Visa Infinite Vs. Infinite Privilege: Which credit card tier should I choose?
By Daniel Schoester | 29 Jun 2023 |
If you’re in the market for a premium credit card, you may have heard of Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Privilege. Both credit cards offer many benefits. However, the Infinite Privilege requires a minimum personal income of $150,000 and has an annual fee of $399-$599. In contrast, Visa Infinite has a $60,000 income requirement and a $120-$150 cost.
Given the exclusivity of a Visa Infinite Privilege, you would assume exceptional benefits. However, the Infinite Privilege only offers minor additional benefits. Furthermore, you’ll only benefit from an Infinite Privilege when spending significantly more money to take advantage of the welcome bonus, higher earn rate, and companion pass.
This article dive’s into each program and provides a side-by-side comparison. It then provides an overview of the best Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Privilege credit cards in Canada.
What is Visa Infinite?
Visa Infinite is a premium tier of Visa credit cards with exclusive benefits and perks. These cards generally offer complimentary insurance, free airport lounge access, and travel rewards points. However, Visa Infinite cards can also be issued as a business or cashback credit card.
To be eligible for a Visa Infinite card in Canada, individuals typically need a minimum personal income of $60,000 or a $100,000 household income. Annual fees range from $120 to $150, with some cards offering a free first year.
What is Visa Infinite Privilege?
Visa Infinite Privilege is the highest tier of Visa credit cards available in Canada. Like Visa Infinite cards, they provide complimentary insurance, airport lounge access, and travel rewards points. However, they generally offer more types of insurance and enhanced earnings on travel reward points. Furthermore, Infinite Privilege cards have slightly better benefits, such as a companion pass.
To qualify for a Visa Infinite Privilege card, applicants typically need a minimum personal income of $150,000 or a $200,000 household income. Annual fees generally range from $399 to $599.
5 points per every $ 1 : Travel ;
5 points per every $ 1 : Dining in and out;
5 points per every $ 1 : Drugstore purchases;
1 point per every $ 1 : Spent on everything else;
Get up to 90,000 BMO Rewards points
6 Factors To Compare Visa Infinite and Infinite Privilege
| Aspect | Visa Infinite | Infinite Privilege |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Income Requirements | $60,000 (personal) or $100,000 (household) | $150,000 (personal) or $200,000 (household) |
| 2. Annual Fee | $120-$150 | $399-$599 |
| 3. Type of Cards | Travel, Cashback, and Business | Travel |
| 4. Rewards Program | High welcome bonuses High earn rate | Highest welcome bonuses Slightly higher earn rate |
| 5. Insurance | Solid Coverage | Enhanced Coverage (Usually) |
| 6. Additional Features | Many benefits | Many benefits (Few additional) |
1. Income Requirements
Visa Infinite requires a minimum personal income of $60,000 or a household income of $100,000. Infinite Privilege generally requires a minimum personal income of $150,000 or a household income of $200,000. Regardless of your income, both cards require a good credit score.
2. Annual Fee
Regarding annual fees, Visa Infinite typically has an annual fee of $120-$150. Many Infinite cards also offer a free first year. On the other hand, Infinite Privilege cardholders generally are charged an annual fee of $399-$599. In some cases, the higher annual fee can be offset by annual travel or lifestyle credits to spend as you choose.
3. Type of Cards
Visa Infinite offers more selection. More banks issue them, and there are more cards to choose from. For example, Visa Infinite cards can have travel or cashback rewards. There are also Visa Infinite business credit cards. Meanwhile, Visa Infinite Privilege cards are exclusively offered as travel rewards cards.
4. Rewards Program
The three most essential components of a credit card reward program are the welcome bonus, points earn rate, and redemption options. An Infinite Privilege will generally earn you more points through an enhanced welcome bonus and points earn rate. However, you must spend significant money to maximize the Infinite Privilege welcome bonuses. This section will compare the rewards program for each type of card.
a) Welcome Bonus
The welcome bonus is arguably one of the best travel credit card features. This is a promotional amount of points you’ll receive after signing up for a card. You’ll often need to meet minimum spending requirements within a specific timeframe to receive the welcome bonus. Visa Infinite Privilege cards generally provide more significant welcome bonus opportunities. However, they also come with higher spending requirements.
