Overview
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege is CIBC's flagship credit card — and one of the most feature-rich travel cards in Canada. It earns 3 Aventura points per $1 on travel booked through CIBC Rewards, 2 points per $1 on gas, EV charging, groceries, restaurants, entertainment, and transit, and 1.25 points per $1 on everything else. There are no dead categories — even the base rate outperforms most competitors' 1 pt/$1.
But rewards are only part of the story. This card delivers a $200 annual travel credit, 6 free airport lounge visits per year, NEXUS rebates for two cardholders, 31-day emergency medical insurance (the longest of any CIBC card), and an insurance package with enhanced limits across the board — 180-day purchase security, 2-year extended warranty, $1,500 mobile device coverage, and $5,000 trip interruption.
At $499/year, it's a premium commitment. But for high-income Canadians who travel frequently and can take advantage of the lounge visits, insurance suite, travel credit, and NEXUS rebates, the card can deliver $1,200+ in annual rewards plus $500+ in travel perks — comfortably exceeding its fee.
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege has won the creditcardGenius award for Best Rewards Card — a testament to the overall value proposition for the right cardholder.
Welcome Offer
CIBC's welcome offer on the Infinite Privilege tier is substantial:
- 50,000 Aventura points after spending $6,000 in the first 4 monthly statement periods
- 30,000 Aventura points anniversary bonus after spending $25,000 in the first 12 monthly statement periods
That's up to 80,000 Aventura points in total. At the Aventura Flight Chart's maximum value of 2.29¢ per point, 80,000 points are worth approximately $1,832 in travel value. Even at the 1¢/point general travel redemption rate, you're looking at $800 — significant for a single welcome bonus.
The $6,000 spending requirement over 4 months ($1,500/month) is modest relative to the card's target demographic. For someone earning $150K+, this threshold will be met through normal everyday spending on groceries, gas, and dining. The 30,000-point anniversary bonus requires $25,000 over 12 months (~$2,083/month), which is also reasonable for high-income cardholders.
Earning Aventura Points
The Infinite Privilege card significantly upgrades the earning structure over the regular Aventura Visa Infinite:
- 3 Aventura points per $1 on travel booked through CIBC Rewards
- 2 Aventura points per $1 on gas, EV charging, groceries, restaurants, entertainment, and transit
- 1.25 Aventura points per $1 on all other purchases
The 2x categories are where this card shines for everyday use. Gas, groceries, restaurants, and transit cover the vast majority of a typical household's monthly spending — and at 2 pts/$1, you're earning significantly faster than the Infinite tier's 1.5x on those same categories.
The 1.25x base rate is also noteworthy. Most travel cards default to 1 pt/$1 on non-bonus spending, which means the Infinite Privilege gives you 25% more points on every purchase that doesn't fall into a bonus category. Over a year, that adds up.
What Are Aventura Points Worth?
Aventura points have the same redemption tiers regardless of which card you hold:
| 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 |
Effective Return Rates (Flight Chart Redemption)
When redeeming at the maximum 2.29¢ per point through the Aventura Flight Chart:
| Earning Category | Earn Rate | Effective Return |
|---|---|---|
| Travel via CIBC Rewards | 3 pts/$1 | 6.87% |
| Gas, groceries, restaurants, EV, transit | 2 pts/$1 | 4.58% |
| All other purchases | 1.25 pts/$1 | 2.86% |
These are elite-tier returns. The 6.87% effective return on travel and 4.58% on everyday categories are among the highest available on any Canadian credit card. Even the base 2.86% beats most dedicated cash back 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000/month | $1,200 gas/groceries/dining, $300 travel, $1,500 other | 44,700 pts | ~$1,024 |
| $5,000/month | $2,000 gas/groceries/dining, $500 travel, $2,500 other | 74,500 pts | ~$1,706 |
| $8,000/month | $3,000 gas/groceries/dining, $1,000 travel, $4,000 other | 120,000 pts | ~$2,748 |
For high spenders putting $5,000+/month on the card, the annual rewards alone can exceed $1,700 — more than triple the $499 annual fee. Combined with the travel credit, lounge access, and insurance, the card's total value proposition is strong.
Aventura Flight Chart: Maximum Value
The Aventura Flight Chart is identical to the Infinite tier — points are redeemed based on flight distance and cabin class, with any airline eligible. At up to 2.29¢ per point, this is where Aventura points deliver their maximum value. Always check the Flight Chart before redeeming for general travel through CIBC Rewards, where points are worth only 1¢ each.
The key difference from airline-specific programs (Aeroplan, Avios) is flexibility — you can book any airline, any route. The trade-off is that you don't get airline transfer partners for aspirational business or first-class redemptions at outsized value.
