Scotiabank Reviews 1,452

TrustScore 1 out of 5

1.2

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 188 reviews, most reviewers were let down by their experience overall. Many customers expressed significant dissatisfaction with the customer service, citing rude and unhelpful staff who often lacked knowledge and provided incorrect information. People frequently encountered issues with payment processing, including incorrect deductions, charges for unsuccessful transfers, and difficulties with account access, leading to financial stress and inconvenience. Reviewers also reported problems with the bank's systems, such as frequent outages, locked accounts, and difficulties with online banking and ATM transactions. Some people also felt that communication was poor, with a lack of notifications regarding important account changes and long hold times when trying to reach support. However, a few other people also felt that some individual staff members provided exceptional service, making them feel comfortable and well-informed during their interactions.

What people talk about most

Customer service

Clients share negative opinions on customer service, with many reviewers reporting issues such as unhelpful... See more

Payment

Reviewers express significant dissatisfaction with payment processes, citing issues like unexpected charges... See more

Staff

Users describe negative interactions with staff, citing widespread rudeness, poor communication, and a lack... See more

Service

People report negative experiences with service, with many considering switching banks due to frustrating and... See more

Customer communications

Consumers express significant frustration and dissatisfaction with contact methods, often spending many hours... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Very poor communication skills. I happen to miss 2 bi-weekly payments and got no notification nothing. They are supposed to be pulling payments out of another account. No attempts been made.... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

They didn’t do their due diligence to verify credit applicants and easily gave out credits to fraudsters during covid-19 pandemic and as a result they lost a ton of money. And what they did? Walked of... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

All calls I've made to resolve a $1600 ATM graband mistake promised a resolution by May 16. I've been lied to for a month. Scotiabank is cheating me out of 0ver 1600 dollars. Scotiabank took twice the... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Misleading instructions, wasted time, and rude management. I was told to visit by January but still got threatened with charges for not funding an account I couldn’t access yet. My government IDs wer... See more


Company details

  1. Bank
  2. Currency Exchange Service
  3. Financial Institution

Information provided by various external sources

The Bank of Nova Scotia, operating as Scotiabank, is a Canadian multinational bank.


Contact info

1.2

Bad

TrustScore 1 out of 5

1K reviews

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No history of asking for reviews

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Run as fast as you can!

Run! This is the absolute second worst experience with a bank, I called for a quote on a mortgage rewrite in October....it took until February 2025 to be declined due to my retirement status. Super stressful and waste of Time. Now, my partner has been scammed from an insider with Scotiabank for the last 6 weeks resulting in phone calls from the fraud department daily, sometimes as late as 10 pm at night. Today he got a call that a lady in Ontario was also scammed with a deposit to his (frozen) credit card so he has to run down to the bank to pay her back! what the actual F---!

11 September 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Terrible experience

Terrible experience. No accountability from the fraud team. Incident reported Jul 16, 2025 same day as the fraud occurred and it is now Sep 9. I’ve escalated the matter, called several times for an update, been advised that a Manager will call me back. To date I am none the wiser whether the matter has been resolved. Gobsmacked as to how clients are being treated by this bank!!

7 September 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Customer Review: Disappointed First Impression at Port Credit Branc

⭐ *Customer Review: Disappointed First Impression at Port Credit Branch*

I booked an online appointment with Scotiabank’s Port Credit branch for **September 8, 2025 at 2:30 PM. clearly outlining the purpose: to discuss .checking accounts, credit cards, and a safety deposit box. I received a confirmation email over the weekend with all the details—so far, so good.

However, on the day of the appointment, I received a call at *11:45 AM* from someone at the branch asking what the appointment was for—and referencing a *3:15 PM time slot*, which was incorrect. Not only did the staff member have the wrong time, but they also had no idea what the meeting was about, despite the confirmation emails.

For someone who’s considering switching banks after **30 years** and potentially bringing a *large financial portfolio*, this was a disappointing and disorganized start. It felt like my time and business weren’t valued.

Here’s how that call *should* have gone:
> “Hi, I see you have an appointment today at 2:30 PM regarding a checking account, credit card, and safety deposit box. Unfortunately, I’m unavailable at that time—can I arrange for a colleague to assist you, or would you prefer to reschedule?”

That kind of professionalism would’ve gone a long way. **Do better, Scotiabank.**

8 September 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Online banking

So annoying how every time I need a new card I have to redo my online banking information the process takes forever and the customer service is annoying

7 September 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Listened to "soothing" flute music…

Listened to "soothing" flute music while being told my "call is very important to them". But if my call was so important to them I wouldn't be waiting for 30 minutes to talk to a representative. In fact I wouldn't have had time to decide to write this review about their atrocious hold times while trying to call about my mortgage.

