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CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card review

CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card review

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4.8

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Welcome Offer

Get a total of up to 80,000 Aventura Points† (up to $1,600 in travel value) during your first year.

3 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through CIBC Rewards Centre

2 points for every $1 spent on eligible dining, entertainment, transportation, gas, electric vehicle charging, and groceries

1.25 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases

6 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program

$200 annual Travel Credit

2 NEXUS Application Fee rebates

20.99% Purchase APR

22.99% Balance Transfer Rate non-Quebec residents†

22.99% Cash Advance APR non-Quebec residents†

$499 Annual Fee $99 for each additional card (up to 9)

2.5% Foreign Transaction Fee

Very Good Recommended Credit Score

$150,000 Required Annual Personal Income

$200,000 Required Annual Household Income

4.8

CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card review

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Quick overview

What we have here is what you may refer to as the Cadillac of travel credit cards. You’ll feel like a million bucks wherever you take it – it’s packed full of features like six free complimentary airport lounge visits, a $200 travel voucher and a NEXUS◊ application rebate every 4 years. You’ll also earn up to 3 points for every dollar spent, meaning you can enjoy travel more often with the points you’ll earn. 

However, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege doesn’t come cheap. At a price of $499 per year and a minimum income of $150,000 (or $200,000 household) – not to mention its high interest rates – means it’s reserved for only the wealthier among us. Just like a classic Cadillac. 

Who’s this card for?

We won’t beat around the bush with this one: the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege card is for the wealthy traveller. Those who like to travel often and in style, skipping pesky airport security lines via NEXUS, sipping mimosas in airport lounges and spending enough each year to earn the necessary points to offset the high $499 fee. If this sounds like you, read on. If not, you might want to check out a card that’s more suited to your lifestyle.

Pros and cons

Pros

Pros

  • A welcome bonus of up to 80,000 Aventura Points†

  • Up to three points per dollar spent (two points for the most popular spending categories, though)

  • Six complimentary visits at over 1,200+ lounges per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program

  • $200 annual travel credit

  • Two NEXUS application fee rebates

  • Robust travel insurance, including emergency medical, trip cancellation, flight and baggage delay, auto rental collision and loss and more

Cons

Cons

  • Only available to those who make $150,000 per year as an individual or $200,000 as a household

  • High interest rates: 20.99% for purchases and 22.99% for cash advances

  • High fee of $499 per year

  • Despite this being a luxury travel card, you’ll have to pay foreign exchange fees

  • Have to spend $6,000 on the card within the first four months to unlock the maximum welcome bonus

Welcome bonus

Get a total of up to 80,000 Aventura Points† (up to $1,600 in travel value) during your first year.. Here’s how it works:

  • How to achieve the welcome bonus

    +

    Get a total of up to 80,000 Aventura Points† (up to $1,600 in travel value) during your first year:

    • 25,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods†

    • 25,000 Aventura Points when you spend $6,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods.†

    • 30,000 Aventura Points as an additional anniversary bonus when you have at least $25,000 in net eligible purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods†

How to earn points

The good news is that, right off the bat, you’ll earn a tonne of points with this card via its generous welcome bonus. The not-so-good news is that the best way to earn everyday points, outside that bonus, is in a category that’s typically only used by the world’s most well-travelled. However, that’s who this card is really geared toward. Here’s how the points break down.

You’ll earn 3 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre. So, if you’re a jet setter who spends a lot on travel (and you don’t mind doing all your bookings through CIBC’s website), you can take advantage of the card’s highest point earning category. Outside of that, you’ll still earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible dining, entertainment, transportation, gas, electric vehicle charging and groceries. The points earned for electric vehicle charging is a unique feature here, which might sway those with an EV to choose this card over a similar alternative.

Finally, you’ll earn 1.25 points on all other purchases†. 

How to redeem points

While this CIBC Aventura VIP card is tailored to the world traveller, its point redemption system actually caters to a wide range of Canadians who might prioritize spending on things outside travel.

Of course, you can book personalized travel with your points, including flights, hotels, tours and vacation packages through the CIBC Rewards Centre. You can also use points to purchase merchandise and gift cards, use them toward existing purchases with Shopping with Points, and Pay with Points to use them to pay down your card balance. 

Another great feature is Financial Products with Points, which allows you to use your points to help you reach your financial goals. With this feature, you can make a mortgage prepayment, make a TFSA or RRSP payment to a CIBC account, make payments toward CIBC lines of credit or personal loans and make contributions to a CIBC Investor’s Edge brokerage account. 

How to redeem points is fairly straight-forward, regardless of what you want to put your points toward. Shopping with Points or booking travel with points can be done either through CIBC Online Banking or CIBC Mobile Banking; Paying with Points and Financial Products with Points can be redeemed through CIBC Online Banking. 

Key benefits

  • Get a total of up to 80,000 Aventura Points† (up to $1,600 in travel value) during your first year.
  • Earn 2 points on eligible dining, entertainment, transportation, gas, electric vehicle charging, and groceries†
  • Robust travel perks, including lounge access, exclusive bookings, and a NEXUS◊ application rebate every 4 years.

