Overall rating
First year value
$1,492
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
Welcome Bonus 4.7
Travel 4.6
Rewards 4.3
Highlights
$1,492
First year value
Up to $1,350 value†
Welcome bonus
$139
Annual fee
first year rebated† - $50 each for up to 3 additional cards†
Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase APR
non-Quebec residents†
22.99%
Balance transfer APR
for non-Quebec residents†
22.99%
Cash advance APR
for non-Quebec residents†
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. In that credit card family, it boasts neither the best earning potential (that’d be the CIBC Dividend series), nor the most compelling travel benefits (the CIBC Aeroplan series). There’s no relief for FX fees and the travel insurance is basic. To sum it up: This may be the most boring travel credit card on the market.
Despite its lacklustre features, I’ve been a proud holder of this card. The major draw? A couple years ago, CIBC launched a promotion that doubled the value of Aventura points redeemed against travel purchases — and they’ve shown no signs of ending it. Once CIBC ends this promotion, I’ll downgrade my assessment of this card from boring to downright intolerable.
Due to its weak earning potential, when my card anniversary approached, I booked this card a one-way ticket to my vast ex-credit card graveyard (headstone reads: Died after graciously helping me pay for a fun weekend trip to New York). But if you’re absolutely committed to it, here are the details you need to know.
Who’s the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card for?
This card is for the no-nonsense traveller who doesn’t want to wrestle with some janky travel portal to redeem their points (although the CIBC Rewards Centre does exist for the masochists out there). Alternatively, you’re like me, a dedicated points collector who can’t resist a decent welcome bonus with an annual fee rebate.
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
NOTE: The $440 value is based on redeeming for the 1.25 cents per point (cpp) value although technically the value can range from 0.63 cpp to 2.29 cpp, or $220 to $800 depending on where you redeem your points. More information below.
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card welcome bonus
Get a total of up to 35,000 Aventura Points (up to $800 in travel 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(TM) 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. 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.
Some quick back-of-the-napkin math: If you spend $500 a month using this card in these categories, by the end of the year you’ll have 9,000 (roughly $100 in value)... not even enough to cover the annual fee.
After that — you’re stuck with a paltry 1 point per dollar for the rest of your purchases.
How to redeem name of points on the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
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.
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).
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card key benefits
- Welcome bonus of up to 35,000 Aventura Points† for meeting the spending criteria
- Join and get up to $1,350 in value† including a one-time annual fee rebate!†
- 4 Visa Airport Companioncomplimentary lounge passes
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:
- 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
- Trip cancellation insurance: For cancellations, each insured person is covered up to $1,500 per trip, up to a maximum of $5,000.
- Trip interruption insurance: For interruptions, each person is covered up to $2,000
- Car rental collision/Loss damage insurance: 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)
- Common carrier accident insurance: Coverage for accidental death or dismemberment, resulting from riding as a passenger on a common carrier is covered up to $500,000
- Flight delay and baggage insurance: 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.
- Lost or stolen baggage insurance: Insured passengers are eligible for $500 per person, up to a maximum of $1,000
- Purchase security and extended protection insurance: Provides coverages for certain items bought with the card, if these items are lost, stolen and damaged (up to 90 days from date of purchase). For items bought on this card with warranty, an extra year following the expiry of the original warranty will be added
- Mobile device insurance: 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
- Hotel burglary insurance: Covers up to $2,500 per occurrence for all insured persons combined in the case that accommodations are burglarized
Extra benefits
- NEXUS(TM) Application Fee rebate† every four years
- Visa Infinite perks, including complimentary concierge service and luxury upgrades
What people have to say about this card
I am not a fan of the CIBC Aventura. When using points there is a significant premium compared to the market rate.
OldRefrigerator8821
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.
How the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card compares
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* has some competitors in the travel credit card space, including a few in its own house. Let's take a look.
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card vs. CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card
up to $1,350
Welcome Bonus
$1,281
First Year Value
$481
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get a total of up to 35,000 Aventura Points (up to $800 in travel value†) during your first year.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$139
Annual Fee
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
-
Our Take
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.
CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card ReviewEligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Household Income
-
Pros
Cons
-
-
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
25.99%†
Penalty
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
-
Rewards Aventura
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 purchases†
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
-
Get a total of up to 35,000 Aventura Points (up to $800 in travel 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(TM) Application Fee rebate†: a $100 value†.
Our Take
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.
CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card ReviewEligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
Cons
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
25.99%†
Penalty
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards Aventura
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 purchases†
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get a total of up to 35,000 Aventura Points (up to $800 in travel 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(TM) Application Fee rebate†: a $100 value†.
†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.
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card vs. RBC Avion Visa Infinite*
35,000 pts
Welcome Bonus
$236
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get 35,000 welcome Avion points on approval** (travel value of up to $750†).
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
-
Our Take
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is a flexible travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Avion points on everyday purchases, with additional benefits such as comprehensive travel insurance and access to exclusive events. It is well-suited for frequent travelers seeking a versatile rewards program and value-added perks.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite ReviewEligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
-
Pros
Cons
-
-
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
-
Rewards Avion Elite
1
Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend*.
25%
extra Avion points on eligible travel purchases
$1,500
mobile device insurance
3¢/L
savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and always earn 20% more Avion points
50
Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
20%
off at Hertz and earn 3x the Avion points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
$3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
-
Get 35,000 welcome Avion points on approval** (travel value of up to $750†)- Enough to fly anywhere in Canada & the U.S† (Alaska and Hawaii require more points).
Our Take
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is a flexible travel rewards credit card that allows cardholders to earn Avion points on everyday purchases, with additional benefits such as comprehensive travel insurance and access to exclusive events. It is well-suited for frequent travelers seeking a versatile rewards program and value-added perks.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite ReviewEligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
Cons
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Avion Elite
1
Earn 1 Avion point for every dollar you spend*.
25%
extra Avion points on eligible travel purchases
$1,500
mobile device insurance
3¢/L
savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and always earn 20% more Avion points
50
Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
20%
off at Hertz and earn 3x the Avion points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
$3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get 35,000 welcome Avion points on approval** (travel value of up to $750†)- Enough to fly anywhere in Canada & the U.S† (Alaska and Hawaii require more points).
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card vs. CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
up to 40K pts
Welcome Bonus
$1,383
First Year Value
$583
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get a total of up to 40,000 Aeroplan points (up to $800 in travel value†)
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$139
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
-
Our Take
The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan point accumulation on eligible gas, grocery and direct Air Canada purchases. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a free first checked bag on Air Canada flights, access to exclusive Visa Infinite offers, and comprehensive travel insurance.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card ReviewEligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
-
Pros
Cons
-
-
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
25.99%
Penalty
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
-
Rewards Aeroplan
1.5 pts
for every $1 you spend on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including through Air Canada Vacations®
1 pt
for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.
2x
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and more than 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
-
Get a total of up to 40,000 Aeroplan points (up to $800 in travel value†):
10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase†.
10,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $5,000 or more during the first 4 monthly statements periods†.
20,000 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†.
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†.
Plus, 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†.
Our Take
The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan point accumulation on eligible gas, grocery and direct Air Canada purchases. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a free first checked bag on Air Canada flights, access to exclusive Visa Infinite offers, and comprehensive travel insurance.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card ReviewEligibility
Very Good (671 - 739)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
Cons
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
25.99%
Penalty
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards Aeroplan
1.5 pts
for every $1 you spend on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including through Air Canada Vacations®
1 pt
for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.
2x
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and more than 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get a total of up to 40,000 Aeroplan points (up to $800 in travel value†):
10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase†.
10,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $5,000 or more during the first 4 monthly statements periods†.
20,000 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†.
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†.
Plus, 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†.
†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.
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 | Apply now | Apply now |
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
- †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.
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.
Explore the latest articles
Canadian economy to grow in 2025 despite tariffs
Canadian economy predicted to grow in early months of 2025 despite Trump tariff risks
Disclaimer
The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.
†Terms and Conditions apply.