Household expenses for Canadian families quickly add up to $4,000-$6,000+ per month across groceries, gas, kids’ sports, streaming services, and housing costs.
⚠️ Important Consideration
Updated October 7, 2026: Starting October 22, 2026, Scotiabank pays only its regular 1% rate (instead of 4%) on rent (MCC 6513) and tax payments (MCC 9311) charged to the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+, including payments made through Chexy. After Chexy's 1.75% fee that is a net loss. Utilities, insurance, phone and internet, daycare, tuition, car leases and gym payments still earn 4% (up to $25,000 per year). The recommendations and math below reflect this change.
The 2-Card Family Stack
By pairing a primary grocery/gas card (e.g., CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite or BMO CashBack World Elite) with a recurring bills card (the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite+ pays 4% on bills like phone, internet, insurance, utilities and daycare, up to $25,000 per year), a family can capture meaningful cash back every month. Do not route rent or property tax through Chexy on the Momentum after October 21, 2026: those payments drop to 1%, which loses money after Chexy's 1.75% fee. A card that pays 2% to 3% on bills (such as Tangerine Money-Back or TD Cash Back Visa Infinite) is a better fit for rent.
