The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card is CIBC’s flagship travel rewards card, offering elevated earn rates on travel, gas, EV charging, groceries and drugstores. With generous welcome bonuses, first-year fee rebates, lounge access and strong insurance, it delivers solid value for frequent travellers who pay their balance in full.
Main Advantages
- High earn rates on travel and everyday essentials: Earn 2 points per dollar on travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre and 1.5 points per dollar on gas, EV charging, groceries and drugstores (to a yearly cap), helping you accumulate rewards quickly through common spending categories.
- Valuable welcome offer and first-year fee rebate: The welcome package includes a large allotment of Aventura Points, a first-year fee rebate for the primary card and up to three authorized users, complimentary lounge visits and a NEXUS fee rebate, maximizing first-year value.
- Strong travel perks, lounge access and NEXUS rebate: Receive four annual lounge visits through the Visa Airport Companion Program and a NEXUS fee rebate, making travel more comfortable and adding significant value for cross-border and international travellers.
- Comprehensive insurance and mobile device protection: Enjoy extensive travel insurance, including emergency medical, trip cancellation and interruption, flight delay, baggage coverage, car rental insurance and mobile device protection, reducing the need for separate policies.
- Flexible redemptions and non-expiring points: Redeem Aventura Points for flights, travel bookings, merchandise, gift cards, statement credits and more. Points never expire as long as your account remains in good standing.
Main Disadvantages
- Annual fee after the first year: Once the introductory period ends, the card charges a $139 annual fee for the primary cardholder and $50 for each authorized user unless offset through eligible banking bundles.
- Income requirement limits accessibility: With a minimum annual income requirement of $60,000 personal or $100,000 household, some applicants—such as students or entry-level workers—may not qualify.
- Travel-centric rewards may not suit every spender: Users who rarely travel or prefer straightforward cash-back rewards may find better value with a simpler low-fee card.
- Optimization requires using the CIBC Rewards Centre: To achieve maximum value, users must book travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre, which may not appeal to those who prefer booking directly with airlines or other platforms.
- Standard premium-card interest rates: Like most premium cards, it carries high interest rates on purchases and cash advances, making it unsuitable for those who carry a balance.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Confirm eligibility: Ensure you meet residency, age of majority and income requirements, and that your credit profile reflects a strong payment history.
- Review the current offer and key terms: Visit the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite page to check the latest welcome bonus details, annual fees, interest rates and any time-limited promotions.
- Gather personal and financial information: Prepare your personal details, employment information, income, housing status and information for any additional cardholders.
- Complete and submit your application: Fill out the online form, or apply by phone or at a CIBC branch. Be prepared to authorize a credit check.
- Await approval and activate your card: If approved, your card will arrive by mail. Activate it through online banking, the mobile app or by phone, then set your PIN and alerts.
- Enroll in benefits and set a rewards strategy: Activate your lounge access, ensure your NEXUS rebate is set up, and plan how to route travel, grocery, fuel and drugstore spending to maximize the card’s earn rates.
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card brings together strong travel earn rates, a flexible and well-established points program, premium perks and comprehensive insurance in a single package tailored to Canadian travellers. If your spending habits align with its bonus categories and you meet the income and credit requirements, it can deliver a blend of rewards and protections that exceeds its annual cost—provided you manage it responsibly and pay your balance in full.
Now is the ideal moment to take a closer look at your recent spending, estimate your potential Aventura earnings and decide whether you are ready to upgrade your travel experience. If the numbers make sense, consider submitting an application and letting your next trip start with the card in your wallet rather than at the airport check-in counter.