$200 Annual Travel Credit
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege includes a $200 annual travel credit — an automatic statement credit applied toward eligible travel purchases. This effectively reduces the net annual fee from $499 to $299, making the card significantly more palatable for regular travellers.
The travel credit is applied automatically when you make qualifying travel purchases with the card. There's no need to book through a specific portal or submit a claim — it's straightforward and predictable.
This $200 credit is a guaranteed benefit regardless of how you redeem your points, which is important: even if you don't maximize your Aventura points through the Flight Chart, the travel credit delivers consistent value every year.
Insurance Coverage
The Infinite Privilege tier offers 12 types of insurance with enhanced limits that significantly surpass the Infinite version. This is one of the most comprehensive insurance packages available on any Canadian credit card.
Travel Insurance
| Coverage | Infinite Privilege | Infinite (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical | $5,000,000 / 31 days | $5,000,000 / 15 days |
| Emergency Medical (65+) | 10 days | 3 days |
| Trip Cancellation | $2,500 per trip | $1,500 per trip |
| Trip Interruption | $5,000 per trip | $2,000 per trip |
| Flight Delay | $500 | $500 |
| Baggage Delay | $500 | $500 |
| Lost or Stolen Baggage | $1,000 | $500 |
| Hotel Burglary | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Travel Accident | $500,000 | $500,000 |
| Rental Car Theft & Damage | Included | Included |
The standout upgrade is the 31-day emergency medical coverage — more than double the Infinite tier's 15 days. This is long enough to cover most vacations, extended trips, and even short-term stays abroad without purchasing additional travel medical insurance. For cardholders age 65+, the coverage is 10 days (vs only 3 days on the Infinite), which is a significant improvement for senior travellers.
The $5,000 trip interruption limit is also exceptional — if your trip is interrupted by a covered event, you have meaningful coverage for additional accommodation, transportation, and other costs to get home.
Purchase & Device Insurance
| Coverage | Infinite Privilege | Infinite (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Device Insurance | $1,500 | $1,000 |
| Purchase Security | 180 days | 90 days |
| Extended Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
The 180-day purchase security is one of the longest in the Canadian market — double the standard 90 days. The 2-year extended warranty doubles the Infinite tier and provides meaningful protection on electronics, appliances, and other big-ticket items. And the $1,500 mobile device coverage is among the highest available, covering even the most expensive flagship smartphones.
Airport Lounge Access
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege includes a Visa Airport Companion membership with 6 complimentary lounge visits per year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide — 50% more visits than the Infinite tier's 4.
Each lounge visit typically costs $40–$70 USD if purchased separately, so 6 free visits represent approximately $330–$420 CAD in annual value. For frequent travellers who fly 3+ times per year, this benefit alone can offset a meaningful portion of the annual fee.
The Visa Airport Companion network covers major airports worldwide including all major Canadian hubs (YYZ, YVR, YUL, YYC, YEG, YOW, YHZ, YWG), major U.S. airports, and hundreds of international lounges across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Additional visits beyond the 6 complimentary ones can be purchased through the Visa Airport Companion program.
NEXUS Application Fee Rebate
The Infinite Privilege card offers a NEXUS application fee rebate of $160 every 4 years — and unlike the Infinite tier, the rebate covers both the primary cardholder and an additional cardholder. That's up to $320 in NEXUS rebates per 4-year cycle.
NEXUS gives you expedited border crossings between Canada and the United States, TSA PreCheck access at U.S. airports, and dedicated NEXUS lanes at Canadian airports. Having both you and a partner covered at no cost is a meaningful perk for couples or families who travel to the U.S.
Visa Infinite Privilege Benefits
As CIBC's top-tier card, you get the full Visa Infinite Privilege benefits suite — a step above the standard Visa Infinite program:
- Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge — Enhanced 24/7 personal assistance service with dedicated agents
- Visa Infinite Privilege Luxury Hotel Collection — Premium hotel rates with guaranteed room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in/late checkout, and special amenities
- Visa Infinite Privilege iLounges — Access to exclusive Visa-branded airport lounges (separate from the Visa Airport Companion network)
- Visa Infinite Privilege Dining Series — Access to exclusive culinary events and dining experiences across Canada
- Exclusive Event Access — Priority access to premium concerts, sports events, and cultural experiences
- Avis and Budget Discounts — Car rental savings at Avis and Budget locations worldwide
The Real Value: What $499/Year Gets You
Here's the total package quantified (assuming $5,000/month spending):
| Benefit | Estimated Annual Value | How |
|---|---|---|
| Aventura points (Flight Chart) | $1,706+ | Regular spending across all categories |
| Annual travel credit | $200 | Automatic statement credit |
| Airport lounge access (6 visits) | $330–$420 | Complimentary lounge visits |
| 31-day emergency medical | $150–$500 | Per-trip coverage without buying separate insurance |
| Mobile device insurance ($1,500) | $200–$400+ | One cracked screen or theft claim |
| Rental car insurance | $100–$300+ | Declining rental company's CDW |
| Trip cancellation/interruption | $0–$7,500 | Coverage for cancelled or interrupted trips |
| Extended warranty (2 years) | $50–$300 | Warranty claims on electronics/appliances |
| Purchase security (180 days) | $0–$500+ | Claims on lost/stolen/damaged items |
| NEXUS rebate (amortized) | $80 | $320 every 4 years (2 cardholders) |
| Total potential value | $2,816–$11,626+ | |
| Annual fee | −$499 | |
| Net value | $2,317–$11,127+ |
Even conservatively, the card delivers 5–6x its annual fee in value for a frequent traveller who puts significant spending on the card. The $200 travel credit alone knocks the effective fee down to $299, and the insurance package plus lounge access can cover the rest.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege vs. Infinite
This is the most important comparison — is the upgrade worth the extra $360/year?
