Quick overview
If you’re a jet setter who loves to travel in style and doesn’t mind shelling out a little extra for premium experiences, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege (say that five times fast) could be the perfect travel companion. It’s packed with travel features like access to the Maple Leaf Lounges, a NEXUS application fee rebate, free checked bags and comprehensive travel insurance.
It does, however, come with a hefty price tag of $599 per year. Of course, if you’re a big spender – particularly if you fly with Air Canada often – you might be able to offset that high cost by earning points. It offers 2 Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases†, 1.5 Aeroplan points on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel and dining† and 1.25 Aeroplan points on all other purchases†. Not to mention the lucrative welcome bonus.
So, if you’re a fan of Air Canada and want to know more about its premium travel rewards card, we’ve broken it all down for you.
Who’s this card for?
This card is for the discerning traveller who knows what they like and doesn’t mind paying a little extra. You’re someone who prefers to travel with Air Canada, even if that means paying a little more for your tickets. That loyalty is rewarded with this card, offering a bunch of travel perks like lounge access, free checked bags and travel insurance. It’s aimed at people who travel often, allowing them to earn points that’ll help them book flights and vacations for free. They also don’t mind paying the hefty yearly fee of $599. This card is aimed at high-net-worth Canadians, people who make at least $150,000 a year as an individual or $200,000 as a family, as that’s the required income threshold to qualify for the card.
Pros and cons
Pros
-
60,000 bonus reward points
-
Earn up to two points per dollar spent
-
Free checked bags with Air Canada
-
A NEXUS application rebate
-
Lounge access with Maple Leaf Lounges
-
A great travel insurance package
-
Get up to $2,200 in value in your first year
Cons
-
A high cost of $599 per year
-
High income requirements of $150,000 per year individual or $200,000 per year household
-
The highest redemption category for points is when you spend directly with Air Canada, which might deter some users
Welcome bonus
Get a total of up to 60,000 Aeroplan® points (up to $1,200 in travel value†):
20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase†
30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,000 or more during your first 4 monthly statement periods†
10,000 Aeroplan points as an additional anniversary bonus when you have at least $15,000 in net eligible purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods†
Enjoy a free first checked bag: a $140 value for 2 travellers for each round-trip flight, assuming you take one round-trip Air Canada flight in the first year†
Enjoy Maple Leaf Lounge access: a $550 value†
Elevate your airport experience with 6 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: over $340 value†
Plus, get a NEXUS Application Fee rebate: a $67 value†
How to earn points
You’ll earn the most points by spending with Air Canada. The CIBC Visa Aeroplan Infinite Privilege will earn you 2 points for every dollar spent with the airline, including Air Canada Vacations. Aside from that, you’ll earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel and dining. Finally, you’ll earn 1.25 points for every dollar spent on other purchases.
Another neat feature is that you’ll earn 2 points at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore. Aside from that, you can also earn points by using your card with travel partners like hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Best Western, Choice Hotels, Coast Hotels and many others) and rental car agencies (Avis, Budget, etc.), select airport parking lots like Park n’ Fly and retail partners like Starbucks, Uber, Amazon and the LCBO. New partners are being added all the time and you can browse them all on the Air Canada partners website.
You can also transfer other points to Aeroplan, including Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Best Western Rewards and Choice Privileges, among others.
Finally, if you want to top up your Aeroplan account, you can purchase points. They’re typically available for 3.5 cents each but sometimes go on sale for a discount.
How to redeem points
Redeeming Aeroplan points using Air Canada's Aeroplan rewards centre is a simple process, regardless of the type of CIBC Aeroplan card you have. The user-friendly platform serves as a comprehensive hub, providing information on what you can redeem points for and guiding you through the redemption process. Options include using points for Air Canada and partner airline flights, getting extras and flight upgrades, booking hotels and car rentals, covering vacation packages or experiences, and purchasing merchandise or gift cards.
With diverse redemption choices, there's something for everyone. Points stretch further when used for booking flights with Air Canada or its partner airlines. Air Canada has made it super simple to figure out how many points you’ll need to redeem for certain flights. It breaks down the number of points required to fly within North America, between North America and Atlantic zones, within North America and Pacific zones, and between North America and South America, among others. Here’s an example of how they do it:
Key benefits
- A lucrative welcome bonus: Join and get up to $2,200 in value in your first year!†
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Lounge access
- Visa Airport Companion lounge access with up to six complimentary visits at over 1,200 lounges around the world
- Get a NEXUS Application Fee rebate: a $67 value†
- Get free checked bags
Insurance coverage
- Out-of-province emergency travel medical insurance: Up to $5 million per insured person per trip for 31 days. The coverage period is cut to 10 days for those aged 65 and older.
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Up to $2,500 per insured person per trip, up to a maximum of $10,000 combined (trip cancellation). Up to $5,000 per insured person per trip, up to a maximum of $25,000 combined (trip interruption).
