Overview
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite is one of Canada's strongest all-around travel credit cards. It earns up to 2 Aventura points per $1 on travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre, 1.5 points per $1 on gas, groceries, EV charging, and drugstores, and 1 point per $1 on everything else. But what makes this card stand out isn't just the earning — it's the 12 types of insurance, 4 free airport lounge visits per year, and NEXUS fee rebate that come bundled with it.
Aventura points are worth up to 2.29 cents each when redeemed through the Aventura Flight Chart — meaning a single point earned on a $1 purchase effectively returns 2.29% on travel. At the accelerated 1.5x and 2x earn rates, the return jumps to 3.4% and 4.6% respectively. These are outstanding returns for a card at the $139/year price point, especially when the first year's fee is waived.
The card has won the Milesopedia award for best Visa credit card — and it's easy to see why. Between the generous welcome bonus, comprehensive insurance package, lounge access, and strong earning on everyday categories, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite competes head-to-head with cards like the RBC Avion Visa Infinite and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite for the title of best mid-tier travel card in Canada.
Welcome Offer
CIBC is offering one of the strongest welcome bonuses in the Canadian travel card market:
- 15,000 Aventura points upon approval
- 30,000 Aventura points after spending $3,000 in the first 4 monthly statement periods
- 15,000 Aventura points after spending $5,000 in the first 4 monthly statement periods
- First-year annual fee waived — $139 rebate for the primary cardholder
- Additional card fee waived for up to 3 authorized users — up to $150 rebate ($50 × 3)
That's up to 60,000 Aventura points worth approximately $1,200+ in travel value when redeemed through the Aventura Flight Chart, plus up to $289 in fee rebates in the first year. The total first-year value can exceed $1,500 — an exceptional haul for a card that costs you nothing in year one.
The $3,000 spending requirement over 4 months ($750/month) is reasonable for most households — particularly since groceries, gas, and drugstore purchases all count toward the threshold and earn at the accelerated 1.5x rate.
Earning Aventura Points
The card's earning structure rewards everyday spending with accelerated rates on the categories where Canadians spend the most:
- 2 Aventura points per $1 on travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre
- 1.5 Aventura points per $1 on gas, groceries, EV charging, and drugstores
- 1 Aventura point per $1 on all other purchases
The 1.5x categories are the card's bread and butter. Groceries, gas, and drugstores represent a significant chunk of most households' monthly spending, so a large portion of your purchases earn at the accelerated rate without any effort.
The 2x rate on CIBC Rewards Centre travel is valuable if you book through CIBC's portal — though it's worth noting that this requires using CIBC's booking system rather than booking directly with airlines or hotels.
What Are Aventura Points Worth?
Aventura points have a variable value depending on how you redeem them. This is the card's most important nuance:
| Redemption Method | Value Per Point | 1,000 Points = | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aventura Flight Chart | Up to 2.29¢ | Up to $22.90 | Best value — book flights on any airline |
| Travel through CIBC Rewards | 1.00¢ | $10.00 | Hotels, car rentals, vacation packages |
| Charity donations | 1.00¢ | $10.00 | Donate to eligible charities |
| CIBC Financial Products | 0.83¢ | $8.30 | RRSP, TFSA, mortgage |
| Gift cards | 0.71¢ | $7.10 | Various retailers |
| Merchandise | 0.71¢ | $7.10 | Online catalogue |
| Pay with Points (statement credit) | 0.63¢ | $6.30 | Lowest value — avoid |
The gap between the best and worst redemption is enormous: 2.29¢ vs 0.63¢ per point — a 3.6x difference. This means the card's value proposition is heavily tied to your willingness to redeem through the Aventura Flight Chart. If you redeem for flights, this card is excellent. If you redeem for merchandise or statement credits, it's mediocre.
Effective Return Rates (Flight Chart Redemption)
When redeeming at the maximum 2.29¢ per point on the Aventura Flight Chart:
| Earning Category | Earn Rate | Effective Return |
|---|---|---|
| Travel via CIBC Rewards Centre | 2 pts/$1 | 4.58% |
| Gas, groceries, EV, drugstores | 1.5 pts/$1 | 3.44% |
| All other purchases | 1 pt/$1 | 2.29% |
These are premium-level returns. Even the base 1 pt/$1 rate delivers 2.29% — better than most cash back cards — and the 1.5x categories push toward the top tier of Canadian rewards cards.
Earning Projections
Here's what you'd earn based on realistic monthly spending, redeemed through the Aventura Flight Chart:
| Monthly Spending | Breakdown | Annual Points | Annual Value (Flight Chart) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000/month | $600 groceries/gas/drug, $200 travel, $1,200 other | 22,800 pts | ~$522 |
| $3,000/month | $900 groceries/gas/drug, $300 travel, $1,800 other | 34,200 pts | ~$783 |
| $4,000/month | $1,200 groceries/gas/drug, $400 travel, $2,400 other | 45,600 pts | ~$1,044 |
At $3,000/month in spending, the card generates approximately $783 in annual flight value — minus the $139 annual fee (waived in year one), that's a net return of $644/year. This places it among the best-performing mid-tier travel cards in Canada.