Thus, an Infinite Privilege can provide more value if you’re a high spender with the capacity to meet these requirements. A Visa Infinite is better if you need reduced spending requirements for the welcome bonus. For example, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege provides up to 135,000 Aeroplan points when spending $12,000 in 12 months. Meanwhile, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite delivers up to 70,000 Aeroplan points when spending $7,500 in 12 months.
b) Points Earn Rate
In general, an Infinite Privilege card will earn you more points. However, this depends on each card’s mechanics and your spending habits. An Infinite Privilege will only earn you more points if you spend on the card’s highest-earning categories. For example, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege makes five points per $1 spent on groceries, dining, drugstore, gas, and travel. The card will not earn significant points if you don’t spend frequently in these categories. As such, ensure the card provides maximum points on your top spending categories for the most value.
c) Point Redemption Options
The final consideration with credit card points is redeeming them. Your points program, such as Aeroplan, Aventura, and TD rewards, determine this. These programs generally offer the same redemption options to Visa Infinite and Infinite Privilege cardholders. The primary difference is that only CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege cards can be used to redeem business-class flights. The Infinite alternative is restricted to redeeming points on economy flights. However, Infinite Privilege cards don’t receive access to exclusive redemptions overall.
5. Insurance
In general, Visa Infinite Privilege cards offer more credit card travel insurance. However, individual banks ultimately decide on the insurance included with their card. A Visa Infinite Privilege card generally offers more covered events or higher coverage limits on the same events. In some cases, both cards issued by the bank have the same coverage. As such, compare credit cards to see if they provide more coverage.
For both cards, you can generally expect to receive rental car insurance, travel medical insurance, purchase insurance, and an extended warranty. Occasionally, more enhanced coverages will be exclusive to the Infinite Privilege. This can include flight delay, lost or stolen baggage, and trip cancellation. However, every bank has different approaches.
6. Additional Benefits
For the most part, both cards offer the same benefits. However, Visa Infinite Privilege offers priority airport security access at select Canadian airports. However, many Visa Infinite cards provide a NEXUS rebate which will also let you fast-track security.
Thus, the only real additional benefit the Infinite Privilege card has is a companion pass, which is only available on Aeroplan cards. A companion pass lets you bring a round-trip companion onto your flight for as low as $99. However, you’ll need to spend significant sums on your card to qualify for this additional ticket. For example, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege requires you to spend $25,000 in one year to qualify.
| Features and benefits | Description | Visa Infinite Cards | Visa Infinite Privilege Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport lounge access* | Access airport lounges worldwide, providing a comfortable and relaxing environment before your flight. | ✅ | ✅ |
| Concierge service | Assists with booking travel, making restaurant reservations, finding gifts, and providing information on events and activities, available 24/7. | ✅ | ✅ |
| Food and wine benefits | Access to exclusive dining events, drink pairings, and special privileges at participating Canadian wineries, offering complimentary tastings, tours, and discounts on wine purchases. | ✅ | ✅ |
| Travel discounts | Access exclusive discounts and offers for travel-related expenses. | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hotel status Upgrades | Complimentary room upgrades, WiFi, breakfast, and late checkouts at participating locations. | ✅ | ✅ |
| Airline status Upgrades | Complimentary checked bag, priority boarding, and accelerated airline loyalty miles (Aeroplan cards). | ✅ | ✅ |
| NEXUS rebate | Receive a refund on your NEXUS application (certain cards). | ✅ | ✅ |
| Additional airport benefits | Access other benefits at select Canadian airports, including parking discounts and priority security lanes. | ❌ | ✅ |
| Companion pass | Bring a companion on a round-trip flight for a significantly reduced price (Aeroplan cards). | ❌ | ✅ |
| Metal card | Receive a metal card to make purchases (certain cards). | ❌ | ✅ |
*Not all Visa Infinite cards have lounge access, but most do.
Best Visa Infinite Privilege Cards Canada
Visa Infinite Privilege cards share common characteristics, such as a high income requirement and annual fees. These cards offer attractive welcome bonuses and have competitive point earn rates on specific categories. They also provide extensive insurance coverage, such as travel, purchase, and mobile device insurance, along with access to airport lounges and exclusive experiences. Each card offers advantages, allowing individuals to choose based on their preferences and needs.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- Income: $150,000 (individual) or $200,000 (household)
- Welcome bonus: Up to 90,000 points
- Point earn rate:
- 5x on groceries, dining, drugstore, gas, and travel
- 1x on everything else
- Annual cost: $499
- Interest rate: 20.99% (purchases), 21.99%-23.99% (cash)
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege card offers a high potential to earn rewards points. Additionally, the card includes six airport lounge visits, many types of insurance and a priority security lane at select Canadian airports. Interestingly, the card includes an annual $200 “lifestyle credit” to spend as you wish. You can also earn 25% more points by adding an authorized user.