- Flight delay and baggage insurance: Up to $500 per insured person, with a maximum of $1,000 per occurrence combined (flight delay). Up to $500 per insured person, with a maximum of $1,000 per occurrence combined (delay of checked baggage). Up to $1,000 per insured and a maximum of $2,500 combined (lost or stolen baggage).
- Hotel burglary insurance: Up to $2,500 for all insured people combined.
- Auto rental collision and loss damage insurance: Coverage for the MSRP of vehicles of up to $85,000 for a period of up to 48 days.
- Purchase security and extended protection insurance: Purchase security of up to 180 days from the purchase date and extended protection of two years in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Mobile device insurance: Up to $1,500 per occurrence, per insured person.
- Common carrier accident insurance: Up to $5,000,000 per insured person.
Extra benefits
- Access to 24-hour Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge, which includes exclusive wine and dining experiences and VIP benefits at luxury hotels
- Complimentary upgrade to Avis President’s Club, which includes two-car-class rental upgrades, expedited service, dedicated phone line and more
- Receive an annual Worldwide Companion Pass (maximum of $599) when you spend $25,000 or more
- Get an extra night free for every three hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points
- Get priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling
What people have to say about this card
According to one Reddit user, the CIBC Visa Infinite Privilege Card is outclassed by other cards in the luxury travel category, such as American Express Platinum and American Express Aeroplan Reserve.
Another user in the same thread agreed, saying the Visa Infinite Privilege program isn’t worth the fee that’s charged. These are just opinions, of course, but gives you a good sense of which other cards you might want to compare the CIBC Visa Infinite Privilege to. Finally, a Reddit user posted a thread asking about how strict the income requirements are for the card. The user edited the original thread to share that they had been approved with no issues, suggesting CIBC might not be super strict with those income requirements.
How the card compares
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Vs. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
4.0
up to 80K pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to $2,900 in value† including up to 80,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.
Expires
Jan 6, 2025
Pros
-
Welcome bonus up to 80,000 Aeroplan® points† (up to $2,900 in value†) (enough for a round trip to Honolulu†)
-
Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge† access and six worldwide lounge visits annually†
-
Priority Airport Services† like Boarding and Baggage Handling
-
High Aeroplan® earn rates, double points on eligible Air Canada purchases
-
Extensive travel insurance benefits
-
Free checked bags on Air Canada
-
Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan® flight rewards
-
Visa Infinite Privilege* designation perks (e.g. DragonPass membership)
-
Up to $100 CAD NEXUS credit†
Cons
-
Steep annual fee of $599
-
High eligibility requirements ($150,000 personal or $200,000 household income)
-
Additional cardholder fee of $199
-
High-value rewards mainly for Air Canada flights
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$150,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$200,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
$200,000
2 points†
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® including Air Canada Vacations®.
1.5 points†
Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, groceries, travel and dining purchases.
1.25 points†
Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.
6
Get 6 lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
2x
Earn points twice when you provide your Aeroplan number to Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore
50%
Get 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions Apply.
$100
Get a NEXUS application fee rebate up to $100 (CAD) every 48 months.†
1st
Get your 1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions† when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
10%
Get 10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® including Air Canada Vacations®.
2 points†
Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, groceries, travel and dining purchases.
1.5 points†
Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.
1.25 points†
Get 6 lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
6
Earn points twice when you provide your Aeroplan number to Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore
2x
Get 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions Apply.
50%
Get a NEXUS application fee rebate up to $100 (CAD) every 48 months.†
$100
Get your 1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions† when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
1st
Get 10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
10%
20.99%
Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99%
Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
$599
Annual Fee Additional Cardholder† $199
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CND
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$599
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Welcome bonus up to 80,000 Aeroplan® points† (up to $2,900 in value†) (enough for a round trip to Honolulu†)
-
Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge† access and six worldwide lounge visits annually†
-
Priority Airport Services† like Boarding and Baggage Handling
-
High Aeroplan® earn rates, double points on eligible Air Canada purchases
-
Extensive travel insurance benefits
-
Free checked bags on Air Canada
-
Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan® flight rewards
-
Visa Infinite Privilege* designation perks (e.g. DragonPass membership)
-
Up to $100 CAD NEXUS credit†
Cons
-
Steep annual fee of $599
-
High eligibility requirements ($150,000 personal or $200,000 household income)
-
Additional cardholder fee of $199
-
High-value rewards mainly for Air Canada flights
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$150,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$200,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
$200,000
2 points†
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® including Air Canada Vacations®.
1.5 points†
Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, groceries, travel and dining purchases.
1.25 points†
Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.
6
Get 6 lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
2x
Earn points twice when you provide your Aeroplan number to Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore
50%
Get 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions Apply.
$100
Get a NEXUS application fee rebate up to $100 (CAD) every 48 months.†
1st
Get your 1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions† when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
10%
Get 10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® including Air Canada Vacations®.
2 points†
Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, groceries, travel and dining purchases.
1.5 points†
Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.
1.25 points†
Get 6 lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
6
Earn points twice when you provide your Aeroplan number to Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore
2x
Get 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions Apply.