Aventura Flight Chart: How It Works
The Aventura Flight Chart is what makes this card special. Unlike fixed-rate travel portals, the chart assigns point costs based on distance and cabin class — similar to how airline award charts work, but with the flexibility to book flights on any airline.
You don't earn miles with a specific airline. Instead, CIBC books the flight for you through their travel service, and you redeem Aventura points at the chart rate. This means you can fly Air Canada, WestJet, United, British Airways, or any other carrier — the point cost is based on the route, not the airline.
The key advantage is value: at up to 2.29¢ per point, Aventura points redeemed through the Flight Chart are worth significantly more than the 1¢ per point you'd get booking general travel through CIBC Rewards. Always check the Flight Chart first before using points for other travel redemptions.
Insurance Coverage
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite includes 12 types of insurance — one of the most comprehensive packages available on a Canadian credit card at this price point. Here's the full breakdown:
Travel Insurance
| Coverage | Limit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical | $5,000,000 | Up to 15 days per trip (under age 65); 3 days (age 65+) |
| Trip Cancellation | $1,500 per trip | Reimburses pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs |
| Trip Interruption | $2,000 per trip | Covers additional costs if your trip is interrupted |
| Flight Delay | $500 | Covers meals, accommodation, and essentials during delays |
| Baggage Delay | $500 | Covers essential items while waiting for delayed luggage |
| Lost or Stolen Baggage | $500 | Reimburses lost or stolen checked baggage |
| Hotel Burglary | $2,500 | Covers personal items stolen from your hotel room |
| Travel Accident | $500,000 | Accidental death or dismemberment during common carrier travel |
| Rental Car Theft & Damage | Included | Covers collision, loss, and damage on rental vehicles |
This is an outstanding travel insurance suite. The $5,000,000 emergency medical coverage with a 15-day trip duration is generous for a Visa Infinite card — enough for most vacation trips without purchasing additional travel medical insurance. The trip cancellation and interruption coverage provides meaningful protection for pre-paid travel costs, and the rental car insurance saves you from paying $15–$30/day at the rental counter.
Purchase & Device Insurance
| Coverage | Limit | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Device Insurance | $1,000 | Covers damage, theft, and mechanical breakdown of smartphones |
| Purchase Security | 90 days | Protects purchases against loss, theft, or accidental damage |
| Extended Warranty | 1 year | Extends manufacturer warranty by up to 1 additional year |
The mobile device insurance is a standout benefit. Pay your monthly phone bill with this card, and your smartphone is covered for up to $1,000 against damage, theft, and mechanical failure. A single cracked screen repair can cost $200–$400, making this benefit worth the annual fee on its own.
Insurance Comparison
Most competitors at the $120–$150 price point offer 8–10 insurance types. The Aventura Visa Infinite's 12 types — including hotel burglary and mobile device insurance — put it in the top tier for insurance coverage among Canadian credit cards.
Airport Lounge Access
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite includes a Visa Airport Companion membership with 4 complimentary lounge visits per year at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program.
This is a meaningful travel perk. Each lounge visit typically costs $40–$70 USD if purchased separately — so 4 free visits represent approximately $200–$280 CAD in annual value. Lounges provide comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and a quiet escape from crowded airport terminals.
The 4-visit limit is per cardholder per year. If you travel frequently and need more lounge visits, you can purchase additional visits through the Visa Airport Companion program, or consider upgrading to a card with unlimited lounge access (like the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege with a Priority Pass membership).
Lounges You Can Access
The Visa Airport Companion network includes lounges at major airports worldwide, including:
- Canada: Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), Ottawa (YOW), Halifax (YHZ), Winnipeg (YWG)
- United States: Major hubs including JFK, LAX, ORD, SFO, MIA, and more
- International: Hundreds of lounges across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond
Check the Visa Airport Companion website or app for specific lounge locations and availability before your trip.
NEXUS Application Fee Rebate
A unique benefit: the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite offers a NEXUS application fee rebate of $160 every 4 years. NEXUS is the trusted traveller program that gives you expedited border crossings between Canada and the United States, as well as access to TSA PreCheck lanes at U.S. airports.
If you travel to the U.S. even occasionally, NEXUS is one of the best investments you can make — and having the $160 application fee fully covered by your credit card makes it essentially free. The rebate covers the full cost of the NEXUS application when charged to your CIBC card.
