Quick overview of the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* is the forgotten middle sibling of CIBC cards. In that credit card family, it boasts neither the best earning potential (that’d be the CIBC Dividend series), nor the most compelling travel benefits (the CIBC Aeroplan series). There’s no relief for FX fees and the travel insurance is basic. To sum it up: This may be the most boring travel credit card on the market.
Despite its lacklustre features, I’ve been a proud holder of this card. The major draw? A couple years ago, CIBC launched a promotion that doubled the value of Aventura points redeemed against travel purchases — and they’ve shown no signs of ending it. Once CIBC ends this promotion, I’ll downgrade my assessment of this card from boring to downright intolerable.
Due to its weak earning potential, when my card anniversary approached, I booked this card a one-way ticket to my vast ex-credit card graveyard (headstone reads: Died after graciously helping me pay for a fun weekend trip to New York). But if you’re absolutely committed to it, here are the details you need to know.
Who’s the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card for?
This card is for the no-nonsense traveller who doesn’t want to wrestle with some janky travel portal to redeem their points (although the CIBC Rewards Centre does exist for the masochists out there). Alternatively, you’re like me, a dedicated points collector who can’t resist a decent welcome bonus with an annual fee rebate.
Pros and cons
Pros
-
First year annual fee rebate
-
High welcome bonus
-
Easy-to-use points redemption process
-
Nexus application fee rebate
-
Four complimentary lounge passes that can be used at 1,200+ airports
-
Mobile device and extended warranty insurance
Cons
-
Uninspired travel insurance offering
-
Difficult to earn points through daily spending
-
$139 annual fee that’s hard to justify
NOTE: The $440 value is based on redeeming for the 1.25 cents per point (cpp) value although technically the value can range from 0.63 cpp to 2.29 cpp, or $220 to $800 depending on where you redeem your points. More information below.
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* welcome bonus
- Get a total of up to 35,000 Aventura Points (up to $800 in travel value†) during your first year:
- 15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase†
- 20,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in net purchases in the first 4 monthly statement periods†
- Get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): up to $189 value†
- Elevate your airport experience with 4 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: up to $261 in value.†
- Plus, get a NEXUS◊ Application Fee rebate†: A $67 value†
How to earn Aventura points on the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
After getting the welcome bonus, earning points on this card is a slog. The biggest bang-for-your-buck method is booking travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre, where you’ll earn 2 points on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†. Truthfully, this measly points multiplier doesn’t seem worth it, as you’ll be forced to navigate the ramshackle rewards centre (it froze twice on me while testing it for this article).
The next best way to earn points is by using it at grocery stores, gas stations, charging stations and drug stores. This method will get you 1.5 Aventura points for every dollar spent.
Some quick back-of-the-napkin math: If you spend $500 a month using this card in these categories, by the end of the year you’ll have 9,000 (roughly $100 in value)... not even enough to cover the annual fee.
After that — you’re stuck with a paltry 1 point per dollar for the rest of your purchases.
How to redeem name of points on the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite*
For me, the best method to redeem points is using them for your travel-related purchases at 1.25 cents per point (e.g. 16,000 points will cover your $200 per night luxury villa in Thailand). All you need to do is charge the travel purchase to your card. Then, you can go to the CIBC Online Banking or Mobile App, and click on the purchase while it’s still pending. If you wait too long (usually a couple days) and the transaction posts — you’re SOL.
Another way to redeem is through the CIBC Rewards Centre. I’ve avoided using this method, not just because the website is janky, but also — it’s difficult to extract the true value from your points. Gift cards and merchandise have a horrifically low points redemption value (0.71 cents per point).
Using the CIBC Flight Rewards Chart has a high points redemption value, in theory (2.29 cents per points), but due to inflated prices and additional fees, it’s near impossible to make the most of it.
Some more unique ways to spend points are applying them to charity spending or an existing CIBC financial product, such as your loan or mortgage. For the truly lazy, you can, of course, apply the points against your credit card balance for the lowest of all redemption options (0.63 cents per point).
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* key benefits
- Welcome bonus of 35,000 for meeting the spending criteria
- Join and get up to $1,300 in value including a first year annual fee rebate!†
- 4 Visa Airport Companioncomplimentary lounge passes
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* insurance coverage
The insurance coverage for this card is what you’d expect from your basic travel credit card, with a few added perks. Here’s what’s included:
- Out-of-province emergency travel medical insurance: $5,000,000 of coverage for 15 consecutive days, for cardholders under 65. Three days of coverage for card holders over 65
- Trip cancellation insurance: For cancellations, each insured person is covered up to $1,500 per trip, up to a maximum of $5,000.
