.
| Card name | Annual Fee | Rewards | Welcome Bonus | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Cobalt Card | $191.88 | * 5 points per $1 spent on eligible groceries and restaurants (up to $2,500 spent per month) * 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming services * 2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit, and ride share purchases * 1 point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | $300 | Learn more |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express Card | $120 | * 6 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and more * 5 Scene+ points per $1 spent on groceries, dining, and entertainment * 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent on gas, select streaming services, and transit * 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases * 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on all other purchases | $450 | Learn more |
| MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard | $120 | * 5 points for every $1 spent on restaurants, groceries, and select recurring bills (up to $50,000 spent annually per category) * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | $300 | Learn more |
| Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ Card | $120 | * 4% cash back on groceries and recurring bill payments * 2% cash back on gas, transit, rideshares, and food delivery * 1% cash back on all other purchases |  $100 GeniusCash + 15% cash back for the first 3 months, first year free (terms) | Learn more |
| Neo World Elite Mastercard - Gas & Grocery | $149 | * Average of 5% cash back at partner retailers * 5% cash back on groceries, up to $1,000 spent monthly * 4% cash back on recurring bills, up to $500 spent monthly * 3% cash back on gas and EV charging, up to $1,000 spent monthly * 1% cash back everywhere else | None | Learn more |
| Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card | $0 | * 2% cash back on purchases in up to 3 Money-Back Categories * 0.5% cash back on all other purchases | $75 GeniusCash + 10% extra cash back for the first 2 months (terms) | Learn more |
Best overall grocery card: American Express Cobalt Card
Our best grocery credit card is also the best overall credit card in Canada: the American Express Cobalt® Card. This versatile card gives you 5 points per $1 spent on groceries – combine this with the other categories and you have an overall average earn rate of 4.5%.
American Express Membership Rewards are incredibly versatile, offering a max value of 2 cents per point (CPP). Aside from the rewards, this Amex card also comes with a comprehensive insurance package – 10 types – and American Express benefits like Front of the Line, Amex Offers, and the Hotel Collection.
Pros:
- Very high earn rate
- Extensive insurance package
- Versatile rewards program
Cons:
- Lower acceptance as an Amex
Best Scene+ card: Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
×3 Award winner 
GC: $75
3x Award winner The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card can't be beat when it comes to earning Scene+ points on your Sobeys shopping. You'll get 6 points per $1 spent at Empire Limited grocery stores and 5 points per $1 spent on grocery stores outside of the partnership. There's even a hefty welcome bonus to get you started, worth up to $450.
You can redeem your Scene+ points for Sobeys discounts, where 1,000 points equals $10 off. This card also gives a hefty welcome bonus, 12 types of insurance coverage, Amex benefits, and savings at Shell gas stations.
Pros:
- Large welcome bonus
- Extensive insurance package
- No foreign exchange fees
Cons:
- Limited travel perks
Best flexible rewards card: MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard
×7 Award winner GC: $40
7x Award winner If you prefer a non-Amex grocery card, the MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® stands out for its high grocery reward rate: 5 points for every $1 spent. There is an annual $50,000 cap on grocery spending (you won't get the same rewards if you spend more), but that still leaves you with more than $4,100 to spend at Sobeys each month.
A unique perk is the annual birthday bonus: You'll get a 10% bonus based on the number of MBNA points earned the previous year. Add this to the sweet World Elite perks, like airport lounge access via Dragonpass, and this card's value becomes very impressive.
Pros:
- Birthday bonus points
- Airport lounge access
- Several top-value redemption options
Cons:
- High income requirements
Best cash back card: Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ Card
×2 Award winner GC: $100
2x Award winner A cash back credit card can keep things simple and straightforward, and the Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite+* Card is an excellent choice. You'll get 4% cash back at grocery stores and on recurring bill payments – one of the highest earn rates paying bills.
Cardholders have a solid insurance package with this card, with 11 types, including rare mobile device coverage. Plus, as a Visa Infinite product, this card comes with concierge services, airport lounge access, access to the Visa Infinite Dining Series and the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, and much more.
Pros:
- 2.08% earn rate
- Opportunity to waive the annual fee
- Fuel discounts at Shell
Cons:
- Low base earn rate
Best cash back runner-up card: Neo World Elite Mastercard - Gas & Grocery
The new Neo World Elite® Mastercard - Gas & Grocery gives an eyebrow-raising 5% cash back for grocery purchases and purchases made with Neo partners. Consider the cash back rates for recurring bills, gas, EV charging, and all other spending, and you have an average earn rate of 2.55%.