Visa Infinite Benefits
As a Visa Infinite card, you get access to the Visa Infinite program's premium benefits:
- Visa Infinite Concierge — 24/7 personal assistance for travel bookings, restaurant reservations, event tickets, and more
- Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection — Exclusive rates and perks at premium hotel properties worldwide, including room upgrades, early check-in/late checkout, and complimentary breakfast
- Visa Infinite Dining Series — Access to exclusive culinary events and dining experiences across Canada
- Exclusive Event Access — Priority access to concerts, sports events, and cultural experiences
These benefits are shared across all Visa Infinite cards, but they add meaningful value for travellers and diners who take advantage of them.
Partner Perks
Journie Rewards
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite offers savings of up to 10¢ per litre on fuel at Journie Rewards gas stations (formerly Petro-Points). Combined with the 1.5 pts/$1 earning on gas purchases, this makes the card strong for fuel spending.
The Real Value: What $139/Year Gets You
Here's the total package quantified (assuming $3,000/month spending):
| Benefit | Estimated Annual Value | How |
|---|---|---|
| Aventura points (Flight Chart redemption) | $783+ | Regular spending across all categories |
| Airport lounge access (4 visits) | $200–$280 | Complimentary lounge visits |
| Mobile device insurance | $200–$400+ | One cracked screen or theft claim |
| Emergency medical insurance (15 days) | $100–$300 | Per-trip coverage without buying separate insurance |
| Rental car insurance | $100–$300+ | Declining rental company's CDW |
| Trip cancellation/interruption | $0–$3,500 | Coverage for cancelled or interrupted trips |
| Extended warranty | $50–$200 | One warranty claim on electronics/appliances |
| Purchase security | $0–$500+ | One claim on a lost/stolen/damaged item |
| NEXUS rebate (amortized) | $40 | $160 every 4 years |
| Journie fuel savings | $30–$60 | 10¢/L savings on regular fill-ups |
| Total potential value | $1,503–$6,323+ | |
| Annual fee | −$139 | Waived in year one |
| Net value | $1,364–$6,184+ |
Even conservatively, the card delivers 10x its annual fee in value for an active traveller — and the first year is completely free.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite vs. Competitors
| Feature | CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite | RBC Avion Visa Infinite | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $139 | $120 | $139 |
| First year fee waived | |||
| Best earn rate | 2 pts/$1 (travel) | 1.25x (travel, dining) | 1.5x (Aeroplan-eligible) |
| Accelerated categories | Gas, groceries, EV, drugstores | Travel, dining | Gas, groceries, drugstores |
| Base earn rate | 1 pt/$1 | 1x Avion pt/$1 | 1x Aeroplan pt/$1 |
| Point value (max) | Up to 2.29¢ | ~1.5–2.5¢ (transfers) | ~1.5–2.5¢ (Aeroplan) |
| Airport lounge access | 4 free visits/year | ||
| Emergency medical | 15 days | 15 days | 15 days |
| Trip cancellation | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Mobile device insurance | ($1,000) | ||
| Rental car insurance | |||
| Insurance types | 12 | ~10 | ~10 |
| NEXUS rebate | ($160/4yr) | ||
| Companion voucher | |||
| Airline transfer partners | None — Aventura Flight Chart | 15+ airline partners | Aeroplan/Star Alliance |
| Best for | Flexible flight redemptions + insurance | Airline transfer flexibility | Air Canada / Star Alliance |
The verdict: The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite wins on insurance breadth (12 types vs ~10), lounge access (4 free visits vs none), and first-year value (fee waived). The RBC Avion wins on airline transfer flexibility — you can transfer Avion points to British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and other partners for aspirational redemptions. The TD Aeroplan wins for Air Canada loyalists who want points in the Star Alliance ecosystem. If you value a complete travel package — insurance, lounge, NEXUS — the Aventura is hard to beat.
How This Card Fits Into Your Wallet
Pairing Option 1: CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite + No-FX-Fee Card ($139–$259 total)
Use the Aventura card for all domestic spending — groceries, gas, drugstores at 1.5x, everything else at 1x — and for its travel insurance and lounge access. Pull out a no-foreign-transaction-fee card (Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, Brim World Elite, or HSBC World Elite) for all international purchases to avoid the 2.5% FX fee. This split maximizes rewards domestically while eliminating FX charges abroad.
Pairing Option 2: CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite + No-Fee Cash Back Card ($139 total)
Pair the Aventura with a no-fee cash back card like the RBC Cash Back Mastercard or TD Cash Back Visa. Use the Aventura for gas, groceries, and drugstores (1.5x Aventura) and for its insurance/lounge benefits. Use the cash back card for non-bonus categories if you prefer the simplicity of cash back over 1 Aventura pt/$1 on base spending.
