Overview
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite is one of the strongest Aeroplan-earning credit cards in Canada — and the best mid-tier option for anyone who flies Air Canada regularly. It earns 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, and Air Canada purchases (including Air Canada Vacations), plus 1 Aeroplan point per $1 on everything else. But the real draw is the Air Canada ecosystem perks: free first checked bag for you and up to 8 companions on every Air Canada flight, preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards (book for fewer points than non-cardholders), and no airline surcharges on Air Canada award flights.
Aeroplan points are among the most valuable loyalty currencies in Canada, worth approximately 2 cents each when redeemed for flights through the Aeroplan program. That makes the effective return on this card's accelerated categories about 3% on gas and groceries — strong for a $139/year card, especially when the first year's fee is waived.
The card also includes 12 types of insurance (emergency medical, trip cancellation, mobile device, rental car, and more), the ability to earn Status Qualifying Credits toward Aeroplan Elite Status, and access to Visa Infinite perks like concierge service and the Luxury Hotel Collection. It won the money.ca award for Best Travel Credit Card in 2024.
Welcome Offer
CIBC's welcome offer provides strong first-year value:
- 10,000 Aeroplan points after your first purchase
- 10,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $6,000 or more in the first 6 months
- 25,000 Aeroplan points anniversary bonus when you have at least $12,000 in net purchases during the first 12 months
- First-year annual fee waived — $139 rebate for the primary cardholder
- Additional card fees waived for up to 3 authorized users — up to $150 rebate ($50 × 3)
That's up to 45,000 Aeroplan points worth approximately $900 in travel value when redeemed for flights, plus up to $289 in fee rebates. The total first-year value can approach $900 — excellent for a card that costs you nothing in year one.
The spending requirements are staged: $6,000 over 6 months ($1,000/month) for the second tier, then $12,000 over 12 months ($1,000/month) for the anniversary bonus. These are reasonable for most households, and all purchases including groceries and gas count toward the thresholds at the accelerated 1.5x rate.
Earning Aeroplan Points
The card's earning structure focuses on the categories where Canadians spend the most, plus a valuable Air Canada bonus:
- 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, and Air Canada purchases (including Air Canada Vacations)
- 1 Aeroplan point per $1 on all other purchases
The 1.5x categories hit the sweet spot for everyday spending — groceries and gas are regular purchases that add up quickly. The Air Canada 1.5x rate is a bonus for booking flights, vacation packages, and onboard purchases directly with Air Canada.
What Are Aeroplan Points Worth?
Aeroplan points have variable value depending on how you redeem them. Here's a breakdown of the key redemption options:
| Redemption Method | Value Per Point | 1,000 Points = | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (Aeroplan chart) | ~2.0¢ | ~$20.00 | Best value — Air Canada + Star Alliance partners |
| Air Canada gift cards | ~1.0¢ | ~$10.00 | Simple, guaranteed value |
| Car rentals (Avis/Budget) | ~0.9¢ | ~$9.00 | Through Aeroplan portal |
| Vacation packages | ~0.83¢ | ~$8.30 | Air Canada Vacations |
| Hotels | ~0.82¢ | ~$8.20 | Through Aeroplan portal |
| Merchandise | ~0.74¢ | ~$7.40 | Online catalogue |
| Gift cards | ~0.71¢ | ~$7.10 | Various retailers |
The gap between flight and non-flight redemptions is significant — always aim to redeem for flights through the Aeroplan reward chart for maximum value.
Effective Return Rates (Flight Redemption)
When redeeming at approximately 2¢ per point for flights:
| Earning Category | Earn Rate | Effective Return |
|---|---|---|
| Gas, EV, groceries & Air Canada | 1.5 pts/$1 | 3.0% |
| All other purchases | 1 pt/$1 | 2.0% |
These are solid returns, especially considering Aeroplan's dynamic pricing can sometimes yield even higher per-point values on certain routes and during sales.