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
- Income: $150,000* (personal) or $200,000 (household)
- Welcome bonus: 35,000 Avion points upon approval
- Point earn rate:
- 1.25x on everything
- Annual cost: $399
- Interest rate: 20.99% (purchase), 21.99%-22.99% (cash)
The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege card offers a range of essential features. It allows you to earn Avion points quickly, which can be redeemed for flights, vacation packages, hotels, cruises, and tours. The card has extensive insurance coverage, including mobile device and travel insurance. Linking the card to Petro-Canada offers instant fuel savings, increased Petro-Points, and more Avion points.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- Income: $150,000 (personal) or $200,000 (household)
- Welcome bonus: Up to 100,000 Aeroplan points
- Point earn rate:
- 2x on Air Canada
- 1.5x on gas, groceries, travel and dining
- 1.25x on everything else
- Annual cost: $599
- Interest rate: 20.99% (purchases), 21.99%-22.99% (cash)
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card is an excellent option for those who travel frequently and want to earn Aeroplan points. The card offers valuable benefits, including access to Maple Leaf Lounges, priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling. You can also reach and maintain Aeroplan Elite status more quickly. It also has a companion pass which enables you to take a companion on a round-trip flight for free.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- Income: $150,000 (personal) or $200,000 (household)
- Welcome bonus: Up to 90,000 Aeroplan points
- Point earn rate:
- 2x on Air Canada
- 1.5x on gas, EV charging, groceries, travel, and dining
- 1.25x on everything else
- Annual cost: $599
- Interest rate: 20.99% (purchases), 21.99%-22.99% (cash)
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card provides various insurance benefits, including travel, purchase, and mobile device insurance. Cardholders also enjoy perks like airport lounge access, a free checked bag, priority services, and the ability to earn and redeem rewards quickly. This card includes a companion pass and a complimentary Avis President’s Club upgrade.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- Income: $150,000 (personal) or $200,000 (household)
- Welcome bonus: Up to 80,000 Aventura points
- Point earn rate:
- 3x on travel through CIBC Rewards Centre
- 2x on dining, entertainment, transportation, gas, electric vehicle charging, and groceries
- 1.25x on everything else
- Annual fee: $499
- Interest rate: 20.99% (purchases), 21.99%-22.99% (cash)
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege card provides extensive insurance benefits, including travel emergencies, trip disruptions, flight delays, baggage issues, auto rentals, hotel burglary, common carrier accidents, mobile devices, and purchase protection. Cardholders also enjoy exclusive perks like airport lounge access, NEXUS application fee rebates, business class booking access, auto rental discounts, a distinct metal card design, and fuel savings.
Best Visa Infinite Cards Canada
Visa Infinite cards share key features, including an annual income requirement (around $60,000 for individuals and $100,000 for households) and a welcome bonus earned by meeting spending requirements within a specific timeframe. They also offer insurance coverage for travel, trip cancellation/interruption, car rentals, and purchase protection.
These cards typically have an annual fee ranging from $120 to $150, sometimes waived for the first year. Additionally, Visa Infinite cards can be issued as cash-back or business credit cards. However, this section will focus on the travel rewards variant for comparison.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card
- Income: $60,000 (personal) or $100,000 (household)
- Or $15,000 declared annual spend
- Welcome bonus: Up to 60,000 points
- Point earn rate:
- 5x on takeout, food delivery, groceries, dining, gas and transit
- 1x on everything else
- Annual cost: $120 (First year free)
- Interest rate: 20.99% (purchase), 21.99%-23.99% (cash)
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite card offers several other important features, including 5x points on everyday spending, a $50 annual lifestyle credit, and many types of insurance. Furthermore, the card currently offers a free first year. However, this card doesn’t include airport lounge access.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
- Income: $60,000 (personal) or $100,000 (household)
- Welcome bonus: Up to 45,000 Aeroplan points
- Point earn rate:
- 1.5x on gas, EV charging, groceries and Air Canada
- 1x on everything else
- Annual cost: $139 (First year free)
- Interest rate: 20.99% (purchase), 21.99%-22.99% (cash)
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite card offers comprehensive insurance coverage, including travel medical insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and more. Cardholders enjoy benefits such as a free first checked bag, earning points twice at Aeroplan partners and online retailers, and exclusive Visa Infinite privileges. This card currently offers a free first year.
