Quick overview

The CIBC Aeroplan Visa credit card is like your first vehicle. It might not be the prettiest or the most feature-packed, but it’ll get you from point A to point B reliability. Sure, you won’t be bragging to your friends about it, but it’ll open up a new world to you (in the case of the card, travel points, and the benefits they come with), on the cheap. Very cheap, considering one of the benefits of this particular card is that it’s free. Yep, you read that right, a rewards card with $0 annual fee.

With it, you’ll earn 1 point for every dollar spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including Air Canada Vacations. You’ll also earn 1 point for every $1.50 you spend on all other purchases†. Which, of course, won’t line your proverbial pockets with bushels of points, but the welcome bonus might help make up for that.

The long and short of it with this card is that you’ll earn fewer points than with other cards – including some alternative CIBC Aeroplan cards, like the Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Privilege – but its lack of yearly fees might be enough to sway you to choose this entry-level offering. Oh, and the fact that it only required a $15,000annual household income makes the CIBC Aeroplan card one of the more accessible travel card options in the market.

Who’s this card for?

This card allows you to get into the travel rewards world without having to shell out extra money each year to pay for a credit card fee. It’s a great way to dip your toe into the rewards world slowly, to check if it’s one you’re interested in spending more time in. The points accrual might be slow with this card, but that’s okay because you’re just feeling out whether or not travel rewards are for you. Think of it this way: It lets you try something new without too much of a commitment. Try it and, if it’s not for you, no worries. However, if you’re interested in a travel card that’s packed with perks, like comprehensive travel insurance and lounge access, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students

For those new to credit cards, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students is an excellent choice to start earning travel rewards. With a competitive earn rate and a generous welcome bonus, accumulating Aeroplan points is made easy.

Pros and cons

Pros

Pros

  • Earn one Aeroplan point per dollar spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, and with Air Canada directly, including Air Canada Vacations

  • Earn twice the points at over 150 Aeroplan partners and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore

  • No annual fee

Cons

Cons

  • You only earn one point for every $1.50 spent on everything else

  • No travel insurance

  • No lounge access

Welcome bonus

Get a total of up to 10,000 Aeroplan points (up to $200 in travel value†).

  • Welcome bonus details

    +

    Get a total of up to 10,000 Aeroplan points (up to $200 in travel value†):

    • 2,500 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase†.

    • 2,500 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 or more during the first 4 monthly statements periods†.

    • 5,000 Aeroplan points as an additional anniversary bonus when you have at least $10,000 in net purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods†.

How to earn points

With CIBC Aeroplan credit cards, you earn points right off the bat with a welcome bonus. In this case, it’s a meager yet still appreciated welcome bonus points that will help kick-start that nest egg of virtual travel cash. After that, it’s all about taking advantage of the card’s top spending category. To do that, you’ll need to focus your spending on gas or electric charging, groceries, or directly with Air Canada (including Air Canada Vacations).

You can also encourage family members to contribute to the points accumulation by giving them a card tied to the account. If you want to earn even more points, you can transfer other rewards points to Aeroplan. Other points programs can be transferred to Aeroplan. They include; Marriot Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Best Western Rewards, Choice Privileges, Coast Rewards, IHG One Rewards, Shangri-La Golden Circle Award and Wyndham Rewards. So, you can sign up for one or more of these reward programs, earn their respective points, and then transfer them to Aeroplan points.

Finally, you can even purchase Aeroplan points. They’re typically available at a cost of 3.5 cents each but sometimes go on sale for a discount.

How to redeem points

Redeeming points is fairly simple through Air Canada’s Aeroplan rewards centre, which can be used to redeem points for any of the CIBC Aeroplan credit cards. It’s a sleek little platform that houses everything you need to know about redeeming points – telling you what you can redeem your points for and how to do it. You can use points for Air Canada and partner airline flights, redeem them for extras and upgrades on flights, purchase hotels and car rentals, pay for a vacation package or experience and buy merchandise or gift cards. 

There’s really something for everyone when it comes to redeeming points for rewards. Your points will likely go the furthest if you use them to book flights with Air Canada or its partner airlines. Check out how many points are required to fly within North America to give you a sense of how many you’ll need to book your dream vacation.

Interested in flying to farther-flung parts of the globe? Have a look at the Air Canada Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart to start your daydreaming and trip planning. 