50%
Get a NEXUS application fee rebate up to $100 (CAD) every 48 months.†
$100
Get your 1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions† when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
1st
Get 10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
10%
20.99%
Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99%
Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
$599
Annual Fee Additional Cardholder† $199
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CND
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$599
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
The CIBC card and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card are about as similar as two credit cards can get. I mean, they share the same name. They both have the same annual fee, the same interest rates and they both include lounge access and travel insurance. Their points structure is the same as well.
The one thing that sets them apart is the welcome bonus. Earn up to $2,900 in value† with the TD Card while the CIBC offering provides up to 60,000 points.
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.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Vs. American Express The Platinum Card
The Platinum Card
3.5
up to 100k pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,000 in value.
Pros
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
1
21.99% - 28.99%
Variable APR Applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. This charge card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances.
$799
Annual Fee Supplementary Platinum Cards: $250 each
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
21.99% - 28.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
1
21.99% - 28.99%
Variable APR Applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. This charge card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances.
$799
Annual Fee Supplementary Platinum Cards: $250 each
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
21.99% - 28.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege and The Platinum American Express are both luxury travel cards. However, there are a few key differences in how they’re structured. The Platinum Card will cost more at $799 vs $599 for the CIBC card. The points breakdown is different as well. The Platinum Amex offers 2 points on dining, food, travel and delivery purchases, and 1 point on everything else. The CIBC card is a little more complicated, offering 2 points for purchases with Air Canada, 1.5 points at gas stations, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel and dining, and 1.25 points for everything else.
The Amex card comes with a whereas CIBC offers a yearly companion voucher for those who spend at least $25,000 per year on their card. Both come with lounge access, concierge services and travel insurance. One advantage the CIBC card has over the Amex is its welcome bonus, however.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Vs. American Express Gold Rewards Card
American Express® Gold Rewards Card
3.9
60,000 pts
Welcome offerVery Good
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points*
Pros
-
Generous welcome bonus of up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points.
-
Convertibility of Member Rewards® points to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs (e.g. Aeroplan, Marriott).
-
Earn two points per dollar on travel, gas, grocery and drugstore purchases.
-
$100 annual travel credit when booking through American Express® Travel online.
-
Built-in travel medical insurance and trip coverage.
Cons
-
$250 annual fee.
-
2.5% foreign transaction fee.
-
Travel medical insurance only covers those under age 65.
Eligibility
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more
1
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
1
Earn 1 additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge to your Gold Rewards Card on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more
2
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
1
Earn 1 additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge to your Gold Rewards Card on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
1
21.99%
Purchase APR on purchases
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$250
Annual Fee Includes annual $100 travel credit and 1 free additional card.
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$250
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Generous welcome bonus of up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points.
-
Convertibility of Member Rewards® points to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs (e.g. Aeroplan, Marriott).
-
Earn two points per dollar on travel, gas, grocery and drugstore purchases.
-
$100 annual travel credit when booking through American Express® Travel online.
-
Built-in travel medical insurance and trip coverage.
Cons
-
$250 annual fee.
-
2.5% foreign transaction fee.
-
Travel medical insurance only covers those under age 65.
Eligibility
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more
1
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
1
Earn 1 additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge to your Gold Rewards Card on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more
2
Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
1
Earn 1 additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge to your Gold Rewards Card on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
1
21.99%
Purchase APR on purchases
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$250
Annual Fee Includes annual $100 travel credit and 1 free additional card.
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$250
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
The American Express Gold is a more affordable rewards card than the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege. It costs $250 per year which is more than half the CIBC card. It’s also tailored to users who have more diverse spending habits, offering 2 points per dollar on travel, including flights, hotels and car rentals, as well as two points on gas, grocery and drugstore purchases. Everything else will earn you 1 point per dollar with the Gold Amex.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Vs. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
4.3
up to 35K pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to $1,100* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points
Expires
Nov 1, 2024
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
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
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)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
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
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
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
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
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)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
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
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
While the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege might be considered the more premium card, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite shouldn’t be overlooked by the world traveller. Boasting similar interest rates, lounge access including 6 complimentary visits and travel insurance – but at a much more approachable price of $150 per year – the Scotia Visa Infinite is nothing to turn your nose up at.
One thing it does that the CIBC VIP card lacks is that it doesn’t charge foreign exchange fees. So if you’re someone who travels outside the country, this feature will help you save quite a bit of money. As for points, the Scotia Passport Visa Infinite offers 3 points for every dollar spent at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and more, and 2 points for eating in, dining out, theatre purchases and ride-sharing. All other spending will earn you 1 point for every dollar spent. Overall, the Scotia Passport might offer a little more bang for your hard-earned buck.
Is the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege worth it?
With a hefty price tag and a high barrier to entry with its income requirements, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege isn’t for everyone. It might be worth it if you travel often with Air Canada and want to rack up points with your spending on the airline. Its travel perks are some of the best in the credit card game, but its lack of no foreign exchange fees might put some off.
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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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