Visa Infinite: benefits, travel, insurance | Your complete guide

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Updated: October 04, 2024

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If you’re a top earner and a frequent traveller, there are few programs as worthwhile as the Visa Infinite package of benefits. Replete with travel advantages such as trip coverage, purchase and return protection, and much more, the benefits associated with Visa Infinite are often sought-after by credit card users.

The Visa Infinite program launched in Canada in 2008 and remains somewhat exclusive to this day. However, if your application for a Visa Infinite credit card is approved, you’ll enjoy dozens of perks to make your life that much easier the next time you travel or dine out for business or pleasure.

What is Visa Infinite?

Visa Infinite is an umbrella term for a specific tier of benefits that Visa extends to its cardholders. There are two tiers of benefits correlated with specific credit cards: the Visa Infinite tier and the Visa Infinite Privilege tier.

We’ll be focusing primarily on Visa’s Infinite tier, which requires a personal income of at least $60,000 a year or a household income of at least $100,000 ayear to be eligible. This program has cards that come with some hefty annual fees, such as $499/year (though most Visa Infinite cards have an annual fee that falls around $120/year). That said, if you travel or dine out frequently enough, the benefits that the Visa Infinite program provides can be more than worth it.

While a Visa Infinite card can be difficult to obtain, or seemingly costly on an annual basis, the benefits that these cards offer will compensate for the expense if you’re a frequent traveller. Many Visa Infinite cards also waive first-year annual fees, so you can enjoy a slew of perks for free and decide whether they’re worth the cost in subsequent years. However, we think you’ll find the perks worth it. In fact, Visa Infinite cards account for many of the best Visa credit cards we recommend.

Before applying for any of the Visa Infinite cards, it’s important that you have a comprehensive overview of the perks and benefits that they offer. Let’s explore these in a bit more detail.

Visa Infinite Benefits

To be considered a true travel credit card, benefits must cover multiple areas pertaining to travel, including lodging, entertainment, and food and drink. Any of the credit cards in the Visa Infinite collection offer perks that span these categories and more!

Luxury hotels

A Visa Infinite card can open a lot of (expensive) doors for a fraction of the cost. Take, for example, the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection program. With your Visa Infinite card, your reservation at any of the 1,000 qualifying hotels will include:

  • Best available rate guarantee
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Daily continental breakfast
  • Early check-in or late check-out
  • A possible room upgrade

While these benefits more or less apply to any qualifying luxury hotel, their value may vary based upon the quality of the property’s amenities. You can get the most bang for your buck by targeting hotels that offer the best services for your needs and preferences. To take advantage of these perks, you’ll need to book your stay at a property via the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection website.

Dining

With a Visa Infinite card, dining is another major category in which you’ll receive a wide range of perks. Specifically, the Visa Infinite Dining Series — updated each season — is your meal ticket (literally) to exclusive fine dining experiences throughout Canada. As a Visa Infinite cardholder, you’ll have access to culinary events and tickets that are not even available to major Instagram influencers.

With a Visa Infinite card, you’ll also enjoy multi-course meals and wine pairings delivered straight to your home. Follow along with the pros of the culinary industry via livestream for superior meals and entertainment from the comfort of your kitchen!

Wine

Credit cards in the Visa Infinite program grant exclusive access and benefits at wineries and vineyards in BC, Ontario, and Sonoma Valley. Expect perks such as complimentary wine tastings and tours, or discounted wine deliveries, at more than 60 wineries during the summer months. Be sure to check the Visa Infinite Dining Series guide for the season to stay in the loop with all participating venues.

Concierge

A Visa Infinite credit card gets you access to something like a personal assistant, otherwise known as Concierge. This Visa Infinite program service is complimentary and available around the clock. Get immediate help planning events, booking spaces and hotel reservations, ordering gifts and flowers…the list is endless! With Concierge, you can get even the hardest-to-find information about events and bookings by simply dialling for assistance. If this is a perk you’re after in a card, check out our top picks for credit cards with concierge services.

