Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards Card review
Apr 24, 2025
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Apr 24, 2025
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Overall rating
First year value
$360
Scores by category
Travel 2.1
At a glance
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards Card is a travel-focused credit card offering elevated earn rates on foreign currency purchases; however, it applies a foreign transaction fee, which may offset the bonus rewards. Cardholders benefit from comprehensive travel insurance and flexible rewards redemption options.
$360
First year value
$99
Annual fee
No annual fee for the first year, including on additional cards†
19.5%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance APR
Good
Recommended credit score
$60,000
Required annual personal income
$100,000
Required annual household income
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards card is a premium travel credit card offered by Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union. It features a lower annual fee than similar competitor cards, bonus rewards on purchases made in foreign currencies and up to eight different types of insurance coverage.
The Meridian Visa Infinite* will appeal to existing Meridian clients looking for a travel credit card, and anyone who frequently travels outside of Canada and shops in foreign currencies. The standard earn rate of 1.5% is competitive with many competing cards; unfortunately, you must be an Ontario resident to be eligible to apply.
Currently, there are no welcome offers for this card.
Reward-earning with the Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel card is straightforward. Beyond the welcome offer, cardholders earn 6 points for every $2 spent on foreign currency purchases and 3 points for every $2 spent on all other card purchases. It would be great if you could earn bonus rewards on popular spending categories such as gas or groceries, but the 1.5% standard earn rate is already higher than many other premium reward cards.
You can redeem your reward points for travel, gift cards, merchandise and account credits. Points have a value of one cent per point, regardless of how you redeem them. For example, if you have 10,000 points, it’s worth $100 towards travel, gift cards, etc. While this information is unclear on the Meridian website, I spoke with a company representative who was able to confirm the reward amount.
One of the key benefits of any premium travel credit card is travel insurance coverage. The Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards credit card is no exception, offering eight different types of insurance:
Online reviews are few and far between for the Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel card, which is unsurprising given that it isn’t affiliated with a major Canadian financial institution. Based on what I could find in the PersonalFinanceCanada subReddit, users like that the card offsets foreign transaction fees. Others point out its excellent travel insurance coverage but don’t like that the annual fee cannot be waived.
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards is a solid travel credit card, especially considering its low $99 annual fee. But does it measure up to the top travel credit cards in Canada? Here are some premium travel cards that may have more to offer.
up to 45,000 pts†
Welcome Bonus
$586
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Up to $1,450 in value† including up to 45,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours and receive an annual fee rebate for the first year†. Conditions Apply.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$139
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan points on eligible gas, grocery, travel, and dining purchases. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a NEXUS application fee rebate†, a complimentary first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on Air Canada flights†, and access to select airport lounges†; however, the card carries an annual fee and requires a minimum personal or household income for eligibility.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
1.5 points†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
1 point†
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases
2x
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.
50%
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account†. Conditions apply.
1
Apply for the NEXUS program and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†. Additional Cardholders can also take advantage of this NEXUS program application fee rebate.
1st
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Up to $1,450 in value† including up to 45,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours and receive an annual fee rebate for the first year†. Conditions Apply.
Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of Account opening†
Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Apply for the NEXUS program and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
Plus, share free first checked bags with up to 8 travel companions†
Get an 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.
Offer may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available for 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.
Our Take
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan points on eligible gas, grocery, travel, and dining purchases. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a NEXUS application fee rebate†, a complimentary first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on Air Canada flights†, and access to select airport lounges†; however, the card carries an annual fee and requires a minimum personal or household income for eligibility.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
1.5 points†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
1 point†
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases
2x
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.
50%
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account†. Conditions apply.
1
Apply for the NEXUS program and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†. Additional Cardholders can also take advantage of this NEXUS program application fee rebate.
1st
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Up to $1,450 in value† including up to 45,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours and receive an annual fee rebate for the first year†. Conditions Apply.
Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of Account opening†
Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Apply for the NEXUS program and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
Plus, share free first checked bags with up to 8 travel companions†
Get an 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.
Offer may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available for 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.
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards has a lower annual fee and a slightly lower purchase interest rate. It also offers a higher standard earnings rate. However, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite provides significantly more value if you want to maximize your travel rewards.
For starters, you’ll earn points with Aeroplan, one of the world’s most lucrative airline rewards programs. You can also stack up reward points when you spend at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands. Learn more about Aeroplan in our Aeroplan points guide.
