CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite review

How the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite earns

The card pays 1.5 Aeroplan points per dollar in three areas: groceries, gas and EV charging, and Air Canada and Aeroplan purchases. Everything else earns 1 point per dollar. The bonus categories are everyday ones, so a normal household budget earns a good share of its points at the higher rate.

For example, a household spending $700 a month on groceries and $250 on gas earns 1,425 points a month from those categories, or 17,100 a year. Another $1,000 a month of other spending adds 12,000 points, for 29,100 Aeroplan points a year before any flights.

The welcome offer

New cardholders can earn up to 50,000 Aeroplan points. Our data doesn’t list the spending targets or timelines attached, so read CIBC’s current offer terms and confirm you can meet them with spending you’d do anyway.

At the example budget above, 50,000 points is more than a year and a half of regular earning, so the welcome offer makes up a big part of the card’s first-year return.

Free checked bag and NEXUS rebate

For many travellers, the free first checked bag on Air Canada is the main reason to hold this card. If you check a bag on most trips, the saving repeats every time you fly, so check CIBC’s terms for which bookings and travellers are covered.

The NEXUS fee rebate is useful if you cross the Canada–US border often, and between trips the card keeps your groceries and gas earning Aeroplan points at 1.5 per dollar.

Fees, interest and the fine print

The annual fee is $139. Foreign currency purchases carry a 2.5% fee, which adds about $25 per $1,000 spent abroad or with a non-Canadian online store, so you may want a different card for spending while you travel.

Purchase interest is 20.99% and cash advances are charged 22.99%. Paying the statement in full by the due date avoids purchase interest.

Insurance coverage

The insurance package is built for travel, including emergency medical coverage for trips of up to 15 days. Check the certificate for eligibility, coverage amounts and exclusions before you rely on it.

• Travel emergency medical (15 days)
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Flight and baggage delay
• Rental car collision and loss damage

Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere

The card suits people who fly Air Canada at least a couple of times a year, check bags, and want everyday spending on groceries and gas to build their Aeroplan balance.

If you rarely fly Air Canada, the main perk goes unused and 1.5 points per dollar on everyday categories won’t do as much for you. Longer trips may also need more medical coverage than the 15 days included here, so consider separate travel insurance if you’re away for weeks at a time.

How it compares

The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite is the closest rival: the same $139 fee, 1.5 points per dollar on groceries and a welcome offer of up to 50,000 Aeroplan points. Choosing between them often comes down to where you already bank and which current welcome terms suit you better.

If you want Aeroplan points without an annual fee, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card costs nothing to keep and offers up to 10,000 Aeroplan points as a welcome offer. Its top rate is 1 point per dollar, on gas and EV charging.

Before you apply

The recommended credit score is 720 or higher, but CIBC makes the final decision based on your full credit profile. Confirm the current welcome offer and terms on CIBC’s website before you apply.