Pairing Option 3: CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite + RBC Visa Platinum ($139 total)
Use the Aventura as your primary rewards and travel insurance card. Keep the RBC Visa Platinum ($0/year) as a backup for its travel accident insurance and rental car CDW coverage — adding a second layer of protection at no additional cost.
Drawbacks to Consider
Points Value Drops Sharply Outside the Flight Chart
The Aventura Flight Chart delivers up to 2.29¢ per point — but every other redemption option is worth 1¢ or less. If you redeem for statement credits (0.63¢/point), you're getting less than a third of the maximum value. This card is only worth holding if you plan to redeem for flights. If you want flexible, consistent point value regardless of redemption method, a cash back card or a program like Aeroplan (with relatively stable per-point value) may be a better fit.
2.5% Foreign Transaction Fee
Like most Canadian bank-issued credit cards, the Aventura Visa Infinite charges a standard 2.5% FX fee on non-CAD purchases. For a travel card, this is a notable gap — you'll want a no-FX-fee card for any international spending.
$50 Per Additional Card
While the primary card's annual fee is competitive at $139 (and waived in year one), additional cards cost $50 each — higher than the $0 additional card fee on many RBC and TD cards. The first-year fee is waived for up to 3 authorized users, but from year two onward, adding family members adds up quickly.
Income Requirement
The $60K personal / $100K household income requirement is standard for Visa Infinite cards but puts the card out of reach for students, newcomers, and lower-income earners. If you don't qualify, consider the CIBC Aventura Gold Visa, which has the same earn rates and similar benefits but with lower income requirements.
Emergency Medical Limited for Seniors
Emergency medical coverage drops from 15 days to just 3 days for cardholders age 65 and older. If you're a senior traveller, you'll need to purchase supplementary travel medical insurance for any trip longer than 3 days.
CIBC Rewards Centre Limitations
The 2x earning rate on travel requires booking through the CIBC Rewards Centre — not directly with airlines or hotels. While the portal has a wide selection, availability and pricing may not always match what you'd find booking directly. And the 2x rate doesn't apply to travel purchased outside the portal (flights booked on aircanada.com, hotels on marriott.com, etc. earn only 1 pt/$1).
Annual Fee in Year Two
The first year is free, which is excellent — but in year two, the $139 fee kicks in. Make sure you're earning enough points and using enough benefits (lounge access, insurance, NEXUS) to justify the ongoing cost. If your spending is low, you may want to downgrade to a no-fee card after the first year.
Who Is This Card Best For?
This card is an excellent choice if you:
- Travel 2+ times per year and want comprehensive travel insurance bundled with your card
- Want airport lounge access — 4 free visits per year at 1,200+ lounges worldwide
- Spend heavily on gas, groceries, and drugstores — the 1.5x accelerated earn rate is where most of your points come from
- Plan to redeem points for flights through the Aventura Flight Chart — where points are worth up to 2.29¢ each
- Want a NEXUS application fee rebate — the card covers the $160 fee every 4 years
- Value mobile device insurance — $1,000 in coverage for your smartphone at no additional cost
- Want the first year free — $139 annual fee waived, plus additional card fees waived
- Prefer airline-agnostic travel rewards — fly any airline, not locked into one program
It's not the best choice if you:
- Don't plan to redeem for flights — Aventura points lose most of their value on non-flight redemptions
- Spend frequently in foreign currencies — the 2.5% FX fee adds up quickly
- Want to transfer points to airline programs — Aventura doesn't have airline transfer partners like Avion or Aeroplan
- Are a senior traveller — emergency medical drops to 3 days for age 65+
- Have low annual spending — the $139 fee (from year two) requires meaningful spending to justify
- Don't meet the $60K/$100K income requirement — consider the CIBC Aventura Gold Visa instead
- Want free additional cards — the $50/card fee from year two adds up for families
Bottom Line
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite is one of the most complete travel credit cards in Canada. You get up to 2 points per $1 on travel, 1.5 points per $1 on groceries, gas, EV charging, and drugstores, 12 types of insurance (including emergency medical, trip cancellation, mobile device, and rental car), 4 free airport lounge visits per year, and a NEXUS fee rebate — all for $139/year with the first year free.
The card's value hinges on one thing: redeeming through the Aventura Flight Chart. At up to 2.29¢ per point, your returns are exceptional — a typical spender can generate $700–$1,000+ in flight value per year. But if you don't redeem for flights, the point value drops dramatically, and you'd be better off with a cash back or fixed-rate travel card.
For the cardholder who travels a few times a year, shops at grocery stores and gas stations, and wants a single card that covers rewards, insurance, and lounge access, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite delivers outstanding value. The first year is risk-free — you pay $0 in fees, earn up to 60,000 bonus points (~$1,200 in flights), and get the full insurance and lounge package from day one. It's one of the best first-year deals in the Canadian credit card market.