†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.
up to 60,000 pts*
Welcome Bonus
$1,812
First Year Value
$312
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,500 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points* Expires Jul 01, 2026
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$150
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated Scene+ points on eligible grocery store purchases, dining, entertainment, and daily transit, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from no foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Scene+
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)
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Insurance Benefits
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,500 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points*. Here's how:
$400 in travel rewards (40,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $10,000 within the first 6 months
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $40,000 annually on your Account each year (12-months: annual points bonus).
$50 supplementary card annual fee waiver on the first supplementary card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients
$134 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);
$369 in first year point earn potential (36,900 bonus Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 21% in 3X and 2X accelerator categories.
$364 value with a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership that includes 6 lounge passes (based on a ‘Preferential’ membership valued at approx. CAD$364/USD$259). Currency conversion as at November 3, 2025.
To qualify for this offer, make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
*Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential, foreign transaction fee and airport lounge savings as of November 4, 2025. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Jan 2,2026. Subject to change.
Our Take
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated Scene+ points on eligible grocery store purchases, dining, entertainment, and daily transit, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from no foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Scene+
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)
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Insurance Benefits
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,500 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points*. Here's how:
$400 in travel rewards (40,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $10,000 within the first 6 months
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $40,000 annually on your Account each year (12-months: annual points bonus).
$50 supplementary card annual fee waiver on the first supplementary card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients
$134 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);
$369 in first year point earn potential (36,900 bonus Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 21% in 3X and 2X accelerator categories.
$364 value with a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership that includes 6 lounge passes (based on a ‘Preferential’ membership valued at approx. CAD$364/USD$259). Currency conversion as at November 3, 2025.
To qualify for this offer, make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
*Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential, foreign transaction fee and airport lounge savings as of November 4, 2025. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Jan 2,2026. Subject to change.
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards card may offer bonus earnings on foreign currency purchases, but you will still pay a 2.5% foreign transaction fee. In other words, the bonus rewards offset the cost of spending outside Canada. On the other hand, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card waives the foreign transaction fee for almost the same net benefit.
The Scotiabank card also provides more bonus spending categories, including bonus Scene+ points at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-op grocery stores. The wide range of bonus categories makes it easier to rack up points. Scene+ points can be redeemed for groceries, entertainment, travel purchases, car rentals and more. However, the one major drawback of the Scotiabank Passport card is its high annual fee.
up to $1,600*
Welcome Bonus
$1,922
First Year Value
$322
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to $1,600 in value including up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$150
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium travel rewards credit card with elevated earn rates on eligible travel, dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments. Cardholders benefit from complimentary lounge membership, which includes complimentary passes, as well as comprehensive travel insurance coverage, making it a suitable option for frequent travelers seeking both rewards and travel-related perks.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards BMO Rewards
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
4
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $1,600 in value including up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee.*
Also, enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
*Terms and conditions apply.
Our Take
The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium travel rewards credit card with elevated earn rates on eligible travel, dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments. Cardholders benefit from complimentary lounge membership, which includes complimentary passes, as well as comprehensive travel insurance coverage, making it a suitable option for frequent travelers seeking both rewards and travel-related perks.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
Rewards BMO Rewards
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
4
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $1,600 in value including up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee.*
Also, enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
*Terms and conditions apply.
The BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®* charges a higher annual fee than the Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards. It also requires a higher minimum annual income. But if you can qualify, the BMO Ascend™ offers more potential value. Especially because it has a generous welcome offer, as well as a higher earn rate in multiple categories.
To be eligible for this card, you must have a minimum annual income of $60,000 for individuals or $100,000 per household. Additionally, your primary residential address must be in Ontario.
If you’re a Meridian Credit Union customer traveling frequently outside of Canada, the Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards can help you save money on foreign transaction fees. You can also benefit from the wide range of travel insurance coverages offered without paying a high annual fee. On the other hand, if the main goal is to maximize your rewards earnings, other travel credit cards, including the ones mentioned above, offer better welcome bonuses, additional bonus spending categories and more lucrative travel redemption options.
Colin Graves is a Winnipeg-based financial writer and editor whose work has been featured in publications such as Time, MoneySense, MapleMoney, Retire Happy, The College Investor, and more. Before becoming a full-time writer, Colin was a bank manager for over 15 years.
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†Terms and Conditions apply.