Scotiabank is removing a key rewards feature from several of its Momentum credit cards. Starting October 22, 2026, rent and tax payments will no longer qualify for the 4 percent earn rate on four Momentum cards. ([1])The change arrives with little advance notice for cardholders who have relied on the bonus for large recurring expenses.
Timeline and Scope of the Change
The new policy takes effect in five days from today. Cardholders have a narrow window to adjust payment strategies before the accelerated rate disappears. The adjustment applies specifically to rent and tax categories, which previously counted toward the higher recurring bill bonus on the affected products. Scotiabank has not indicated whether similar adjustments will appear on other cards or in other spending categories. The move follows a pattern seen across the industry where issuers periodically tighten bonus categories to manage costs.
Impact on Cardholders
Cardholders who pay rent or taxes through these cards will see their rewards drop from 4 percent to the standard rate once the change takes hold. For someone paying several thousand dollars monthly in rent, the difference can amount to hundreds of dollars in lost points or cash back each year. The four Momentum cards involved represent a meaningful portion of Scotiabank’s rewards lineup. Users who structured their finances around the 4 percent rate now face a sudden reduction in return on those payments.
Broader Lessons for Rewards Users
This adjustment underscores how quickly issuer policies can shift. What counts as an eligible bonus category today may not qualify tomorrow, even for long-standing card features. Cardholders benefit from reviewing terms regularly and maintaining flexibility in how they handle large recurring bills. Alternatives such as bank transfers, checks, or other payment methods may preserve value when credit card bonuses change without warning.