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card
- Income: $60,000 (personal) or $100,000 (household)
- Welcome bonus: Up to 35,000 Aventura Points
- Point earn rate:
- 2x on travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre
- 1.5x on gas, EV charging, groceries, and drug stores
- 1x on everything else
- Annual cost: $139 (First year free)
- Interest rate: 20.99% (purchase), 21.99%-22.99% (cash)
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite card offers four complimentary airport lounge visits worldwide, a $50 rebate on NEXUS Application Fees, and a competitive point earn rate. With an annual fee of $139 (rebated in the first year), the card also provides various insurance coverages, including travel medical, flight delay, trip cancellation, auto rental, and more.
RBC Visa Infinite Avion Card
- Income: $60,000 (personal) or $100,000 (household)
- Welcome bonus: Up to 55,000 Avion points
- Point earn rate:
- 1.25x on travel
- 1x on everything else
- Annual cost: $120
- Interest rate: 20.99% (purchase), 21.99%-22.99% (cash)
The RBC Visa Infinite Avion card offers a welcome bonus of up to 55,000 Avion points, which is enough for a flight anywhere in North America or the Caribbean. To get this bonus, you must apply and be approved by November 27, 2023. You’ll get 35,000 points upon approval, and another 20,000 points if you spend $5,000 on the card in the first 6 months.
It has an annual fee of $120 and a purchase rate of 20.99%. Cardholders earn 1 Avion point for every dollar spent, with an extra 25% on eligible travel-related purchases. There are no blackout periods or seat restrictions, and the card provides access to exclusive experiences and benefits through the Avion Collection. The card offers extensive insurance coverage, including mobile device and travel-related insurance.
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card
- Income: $60,000 (personal) or $100,000 (household)
- Or $250,000 assets under management
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points
- Point Earn Rate:
- 3x on groceries (eligible stores)
- 2x on dining, entertainment, and transit
- 1x on everything else
- Annual cost: $150
- Interest rates: 20.99% (purchase), 21.99%-22.99% (cash)
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card is a credit card that offers no foreign transaction fees, making it convenient for shopping online or abroad. The card includes various insurance coverages, including travel emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and more. Furthermore, this card contains complimentary lounge passes.
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
- Income: $60,000 (personal) or $100,000 (household)
- Welcome bonus: Up to 115,000 TD Rewards Points
- Point earn rate:
- 8x on Expedia for TD
- 6x on grocery and restaurant purchases
- 4x on recurring bill payments
- 2x on everything else
- Annual cost: $139 (First year free)
- Interest rate: 20.99% (purchase), 21.99%-22.99% (cash)
The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite card offers a special limited-time offer, providing a welcome bonus of up to $1,000 in value, including up to 115,000 bonus TD Rewards Points and no annual fee for the first year. The card also comes with travel insurance coverage, purchase protection, and additional benefits such as access to Visa Infinite concierge and exclusive offers.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
- Income: $60,000 (personal) or $100,000 (household)
- Welcome bonus: Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points
- Point earn rate:
- 1.5x on gas, grocery, and Air Canada purchases
- 1x on everything else
- Annual cost: $139
- Interest rate: 20.99% (purchase), 21.99%-22.99% (cash)
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is a top airline credit card. It offers a special welcome bonus of up to $1,400 in value, including up to 50,000 bonus Aeroplan points. It also provides travel benefits such as free checked bags, NEXUS card fee rebates, and the ability to share points with family members. With this card, you can earn and redeem Aeroplan points for various rewards, including flights, hotel rooms, car rentals, and more.
FAQs About Visa Infinite & Infinite Privilege
Visa Infinite is a premium credit card product offered by Visa. It provides exclusive benefits such as travel and lifestyle rewards, special discounts, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and more.
Visa Infinite Privilege is an exclusive Visa card product offering additional benefits and privileges such as higher-level travel insurance, concierge services, and access to select airport lounges. The income requirements for this tier are significantly higher than those of Visa Infinite.
Visa Infinite is worth the $120-$150 annual fee if you value travel points, airport lounge access, and many types of insurance. In addition, many cards offer a free first year.
Visa Infinite Privilege is worth the $399-$599 annual fee if you value earning more travel points, a higher welcome bonus, and a potential companion pass. These features are additional to standard Visa Infinite perks, such as airport lounge access and many types of insurance.
Yes, your Visa Infinite card will likely cover rental car insurance. However, double-check the terms and conditions of your particular card.
To get a Visa Infinite Privilege, you must have a personal income exceeding $150,000 or a household income of $200,000. You can then apply at an issuing bank.
Find the best credit card for your needs
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