If you’re in the market for a new premium credit card, the Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege might have caught your eye. Although premium credit cards typically charge a high annual fee (and have high income requirements), they usually offer more in the way of rewards and benefits.
The Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege (VIP) is no exception and you have your choice when it comes to picking a card issuer. We’ll give you a quick overview of each card before diving into the differences so you can pick the card that’s best for you.
Key Takeaways
- Both the CIBC and TD Aeroplan VIP cards charge an annual $599 fee with the opportunity for a partial rebate.
- You’ll earn up to 2 points per $1 for Air Canada travel with both cards.
- The TD Aeroplan VIP offers a bigger welcome bonus though the CIBC card offers slightly better insurance.
Never miss an amazing deal again + get our bonus 250+ page eBook for FREE. Join 50,000 other Canadians who receive our weekly newsletter – learn more.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege vs. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege at a glance
If you want a quick rundown of how these cards compare, take a look at each card’s features.
| Feature | CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $599 (with the opportunity for a partial rebate) | $599 (with the opportunity for a partial rebate) |
| Welcome bonus | Up to 70,000 bonus points | Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Maximum rewards | 2 points per $1 | 2 points per $1 |
| Highest earning categories | Travel through Air Canada | Travel through Air Canada |
| Insurance types included | 12 types of insurance | 12 types of insurance |
| Special feature | * Pace It installment payment option * $100 CAD NEXUS fee rebate every 4 years | * Card crafted with metal and luxurious designs * $100 CAD NEXUS fee rebate every 48 months |
| Best for | High-income cardholders who bank with CIBC | High-income cardholders who bank with TD |
| Get started | Apply now | Apply now |
What we love about the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
Pros:
- Welcome bonus of up to 70,000 Aeroplan points
- Free first checked bags on Air Canada
- Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards
- 12 types of insurance
- Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access
- Annual Worldwide Companion Pass ($99 to $599 plus taxes and fees) when you spend $25,000
Cons:
- $599 annual fee
- High income requirements of $150,000 personal or $200,000 household
- Only high value rewards are redeeming for Air Canada flights
CIBC offers over 2 dozen credit cards, but the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is the most premium card you can get. You’ll get double the points for shopping with the Aeroplan eStore, plus enjoy all the Aeroplan perks like lounge access, free checked bags, priority check-in and boarding, and an extra free night stay when you book 3 nights at a hotel using your Aeroplan points.
The CIBC Aeroplan VIP offers slightly better insurance than the TD card – especially for those over 65. If you travel frequently and want the best coverage, the higher insurance limits might tip the scales in favour of this card. Plus, if you have a CIBC Smart Plus account, you’ll save $139 on the annual fee
Rewards:
- 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on gas, EV charging, groceries, dining, and travel
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
What we love about the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
Pros:
- Welcome bonus of up to 85,000 Aeroplan points
- Free first checked bags on Air Canada
- Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards
- 12 types of insurance
- Unlimited Maple Leaf lounge access
- Annual round-trip companion pass from $99 (plus taxes and fees) when you spend $25,000
Cons:
- $599 annual fee
- High income requirements of $150,000 personal or $200,000 household
- Only high value rewards are redeeming for Air Canada flights
Rest assured, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card comes with the same Aeroplan perks and benefits as the CIBC card. The card is simply issued through a different big bank – with 1 difference. This card offers a more generous one-time anniversary bonus than CIBC, bumping the total welcome bonus to 85,000 Aeroplan points worth up to $1,700.
If you’re already paying for a TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan, you’ll want to go with the TD Aeroplan VIP since you’ll get a $139 rebate for the card’s annual fee.
Rewards:
- 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
How do the CIBC Aeroplan VIP and TD Aeroplan VIP compare?
Credit cards often vary by tier level but cards in the same tier are typically quite similar, even when issued by different banks.
Best benefits: tie
These cards have many of the same benefits: rental car discounts with Avis and Budget, qualifying status with Aeroplan, and Visa Infinite Privilege benefits that give you personalized access to luxury hotels, exclusive dining opportunities, and complimentary concierge services. You’ll also get a NEXUS fee rebate with both cards – up to $100 CAD every 48 months or 4 years.
One of the few differences in benefits is flexibility in payment. CIBC offers Pace It, which allows you to break large purchases into installments so they’re easier to pay off over time.
