Quick overview of the Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back Card
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back Card is a premium credit card offering competitive cash back rewards and a suite of benefits tailored for Canadian consumers. The card offers a competitive rewards structure, especially for those who spend heavily on gas and groceries, making it an interesting option in the market. The Meridian Cash Back Card also offers price protection, purchase assurance, and great travel insurance benefits in one single package.
Who's the Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back for?
- Commuters who frequently purchase gasoline
- Savvy savers who are looking to earn cash back rewards on their recurring bills, prescription and other drug store purchases
- Travellers who want comprehensive travel insurance
Pros and cons
- First-year waiver on $99 annual fee
- Tiered cash back rates up to 4%
- Travel insurance, including intergenerational coverage
- Valuable perks like price protection and mobile device insurance
- Flexible redemption options beyond statement credit
- $25,000 annual spending limit on 4% categories
- Higher annual fee compared to Meridian Visa Platinum
- Limited availability, not offered to residents of Quebec
- Assessing benefits against personal spending habits is crucial
- Potential overlap in benefits with the more affordable Platinum version
Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back Card welcome bonus
That welcome bonus is a $70 value that immediately brings the annual fee down to $29 for the first year.
How to earn cash back with the Meridian Cash Back Visa Infinite
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back Card earns cash back on multiple levels:
- Earn 4 reward points for every $1 spent on gas and groceries
- Earn 2 reward points for every $1 spent on pharmacy and utility bill payments
- Earn 1 reward point for every $1 spent on other eligible purchases
I know, that says points, but the card is a cash back card. That's just how Meridian's rewards program works. In fact, most reward programs are the same, with cash back and points essentially the same thing, so there's nothing to worry about regarding mixed rewards (or messages).
Cash back spending caps
Note that there’s a $25,000 annual spending ceiling on the elevated cashback categories—after a cardholder passes this spending milestone their earn rate in that category drops to 1% until the next year starts and it resets to the respective accelerated rate.
This means that if you spend $25,000 across the two 4% categories (gas and groceries) by August in any given year, the remaining 4 months will see you earning just 1% on these categories. The same goes for the 1% you earn on pharmacy and utility bills. Cash back can be redeemed against your statement, of course, but also on gift cards, events and tickets, and merchandise as well.
- Account credit: Want cold, hard cash? This option's for you. It's like finding money in your pocket, but better because it's actually yours!
- Gift cards: Perfect for treating yourself or someone else. It's like giving a present, but with points instead of your paycheck.
- Merchandise: Turn those points into stuff you actually want. It's online shopping, but with a 100% discount!
- Travel: Fund your wanderlust with your rewards. Meridian's got a dedicated travel booking portal where you can unleash your inner globetrotter.
What are Meridian points worth?
Meridian rewards points are valued at one cent per point ($0.01/pt.)
Even better, rewards never expire.
Key features of the Meridian Visa Infinite
Impressive insurance
- Travel insurance including travel medical, trip interruption and cancellation, baggage and rental car coverage
- Intergenerational insurance extends coverage to grandchildren travelling with their grandparents
- Rare combination of extended warranties, purchase and price protection, and mobile device insurance
Solid rewards
- Earn impressive cash back on gas, groceries, utility bills, pharmacy purchases, dining and more
Meridian Cash Back Visa Infinite Card insurance coverage
How does the Meridian Visa Infinite Cash Back Credit Card compare?
Now, you might be wondering how this card compares to other heavy hitters in the cash back arena. Let's break it down:
10% cash back†
Welcome Bonus
$878
First Year Value
$558
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn 10% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $2,000.† Plus, get a first-year annual fee rebate for you and up to three Authorized Users.†
Get this card if you...
- want high cash back rates on groceries, gas and recurring bills
- value comprehensive insurance benefits
- value a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card is a cash back credit card offering elevated earn rates on categories such as groceries, gas, transportation, dining, and recurring payments. Cardholders benefit from features like purchase security, extended protection, and optional insurance coverages. It's a good option for those seeking to maximize cash back on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
- First-year annual fee rebate†
- 10% cash back welcome bonus up to $2,000† spend
- 4% cash back on gas, electric vehicle charging and grocery stores
- 2% cash back on transportation, dining and recurring payments
- High annual spending cap on benefits ($20,000 in bonus categories or $80,000 total)
- High income requirement
- Sparse travel insurance offering
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
25.99%†
Penalty
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%†
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
4%
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
2%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
1%
cash back on all other purchases†
10 cents
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get a first-year annual fee rebate for you and up to three Authorized Users† and earn 10% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $2,000†.
