CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card

CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card review

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Overall rating

First year value

$1,920

Get this card if you:

  • want to accelerate earning Aventura points
  • want comprehensive travel insurance coverage
  • want lounge access and a NEXUS rebate

Scores by category

Travel 4.3

Welcome Bonus 4.3

At a glance

The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* 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 offers benefits such as four complimentary visits to over 1,200 airport lounges globally through the Visa Airport Companion Program, a NEXUS™ application fee rebate, and comprehensive travel insurance.

Highlights

$1,920

First year value

up to 35,000 pts†

Welcome bonus

$139

Annual fee

first year rebated† - $50 each for up to 3 additional cards†

Interest Rates

20.99%

Purchase APR

22.99%

Balance transfer APR

22.99%

Cash advance APR

Eligibility

Good

Recommended credit score

$60,000

Required annual personal income

$100,000

Required annual household income

Quick overview of the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card

The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* is the forgotten middle sibling of CIBC cards—neither matching the earning potential of the Dividend series nor the travel benefits of the Aeroplan lineup. With basic travel insurance and no FX fee relief, it ranks among the most uninspiring travel cards available.

Why keep it? The ongoing promotion doubling Aventura points' value for travel redemptions. Once that ends, this card moves from merely boring to completely skippable. Unless you're inexplicably devoted to this card, it's destined for the credit card graveyard (after funding one last weekend getaway).

Who’s the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card for?

  • Frequent travellers looking for flexible travel rewards with access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide and 4 complimentary passes annually
  • Security-conscious travellers who value comprehensive protection, with 12 different types of complimentary insurance, including trip cancellation and mobile device coverage
  • Cross-border shoppers and travelers wanting expedited security screening with the included NEXUS(TM) Application Fee rebate† every four years
  • Everyday spenders looking for enhanced rewards on common purchases, earning bonus Aventura points per dollar on gas, groceries, EV charging, and drugstores.
  • Luxury-seeking travelers who appreciate exclusive access to Visa Infinite benefits, including concierge service, luxury hotel collection, and dining events.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • First year annual fee rebate
  • High welcome bonus
  • Easy-to-use points redemption process
  • Nexus application fee rebate
  • Four complimentary lounge passes that can be used at 1,200+ airports
  • Mobile device and extended warranty insurance
Cons
  • Uninspired travel insurance offering
  • Difficult to earn points through daily spending
  • $139 annual fee that’s hard to justify

CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card welcome bonus

  • Get up to $1,350 in value, including up to 35,000 Aventura Points.†
  • Full welcome bonus details

    +

    Get a total of up to 35,000 Aventura Points (up to $800 in value†) during your first year:

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

    • 20,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in net purchases 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 on the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card

After getting the welcome bonus, earning points on this card is a slog:

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

The biggest bang-for-your-buck method is booking travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre, where you’ll earn 2 points on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†. Truthfully, this measly points multiplier doesn’t seem worth it, as you’ll be forced to navigate the ramshackle rewards centre (it froze twice on me while testing it for this article). 

The next best way to earn points is by using it at grocery stores, gas stations, charging stations and drug stores. This method will get you 1.5 Aventura points for every dollar spent.

Let's look at a typical monthly spending pattern for a cardholder to see how much you can really expect to earn from the Aventura Visa infinite Card:

  • $500 on groceries (1.5 points/$1) = 750 points
  • $300 on gas and EV charging (1.5 points/$1) = 450 points
  • $200 at drugstores (1.5 points/$1) = 300 points
  • $1,000 on general purchases (1 point/$1) = 1,000 points
  • $400 trip booked through CIBC Rewards Centre (2 points/$1) = 800 points

Total monthly points: 3,300 Aventura points

Total annual points: 39,600 Aventura points

How to redeem name of points on the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card

There are several ways to redeem Aventura points, including:

  • Travel redemptions (flights, hotels, other bookings through the CIBC Rewards Centre)
  • Other redemptions (statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, CIBC financial products)

Aventura points do not expire as long as your CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card account remains open and in good standing.