| Feature | Infinite Privilege ($499/yr) | Infinite ($139/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel earn rate | 3 pts/$1 | 2 pts/$1 |
| Everyday earn rate | 2 pts/$1 | 1.5 pts/$1 |
| Base earn rate | 1.25 pts/$1 | 1 pts/$1 |
| Annual travel credit | $200 | None |
| Lounge visits | 6/year | 4/year |
| Emergency medical | 31 days | 15 days |
| Emergency medical (65+) | 10 days | 3 days |
| Trip cancellation | $2,500 | $1,500 |
| Trip interruption | $5,000 | $2,000 |
| Mobile device | $1,500 | $1,000 |
| Purchase security | 180 days | 90 days |
| Extended warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
| Lost/stolen baggage | $1,000 | $500 |
| NEXUS rebate | 2 cardholders | 1 cardholder |
| Additional card fee | $99 | $50 |
| Income requirement | $150K / $200K | $60K / $100K |
The verdict: The upgrade is worth it if you spend $4,000+/month on the card and travel 3+ times per year. The higher earn rates generate $300–$500+ more in annual points, the $200 travel credit offsets most of the fee difference, and the enhanced insurance limits (especially 31-day medical and 180-day purchase security) provide significantly better protection. If you spend less or travel infrequently, the Infinite tier at $139/year delivers better value per dollar of fee.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege vs. Competitors
| Feature | CIBC Aventura Infinite Privilege | RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $499 | $399 | $599 |
| Best earn rate | 3 pts/$1 (travel) | 1.25x Avion (all) | 1.5x Aeroplan (all) |
| Everyday categories | 2 pts/$1 | 1.25x Avion pts | 1.5x Aeroplan pts |
| Base rate | 1.25 pts/$1 | 1.25x Avion pts | 1.5x Aeroplan pts |
| Travel credit | $200 | None | None |
| Lounge access | 6 visits (Visa Airport Companion) | Priority Pass (unlimited) | Priority Pass + Maple Leaf Lounges |
| Emergency medical | 31 days | 15 days | 15 days |
| Trip cancellation | $2,500 | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Mobile device insurance | $1,500 | ||
| NEXUS rebate | (2 cardholders) | ||
| Airline transfers | None | 15+ partners | Aeroplan/Star Alliance |
| Best for | Insurance + travel credit + flexible flights | Airline transfer flexibility + unlimited lounge | Air Canada / Star Alliance loyalty |
The verdict: The Aventura Infinite Privilege wins on insurance (31-day medical is best-in-class), travel credit ($200/year guaranteed), and NEXUS coverage (2 cardholders). The RBC Avion Infinite Privilege wins on lounge access (unlimited Priority Pass) and airline transfer partners for aspirational redemptions. The TD Aeroplan Infinite Privilege wins for Air Canada loyalists with Maple Leaf Lounge access and Star Alliance integration. Choose based on which benefits matter most to your travel style.
How This Card Fits Into Your Wallet
Pairing Option 1: Aventura Infinite Privilege + No-FX-Fee Card ($499–$619 total)
Use the Aventura as your primary domestic card — groceries, gas, restaurants, transit at 2x, everything else at 1.25x — and rely on its insurance and lounge access for travel. Pair with a no-foreign-transaction-fee card (Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, Brim World Elite, or HSBC World Elite) for all international spending to avoid the 2.5% FX fee. This maximizes domestic rewards while eliminating FX costs abroad.
Pairing Option 2: Aventura Infinite Privilege + RBC Visa Platinum ($499 total)
Use the Aventura for all everyday spending and travel. Keep the RBC Visa Platinum ($0/year) as a backup for an additional layer of travel accident and rental car insurance — though the Aventura already includes both.