Our Take
The CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card is a cash back credit card offering elevated earn rates on categories such as groceries, gas, transportation, dining, and recurring payments. Cardholders benefit from features like purchase security, extended protection, and optional insurance coverages. It's a good option for those seeking to maximize cash back on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
- First-year annual fee rebate†
- 10% cash back welcome bonus up to $2,000† spend
- 4% cash back on gas, electric vehicle charging and grocery stores
- 2% cash back on transportation, dining and recurring payments
- High annual spending cap on benefits ($20,000 in bonus categories or $80,000 total)
- High income requirement
- Sparse travel insurance offering
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%†
Purchase
22.99%†
Cash Advance
22.99%†
Balance Transfer
25.99%†
Penalty
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
2.50%†
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
4%
cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, and grocery purchases.†
2%
cash back on eligible transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
1%
cash back on all other purchases†
10 cents
save up to 10 cents per litre† at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get a first-year annual fee rebate for you and up to three Authorized Users† and earn 10% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $2,000†.
Disclosures:
- †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for the residents of Quebec.
-
This is a digital-exclusive offer.†
To be eligible for this offer:
1) this offer must have been directly communicated to you from CIBC or from a partner/affiliate; and
2) you must apply for the eligible card through the link provided in the CIBC or partner/affiliate communication to you.†
This offer is reserved for you. Please do not forward it to anyone else.
CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Dividend card within the last 12 months.†
Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertising partners.
bonus 10% cash back
Welcome Bonus
$742
First Year Value
$492
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).
Get this card if you...
- want to earn cash back faster
- need comprehensive insurance benefits
- want a generous welcome offer to maximize rewards
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$119.88
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express is a cash back credit card offering elevated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases in Canada, with a standard rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from a welcome bonus, as well as additional perks such as rental car insurance and travel accident coverage; however, the card carries a monthly fee, and cash back is redeemed annually each September.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
- Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more
- Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually
- Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage
- Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases
- $9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)
- Cash back redeemed annually in September
- Not all benefits may be relevant to all users
- Limited to American Express acceptance
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$119.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards cash back
4%
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
4%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
2%
cash back on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$100,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases). That’s on top of your everyday cash back earn rates.
Plus, earn a $50 statement credit* when you make a purchase in month 13.*
This could add up to $250 in bonus value in your first 13 months.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express is a cash back credit card offering elevated earn rates on eligible gas and grocery purchases in Canada, with a standard rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from a welcome bonus, as well as additional perks such as rental car insurance and travel accident coverage; however, the card carries a monthly fee, and cash back is redeemed annually each September.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
- Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more
- Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually
- Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage
- Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases
- $9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)
- Cash back redeemed annually in September
- Not all benefits may be relevant to all users
- Limited to American Express acceptance
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$119.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards cash back
4%
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
4%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually)
2%
cash back on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$100,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn a bonus 10% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases). That’s on top of your everyday cash back earn rates.
Plus, earn a $50 statement credit* when you make a purchase in month 13.*
This could add up to $250 in bonus value in your first 13 months.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Disclosures:
-
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
What do people have to say about the card?
"I cancelled this card after too many mistakes by Meridian. Good card in theory, but their back office stinks. Also, you need to go through Meridian to book travel. That costs 25% more than booking yourself. Twice, when I traveled, and notified Meridian in advance, my card was refused (Mexico)"
Reddit users u/stainlessstool
Is the Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back worth it?
The Meridian Visa Infinite Cash Back Card stands tall in the crowded field of Canadian cash back credit cards. It's a financial Swiss Army knife, ready to tackle your everyday spending with impressive rewards. It's a solid contender for those who spend big on everyday essentials and appreciate a well-rounded rewards program.
In the end, it's not just about the cash back – it's about making your money work harder for you. And in that arena, the Meridian Visa Infinite Cash Back Card is punching well above its weight class.
Eligibility requirements
Aside from considering how the card fits into your spending habits and lifestyle, prior to applying you should be aware of the fact that the card is not available to residents of Quebec.
Other eligibility criteria includes:
- Age of majority on the province or territory in which you reside (as long as it isn't Quebec)
- Good to excellent credit score
- $60,000 minimum personal income
Related article: Best Meridian credit cards