The main benefit that TD has over CIBC comes down to coffee loyalty. If you’re a Starbucks Reward member and you use your TD Aeroplan VIP to pay for your next drink, you’ll earn 50% more Stars.
Best insurance: CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
First, let's highlight how great the insurance package is with both the CIBC and TD cards. Here’s what you’ll get from both:
- Extended warranty: 2 years
- Mobile device: $1,500
- Travel accident: $500,000
- Emergency medical term: 31 days
- Trip cancellation: $2,500
- Trip interruption: $5,000
- Flight delay: $1,000
- Baggage delay: $1,000
- Hotel burglary: $2,500
- Rental car theft and damage
Now for the differences. Although the CIBC card has 180 days of purchase protection (compared to TD’s 120 days), the TD Aeroplan VIP includes $2,500 of lost or stolen baggage coverage (compared to $1,000 in similar coverage with CIBC).
What really sets these cards apart is the emergency medical care over 65 – you’ll only get 4 days of coverage with the TD card but CIBC gives you 10 days. It can be difficult to find solid coverage for seniors, so this is a serious perk.
Learn more: Best credit card travel insurance for seniors
Best rewards: tie
Both cards earn 2 points per $1 spent directly through Air Canada for travel and 1.5 points per $1 spent on gas, groceries, travel, and dining. All other purchases earn you 1.25 points per $1 spent.
The only difference matters to EV owners – you’ll get 1.5 points per $1 spent on EV charging with the CIBC card instead of 1.25 points.
Highest acceptance: tie
As top-tier Visa cards, merchants around the world will readily accept either card.
Highest welcome bonus: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
As you can expect, premium cards come with premium bonuses and the Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege doesn’t disappoint. You’ll earn up to 70,000 bonus points with the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card but the TD Aeroplan VIP has it beat. With that card, you’ll earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points worth up to an estimated $1,700.
Interest fees: tie
The CIBC and TD Aeroplan VIPs both charge the same interest rate, which is fairly standard across most credit cards.
| Interest rates | |
|---|---|
| Purchases | 21.99% |
| Cash advances | 22.99% |
| Balance transfers | 22.99% |
Lowest annual fee: tie
Both banks charge a whopping $599 per year for the privilege of keeping this card in your wallet. That said, they also give you the opportunity to get a partial rebate every year. If you have a TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan or a CIBC Smart Plus Account, you’ll get a $139 annual fee rebate towards your Aeroplan VIP card.
Lowest eligibility requirements: tie
As is standard for Visa Infinite Privilege cards, both CIBC and TD require a minimum income of $150,000 personal or $200,000 household per year. It’s steep, but these are super-premium cards with excellent perks and benefits.
Interested in a premium Aeroplan card but don’t meet the income requirements? Check out the Aeroplan Visa Infinite cards offered by these banks. The card has a lower income requirement and a more palatable annual fee.
The winner: tie
The perks and benefits of these cards are so similar that we’re essentially splitting hairs to choose a winner. However, if you value specific features in a credit card, you might be swayed to choose one issuer over another.
If you’re a senior and you value insurance coverage while you’re travelling, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card might be your best choice. If you want great earning potential and the biggest headstart from your welcome bonus, you might prefer to opt for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card.
FAQ
Do I get lounge access with the TD Aeroplan card?
Yes, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card includes unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges for you and a guest. Plus, you’ll enjoy 6 complimentary passes for Visa Airport Companion Program lounges each year.
Does the CIBC Aeroplan card have lounge access?
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card gives you unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges and 6 annual complimentary lounge visits through the Visa Airport Companion Program.
How do you get free baggage with TD Aeroplan?
With the TD Aeroplan VIP, you and up to 8 guests each get a free first checked bag when you’re flying with Air Canada. You don’t have to do anything to get it – it’s a perk of being an Aeroplan cardholder.
How do you link a TD Aeroplan card with an Aeroplan account?
If you’re the primary cardholder, your card should already be linked. If you’re a secondary cardholder, head to the Air Canada site and select "TD Canada Trust." Check the box for secondary cardholders and sign into your Aeroplan account (or set one up). Enter your TD card information and you’re all set.
creditcardGenius is the only tool that compares 126+ features of 229 Canadian credit cards using math-based ratings and rankings that respond to your needs, instantly. Take our quiz and see which of Canada's 229 cards is for you.
GC: 
Comments
Leave a comment
Required fields are marked with *. Your email address will not be published.