Key benefits

  • Join and get up to $200 in value in your first year!† Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points!†
  • Earn 1 Aeroplan point on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including through Air Canada Vacations®†
  • Earn 1 point for every $1.50 you spend on all other purchases.†
  • Flexible rewards that allow you to redeem for flights, vacations, hotels, car rentals, gift cards and more
  • Points can also cover the cost of tax when redeeming
  • $0 annual fee

Insurance coverage

  • Common carrier accident: Covers accidental death or dismemberment resulting from riding on a common carrier, which includes land, air, or water transport
  • Purchase security and extended protection: Offers 1 additional year of protection above the manufacturer’s original warranty
  • Auto rental collision/loss damage: Covers theft, loss and damage up to the actual cash value of the rental vehicle, if the entire cost is charged to your card, for up to 48 consecutive days

Extra benefits

  • Points never expire as the long as the primary account holder account is open
  • Send money abroad to over 120 countries with no transfer fees
  • Visa’s zero liability policy: You won’t be held responsible if someone steals your card, card number, or card details; and you won’t be held responsible for fraudulent purchases
  • Fraud alerts: CIBC monitors fraud trends and activity and will flag suspicious purchases, putting them on hold and contacting you to confirm the purchase is legit
  • Book rewards for less: Primary cardholders can sometimes book flight rewards for fewer points
  • Get a fourth night free when you book 3 hotel nights with Aeroplan points

What people have to say about this card

It seems CIBC will sometimes give bonus points during certain promotional periods, according to this one RedFlagDeals CIBC Aeroplan Visa thread. One user noted CIBC was offering seven times the Aeroplan points on eligible travel purchases to a certain maximum. For CIBC Aeroplan Visa cardholders, that meant the ability to earn additional points on travel.   

One user, in a CIBC Aeroplan Visa reddit thread about switching from Aventura to Aeroplan through CIBC (the bank offers both loyalty programs), shared frustrations that the welcome points weren’t offered to those transferring from one rewards program to the other. As another helpful user pointed out, a workaround would be to apply for the Aeroplan card as a new customer. In that case, the customer would qualify for the bonus points and would then be able to close their Aventura card, if they so choose.

How the card compares

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Apply now

4.2

up to 40K pts

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn up to $1,300 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.

Expires

Jan 6, 2025

Pros

  • The card has a high earn rate for Aeroplan Points, generating 1.5 points† per $1 spent on eligible purchases.

  • Insurance offered includes coverage in the categories that travellers need, and is generally better than its Aeroplan peers at a similar annual fee level.

Cons

  • No airport lounge membership or free lounge access.

  • Aeroplan points can’t be redeemed for flights outside the Star Alliance network, nor can they be redeemed for cash credit. This makes them less flexible than some competing travel rewards programs.

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Pros

  • The card has a high earn rate for Aeroplan Points, generating 1.5 points† per $1 spent on eligible purchases.

  • Insurance offered includes coverage in the categories that travellers need, and is generally better than its Aeroplan peers at a similar annual fee level.

Cons

  • No airport lounge membership or free lounge access.

  • Aeroplan points can’t be redeemed for flights outside the Star Alliance network, nor can they be redeemed for cash credit. This makes them less flexible than some competing travel rewards programs.

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)

1.5 points†

Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases

1 point†

Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.

2x

Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account. Conditions apply.

50%

NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†

1

checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†

1st

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$139

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Vs. TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Think of the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card as the big brother (okay, maybe older cousin) of the CIBC Aeroplan Visa. They’re related but have different parents (banks). The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite does everything the CIBC Aeroplan Visa does, but with a little more style. The TD card comes with more welcome points (40,000  vs. 10,000), and earns points faster. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.

The CIBC card earns one point for every dollar spent on gas, groceries, electric vehicle charging, and through Air Canada. The TD card, meanwhile, earns 1.5 points for every dollar spent in those categories (except electric vehicle charging). TD also lets you earn 1 point for every dollar spent on everything else while CIBC offers one point for every $1.50 spent. Additionally, the TD card offers savings on baggage fees, robust travel insurance and rental car savings. 

Both cards have the same interest rates, but the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card will cost you $139 per year (get an annual fee rebate for the first year) and $75 per additional card. To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders by January 6, 2025. In contrast, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card has no yearly fee and free additional cards.

This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.  

The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.

†Terms and conditions apply.

Scotiabank Momentum® Visa Infinite*

Apply now

4.2

10% back

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases). No annual fee in the first year, including on additional cards.

Expires

Nov 1, 2025

Pros

  • High earn rate on everyday spending categories

  • Comprehensive travel and purchase insurance

  • Visa Infinite perks such as concierge, events, and special offers

  • 25% Car rental discounts at Avis and Budget

  • Mobile device insurance

  • Up to $200 welcome bonus

Cons

  • Income requirements are higher: $60k personal or 100k household

  • Cash back can only be redeemed once a year

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Pros

  • High earn rate on everyday spending categories

  • Comprehensive travel and purchase insurance

  • Visa Infinite perks such as concierge, events, and special offers

  • 25% Car rental discounts at Avis and Budget

  • Mobile device insurance

  • Up to $200 welcome bonus

Cons

  • Income requirements are higher: $60k personal or 100k household

  • Cash back can only be redeemed once a year

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

For every $1 you spend on grocery store purchases, recurring bill payments and subscription purchases

4%

For every $1 you spend on gas and daily transit purchases

2%

Cash back on all other purchases with no cash back limit

1%

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$120

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Vs. Scotiabank Momentum Visa infinite

If you’re considering the CIBC Aeroplan Visa and Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite, think about the type of rewards you’d like to earn. CIBC’s offering will earn you Aeroplan points while the Scotia Momentum earns you straight cash back. That right there could be the determining factor.