- Trip interruption insurance: For interruptions, each person is covered up to $2,000
- Car rental collision/Loss damage insurance: Rental cars charged to this card will be covered for a rental period of 48 days (for rental cars up to $65,000 in value)
- Common carrier accident insurance: Coverage for accidental death or dismemberment, resulting from riding as a passenger on a common carrier is covered up to $500,000
- Flight delay and baggage insurance: When a flight is delayed, all insured passengers are eligible for $500 combined to cover reasonable living expenses (e.g. meals, accommodations, clothes). In the case of delayed baggage, insured passengers are eligible for $500 each, up to a maximum of $1,000.
- Lost or stolen baggage insurance: Insured passengers are eligible for $500 per person, up to a maximum of $1,000
- Purchase security and extended protection insurance: Provides coverages for certain items bought with the card, if these items are lost, stolen and damaged (up to 90 days from date of purchase). For items bought on this card with warranty, an extra year following the expiry of the original warranty will be added
- Mobile device insurance: Provides coverage for mobile devices that are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged up to $1,000 per occurrence, per insured person. Either the full device cost was paid with this card, or any portion of the price is financed with the card through a Canadian wireless service provider
- Hotel burglary insurance: Covers up to $2,500 per occurrence for all insured persons combined in the case that accommodations are burglarized
Extra benefits
- NEXUS(TM) Application Fee rebate† every four years
- Visa Infinite perks, including complimentary concierge service and luxury upgrades
What people have to say about this card
I am not a fan of the CIBC Aventura. When using points there is a significant premium compared to the market rate.
OldRefrigerator8821
There’s surprisingly little chatter about this card online, outside of credit card churners gunning for the welcome bonus. In posts discussing the best travel credit cards, conversations veer toward shinier objects like the beloved Amex Cobalt.
As /u/OldRefrigerator8821 mentions, there is often a premium on redemptions booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre, making it difficult to squeeze out the maximum value from the points.
How the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card compares
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* has some competitors in the travel credit card space, including a few in its own house. Let's take a look.
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* vs. CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa
CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card
4.9
up to $1,300
Welcome offerGood
Suggested credit scoreJoin and get up to $1,300 in value†! And get a one-time annual fee rebate.
The CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* and the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* are near-identical twins. The Gold is for those who want the features of the Infinite card, but don’t have the household income to qualify (the Gold only requires a household income of $15,000).
The key benefit difference: The CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* doesn’t offer trip cancellation/interruption insurance and emergency medical insurance for people 65 years and older. Since they otherwise have the same fees and features, going for the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* is a no-brainer, as long as you meet the income qualifications.
Pros
-
High value welcome offer
-
Minimal household annual income required
-
Exceptional points-redeemable travel opportunities and other perks
Cons
-
High annual fee (rebated for your first year)†
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000†
Required Annual Personal Income
$15,000†
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$15,000†
Required Annual Household Income
$15,000†
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
1.5
points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores†
1
point for every $1 spent on all other purchases†
Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
2
points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores†
1.5
point for every $1 spent on all other purchases†
1
20.99%†
Purchase APR non-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate 21.99% for Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents†
$139
Annual Fee First year annual fee rebate!†
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
20.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR
22.99%†
Annual Fee
$139
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
The CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* and the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* are near-identical twins. The Gold is for those who want the features of the Infinite card, but don’t have the household income to qualify (the Gold only requires a household income of $15,000).
The key benefit difference: The CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* doesn’t offer trip cancellation/interruption insurance and emergency medical insurance for people 65 years and older. Since they otherwise have the same fees and features, going for the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* is a no-brainer, as long as you meet the income qualifications.
Pros
-
High value welcome offer
-
Minimal household annual income required
-
Exceptional points-redeemable travel opportunities and other perks
Cons
-
High annual fee (rebated for your first year)†
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000†
Required Annual Personal Income
$15,000†
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$15,000†
Required Annual Household Income
$15,000†
2
Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
1.5
points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores†
1
point for every $1 spent on all other purchases†
Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
2
points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores†
1.5
point for every $1 spent on all other purchases†
1
20.99%†
Purchase APR non-Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate 21.99% for Quebec residents†
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents†
$139
Annual Fee First year annual fee rebate!†
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
20.99%†
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%†
Cash Advance APR
22.99%†
Annual Fee
$139
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* vs. RBC Avion Visa Infinite*
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
4.1
55,000 pts
Welcome offerVery Good
Suggested credit scoreto receive the latest news, tips and offers by email
While the RBC Avion Visa Infinite has a lower annual fee ($120), there’s no alluring first-year rebate offered. And for those who like waiting for their flights in style — the lack of lounge passes should be taken into consideration, too.
In terms of points redemption, I think CIBC Aventura points still have the edge with the ability to redeem points for any travel purchases. The one case where Avion points win it is they have the ability to transfer to partner airline points programs, like Cathay Pacific (although notably, not Aeroplan).
