The Visa Infinite Privilege program offers high-income Canadians a range of credit cards with high earn rates, luxury benefits, and comprehensive insurance coverage. While many of the best Visa credit cards are Visa Infinite cards, the cream of the crop are VIPs.
The income and credit score requirements are quite high, as are the annual fees, but the benefits can easily outweigh the cost – if you'll take full advantage of them.
Key Takeaways
- Visa Infinite Privilege is Visa’s premier luxury credit product.
- Visa Infinite Privilege credit cards provide 8 major perks and benefits, including airport lounge access, exclusive event tickets, and complimentary luxury hotel upgrades.
- You’ll need at least $150,000 of personal income (or $200,000 of household income) and a solid credit score to qualify for a Visa Infinite Privilege credit card in Canada.
- The best Visa Infinite Privilege credit card is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege.
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What is Visa Infinite Privilege?
Visa Infinite Privilege is the highest tier of Visa credit cards. You only need to look at the initials to know what the program's all about: "VIP," as in VIP events, VIP rewards, and VIP travel.
Compared to all other Visa credit cards, VIP cards have incredibly high annual fees and steep credit score and income requirements.
But if you qualify, you'll be rewarded with equally high spending limits, earning rates, and welcome bonuses – plus an astonishing array of luxury perks and benefits.
8 Visa Infinite Privilege perks and benefits
The VIP program caters to high-income extroverts, shoppers, and travellers. Its partners span the globe, tempting cardholders with Michelin-starred meals, priority airport services, and complimentary breakfast at 200+ chalets and villas.
The top 8 perks of carrying a Visa Infinite Privilege credit card are:
- 24/7 Visa Complimentary Concierge: Let a specialist arrange your trip or book your next event tickets or restaurant reservations with year-round, global service.
- Exclusive offers: Browse 50+ offers in 5 categories – food and wine, lifestyle, retail, travel, and other – including discounts, golf course memberships, world-class restaurant reservations, and a complimentary night's stay in some of the world's most luxurious hotels.
- Global Airport Lounge Access: Receive 6+ complimentary passes to over 1,200 airport lounges through the Visa Airport Companion program.
- VIP Travel treatment: Enjoy airport parking and valet discounts, dedicated priority security lanes, and dedicated taxi and limo lanes at major Canadian airports like Toronto Billy Bishop, Ottawa, and Montréal.
- Visa Infinite Dining Series: Access tickets to exclusive culinary events, including live cooking shows, tasting menus, wine tastings, and more.
- Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection: Enjoy benefits at 900+ luxury Visa Infinite Privilege hotels around the world, such as automatic room upgrades, preferred rates, and complimentary breakfast each day.
- Visa RSVP Rewards Benefit: Go straight to the top with automatic Diamond Status at 60+ Sandman, Sandman Signature, and Sutton Place Hotels, and enjoy perks like free room upgrades, early check-ins, late check-outs, and bonus loyalty points.
- Visa Infinite Wine Country Program: Enjoy in-person and online benefits at 60+ wineries in BC and Ontario, including complimentary tastings, tours, and discounts.
And that's not all – VIP cards tend to offer more comprehensive credit card insurance and bigger welcome bonuses than other credit cards.
Visa Infinite Privilege vs. Visa Infinite
If you don't qualify for a Visa Infinite Privilege card – or you don't travel frequently – your next-best option is a Visa Infinite credit card. Like their premium cousins, Visa Infinite cards benefit from acceptance at tens of millions of merchants worldwide and 2.5 million ATMs.
Visa Infinite cardholders can access 24/7 complimentary concierge services as well as the Visa Airport Companion, Infinite Dining, Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, and Infinite Wine Country programs. And while they still enjoy Visa RSVP Rewards and discounts at hundreds of international hotels, rental car agencies, restaurants, and retailers, they aren't eligible for VIP airport treatment.
Visa Infinite Privilege vs. World Elite Mastercard
Mastercard's answer to the Visa Infinite Privilege program is the World Elite Mastercard collection. It also offers a concierge service, airport lounge access through the Mastercard Travel Pass, and access to exclusive entertainment, events, and experiences.
Visa and Mastercard travel passes are roughly the same because they're both powered by Dragonpass. But Mastercard can't quite match the travel benefits and perks included in the VIP program – instead, Mastercard's strengths lie in basic no-fee and cash back credit cards for ordinary Canadians.
The bottom line: If you qualify for a Visa Infinite Privilege credit card, we'd say you owe it to yourself to give the best Visa cards a look.