The Momentum card is also a more premium offering, packing many more features. It comes with travel and mobile device insurance and a much richer point plan, earning users 4% cash back on groceries and recurring payments, 2% on gas and daily transit, and 1% on everything back. That’s superior to CIBC’s breakdown of 1 point for every dollar spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, and with Air Canada directly, including Air Canada Vacations and 1 point for every $1.50 spent on everything else.

BMO Ascend World Elite®* Mastercard®*

Apply now

4.5

up to 90K pts

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Get up to 90,000 points and the annual fee waived in your first anniversary for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*

Expires

Jun 1, 2025

Pros

  • High-value welcome offer

  • Flexible airport lounge access

  • BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees

  • Great for those who frequently rent cars

  • Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers

Cons

  • So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee

  • Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs

  • Charges foreign transaction fees

  • Relatively high minimum income requirements

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$80,000

Required Annual Household Income

$150,000

Pros

  • High-value welcome offer

  • Flexible airport lounge access

  • BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees

  • Great for those who frequently rent cars

  • Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers

Cons

  • So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee

  • Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs

  • Charges foreign transaction fees

  • Relatively high minimum income requirements

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$80,000

Required Annual Household Income

$150,000

Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*

5x

Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*

3x

Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*

1x

Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes

4

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

23.99%

Cash Advance APR

23.99%

Annual Fee

$150

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Vs. BMO Ascend World Elite

The BMO Ascend World Elite packs a lot into this $150 per year card: Earn 5 points for every travel dollar spent, 3 points for every dining, entertainment and recurring bill dollar, and 1 point for every dollar spent on anything else. It’s worth noting that you’ll need an income of $80,000 individually or $150,000 household to qualify for the World Elite card.

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card 

Apply now

4.3

up to 35K pts

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn up to $1,100* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points

Expires

Jan 3, 2025

Pros

  • No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees

  • Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases

  • Flexible and straightforward redemption program

  • Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.

  • Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges

  • Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage

  • Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card

Cons

  • High annual fee

  • Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases

  • Primarily best for travel within Canada

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Pros

  • No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees

  • Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases

  • Flexible and straightforward redemption program

  • Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.

  • Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges

  • Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage

  • Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card

Cons

  • High annual fee

  • Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases

  • Primarily best for travel within Canada

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more

3x

Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)

2x

Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases

1x

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$150

Foreign Transaction Fee

0%

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Vs. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card turned heads when it was first released as a travel card packed to the brim with features. We’re talking lounge access with 6 free passes a year, $0 foreign transaction fees and travel insurance. It’s also a great way to rack up the points, offering 3 points for shopping at certain grocery stores (like Sobeys, Safeway, IGA and Foodland), 2 points when eating out, on entertainment and on transit.

Is the CIBC Aeroplan Visa worth it?

While it may not be the most impressive travel card, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite is a great option for those who want to earn Aeroplan points while not having to pay an annual fee. Its interest rates are high, so you might want to avoid it if you typically carry a balance. Overall, it’s a great choice as a first credit card for those looking to build credit history while also earning rewards. 

FAQs

  • Does the CIBC Aeroplan Visa have lounge access?

    +

    No, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa does not have lounge access. However, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite does have lounge access, though it costs $139 per year.

  • Does the CIBC Aeroplan Visa have travel insurance?

    +

    No, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa does not have insurance. It does, however, have common carrier accident insurance, purchase security and extended protection insurance, and auto rental/collision loss damage insurance.

  • Is the CIBC Aeroplan Visa a student card?

    +

    While the CIBC Aeroplan Visa card is a good choice for students, CIBC does also offer a very similar card called the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students. It has zero annual fee and the same point structure as the standard Aeroplan Visa.

†Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer it not available to the residents of Quebec.

The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content

Justin da Rosa Freelance Writer

Justin is a writer and editor who has been covering personal finance for over 10 years. He's written for companies such as KOHO, Ratehub, BMO, Zoocasa, and Questrade, among others. Justin also created a course in Content Creation, which he taught at York University for four years. When not writing, Justin can be found at a live concert, on the golf course, riding a motorcycle, or sailing.

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