Earning Projections
Here's what you'd earn based on realistic monthly spending, redeemed for flights:
| Monthly Spending | Breakdown | Annual Points | Annual Value (Flights) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000/month | $700 gas/groceries, $1,300 other | 25,400 pts | ~$508 |
| $3,000/month | $1,000 gas/groceries, $2,000 other | 42,000 pts | ~$840 |
| $4,000/month | $1,200 gas/groceries, $2,800 other | 55,200 pts | ~$1,104 |
At $3,000/month, the card generates approximately $840 in annual flight value — minus the $139 fee (waived year one), that's a net return of $701/year. For Aeroplan members, the value proposition is strong.
Earn Points Twice
One of Aeroplan's biggest advantages is the double-dip earning. You can earn Aeroplan points from your credit card AND from Aeroplan partner transactions. With over 150 Aeroplan partners and 170+ online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore, your credit card points stack on top of any partner earning. For example, shopping through the Aeroplan eStore at a 5x partner earns you 5 Aeroplan points per $1 from the partner PLUS 1 Aeroplan point per $1 from your credit card — 6 points per $1 total.
Air Canada Benefits
This is where the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite separates itself from non-Aeroplan travel cards. Several Air Canada-specific perks are bundled in:
Free First Checked Bag
The primary cardholder, all authorized users, and up to 8 companions on the same booking enjoy a free first checked bag (up to 23 kg / 50 lb) on every Air Canada flight. At approximately $35 per bag each way, this benefit is worth $70 per round trip per person. For a family of four, that's $280 saved per round trip — the card practically pays for itself in baggage fee savings alone.
Preferred Pricing on Flight Rewards
Primary cardholders get access to preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards, meaning you can often book flights for fewer Aeroplan points than non-cardholders. This is a meaningful advantage — the point savings can add up to hundreds of dollars in value over a year for frequent flyers.
No Airline Surcharges on Air Canada Flights
When you book an Air Canada flight reward using Aeroplan points, there are no additional airline surcharges — you only pay the taxes and fees. Many other airline programs (particularly British Airways Avios) impose hefty carrier surcharges on award flights, so this is a real cost saver.
4th Night Free on Hotels
Aeroplan credit cardholders can get a free 4th night on hotel stays booked with Aeroplan points. For every 3 hotel nights redeemed, the 4th night is complimentary. This effectively gives you a 25% discount on hotel redemptions through Aeroplan.
Aeroplan Elite Status Qualifying Credits
Primary cardholders earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $20,000 in eligible net purchases, up to 25,000 SQC. These credits count toward Aeroplan Elite Status (25K, 35K, 50K, 75K tiers), which unlocks priority check-in, lounge access, extra baggage, upgrade priority, and more. For frequent Air Canada flyers, earning SQCs through credit card spending can bridge the gap to the next status tier.
Insurance Coverage
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite includes 12 types of insurance — comprehensive coverage for a mid-tier travel card:
Travel Insurance
| Coverage | Limit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical | $5,000,000 | Up to 15 days per trip (under 65); 3 days (65+) |
| Trip Cancellation | $1,500 per trip | Non-refundable trip costs |
| Trip Interruption | $2,000 per trip | Additional costs from interrupted trips |
| Flight Delay | $500 | Meals, accommodation during delays |
| Baggage Delay | $500 | Essential items while waiting for luggage |
| Lost or Stolen Baggage | $500 | Checked baggage that's lost or stolen |
| Hotel Burglary | $2,500 | Personal items stolen from hotel room |
| Travel Accident | $500,000 | Common carrier accidental death or dismemberment |
| Rental Car Collision & Loss | Included | Covers collision, loss, and damage on rentals |
The $5,000,000 emergency medical with 15-day trip duration is generous — enough for most vacation trips. The rental car insurance saves $15–$30/day at the counter.