5 September 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

My last review regarding the new on line system and reports

My last review regarding this topic has been about a year ago. At that time and since I have contacted various levels of Scotia Bank and have never received a response. I'm sorry to say that I gave up. It is regarding serious problems that still exist with their new on line system and reports. They had tried to force customers in 2024 to only use the new online system and were planning on dropping the "Classic View" October, 2024. I assume that they had so many problems (and complaints) with the new system that "Classic View" was not discontinued until last month. The problems with the new system were not corrected and It was just removed as a customer option without any advice. I'm writing this review as my previous contact with the bank has never been replied to or for that matter acknowledged and customers deserve to know that there still is some serious problems. I thought I would contact directly the office of the President and/or CEO but cannot locate any contact information.
Briefly, some problems still are: 1) If a detail list of investments such as GIC's is printed, there are investments missing from the printout. 2) The "print buttons" on the bank system have been removed and if a "screen print" is used the date printed can only be accessed if the "header and footer" selection is made. If this is not done the printout basically becomes useless if it is used without a date. 3) unless the print size is reduced to 50 or 60% it is a waste of ink and many extra pages depending on what you are printing. 4)...and more.
I would not be writing this second review if some one at the bank (local or higher) would have contacted me to work to resolve these as well as other problems I had identified and/or retained my option to use either the new printouts or the previous classic view. I know that to carry both versions must be expensive but we deserve confidence that our accounts are safe and the new system doesn't provide this.

5 September 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Is Scotiabank the worst out of big 5?

Is Scotiabank the worst out of big 5? Possibly.

There is saying that when you buy a car you should think about how you will sell it in the future. The same definitely applies to Scotiabank business account. When you open one with them good luck closing it later.
I have been trying to close for a week now with no success so far. Initially I called business phone line which sent me to the home branch who in their turn sent me to a virtual advisor who was on vacation and noone replied his emails or voicemails in his absence.
Another call to business line who sent me to branch manager this time, who said because of Scotia Connect service is activated the branch can't close it and was surprised the phone line could not disconnect it themselves.
Another call to phone line who said they can't do it, but branch manager should be able to do it. Now it's a full loop. As of now they are trying to figure it out between departments. What a mess for such a simple task (in theory)!

5 September 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

So the other day I went to Scotiabank…

So the other day I went to Scotiabank and I was going to pay off my line of credit that scotiabank gave me and but I am low income and I'm not wasn't sure why they gave it to me but they did for 7500 and I put a cap on it for no more than 2,000 so I can pay it and just yesterday I went to Scotiabank to pay it and what I usually do is I get my pay chequebut I use that money and pay off my line of credit and then I just use my credit card but yesterday this East Indian girl at the bank that was dealing with my banking stuff listen to how I was saying that I'm using my rent money to pay this line of credit and that I usually just go through that and then just get the money from my credit card and she didn't even tell me but apparently the whole credit card thing was it was an error on their side and that they were planning on just me paying it off and then they would deactivate the card so that put me to where I had no money and now I'm I have an eviction notice thanks to them and their "error" I'm SWITCHING TO TD! ASAP! this bank SUCKS! dont bother. Customer service 9/10 dont even either speak English or or know what they are even talking about! OR screw up somehow in THEIR END then totally fk you over then say THERES NOTHING WE CAN DO! YALL DONT EVEN DESERVE ONE STAR!!!!

3 September 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Derek Customer Service Supervisor

There was an issue with some charges on my statement Derek is one of the supervisors that I was able to speak with in customer service He approached my issue with compassion and understanding resolving the issue. Greatly appreciate his professionalism.

3 September 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I'm traveling abroad (from Canada to…

I'm traveling abroad (from Canada to holland). I called Scotiabank to inform them I'd be traveling so there would be no issues with purchasing. I tried to buy a train ticket in holland and Scotiabank wouldn't allow me. After waiting for 2 hours on hold (2 hours in a foreign country unable to leave a train station in the evening as a female) they told me the train station company is flagged as a scam which is absolute insanity as its a company used throughout the country. I was told that anytime I needed to purchase a train ticket I would need to call Scotiabank first to get authorization. So I need to wait 2 HOURS on hold to tell someone multiple times a day I need to take a train? Not only that but they said they will only unlock my card for 30mins at a time after I call them. Ridiculous. I asked to speak to someone else because thay just doesn't add up. After speaking to another agent, I was told they could give me a max of 3 days before my card is locked again and I have to call them for authorization again. What is the point of telling them I'm traveling if they're still going to lock my card and force me to waste so much time on hold using my phones data and getting charged roaming fees?! When I'm back in Canada in changing banks immediately. This is an unsafe practice of theirs!!