Pairing Option 3: Aventura Infinite Privilege Only ($499 total)
The Infinite Privilege is strong enough to stand on its own as a single-card wallet. The 1.25x base rate means there are no dead categories, the insurance suite covers travel and purchase protection comprehensively, and the lounge access and travel credit add consistent value. The only gap is the 2.5% FX fee — if you rarely travel internationally, this card can handle everything.
Drawbacks to Consider
$499 Annual Fee
This is a premium card with a premium price. At $499/year ($99 for additional cards), you need to put significant spending on the card and actively use the benefits to justify the cost. The $200 travel credit reduces the effective fee to $299, but that's still a meaningful annual commitment. If you spend less than $3,000/month, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite at $139/year is likely a better value.
Very High Income Requirement
The $150K personal / $200K household income threshold is one of the highest in the Canadian market. This puts the card firmly in the ultra-premium segment and excludes the vast majority of Canadians. If you don't meet the threshold, the Aventura Visa Infinite has the same rewards program with lower requirements.
Points Value Drops Sharply Outside the Flight Chart
Just like the Infinite tier, Aventura points are worth up to 2.29¢ on the Flight Chart but drop to 1¢ or less for every other redemption method. If you don't redeem for flights, the card's impressive earn rates are significantly less impressive. At 0.63¢/point for statement credits, even the 2x categories only deliver ~1.26% — worse than a no-fee cash back card.
2.5% Foreign Transaction Fee
For a $499/year premium travel card, the standard 2.5% FX fee is a notable gap. Many competitors at this price point (Scotiabank Passport, HSBC World Elite, Brim) offer 0% FX fees. If you travel internationally and make purchases in foreign currencies, you'll need a companion card to avoid this fee.
$99 Additional Card Fee
At $99 per additional cardholder, adding family members is expensive. After the first year (when additional card fees may be waived), a couple sharing this card pays $499 + $99 = $598/year. Compare this to cards that offer free additional cards.
CIBC Rewards Centre Limitations
The 3x earning rate on travel requires booking through CIBC Rewards — not directly with airlines or hotels. The CIBC travel booking portal (powered by Expedia) may not always have the best prices or widest availability compared to booking direct. User reviews consistently cite frustrations with the booking experience.
Emergency Medical Limited for Seniors
While the 10-day coverage for cardholders age 65+ is better than the Infinite tier's 3 days, it's still limited for longer trips. Senior travellers on extended vacations will need supplementary travel medical insurance.
Who Is This Card Best For?
This card is an excellent choice if you:
- Earn $150K+ personal or $200K+ household income
- Spend $4,000+/month on credit and want top-tier accelerated earning across multiple categories
- Travel 3+ times per year and want comprehensive insurance, lounge access, and travel credit bundled into one card
- Want 31-day emergency medical coverage — enough for most vacations without buying separate insurance
- Plan to redeem Aventura points for flights through the Flight Chart at up to 2.29¢/point
- Value NEXUS coverage for yourself and a partner/family member
- Want a $200 annual travel credit that automatically reduces your effective annual fee
- Prefer airline-agnostic travel rewards — fly any carrier without being locked into one program
It's not the best choice if you:
- Don't meet the $150K/$200K income requirement
- Spend less than $3,000/month on the card — the Infinite tier at $139/year is better value
- 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 negates rewards on international purchases
- Want to transfer points to airline programs — Aventura doesn't have transfer partners like Avion or Aeroplan
- Want unlimited lounge access — the 6-visit limit may not be enough for very frequent travellers
- Prefer a simple cash back card — the variable point value adds complexity
Bottom Line
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege is one of the most complete premium travel cards in Canada. You get 3 points per $1 on travel, 2 points per $1 on gas, groceries, restaurants, and transit, 1.25 points per $1 on everything else, a $200 annual travel credit, 6 free lounge visits, 31-day emergency medical insurance, $1,500 mobile device coverage, NEXUS rebates for two cardholders, and 12 types of insurance with enhanced limits — all for $499/year (effectively $299 after the travel credit).
The card's value is strongest for high-income, high-spending travellers who redeem through the Aventura Flight Chart. At 2.29¢ per point, a $5,000/month spender generates $1,700+ in annual flight value — more than triple the annual fee. Add the travel credit, lounge access, and insurance savings, and the total value can exceed $2,500+/year.
If you're comparing to the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite, the upgrade is justified if you spend $4,000+/month and travel frequently enough to use the enhanced insurance, extra lounge visits, and NEXUS coverage. If you're choosing between CIBC and competitors like RBC Avion or TD Aeroplan at the Infinite Privilege tier, the Aventura wins on insurance depth and guaranteed value (travel credit + NEXUS), while the others win on airline transfer flexibility and lounge quantity.