Flights & travel

Having the best travel credit card is a priority for many people who travel frequently for work or leisure. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of being a Visa Infinite cardholder is that it offers some of the best travel perks out there, making it an attractive option to travel aficionados. Along with receiving exclusive seasonal offers for specific hotels and restaurants, you’ll receive extras such as:

  • Free Air Canada companion ticket on Economy flights within North America
  • Free first checked bag (Air Canada only)
  • Flights reserved with points rather than cash
  • Hotel rooms and rental cars reservable with points rather than cash
  • Extensive travel medical insurance
  • Trip cancellation/interruption service
  • Delayed/lost baggage insurance
  • Auto rental collision insurance

These benefits are really only the tip of the iceberg. Be sure to review the terms of your membership to maximize your credit card perks.

Visa Infinite vs. Visa Infinite Privilege

As we touched on earlier, there’s a difference between the Visa Infinite program and Visa Infinite Privilege.

Actually, there are several differences between the two programs, though the biggest is the increased number of benefits you’ll receive with Visa Infinite Privilege. For your convenience, here’s a total breakdown of the primary differences between the two:

Features Visa Infinite Visa Infinite Privilege
Income requirements Usually $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income Typically higher, often requires significant assets under management; exact figures can vary by bank
Annual fee Generally ranges from $100 to $499, depending on the bank and specific card Typically higher than Visa Infinite, often $399 or more
Travel Insurance Comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation, emergency medical, and delayed/lost baggage More extensive coverage limits compared to Visa Infinite, including higher insurance amounts and additional types of coverage
Airport Lounge Access Complimentary access, often with a limited number of free visits per year More extensive lounge access, often including unlimited visits and additional guest passes
Concierge services 24/7 concierge service for travel, entertainment, and dining assistance More personalized concierge services, potentially with dedicated assistants
Rewards and Points Reward points or cash back on purchases, with bonus categories for higher earnings Typically higher rewards earning rate and more lucrative bonus categories compared to Visa Infinite
Hotel benefits Benefits such as room upgrades, late check-out, and complimentary services at partner hotels More luxurious hotel benefits, including guaranteed room upgrades and exclusive experiences
Exclusive Offers and Events Access to special events, experiences, and offers in dining, entertainment, and shopping Access to more exclusive, high-profile events and experiences tailored to affluent lifestyles
Purchase Protections Includes protections like extended warranties, purchase protection, and return protection Similar to Visa Infinite but may feature higher coverage limits and additional protections

How to Join the Visa Infinite Club

Are you a frequent flyer, traveller, or restaurant aficionado? Are you considering a Visa Infinite card for the myriad perks the program offers?

There are several credit cards available, which you should explore in-depth to determine which will be the best fit for your lifestyle. 

Best Visa Infinite credit cards for Travel

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Apply now

4.0

up to 40K pts

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn 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

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

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

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

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

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$139

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

Apply now

4.5

up to 40K pts

Welcome offer

Very Good

Suggested credit score

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

Pros

  • Earn up to 40,000 bonus Aeroplan points in the first year

  • Earn up to 1.5 Aeroplan points on purchases

  • Free checked bags on Air Canada flights

  • Special pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards

  • Includes travel insurance

Cons

  • High income requirement of either $60,000 personal or $100,000 household

  • Rewards go furthest when redeeming for Air Canada flights, so that can limit your travel options

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Pros

  • Earn up to 40,000 bonus Aeroplan points in the first year

  • Earn up to 1.5 Aeroplan points on purchases

  • Free checked bags on Air Canada flights

  • Special pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards

  • Includes travel insurance

Cons

  • High income requirement of either $60,000 personal or $100,000 household

  • Rewards go furthest when redeeming for Air Canada flights, so that can limit your travel options

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

for every $1 you spend on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including through Air Canada Vacations®

1.5 pts

for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.

1 pt

Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and more than 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.

2x

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$139

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card 

Apply now

4.3

up to 35K pts

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn 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

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

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

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

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

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$150

Foreign Transaction Fee

0%

RBC Avion Visa Infinite

Apply now

4.1

55,000 pts

Welcome offer

Very Good

Suggested credit score

Get up to 55,000 Avion points* (a value of up to $1,100†), that’s enough to fly anywhere in North America or the Caribbean!

Expires

Nov 26, 2024

Pros

  • Rewards program is highly flexible, transferable, and includes a slew of non-travel-related reward options

  • Partnerships with other retailers like HBC and Petro-Canada

  • Provides excellent travel insurance

  • New cardholders earn 55,000 welcome Avion points on approval*

  • Solid option for looking for a travel-centric points program

Cons

  • The points-to-dollars ratio is only average and there are few opportunities for accelerated earning.