Insurance coverage

  • Out-of-province emergency travel medical insurance: Up to $5 million per insured person per trip. 15-day coverage period for those 64 and under.
  • Car rental collision/loss damage insurance: Covers vehicles with an MSRP up to $65,000 for a rental period of 48 days
  • Common carrier accident insurance: Up to $500,000 per insured person
  • Flight delay insurance: Up to $500 per insured person
  • Delay of checked baggage: Up to $500 per insured person 
  • Lost or stolen baggage: Up to $1,000 per insured person
  • Purchase security and extended protection: Up to 180 days from date of purchase for purchase security and up to 2 additional years following expiry of manufacturer warranty for extended protection
  • Mobile device insurance: Up to $1,500 per occurrence, per insured person
  • Hotel burglary insurance: Up to $2,500 combined per occurrence for all insureds

Extra benefits

  • Save up to 25% off auto rentals at Avis and Budget locations worldwide
  • The account comes with a metal card, which reflects its premium perks
  • Save up to 10 cents per litre of gas at Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron stations when you link your card to Journie Rewards
  • Access to exclusive business class bookings
  • Dedicated taxi and limo services
  • Exclusive dining and wine experiences

What people have to say about this card

Reddit users point to its travel insurance as a great feature for those who want peace of mind while visiting other countries, as well as the travel perks, which include access to business class bookings and dedicated taxi and limo services. 

Others claim the card is worth it, noting the great benefits and point accumulation. The NEXUS rebate is another feature mentioned. The yearly travel credit is also popular, with one Reddit user explaining that it can be used for anything travel-related, such as flights, hotels and car rentals. 

However, another Reddit user had an issue booking travel with the rewards centre, claiming it takes two to four days to receive an email reply and two to three hours on hold to speak to a representative. This example suggests it’s a good idea to plan ahead when using rewards.

How the card compares

Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card

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4.4

up to 60K pts

Welcome offer

Good

Suggested credit score

Earn up to $2,100* in value in the first 14 months, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points

Expires

Jan 3, 2025

Apply now

Pros

  • The card offers a competitive low interest rate on purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers

  • Comprehensive insurance coverage

  • Complimentary Airport lounge access

  • No foreign transaction fees

  • Ideal for travelers as it has no foreign transaction fees

  • Offers a substantial welcome bonus that can be worth up to 60,000 Scene+ points

  • Enjoy premium perks like Hertz #1 Club Gold membership and concierge services.

Cons

  • High annual fee: At $399, the annual fee is steep, which could offset the rewards and benefits for some cardholders

  • Below average rewards rate: Lower compared to other cards with similar or lower annual fees

  • Limited American Express acceptance: Especially outside major cities

  • Rewards potential: The net rewards potential is relatively low when considering the high annual fee

  • Non-transferable points: Scene+ points cannot be transferred to other rewards programs

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$12,000

Pros

  • The card offers a competitive low interest rate on purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers

  • Comprehensive insurance coverage

  • Complimentary Airport lounge access

  • No foreign transaction fees

  • Ideal for travelers as it has no foreign transaction fees

  • Offers a substantial welcome bonus that can be worth up to 60,000 Scene+ points

  • Enjoy premium perks like Hertz #1 Club Gold membership and concierge services.

Cons

  • High annual fee: At $399, the annual fee is steep, which could offset the rewards and benefits for some cardholders

  • Below average rewards rate: Lower compared to other cards with similar or lower annual fees

  • Limited American Express acceptance: Especially outside major cities

  • Rewards potential: The net rewards potential is relatively low when considering the high annual fee

  • Non-transferable points: Scene+ points cannot be transferred to other rewards programs

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$12,000

Scene+ points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

2x

No foreign transaction fees

0%

Complimentary airport lounge passes per year

10

Purchase APR

9.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

9.99%

Cash Advance APR

9.99%

Annual Fee

$399

Foreign Transaction Fee

0%

CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Vs. Scotiabank Platinum American Express

Both are premium travel cards targeted at the bougie traveller. Both offer generous welcome bonuses (up to 80K pts with the Visa Infinite Privilege and up to 60K pts with the Scotiabank Platinum American Express) and include travel perks like lounge access and luxury travel privileges. Where the Amex shines is with its lower fee ($399 per year vs. $499), its lower interest rates and no foreign exchange fees. The Scotia Amex also comes with 10 complimentary airport lounge passes compared to CIBC’s 6.  

Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card to learn more.*See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.

The Platinum Card®

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3.6

up to 140k pts

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,400 in value.

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Pros

  • Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service

  • Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide

  • Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit

  • Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.

  • Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).

Cons

  • High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards

  • The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points

  • Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Pros

  • Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service

  • Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide

  • Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit

  • Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.

  • Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).

Cons

  • High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards

  • The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points

  • Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada

2x

points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel

2x

point for every $1 in all other Card purchases

1x

additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings

1

Variable APR

21.99% - 28.99%

Annual Fee

$799

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Vs. American Express The Platinum

The American Express Platinum card may just be the OG VIP travel card, having been the top choice for luxury travellers for decades. It may have to move aside for the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege card as the go-to choice for modern-day travellers, though.