1 September 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Estate department a joke

Absolutely a horrible experience dealing with them. I do not regularly bank with Scotiabank. I do hold one credit card with them, not honestly sure how long I will keep it now.

I have had to recently deal with this bank because my father banked with them and passed Nov 2024. He had left a small estate so as the only able and remaining member of his family it became my responsibility to dispense his estate to family.

I can’t speak for others. For me, getting or requesting or even KNOWING about my father’s money feels awful. My dad was very private so this all feels terrible. I’m not enjoying this and really don’t care about what was left behind. I will do what is needed to honour my father’s wishes and that is what I’m trying to do.

Well it seems to me that Scotiabank really does not want to give me my father’s estate or so it seems. They have made this entire procedure incredibly stressful and difficult. Not answering or calling when they were supposed to, making me jump through very costly and difficult hoops even though I’m all there is left to do this. I get everything together and there is more excuses. This has now been dragging on for almost 10 months.

Not clear and thorough at any point. Now I thought it was good and I’m still waiting.

An employee who was also disgusted and embarrassed by what was happening also mentioned that the Scotia is holding a LOT of estate money that they know should go to family who cannot do what is required. It all seems in very poor taste for a bank to make these already difficult things even more difficult.

I have been left with such disgust over the banks behaviour I am seriously considering getting rid of my decent point CC with the Scotiabank. I do not ever want to do business with them again if this is the way they treat emotionally vulnerable family members.

Not good at all. Certainly not for anyone but the bank, how handy.

31 August 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

After 51 years of support to Scotiabank…

After 51 years of support to Scotiabank I withdrew all my accounts due to the lack of concern for customers, its all about the shareholder today and we foot the bill but the banks lack of people skills in treating their long customers. Today, you are treated as a criminal as your constantly having to prove who you are. at the moment I’m in transition and Service Ontario takes your actual license and provides with a legal document which states valid without photo but the bank doesn’t recognize it. Stupid policy and makes no sense even when Sevice Ontario stated it is valid without photo still. The bank is so anal retentive not take to any regards to how long you have been with the bank even if you’re a regular at the branch. Effed up policy. I’m trying to withdraw all my investments andd they won’t help me. Had I continued with the bank Scotia would be sure to use my money but I want my money I cannot get it out.

Scotiabank give your hard and shake and do what is right and get your head out of your ass because you’re in there with all your stinking policies. Go back to when you honestky cared about your customers. When things were not going up every 4 months because the CEO didn’t get enough out of his million $$$$ bonus that I, we paid for so he can buy his wife another Mercedes. Not it goes back to the staff or god forbid the customers. Bank of Nova Scotia shame on you. I support u for 52 years, buy your stinking products that don’t pay well and this is what we get back in return???

Shame, shame, shame

Part 2

I received a last minute ditch call by the Branch Manager Trafalgar. Called tob reach out nothing was solved. Was promised a call later to no avail and to no resolution. Tuesday morning day after labor day no will call. This is the way Scotiabank does business. Let’s see how smart Scotia is or any and pick up this concern no one from Scotia will pick up on this proplevissue this lack of concern stinks.

I will hold out no longer I want my monies closed out and today goodbye to Scotiabank. And I now have my government issued documents.

Let’s see who calls first!!

Part 3
Nothing happened on Bank of Nova Scotia’s part. I had to initiate contact on Tuesday after Labor Day. To this date no one from BNS CUSTOMER CARE HAS PICKED THE PHONE TO FOLLOW UP. No surprise.

Took my Drivers License into New Street branch to initiate my closing of my investment accounts.

No one at Bank of NovaScotia really cares.

25 August 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Scotia is not interested in my feedback

My recent interaction with Scotia's customer service was deeply disappointing. When trying to resolve a past-due account, I offered what I hoped was constructive feedback to help improve their processes. Instead of simply acknowledging my input, the agent became defensive. Their inability to accept feedback—despite my assurance that it wasn't their personal fault—made me feel unheard and ultimately confirmed my decision to leave the bank. The service felt entirely scripted and lacked any genuine human connection. If this is the standard, perhaps AI would be a more efficient solution.

26 August 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

NOT IMPRESSED

Not impressed. I’m a few hours late on a payment and I get charged $48 nsf charge. Then the manager is snotty and rude to me will be switching banks

22 August 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

My online was compromise

My online was compromise, I call Scotia about it. I was ask some security questions which i answer all correct. I was sent a link with five attchment to fill out.I am not applying for a loan. After the same security which i had no problem. One page ask i am affiliated with any current or former government offtctal. I am just trying to get my online service working and the other links just as bad

13 August 2025
Unprompted review

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