  • The $120 annual fee isn’t cheap

  • High annual income requirement: Personal: $60,000 or Household: $100,000

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Pros

  • Rewards program is highly flexible, transferable, and includes a slew of non-travel-related reward options

  • Partnerships with other retailers like HBC and Petro-Canada

  • Provides excellent travel insurance

  • New cardholders earn 55,000 welcome Avion points on approval*

  • Solid option for looking for a travel-centric points program

Cons

  • The points-to-dollars ratio is only average and there are few opportunities for accelerated earning.

  • The $120 annual fee isn’t cheap

  • High annual income requirement: Personal: $60,000 or Household: $100,000

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Earn 1.25 Avion point for every dollar you spend*.

1.25

extra Avion points on eligible travel purchases

25%

mobile device insurance

$1,500

savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and always earn 20% more Avion points

3¢/L

Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall

50

off at Hertz and earn 3x the Avion points

20%

delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash

$0

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$120

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite

Apply now

3.8

up to 60K pts

Welcome offer

Very Good

Suggested credit score

Get up to 60,000 points worth $400 in travel rewards, a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year - that's a $570 value in your first anniversary!*

Expires

Nov 30, 2024

Pros

  • Excellent welcome offer: Get up to 60,000 points and a $50 lifestyle credit

  • Good earn rate in top spending categories

  • First year annual fee waiver* (Value: $120)

  • Includes new mobile device insurance: Up to $1,000 in coverage**

  • Annual $50 lifestyle credit to spend however you like*

  • Includes comprehensive travel insurance

  • Access to exclusive Visa Infinite benefits

Cons

  • High minimum annual income: Minimum $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household)

  • Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Pros

  • Excellent welcome offer: Get up to 60,000 points and a $50 lifestyle credit

  • Good earn rate in top spending categories

  • First year annual fee waiver* (Value: $120)

  • Includes new mobile device insurance: Up to $1,000 in coverage**

  • Annual $50 lifestyle credit to spend however you like*

  • Includes comprehensive travel insurance

  • Access to exclusive Visa Infinite benefits

Cons

  • High minimum annual income: Minimum $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household)

  • Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Very Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining in and out and transit.*

5x

Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*

10%

Get a $50 annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want*

$50

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

23.99%

Cash Advance APR

23.99%

Annual Fee

$120

BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information

*Terms and conditions apply

Final Word

If you’re in the financial position to apply for a Visa Infinite credit card, you’ll enjoy a long list of benefits pertaining especially to dining out and frequent travel. If you find yourself constantly booking flights or hotels, and if you eat out several times per week, it would benefit you to take advantage of the myriad benefits these cards offer. You’re spending the money regardless, so why not enjoy some exclusive perks in exchange for those dollars you’re spending?

To get the most out of the steep annual fees for either of these two credit cards, you do want to be sure that you’re travelling or dining out often enough to compensate for the splurge. If you find yourself frequently booking flights or making dinner reservations, many of the Visa Infinite cards could make a great addition to your wallet, and you’ll more than makeup for the annual fees with the perks you’ll receive in return.

Visa Infinite FAQ

  • Does my Visa Infinite card cover car rental insurance?

    +

    Yes, Visa Infinite cards typically include car rental insurance, covering collision damage and theft. Check specific terms with your card issuer.

  • What are Visa Infinite benefits?

    +

    Benefits include travel insurance, lounge access, concierge service, hotel benefits, exclusive events, and enhanced rewards on purchases. It depends on your bank.

  • Does Visa Infinite cover trip cancellation?

    +

    Yes, Visa Infinite generally offers trip cancellation insurance, covering unforeseen events that cause trip cancellation or interruption.

  • Does Visa Infinite get lounge access?

    +

    Yes, Visa Infinite cards often provide complimentary airport lounge access, though the number of visits may be limited. It may give you membership, but not passes.

  • How to use Visa Infinite concierge?

    +

    Contact the Visa Infinite concierge service via phone or email provided by your card issuer for assistance with travel, dining, and entertainment.

Caitlin is a skilled freelance writer with an extensive background in finance writing for a number of finance blogs such as MoneyWizard.ca. Her works can also been seen in American Profile, DeSoto Magazine, MotorHome Magazine, German-Life, and many others.

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