The $149 annual fee may seem high, but the World Elite Mastercard benefits alone can make it worthwhile. There's also a large insurance package, which includes extensive rental car coverage, and the offers from partner retailers and services can be incredibly valuable.
Pros:
- Extensive insurance package
- Instant approval and virtual card
- Available as a secured card
Cons:
- Low caps on category spending
Best no-fee card: Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
×2 Award winner GC: $75
2x Award winner You don't have to pay an annual fee to get a solid grocery credit card – and the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card proves it. This unique no-fee card allows you to choose your own cash back categories (up to 3), and you'll earn 2% back on your Sobeys shopping by choosing the "grocery" category.
This card is relatively easy to qualify for, too – applicants need just $12,000 in personal income. There aren't any household income requirements, there's no annual fee, and the credit score requirements are reasonable too: roughly 560 – 659.
Pros:
- Choose your own cash back categories
- Low eligibility requirements
Cons:
- Limited insurance
Scene+ credit cards
If you know you want to earn Scene+ points for your Sobeys haul, consider these top Scene+ credit cards – some have already been mentioned above, but are worth a second look:
| Card name | Annual Fee | Rewards | Welcome Bonus | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Gold American Express Card | $120 | * 6 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and more * 5 Scene+ points per $1 spent on groceries, dining, and entertainment * 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent on gas, select streaming services, and transit * 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases * 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on all other purchases | $450 | Learn more |
| Scotiabank American Express Card | $0 | * 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and more * 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent on grocery, dining and entertainment, gas, daily transit, and select streaming services * 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on all other purchases | $100 | Learn more |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ Card | $150 | * 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo and more * 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent on groceries, restaurants, entertainment, and daily transit * 1 Scene+ point per $1 on all other purchases | $500 | Learn more |
| Tangerine Rewards World Elite Mastercard | $120 | * 1.5 Scene+ points per $1 spent in 3 reward categories of your choice * 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on all other purchases | $300 | Learn more |
Scene+ rewards program
The Scene+ rewards program is one of the most popular programs because it offers so many ways to earn and redeem points. Sign up for free if you have a Scotiabank debit card, you shop with Scene+ partners, or you have a credit card that earns Scene+ points (issued by Scotiabank and Tangerine).
Once you have an account, you'll earn points anytime you use your qualifying credit card. You'll earn accelerated rewards for shopping with Scene+ partners, including Sobeys, Cineplex, Home Hardware, and more.
You can redeem your points anytime for store discounts, travel, gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits.
Voila grocery delivery
Sobeys partners with Voila, the grocery delivery service, offering yet another way to earn Scene+ points
You can take full advantage of this partnership by signing up for the Voila online grocery service and making a qualifying order of at least $35. New users get discounts and delivery fees waived for their first 4 orders, but after that, you can expect to pay a max of $9.99 per order.
Voila also partners with other Empire Limited grocery stores like IGA and Safeway, so you can use this delivery service from almost anywhere in Canada.
FAQ
Does Sobeys have a credit card?
Sobeys doesn't issue co-branded credit cards, but it does participate in the Scene+ rewards program, which means Scene+ cards are an excellent choice. Our top recommendation for a card to use at Sobeys is the American Express Cobalt Card, though, thanks to its very high overall earn rate.
What's the best credit card for Sobeys groceries?
The best overall grocery card is the American Express Cobalt Card, with its high earn rate and high value per point. If you're looking for the best Scene+ credit card for Sobeys, consider the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, which gives 6 points per $1 spent on groceries at Sobeys or any other Empire Limited store.
Is Scene part of Scotiabank?
Scene+ is the rewards program operated by Scotiabank, in partnership with Cineplex and Empire Company Limited. With select Scotiabank credit cards, you can earn Scene+ points and redeem them for in-store or online discounts, travel, gift cards, and statement credits.
How much are 10,000 Scene+ points worth?
If you enter 10,000 points into our Scene+ rewards calculator, you'll find that the top rewards categories offer $100 in value. This includes movies and concessions at Cineplex, discounts at Recipes Unlimited restaurants, travel, and discounts at Home Hardware and Sobeys.
What is the Empire Company Limited?
Empire Company Ltd is the parent company of Sobeys. It's headquartered in Nova Scotia and focuses its business interests on grocery retail and real estate. Empire operates 350 fuel stations and 1,600 grocery stores across every province in Canada.
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