CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card

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Overall rating

First year value

$2,320

Get this card if you:

  • want to earn Aventura points on everyday purchases
  • value travel perks, including comprehensive travel insurance
  • want flexible redemption, including loyalty points conversion

Scores by category

Travel 3.8

Welcome Bonus 3.8

Gas 3.4

At a glance

The CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card is a travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Aventura Points on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates for eligible travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre, as well as at gas stations, EV charging stations, grocery stores, and drug stores. It also offers benefits such as a NEXUS™ application fee rebate, access to airport lounges, and comprehensive travel insurance.

Highlights

$2,320

First year value

up to 60,000 pts†

Welcome bonus

$139

Annual fee

One-time annual fee rebate†

Interest Rates

20.99%

Purchase APR

22.99%

Balance transfer APR

22.99%

Cash advance APR

Eligibility

Good

Recommended credit score

$15,000

Required annual household income

Quick overview of the CIBC Aventura Gold Visa

The CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card is great for anyone who has consistent spending habits and wants to put those to use through travel rewards. Frequent travelers would benefit from using this card because of its elite opportunities and great rewards that make travel more affordable and specialized.

Who's the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card for?

  • Canadians who spend significantly on groceries and gas monthly, benefiting from the higher earn rates in these categories
  • Occasional travellers wanting airport lounge access, with 4 complimentary visits to 1,200+ lounges globally through the Visa Airport Companion Program
  • Travellers seeking flexible travel rewards with the ability to redeem points for flights, accommodations, experiences, merchandise, and gift cards
  • Consumers seeking premium perks and benefits typically reserved for cards with much higher income requirements

Pros and cons

Pros
  • High value welcome offer
  • Minimal household annual income required
  • Exceptional points-redeemable travel opportunities and other perks
Cons
  • High annual fee (rebated for your first year)†

CIBC Aventura® Visa Gold Card welcome offer

The CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa comes with an impressive welcome bonus that we value at $1,750:

  • Get up to $1,750 in value, including up to 60,000 Aventura Points.†
  • Full Aventura Gold Visa welcome offer details

    +

    Get up to $1,750 in value, including up to 60,000 Aventura Points†:

    • 15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase†

    • 30,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in net purchases in the first 4 monthly statement periods†

    • 15,000 Aventura Points if you have at least $5,000 in net purchases posted to your account in the first 4 monthly statement periods†

    Get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): up to $189 value.†

    Elevate your airport experience with 4 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: up to $277 value.

    Plus, get a NEXUS™ Application Fee rebate: a $100 value.†

How to earn Aventura points with the Aventura Gold Visa

With the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card, you earn:

  • 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
  • 1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores†
  • 1 point for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases†

  • 1.5× bonus rate applies only to first $80,000 in annual net purchases; regular rate applies after
  • Annual limit resets after December statement
  • No points earned on cash advances, Global Money Transfers, interest, fees, balance transfers, payments or Convenience Cheques
  • Points may be withheld if account not in good standing during statement period
  • Points not earned on travel purchased with Aventura Points

What are Aventura points worth?

Just how valuable your rewards points are with the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* depends on how you redeem them. Here's a quick breakdown of how far your Aventura points can take you:

  • Flight redemptions: Up to 2.29 cents per point
  • Travel-related purchases from any vendor: 1.25 cents per point
  • Flexible travel rewards (car rentals, cruises, hotels): 1 cent per point
  • Gift cards and merchandise: Average 0.71 cents per point

How to redeem CIBC Aventura points

You can redeem your points through the CIBC Rewards Centre on travel, gift cards, merchandise, or other experiences. The higher the amount of Aventura points you have, the more valuable rewards you can cash them in for. For example, saving up more Aventura points will give you more accessible travel opportunities to places that may be out of country or out of continent.

