CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite review

How the Aventura Visa Infinite earns points

Travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre earns 2 Aventura points per dollar. Gas and EV charging, groceries and drugstore purchases earn 1.5 points per dollar, and everything else earns 1 point.

As an example, a household spending $600 a month on groceries, $200 on gas and $50 at the drugstore earns 1,275 points a month, or 15,300 points a year. Add $2,500 a year of travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre and $800 a month of other spending, and the yearly total reaches 29,900 points.

The welcome offer

New cardholders can earn up to 35,000 Aventura points, and the first-year annual fee is waived under the current offer. Check CIBC’s offer terms for the spending needed to earn the full points and the deadline for reaching it.

In the example budget, 35,000 points is more than a full year of regular earning, which is why the first year is the easiest one to come out ahead.

Using Aventura points

Aventura points are flexible: you can book flights on any airline, in any seat, with no blackout dates, so you aren’t tied to one carrier’s loyalty program. That’s useful if you compare fares across airlines and want to book whichever suits your trip.

Points can also be redeemed for merchandise or as a statement credit. The card includes a DragonPass airport lounge membership, so check CIBC’s terms on whether lounge visits are included or paid per entry.

Fees, interest and the fine print

The annual fee is $139, waived in the first year under the current offer. Foreign currency purchases carry a 2.5% fee, so $1,000 spent abroad costs about $25 extra.

From year two, the example household’s 29,900 points a year, plus the insurance and lounge membership, need to be worth more to you than the $139 fee.

Purchases are charged 20.99% interest and cash advances 22.99%. Paying your full statement balance by the due date avoids purchase interest.

Insurance coverage

The Aventura Visa Infinite carries a well-rounded insurance package for a mid-range travel card, including mobile device cover for everyday use. Read the insurance certificate for limits, eligibility and exclusions before you rely on it.

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

Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere

The Aventura Visa Infinite suits travellers who want flexibility rather than loyalty to a single airline, and who are happy to book through the CIBC Rewards Centre to earn the top rate. The insurance package also makes it a reasonable choice as a household’s main travel card, since it covers medical emergencies, cancellations and rental cars in one place.

It’s a weaker fit if you don’t meet the $60,000 personal income requirement, often spend in foreign currencies, or want high earn rates on everyday purchases.

How it compares

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite is the most direct rival. It costs $120 a year, $19 less, earns up to 1.25x on travel and offers up to 55,000 Avion points.

If you want to stay with CIBC without a fee, the CIBC Aventura Visa Card has no annual fee and offers up to 12,500 Aventura points, with a top earn rate of 1 point per dollar on gas and EV charging.

Before you apply

The recommended credit score is 720 or higher, and there’s a $60,000 personal income requirement. 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.