Purchase & Device Insurance
| Coverage | Limit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Device Insurance | Included | Covers damage, theft, and mechanical breakdown |
| Purchase Security | 90 days | Protects against loss, theft, or accidental damage |
| Extended Warranty | 1 year | Extends manufacturer warranty by 1 year |
Visa Infinite Benefits
As a Visa Infinite card, you get access to the full suite of premium perks:
- Visa Infinite Concierge — 24/7 personal assistance for travel, dining, events
- Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection — Exclusive rates, room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, late checkout
- Visa Infinite Dining Series — Exclusive culinary events across Canada
- Exclusive Event Access — Priority access to concerts, sports, and cultural events
- Avis Preferred Plus — Complimentary upgrade to Avis Preferred Plus status with one-car class upgrades and expedited service
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite vs. Competitors
| Feature | CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $139 | $139 | $139 |
| First year fee waived | |||
| Best earn rate | 1.5 pts/$1 (gas, groceries, AC) | 1.5x (gas, groceries, AC) | 2 pts/$1 (CIBC travel) |
| Base earn rate | 1 pt/$1 | 1 pt/$1 | 1 pt/$1 |
| Rewards program | Aeroplan | Aeroplan | Aventura |
| Point value (max) | ~2.0¢ | ~2.0¢ | Up to 2.29¢ |
| Free checked bag | (up to 9 people) | (up to 9 people) | |
| Airport lounge access | 4 free visits/year | ||
| Emergency medical | 15 days | 15 days | 15 days |
| Mobile device insurance | ($1,000) | ||
| Rental car insurance | |||
| NEXUS rebate | ($160/4yr) | ||
| Aeroplan Elite SQCs | |||
| No airline surcharges | N/A | ||
| Best for | Air Canada flyers | Air Canada flyers | Flexible flight redemptions |
The verdict: The CIBC and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite cards are very similar — same annual fee, same Aeroplan earn structure, same Air Canada perks. The CIBC version wins on first-year value (fee waived) and the anniversary bonus structure. The TD version may offer different welcome bonus structures at any given time. If you're an Air Canada / Star Alliance flyer, either Aeroplan card beats the Aventura. If you prefer airline-agnostic flight redemptions and lounge access, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite is the better pick.
Who Is This Card Best For?
This card is ideal if you:
- Fly Air Canada regularly and want free checked bags for your whole group
- Want to earn Aeroplan points in the Star Alliance ecosystem
- Spend heavily on gas, groceries, and Air Canada — the 1.5x earn rate is strong
- Value preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards
- Want to earn Status Qualifying Credits toward Aeroplan Elite Status
- Need comprehensive travel insurance bundled with your credit card
- Want the first year free — $139 fee waived plus additional card fees waived
It's not the best choice if you:
- Don't fly Air Canada / Star Alliance — the AC-specific perks lose their value
- Want airport lounge access — this card doesn't include it (consider the Infinite Privilege tier)
- Spend frequently in foreign currencies — the 2.5% FX fee adds up
- Prefer cash back or airline-agnostic travel points — consider a cash back card or CIBC Aventura
- Want a no-fee card — the $139 annual fee kicks in after year one
Fees & Interest Rates
| Annual fee | $139 (first year waived) |
| Additional card fee | $50 each (up to 3, first year waived) |
| Purchase interest rate | 21.99% |
| Cash advance rate | 22.99% |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
Eligibility
- Minimum personal income: $60,000
- Minimum household income: $100,000
- Credit score: Good to Excellent (estimated 760+)
- Instant approval: Available
Bottom Line
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite is the ideal card for Canadians who fly Air Canada and want to maximize their Aeroplan earnings on everyday spending. The 1.5x earn rate on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases builds a strong point balance, while the free checked bags, preferred pricing on flight rewards, and no airline surcharges on Air Canada awards deliver tangible savings on every trip.
The 12 types of insurance — including emergency medical, trip cancellation, rental car, and mobile device coverage — provide a comprehensive safety net that rivals cards costing significantly more. And with the first-year annual fee waived, you get the full package for $0 in year one while earning up to 45,000 bonus Aeroplan points (~$900 in flight value).
For Air Canada loyalists, this card sits in the sweet spot between the free CIBC Aeroplan Visa and the premium Infinite Privilege tier. It delivers the core Air Canada benefits that matter most — free bags, preferred pricing, SQCs — without the $599 annual fee and $150K income requirement of the top-tier card. If you fly Air Canada even a few times a year, the baggage savings alone can justify the $139 annual fee from year two onward.
