Quick overview of the Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards Card
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.
Who’s the Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards Card for?
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.
Pros
-
Bonus rewards on foreign currency purchases outside of Canada
-
Lower annual fee than similar competitor cards
-
Great insurance benefits
-
Attractive standard earn rate
-
Includes Visa Infinite benefits
Cons
-
You must be an Ontario resident to apply
-
No welcome offer
-
There is a minimum annual income requirement
-
Must spend in foreign currencies to earn bonus rewards
Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards Card welcome offer
Currently, there are no welcome offers for this card.
How to earn rewards with the Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards 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 $1 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.
How to redeem rewards with the Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards Card
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.
Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards card key benefits
- Earn 3% purchases made in foreign currencies outside of Canada
- Earn 1.5% on all other purchases
- Multiple ways to redeem rewards
- Includes eight different types of travel insurance
- Low annual fee compared to similar travel cards
Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards card insurance coverage
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:
- Travel emergency medical insurance: Up to $5,000,000 per insured person per trip
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption/delay insurance: Up to $2,000 for trip cancellation; up to $2,000 for trip interruption/delay due to missed connections; unlimited coverage for reasons of illness or accident
- Delayed baggage and lost/damaged baggage insurance: Up to $500 for delayed baggage; Up to $1,000 for loss, theft or damage
- Common carrier travel accident insurance: Up to $1,000,000 per person
- Auto rental collision/loss damage insurance: Covers rental periods for up to 48 consecutive days
- Mobile device insurance: Coverage of up to $1,000
- Purchase protection insurance: Coverage for 90 days from purchase date: $10,000 per item purchased, $50,000 lifetime
- Extended warranty insurance: Doubles the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one additional year; maximum $10,000 per item, $50,000 lifetime
What people have to say about this card
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.
How the Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards card compares
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.
Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards vs TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
4.0
up to 40K pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to $1,300 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.
Expires
Jan 6, 2025
Pros
-
The card has a high earn rate for Aeroplan Points, generating 1.5 points† per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
-
Insurance offered includes coverage in the categories that travellers need, and is generally better than its Aeroplan peers at a similar annual fee level.
Cons
-
No airport lounge membership or free lounge access.
-
Aeroplan points can’t be redeemed for flights outside the Star Alliance network, nor can they be redeemed for cash credit. This makes them less flexible than some competing travel rewards programs.
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
1.5 points†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, 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
NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†
1st
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
1.5 points†
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases
1 point†
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.
2x
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account. Conditions apply.
50%
NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†
1
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
1st
20.99%
Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate APR for balance transfers 22.99%†
22.99%
Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
$139
Annual Fee Additional cardholder is $75† ; Get an annual fee rebate for the first year†
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee Foreign transaction fee: 2.50%†
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$139
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
The card has a high earn rate for Aeroplan Points, generating 1.5 points† per $1 spent on eligible purchases.
-
Insurance offered includes coverage in the categories that travellers need, and is generally better than its Aeroplan peers at a similar annual fee level.
Cons
-
No airport lounge membership or free lounge access.
-
Aeroplan points can’t be redeemed for flights outside the Star Alliance network, nor can they be redeemed for cash credit. This makes them less flexible than some competing travel rewards programs.
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
1.5 points†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, 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
NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†
1st
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
1.5 points†
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases
1 point†
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.
2x
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account. Conditions apply.
50%
NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†
1
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
1st
20.99%
Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate APR for balance transfers 22.99%†
22.99%
Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
$139
Annual Fee Additional cardholder is $75† ; Get an annual fee rebate for the first year†
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee Foreign transaction fee: 2.50%†
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$139
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
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.
Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards vs Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
4.3
up to 35K pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to $1,100* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points
Expires
Nov 1, 2024
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
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)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
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)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
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)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
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)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
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.
Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards vs BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®*
BMO Ascend™ World Elite®* Mastercard®
4.5
up to 90K pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreGet up to 90,000 points and the annual fee waived in your first anniversary for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
Expires
Nov 30, 2024
Pros
-
High-value welcome offer
-
Flexible airport lounge access
-
BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees
-
Great for those who frequently rent cars
-
Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers
Cons
-
So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee
-
Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs
-
Charges foreign transaction fees
-
Relatively high minimum income requirements
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
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
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
5x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
3x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
1x
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
4
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate 21.99% for Quebec residents
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee first year waived
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
High-value welcome offer
-
Flexible airport lounge access
-
BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees
-
Great for those who frequently rent cars
-
Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers
Cons
-
So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee
-
Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs
-
Charges foreign transaction fees
-
Relatively high minimum income requirements
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
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
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
5x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
3x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
1x
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
4
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate 21.99% for Quebec residents
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee first year waived
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
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.
Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards Card eligibility
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.
Is the Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards Card worth it?
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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