How do you qualify for a Visa Infinite Privilege card?
The Visa Infinite Privilege program contains only premium credit cards, as evidenced by the stringent eligibility requirements.
To make a successful credit card application, you'll need:
- At least $150,000 of annual personal income OR $200,000 of annual household income
- At least $240 for annual fees
Note that a few VIP cards instead require $200,000 in annual personal income: the Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege and RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege.
The best Visa Infinite Privilege credit cards in Canada
The best overall Visa Infinite Privilege credit card is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege. Still, all top cards enjoy the benefits of the VIP program, plus special perks added by their credit card issuers.
| Category | Credit Card | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee | Extra Card Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege | Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms) | $399 | $99 |
| Best Aeroplan | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms) | $599 | $199 |
| Best travel credit | Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card | Up to 80,000 bonus points (terms) | $599 | $199 |
| Best perks value | BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card |  $400 GeniusCash + Up to 200,000 bonus points (terms) | $599 | $99 |
| Best return rate | CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card | Up to 80,000 bonus points (terms) | $499 | $99 |
| Best low fee | Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card | 5% cash back for the first month (terms) | $240 | $0 |
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
×5 Award winner 
Pros:
- 50 Be Well Points per $1 spent at Rexall
- 12 types of insurance included
- 3 cents off per litre at Petro-Canada
- $0 delivery fees for 12 months from DoorDash
- Points worth up to 2.33 cents each
Cons:
- $399 annual fee
- Points worth as little as 0.58 cents each
- $200,000 personal income required – more than the usual $150,000
Why we love it:
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege offers a straightforward way to earn rewards, awarding 1.25 points for every $1 spent. It doesn't sound like much, but if you spend your points wisely, Avion Rewards can be one of the most valuable rewards programs in Canada, with each point worth up to 2.33 cents. And even though the annual fee is high, it's the lowest among the Big Banks' Visa Infinite Privilege cards.
You can book a flight knowing you're covered by up to $500,000 of travel accident insurance, $5,000 of trip interruption coverage, and $3,000 of hotel burglary insurance. Plus, your purchases are covered by RBC's purchase protection insurance for up to 120 days.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Pros:
- $100 NEXUS fee rebate every 4 years
- 12 types of insurance included
- 1 annual $99 – $599 round-trip companion pass (plus taxes and fees) after spending $25,000
- 1st free checked bag on Air Canada flights
- Points worth an average of 1.6 cents each on Air Canada flights
- Premium metal credit card
- Priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling, and other services on Air Canada flights
- Unlimited access and 1 guest pass per visit to Maple Leaf Lounges
Cons:
- $599 annual fee
- Points worth as little as 0.71 cents each
Why we love it:
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is an excellent credit card that allows cardholders to earn up to 2 Aeroplan Points per $1 spent. These can be redeemed for flights, car rentals, hotels, merchandise and more. But really, why spend them on anything but flights?
Not only do Air Canada flight tickets yield an average value of 1.6 cents per point, but this premium metal credit card also grants priority airport services, unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges, and Visa Infinite Privilege benefits. Top it off with a full suite of travel insurance, and you have few reasons not to fly.
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Pros:
- Visa Airport Companion membership with 10 free passes
- Annual 250 travel credit
- Doesn't charge a foreign exchange fee
- Earn up to 100,000 welcome bonus points
- 20.99% purchase interest rate
- 12 types of insurance included
Cons:
- $599 annual fee
- $199 extra card fee
Why we love it:
With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Privilege Card card in your wallet, you'll earn up to 3 points per $1 spent on travel, 2 points per $1 spent on restaurants and entertainment, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. Every Scene+ point you earn can go toward gas, travel, gift cards, and more.
This card offers a generous $250 travel credit every year. You'll also get 10 lounge passes instead of the usual 6.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card
GC: $400
Pros:
- $200 annual lifestyle credit
- 25% bonus points when you add an authorized user
- 12 types of included insurance
- Premium metal credit card
Cons:
- $599 annual fee
- Points worth as little as 0.54 cents each
Why we love it:
The biggest selling point of the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card is its $200 annual lifestyle credit. No spending minimum, no conditions, just $200 for you to redeem as you please on any purchase you make with your credit card.