  • Book flights through the CIBC Rewards Centre with no blackout dates or airline restrictions
  • Redeem against a travel purchase redemption chart, with flights starting at 10,000 points
  • Take advantage of the current promotion doubling point values for travel redemptions
  • Apply points as statement credits against any travel purchase at a rate of 100 points = $1 (during the promotion)

For me, the best method to redeem points is using them for your travel-related purchases at 1.25 cents per point (e.g. 16,000 points will cover your $200 per night luxury villa in Thailand). All you need to do is charge the travel purchase to your card. Then, you can go to the CIBC Online Banking or Mobile App, and click on the purchase while it’s still pending. If you wait too long (usually a couple days) and the transaction posts — you’re SOL. 

Another way to redeem is through the CIBC Rewards Centre. I’ve avoided using this method, not just because the website is janky, but also — it’s difficult to extract the true value from your points. Gift cards and merchandise have a horrifically low points redemption value (0.71 cents per point). 

Using the CIBC Flight Rewards Chart has a high points redemption value, in theory (2.29 cents per points), but due to inflated prices and additional fees, it’s near impossible to make the most of it.

Other award options with the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* include:

  • Convert to merchandise or gift cards (typically at lower value than travel)
  • Redeem for financial products like GICs or contribute to registered accounts
  • Use points for CIBC financial service fees

Some more unique ways to spend points are applying them to charity spending or an existing CIBC financial product, such as your loan or mortgage. For the truly lazy, you can, of course, apply the points against your credit card balance for the lowest of all redemption options (0.63 cents per point).

What are Aventura points worth?

CIBC Aventura points offer different values depending on how you redeem them:

  • Travel: Typically worth 1 cent per point (100 points = $1)
  • Statement credits: Around 0.57 cents per point
  • Merchandise: Approximately 0.6-0.8 cents per point
  • Gift cards: Around 0.7-0.9 cents per point
  • Financial products: Approximately 0.8 cents per point

  • Concentrate spending in 1.5x point categories (groceries, gas, EV charging, drugstores)
  • Book travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre to earn 2x points
  • Always redeem points for travel during the double-value promotion
  • Use the card for all eligible recurring payments
  • Time major purchases to coincide with point multiplier promotions

By focusing spending in higher-earning categories and redeeming exclusively for travel while the double-value promotion lasts, you can essentially earn a 2.8% return on your regular grocery, gas, and drugstore spending.

CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card key benefits

  • Flexible point redemption with no blackout dates or airline restrictions
  • 1.5x points on gas, groceries, EV charging, and drugstores
  • 2x points on travel booked through CIBC Rewards Centre
  • 4 complimentary airport lounge visits annually
  • NEXUS(TM) Application Fee rebate† every four years
  • No expiry on points as long as your account remains open

Comprehensive travel insurance package including:

  • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
  • Flight delay and baggage insurance
  • Travel medical insurance
  • Mobile device insurance
  • Purchase security and extended protection

  • Access to the Visa Infinite Concierge service
  • Exclusive dining events and culinary experiences
  • Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection benefits
  • Special wine country benefits and experiences

CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* insurance coverage

The insurance coverage for this card is what you’d expect from your basic travel credit card, with a few added perks. Here’s what’s included:

Insurance Coverage amount
Extended warranty Extends the life of a manufacturer's warranty for up to 1 year
Purchase protection Provide purchase protection for items for up to 90 days from purchase
Mobile device Provides coverage for mobile devices that are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged up to $1,000 per occurrence, per insured person. Either the full device cost was paid with this card, or any portion of the price is financed with the card through a Canadian wireless service provider
Out-of-province emergency travel medical insurance $5,000,000 of coverage for 15 consecutive days, for cardholders under 65. Three days of coverage for card holders over 65
Common carrier accident Coverage for accidental death or dismemberment, resulting from riding as a passenger on a common carrier is covered up to $500,000
Flight and baggage delay When a flight is delayed, all insured passengers are eligible for $500 combined to cover reasonable living expenses (e.g. meals, accommodations, clothes). In the case of delayed baggage, insured passengers are eligible for $500 each, up to a maximum of $1,000
Trip interruption For interruptions, each person is covered up to $2,000
Trip cancellation For cancellations, each insured person is covered up to $1,500 per trip, up to a maximum of $5,000.
Lost or stolen baggage nsured passengers are eligible for $500 per person, up to a maximum of $1,000
Hotel burglary Covers up to $2,500 per occurrence for all insured persons combined in the case that accommodations are burglarized
Rental car coverage Rental cars charged to this card will be covered for a rental period of 48 days (for rental cars up to $65,000 in value)

Extra benefits of the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite credit card

  • Mobile wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
  • Chip and PIN security technology
  • Online banking integration
  • No additional fee for authorized users

There’s surprisingly little chatter about this card online, outside of credit card churners gunning for the welcome bonus. In posts discussing the best travel credit cards, conversations veer toward shinier objects like the beloved Amex Cobalt

As /u/OldRefrigerator8821 mentions, there is often a premium on redemptions booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre, making it difficult to squeeze out the maximum value from the points.  