  • Flights through the Aventura Flight Rewards Chart
  • Any travel purchase made on your card (hotels, car rentals, cruises, tours)
  • Merchandise from the CIBC Rewards Centre catalog
  • Gift cards from 100+ retail and restaurant partners
  • Statement credits applied directly to your card balance
  • Financial products , including contributions to CIBC investment accounts
  • Charitable donations to over 86,000 partner organizations
  • Experiences, including event tickets and activities
  • Travel packages including all-inclusive vacations
  • Annual fee rebates on your credit card
  • Merchandise from Apple and other premium brands
  • Amazon.ca purchases through the Shop With Points feature

Flight redemptions deliver the highest return on your Aventura points—up to 2.29 cents per point when maximized properly. The Aventura Flight Rewards Chart makes this straightforward:

Destination
Points Required
Maximum ticket valuer
Point value
Short-haul Canada/US
10,000-20,000
$400
Up to 2.0¢/point
Long-haul Canada/US
25,000-35,000
$800
Up to 2.29¢/point
Mexico/Caribbean
40,000-60,000
$1,000
Up to 1.67¢/point
Europe
50,000-70,000
$1,300
Up to 1.86¢/point
Rest of World
75,000-125,000
$2,000
Up to 1.6¢/point

The sweet spot is clearly long-haul flights within Canada and the US, where your points can reach that impressive 2.29¢ valuation. There's no sense leaving that kind of value on the table if you're a frequent traveler.

Unlike other rewards programs, Aventura Flight Rewards come with no blackout dates and still earn you frequent flyer miles—giving you essentially double-dipping potential that savvy cardholders can leverage.

Other travel bookings beyond just flights

If flight redemptions don't fit your lifestyle, Aventura points maintain strong value for other travel expenses:

  • Flexible travel rewards (1¢/point): Use for hotels, car rentals, vacation packages and cruises.
  • Any travel provider (1.25¢/point): Book with any travel merchant, then apply points to offset the charge—offering flexibility that most competitors simply can't match.

The Book Any Way, Pay With Points feature is particularly valuable for finding deals outside the CIBC Rewards Centre or when you have specific travel preferences that might not be available through the standard redemption portal.

While merchandise and gift card redemptions average around 0.71¢ per point—a significant drop from travel values—they provide flexibility when travel isn't on your radar. The CIBC Rewards Centre features partnerships with premium brands like Amazon, Best Buy, and Bose.

For comparison, if you have 50,000 Aventura points, they could be worth:

  • $1,145 toward long-haul flights
  • $625 toward any travel purchase
  • $355 in merchandise redemptions

For the financially prudent, Aventura points can be applied directly toward:

  • Credit card balance payments
  • Contributions to CIBC investment accounts
  • Payments toward registered savings plans

While these redemptions typically offer lower cent-per-point value, they provide practical options for cardholders focused on debt reduction or building their financial portfolio.

Key benefits of the Aventura Visa Gold credit card

The Aventura Gold Visa shines from the very start thanks to it's impressive sign-up bonus for new accounts. That up to 60,000 pts† bonus is valued at more than $ 1,750, giving the card a potential first-year value of $2,320.

  • 4 complimentary visits to 1,200+ airport lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program
  • $100 value† NEXUS™ application fee rebate† every 4 years
  • Flexible travel redemptions for flights, car rentals, hotels, and vacation packages
  • Points never expire as long as account remains active
  • Use points to cover full airfare including taxes and fees

  • Purchase Security Insurance (90-day protection if purchases are stolen or break)
  • Travel insurance coverage (for travelers under 65)

CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card insurance benefirs

Insurance Coverage amount
Extended warranty 1 year
Purchase protection 90 days
Mobile device protection $1,000
Common Carrier travel accident insurance $500,000
Emergency medical coverage 15 days (under 65) for up to $5,000,000
Flight delay $500
Baggage delay/theft $500
Hotel burglary coverage $2,500
Rental car coverage $65,000

Extra benefits of the Aventura Gold Visa

  • Elevate your airport experience with 4 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: over $261 in value.
  • Get a $100 value† NEXUS™ application fee rebate†
  • No blackout periods or restrictions, and points that don’t expire†
  • The Aventura Travel Assistant provides cardholders with access to personalized travel booking and trip planning with no booking fees.
  • Car rental discounts available†

  • CIBC Payment Protector™ helps by reducing the burden of your credit card payments if you’re unable to work due to disability, job loss, critical illness or in the event you pass away
  • CIBC Pace It™ payment plans access to pay down select purchases over time.
  • CIBC Aventura mobile app access (Google Play and Apple App Store)

How does the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card compare to other travel rewards cards?