You'll earn 5 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent on dining, drugstores, gas, groceries, or travel, and 1 point everywhere else. It's too bad BMO points aren't more valuable, or this card would rate a lot higher.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Pros:
- $200 annual travel credit
- 2 NEXUS fee rebates every 4 years
- $139 rebate with a CIBC Smart Plus Account
- 12 types of insurance included
- Up to 10 cents off per litre with Journie Rewards
- Points worth up to 2.29 cents each
- Premium metal credit card
Cons:
- $499 annual fee
- $99 extra card fee
Why we love it:
Aventura Rewards Points can be incredibly valuable, giving the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card a 3.34% return rate on just $2,000 of monthly spending. Cardholders earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre, 2 points on dining, entertainment, EV charging, gas, groceries, and transportation, and 1.25 points on everything else.
Unfortunately, you must qualify for flights on CIBC's airline rewards chart to make your points count. That means departing from and returning to 1 major Canadian airport and purchasing a round-trip flight that doesn't exceed the maximum ticket cost.
If you don't have quite enough Aventura points to cover your trip, you may still be able to book – as long as you're 80% of the way there. When you have 80% or more of the points required, you can request to charge the remaining cost to your card.
Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
Pros:
- Visa Airport Companion membership with 6 free passes
- Charges no foreign exchange fees
- Free to add a supplemental cardholder
- Available as a metal card
Cons:
- Only available to Wealthsimple chequing account clients
Why we love it:
The Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card stands out for its low annual cost. VIP cards are typically in the $399 – $599 range, but this card will only cost you $240. And instead of an annual fee, this is billed as $20 per month.
But even better: You have a couple of opportunities to waive the fee altogether.
If you have at least $100,000 in Wealthsimple assets or you set up direct deposits (such as a paycheque) totalling at least $4,000 per month, your fee is waived.
You'll enjoy a steady 2% cash back on all your purchases in addition to Visa Infinite Privilege benefits like airport lounge access and impressive insurance coverage.
Bonus: CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Pros:
- 12 types of insurance included
- Points worth up to 1.6 cents each
- 1 annual $99 – $599 round-trip companion pass (plus taxes and fees) after spending $25,000
- 1st checked bag free on Air Canada flights
- Priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling, and other services on Air Canada flights
- Unlimited access and 1 guest pass per visit to Maple Leaf Lounges
Cons:
- High credit score requirements
- $599 annual fee
If you combined the TD Aeroplan and the CIBC Aventura VIP cards, you'd probably end up with something like the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. It pairs VIP treatment from Air Canada with excellent travel insurance – plus a complimentary membership to the Avis President's Club.
Cardholders earn 2 Aeroplan Points per $1 spent on Air Canada, 1.5 points per $1 spent on dining, EV charging, gas, groceries, and travel, and 1.25 points everywhere else.
FAQ
What are the main benefits of Visa Infinite Privilege?
The biggest benefits of Visa Infinite Privilege cards are travel perks, conveniences, and opportunities, especially at airports. If you're looking for concierge service, airport priority services, airport lounge access, and better travel insurance coverage, you'll want a VIP credit card.
How do I get lounge access with Visa Infinite Privilege?
Your VIP credit card comes with a Visa Airport Companion membership. To access a lounge, just enroll with Dragonpass online or through its mobile app. Find a participating lounge, then present your membership number or member bar code to gain entry.
What's the best Visa Infinite Privilege card in Canada?
The best Visa Infinite Privilege card also happens to be the best Visa credit card in Canada: the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege. In addition to all the VIP perks we've mentioned, the card earns you Avion points, which are some of the most valuable rewards points of any loyalty program.
Are Infinite Privilege cards worth it?
If you have a high income and you don't mind shelling out a hefty annual fee, opening a Visa Infinite Privilege card could be worth it. Frequent travellers will appreciate the travel discounts, insurance coverage, and priority services that come with these premium cards.
What is the difference between Infinite and Infinite Privilege?
Visa Infinite Privilege includes all the same benefits and perks of Visa Infinite cards, but there are additional benefits. Infinite Privilege provides airport priority services, more exclusive offers for dining, hotels, and experiences, and perks like NEXUS credits and better airport lounge access.
What are the Visa Infinite Privilege requirements?
All Visa Infinite Privilege credit cards require you to earn at least $150,000 personal income or $200,000 household income per year. Some cards ask for a $200,000 personal income, so check the application carefully. You'll also need a solid credit score.
Can I get a Visa Infinite Privilege for no annual fee?
Yes. The Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card has a hefty annual fee, but Wealthsimple gives you a couple ways to waive the fee, essentially making it a no-fee card. You'll either need to have $100,000 in Wealthsimple assets or set up a paycheque direct deposit of at least $4,000 a month to the account.
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