I am not a fan of the CIBC Aventura. When using points there is a significant premium compared to the market rate.

OldRefrigerator8821

The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card offers substantially better value than the Gold version despite sharing identical annual fees ($139), welcome bonuses and earning structures.

The difference lies in insurance coverage - the Infinite includes comprehensive travel medical with no age restrictions and crucial trip cancellation/interruption protection that can save thousands if plans change. The Aventura Gold card's stripped-down coverage creates a substantial value gap that no amount of welcome bonus points can overcome. 

The Infinite also covers medical emergencies regardless of age, while the Gold cuts you off at 65—exactly when you need coverage most. This isn't minor fine print; it's the difference between having real protection abroad or gambling with your financial security.

Disclosures:

  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
  • 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.

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

On CIBC'sSecure Site

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

The CIBC Aventura and RBC Avion Visa Infinite cards share similar $139 annual fees and flexible travel redemption models, but differ in everyday use. 

Aventura's fixed redemption chart often delivers better value for economy flights within North America, while RBC Avion's transferability to airline programs like British Airways Avios gives it an edge for premium international travel. Aventura typically offers stronger insurance (including mobile device coverage) and a NEXUS rebate that frequent border-crossers will appreciate, while Avion stands out with its no-blackout-date promise and ability to book on any airline through their travel centre.

Disclosures:

  • Refer to RBC page for up to date offer terms and conditions.

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Welcome Bonus: Enjoy 35,000 Avion points upon approval^ (a value of up to $750†).

On RBC'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • want to earn Avion points on everyday purchases
  • value a generous welcome offer
  • need comprehensive travel insurance benefits

Category CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Annual fee $139 (first year rebated† - $50 each for up to 3 additional cards†) $139
Welcome offer up to 35,000 Aventura Points† up to 40,000 Aeroplan points†
Insurance Decent travel coverage, plus mobile and purchase protection Decent travel coverage, plus mobile and purchase protection
Benefits 4 lounge passes per year, NEXUS(TM) Application Fee rebate† every four years
Review You’re reading it CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite review
Learn more

Disclosures:

  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
  • The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Welcome Bonus: Join and get up to $1,100 in value in your first year!†

On CIBC'sSecure Site

Get this card if you...

  • frequently travel with Air Canada and collect Aeroplan points
  • value comprehensive travel insurance
  • value a great welcome offer

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

The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card is certainly worth it for at least one year. After that — probably not. Unless you fall in love with the CIBC Rewards Centre for booking your vacations, you’re probably better off ditching this card before the second year annual fee comes due. 

CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card eligibility criteria

  • $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income
  • Good (760+) credit score

FAQs

  • Does the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* have lounge access?

    +

    Yes! You get 4 complimentary lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program.

  • How much are 10,000 CIBC Aventura points worth?

    +

    The worth of 10,000 CIBC Aventura points ranges from $230 at the high end (maximizing redemption with the Aventura Flight Rewards Chart) to $60 dollars at the low end (applying to credit card statement).

  • What’s the difference between CIBC Aventura Gold and Infinite?

    +

    These two cards are identical except the minimum income requirement ($15,000 for Gold vs. $60,000 individual/$100,000 householder for Infinite). The CIBC Aventura Gold also doesn’t offer travel cancellation/interruption insurance, nor emergency medical for people 65 and older.

  • Does the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* have car rental insurance?

    +

    Yes, for rental cars up to $65,000 in value and for a rental period of 48 days.

  • Does the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card charge a foreign transaction fee?

    +

    Yes, you will be charged a foreign currency conversion fee of 2.5% when you use this card abroad.

  • †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
  • The information for the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Cameron Smonk Freelance Writer

Cam is a content marketer with a passion for saving, financial independence, and pulling off elaborate credit card point schemes. He has worked in Fintech and Finserve (specifically Group Retirement) and loves researching and writing about finance.

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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