There are plenty of things to consider when deciding on the most suitable travel rewards card for you. The earn rate and available options for rewards, as well as restrictions and /or flexibility of redeeming for those rewards are all important things to compare.

The CIBC Aventura Gold Visa stands out with its remarkably low $15,000 household income requirement while still delivering premium travel perks like lounge access and a robust welcome bonus. It offers solid earn rates on everyday categories with 1.5x points on gas, groceries, and drugstores.

TD's Aeroplan card requires the standard $60,000 personal income but delivers significant value for Air Canada loyalists. The key advantage here is direct integration with Aeroplan's ecosystem—including preferred pricing on Air Canada flights and free checked bags. Its insurance package is also more comprehensive, notably including trip cancellation coverage that Aventura lacks.

Choose Aventura if you value flexibility and accessibility; opt for Aeroplan if you frequently fly Air Canada and want stronger insurance protection.

CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Annual fee:
$139 (One-time annual fee rebate†)
Annual fee:
$139 ( Annual fee rebate for the first year.) 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 while this offer is in effect.
Lounge access:
4 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program
Lounge access:
N/A
Other perks:
$100 value† NEXUS™ application fee rebate†
Other perks:
NEXUS™ application fee rebate: Apply for the NEXUS program and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
Insurance:
8 types including emergency medical, travel accident, rental car, purchase security and mobile device insurance
Insurance:
8 types including emergency medical, travel accident, rental car, and mobile device insurance

Disclosures:

  • TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card 
  • :

    †Terms and conditions apply.

    This offer is not available to residents of Quebec.

    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.

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,300 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply.

On TD'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want to quickly rack up Aeroplan points
  • need comprehensive travel insurance benefits
  • value a great welcome offer

Again, the CIBC Aventura Gold Visa delivers premium travel benefits at an exceptionally accessible $15,000 household income threshold. Its strength lies in its impressive welcome bonus and flexible redemption options that work with any airline.

Scotiabank's Passport Visa Infinite requires the standard $60,000 personal income but compensates with two standout features: no foreign transaction fees (saving 2.5% on all foreign purchases) and 6 annual airport lounge visits instead of Aventura's four. For frequent international travelers, these savings can quickly outweigh the slight premium in annual fee.

Choose Aventura for its accessibility and strong welcome bonus; select the Passport if you travel internationally often and would benefit from the foreign transaction fee savings and additional lounge visits.

CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card 
Annual fee:$139 (One-time annual fee rebate†) Annual fee:
$150
Lounge access:
4 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program
Lounge access:
6 complimentary lounge visits per year at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program
Other perks:
$100 value† NEXUS™ application fee rebate†
Other perks:
No foreign transaction fees
Insurance:
8 types including emergency medical, travel accident, rental car, purchase security and mobile device insurance
Insurance:
8 types including emergency medical, travel accident, rental car, and purchase security insurance

Disclosures:

  • Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card  
  • :

    Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 3, 2025. Subject to change.

    Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card to learn more.

    *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,350* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 45,000 bonus Scene+ points*. Expires Oct 31, 2025

On Scotiabank'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • travel often and want premium travel perks like lounge access
  • want to avoid paying foreign exchange fees
  • appreciate a good welcome offer

Is the CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card worth it?

Overall, The CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card is a great option for any frequent travelers and spenders. In order to earn the points you’d like to redeem on travel, you have to make sure your spending habits line up with the ways in which you can earn these points.

That being said, if you have a family and spend a good amount on both groceries and gas (and/or EV charging), this card is a sure-fire opportunity to earn points toward the travels of your dreams. Not only that, but there are other fun rewards and financial products available as a CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card cardholder.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for this card you must:

  • Be a Canadian resident at the age of majority in your province
  • Have a minimum annual household income of $15,000
  • Have not declared bankruptcy within the past 7 years
  • Have a Good credit score (>720)

Disclosures:

  • The information for the CIBC Aventura® Gold 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.
  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
Em Norton Content Editor

Em Norton is a Staff Writer for Money.ca. Em holds a B.A. in Professional Writing from York University and has been writing professionally since 2019. Em's work has previously been published by Room Magazine, IN Magazine, Our Canada and more.

Cory Santos Credit card editor

Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, BlogTO, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk. He's also the creator and author of the annual Money.ca Credit Card Awards.

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