The one area RBC Avion Visa Infinite outperforms is points accumulation. Any travel-related purchase will earn 1.25 points per dollar spent, whereas Aventura cards only get the 2x multiplier for travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre. So if you’re planning on spending a lot on travel, and don’t want to be limited to the bank’s travel portal, RBC Avion Visa Infinite is the clear winner.
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
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
1.25
Earn 1.25 Avion point for every dollar you spend*.
25%
extra Avion points on eligible travel purchases
$1,500
mobile device insurance
3¢/L
savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and always earn 20% more Avion points
50
Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
20%
off at Hertz and earn 3x the Avion points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
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
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$120
Annual Fee $50 for each additional card
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
While the RBC Avion Visa Infinite has a lower annual fee ($120), there’s no alluring first-year rebate offered. And for those who like waiting for their flights in style — the lack of lounge passes should be taken into consideration, too.
In terms of points redemption, I think CIBC Aventura points still have the edge with the ability to redeem points for any travel purchases. The one case where Avion points win it is they have the ability to transfer to partner airline points programs, like Cathay Pacific (although notably, not Aeroplan).
The one area RBC Avion Visa Infinite outperforms is points accumulation. Any travel-related purchase will earn 1.25 points per dollar spent, whereas Aventura cards only get the 2x multiplier for travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre. So if you’re planning on spending a lot on travel, and don’t want to be limited to the bank’s travel portal, RBC Avion Visa Infinite is the clear winner.
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
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
1.25
Earn 1.25 Avion point for every dollar you spend*.
25%
extra Avion points on eligible travel purchases
$1,500
mobile device insurance
3¢/L
savings on fuel at Petro-Canada and always earn 20% more Avion points
50
Be Well points for every $1 spent on eligible products at Rexall
20%
off at Hertz and earn 3x the Avion points
$0
delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
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
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$120
Annual Fee $50 for each additional card
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* vs. CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinit
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
4.5
up to 40K pts
Welcome offerVery Good
Suggested credit scoreJoin and get up to $1,100 in value in your first year!†
The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is the better pick for travellers who want to focus their points redemptions on flights. In general, the value of an Aeroplan point is higher than an Aventura point — especially if you can accumulate enough to redeem a business-class flight. However, Aventura points still win out in terms of flexibility, for those wanting to redeem their points against any travel-related purchase.
Instead of the lounge passes that you get with the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite*, you’re getting a free first checked bag when you fly with Air Canada. Otherwise, the insurance packages and fees of the two cards are identical.
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
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
1.5 pts
for every $1 you spend on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including through Air Canada Vacations®
1 pt
for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.
2x
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and more than 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
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
20.99%
Purchase APR non-Quebec residents†
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate 21.99% for Quebec residents
22.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$139
Annual Fee Free with CIBC Smart Plus™ Account. $50 for each additional card (up to 3).
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$139
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is the better pick for travellers who want to focus their points redemptions on flights. In general, the value of an Aeroplan point is higher than an Aventura point — especially if you can accumulate enough to redeem a business-class flight. However, Aventura points still win out in terms of flexibility, for those wanting to redeem their points against any travel-related purchase.
Instead of the lounge passes that you get with the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite*, you’re getting a free first checked bag when you fly with Air Canada. Otherwise, the insurance packages and fees of the two cards are identical.
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
Very Good
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Very Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
1.5 pts
for every $1 you spend on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including through Air Canada Vacations®
1 pt
for every $1 you spend on all other purchases.
2x
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and more than 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
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
20.99%
Purchase APR non-Quebec residents†
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate 21.99% for Quebec residents
22.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$139
Annual Fee Free with CIBC Smart Plus™ Account. $50 for each additional card (up to 3).
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$139
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
| Category | CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* | CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $139 (First year annual fee rebate!† $50 up to 3 additional cards†) | $139 |
| Welcome offer | Get a total of up to 35,000 Aventura Points (up to $800 in travel value†) during your first year | Get up to 30,000 Aeroplan points in your first year |
| Insurance | Decent travel coverage, plus mobile and purchase protection | Decent travel coverage, plus mobile and purchase protection |
| Benefits | 4lounge passes per year, NEXUS(TM) Application Fee rebate† every four years | Free first checked bag for 2 travellers, one-time annual fee rebate†, |
| Review | You’re reading it |
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite review
|
| Learn more | Apply now | Apply now |
Is the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* worth it?
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* is certainly worth it for at least one year. After that — probably not. Unless you fall in love with the CIBC Rewards Centre for booking your vacations, you’re probably better off ditching this card before the second year annual fee comes due.
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* eligibility criteria
- $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income
- Good (760+) credit score
FAQs
- †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- The information for the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Cam is a content marketer with a passion for saving, financial independence, and pulling off elaborate credit card point schemes. He has worked in Fintech and Finserve (specifically Group Retirement) and loves researching and writing about finance.
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