The ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite is a cash back credit card offered by Manulife, a company best known for its insurance. With up to 3% back on purchases and a strong credit card insurance package, it's definitely a card to consider.

Here's a quick look at where the card shines, some downsides, and a comparison with another popular cash back card in Canada.

Pros of the ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite

1. Comprehensive insurance package

The ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite comes with 8 types of insurance, which is a byproduct of it being under Manulife. Though travel credit cards will often get better insurance, this card is no slouch, giving you ample peace of mind when you're on vacation.

Plus, it includes a small amount of emergency medical coverage for those over 65, which is a nice thing to have since travel insurance for seniors isn't particularly common.

2. Decent cash back

Outside of its insurance coverage, the cash back earn rates aren't bad with the ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite:

• 3% cash back on groceries
• 2% cash back on flights, cruises, hotels, and Airbnb
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

The travel section is interesting because it includes the standard flights, hotels, and cruises, but also includes Airbnb rentals. There are caps, but they are quite high at $25,000 per year for each boosted category – so it's not likely you'll exceed it.

Take note: Your cash back rewards are automatically paid out in March, June, September, and December as statement credits.

3. First year annual fee waiver

Even though there's an annual fee of $139, you can enjoy all the benefits that come with the card for the first year without spending a dime on the annual fee.

4. Strong balance transfer promo

Manulife is offering a sweet balance transfer promo where you'll pay only 1.99% for the first 6 months (with a 3% fee). This can be used to take a big bite out of your credit card balance (or just chew it up entirely).

Otherwise, the purchase interest rate of this card is fairly standard at 19.99%. We recommend maximizing the promo if you know you can pay it all off, then enjoying the earn rates and the other perks that come with the card to celebrate.

5. Visa Infinite benefits

You'll have access to a whole host of Visa Infinite benefits, including:

• Visa Infinite Dining Series
• Visa Infinite Wine Country Program
• Visa Infinite Entertainment Access
• Visa Infinite Troon Golf
• Concierge service

Cons of the ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite

To be fair and balanced, here are some places where the ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite could use some improvement.

1. High income requirements

Because this is a Visa Infinite card, it has the standard (and high) income requirements of:

• $60,000 personal
• $100,000 household

This puts it out of reach for some people.

2. Cannot apply online

Most banks will allow you to apply for credit cards online, but Manulife does not. To get a ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite, you'll need to call their application line at 1-844-859-4516.

Comparison to 2 popular cash back credit cards

We have 2 big bank credit cards to compare this card to: the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard and the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card.

APink	ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite	BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard	TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card
Earn rates	* 3% cash back on groceries * 2% cash back on flights, cruises, hotels, and Airbnb * 1% cash back on all other purchases	* 5% cash back on groceries, up to $500 in monthly spend * 4% cash back on transit, up to $300 in monthly spend * 3% cash back on gas, up to $300 in monthly spend * 2% cash back on recurring bills, up to $500 in monthly spend * 1% cash back on all other purchases	* 3% cash back on gas, groceries, EV charging, public transit, digital gaming, and recurring bills * 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus	None	$150 GeniusCash + Up to $480 cash back in the first year, first year free (terms)	$100 GeniusCash + 10% cash back on eligible purchases for the first 3 months, first year fee rebate (terms)
Number of insurance coverage types	8	13	7
Other perks	* Balance transfer promo of 1.99% for the first 6 months * Visa Infinite benefits * Concierge service	* Roadside assistance * DragonPass lounge membership (no free passes) * Doubled extended warranty (2 years) * Concierge service	* Roadside assistance * Visa Infinite benefits * Concierge service
Annual fee	$139 (first year free)	$120 (first year free)	$139 (first year free)

Each card has its own strengths and weaknesses, but generally, the ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite falls a bit behind the others.

• For instance, you'll earn a lot more with the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard if you watch your spending caps, as well as get better insurance and more perks.
• If you blow by the spending caps, the TD Cash Back Visa Infinite Card is more useful in the sense that its 3% category covers more of the day-to-day essentials while being equal on non-boosted purchases.
• Both the TD and BMO cards also have roadside assistance, which can be a lifesaver.

In the end, the ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite is not a bad card – but unless you have a balance that you want to pay off, there are some better options.

Would you spring for Manulife's cash back credit card option?

It may not be a showstopper, but it's got its bright spots. Are you enticed by what it can offer, or do the big bank competitors just outperform it?

Leave a review with your experience.

FAQ

What sets the ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite apart from other cash back cards?

The biggest difference in perks between the ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite and other cash back cards is that it has a balance transfer promo of 1.99% for the first 6 months.

What perks does the ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite come with?

Aside from the balance transfer perk, you'll also get the annual fee waived in the first year.

Does the ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite have an annual fee?

Yes, there is a $139 annual fee, but it's waived in the first year.