For starters, the Amex Platinum isn’t cheap, costing $799 per year. However, the Amex unlocks access to a and unlimited access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. 

But, the Amex offers 2 points per dollar spent on dining, food delivery and travel, and 1 point on everything else. The CIBC card, on the other hand, offers 3 points for every dollar spent on travel, 2 points for every dollar spent on dining, entertainment, transportation, gas, electric vehicle charging and groceries, and 1.25 points on everything else.

This gives the CIBC card another edge. 

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

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4.7

up to 80K pts

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn up to $2,900 in value† including up to 80,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.

Expires

Jan 6, 2025

Apply now

Pros

  • Welcome bonus up to 80,000 Aeroplan® points† (up to $2,900 in value†) (enough for a round trip to Honolulu†)

  • Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge† access and six worldwide lounge visits annually†

  • Priority Airport Services† like Boarding and Baggage Handling

  • High Aeroplan® earn rates, double points on eligible Air Canada purchases

  • Extensive travel insurance benefits

  • Free checked bags on Air Canada

  • Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan® flight rewards

  • Visa Infinite Privilege* designation perks (e.g. DragonPass membership)

  • Up to $100 CAD NEXUS credit†

Cons

  • Steep annual fee of $599

  • High eligibility requirements ($150,000 personal or $200,000 household income)

  • Additional cardholder fee of $199

  • High-value rewards mainly for Air Canada flights

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$150,000

Required Annual Household Income

$200,000

Pros

  • Welcome bonus up to 80,000 Aeroplan® points† (up to $2,900 in value†) (enough for a round trip to Honolulu†)

  • Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge† access and six worldwide lounge visits annually†

  • Priority Airport Services† like Boarding and Baggage Handling

  • High Aeroplan® earn rates, double points on eligible Air Canada purchases

  • Extensive travel insurance benefits

  • Free checked bags on Air Canada

  • Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan® flight rewards

  • Visa Infinite Privilege* designation perks (e.g. DragonPass membership)

  • Up to $100 CAD NEXUS credit†

Cons

  • Steep annual fee of $599

  • High eligibility requirements ($150,000 personal or $200,000 household income)

  • Additional cardholder fee of $199

  • High-value rewards mainly for Air Canada flights

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$150,000

Required Annual Household Income

$200,000

Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® including Air Canada Vacations®.

2 points†

Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, groceries, travel and dining purchases.

1.5 points†

Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.

1.25 points†

Get 6 lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†

6

Earn points twice when you provide your Aeroplan number to Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore

2x

Get 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions Apply.

50%

Get a NEXUS application fee rebate up to $100 (CAD) every 48 months.†

$100

Get your 1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions† when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.

1st

Get 10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†

10%

Purchase APR

20.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$599

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Vs. TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

It’s the battle of the Visa Infinite Privilege cards. They both have similar interest rates, offer NEXUS rebates, robust travel insurance and complimentary airport lounge visits. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege costs more at $599per year but does have a more enticing welcome bonus.

The one you choose may come down to which point program you prefer. However, you should note that in terms of point accumulation, the CIBC Aventura has the advantage, giving users 3 points for every dollar spent on travel, 2 points for every dollar spent on dining, entertainment, transportation, gas, electric vehicle charging, and groceries, and 1.25 points on everything else. The Aeroplan card, meanwhile, will give you 2 points for every $1 spent with eligible Air Canada, including flights and vacations, 1.5 points on eligible gas, groceries, travel and dining and 1.25 points on all other purchases. 

This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.

The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.

†Terms and conditions apply.

Is the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege worth it?

If you’re wondering if the CIBC Visa Infinite Privilege card is worth it, it’s really up to you. If you travel a lot and like to do so in style, having access to 6 complimentary lounge visits, a NEXUS◊ application rebate every 4 years, and 3 points for every dollar spent on travel through the CIBC rewards centre might make up for the high cost of the card. 

FAQs

  • Does the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege card come with lounge access?

    +

    Yes, it does! Not only does it give you access to Visa Airport Companion, it also comes with 6 complimentary visits per year.

  • What’s the minimum income required for the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege?

    +

    You’ll need to make either $150,000 per year as an individual or $200,000 per year as a household to qualify for the card.

  • Is the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege made of metal?

    +

    One luxury feature of the card is that it’s a metal card, which gives it an ultra premium feel.

Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

The information for the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card has been collected independently by Money.ca. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. †Terms and Conditions Apply. This offer is not available in Quebec.

Justin da Rosa Freelance Writer

Justin is a writer and editor who has been covering personal finance for over 10 years. He's written for companies such as KOHO, Ratehub, BMO, Zoocasa, and Questrade, among others. Justin also created a course in Content Creation, which he taught at York University for four years. When not writing, Justin can be found at a live concert, on the golf course, riding a motorcycle, or sailing.

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†Terms and Conditions apply.