Best CIBC Credit Cards in Canada
The best CIBC credit cards right now:
CIBC Dividend Visa* Card — Best for cash back
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite* Card — Best for flexible travel perks
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite* Card — Best for Air Canada travellers
CIBC Adapta Mastercard — Best for no annual fee and rewards that adapt to your spending
CIBC Select Visa* Card — Best for lower interest and balance transfers
CIBC, or the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, is one of Canada’s 'Big Six' banks. It offers a broad range of credit cards for consumers and businesses — from flexible travel rewards cards to low-interest and cash-back options.
The best CIBC credit cards in Canada right now
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Cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $2,000 (up to $100 cash back).†
Cash back on eligible grocery purchases!†.
Cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†.
Cash back on all other purchases†.
The CIBC Dividend Visa Card is a solid option for budget-savvy households that frequently spend at the grocery store. With no annual fee, no-fuss redemption options and bonus savings on gas, this card offers reliable everyday savings.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Redeem cash-back rewards any time.
- Gas discounts of up to 10 cents per litre.
Cons
- Limited insurance coverage.
- 0.5% base earn rate.
- Welcome Offer: Get 5% cash back for the first 4 statements on net purchases of up to $2,000 (up to $100 cash back).†
- Plus, get 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases!†
- 1% cash back on eligible gas, EV charging, transportation, dining purchases and recurring payments†
- 0.5% cash back on all other purchases†
- Get cash back on demand - redeem your cash back at any time when you have a minimum of $10 through CIBC Online and Mobile Banking®
- Get a free Skip+ membership when you link your eligible CIBC credit card. Plus, enjoy $0 delivery fees and earn a $10 monthly voucher.†
- Fuel up for less - Link your card with Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
- This is a digital-exclusive offer.† To be eligible for this offer: 1) this offer must have been directly communicated to you from CIBC or from a partner/affiliate; and 2) you must apply for the eligible card through the link provided in the CIBC or partner/affiliate communication to you.† This offer is reserved for you. Please do not forward it to anyone else.
- CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Dividend card within the last 12 months.†
The CIBC Dividend Visa doesn’t have CIBC’s highest cash-back rates, but its lack of an annual fee means there’s nothing to earn back first. That makes it the better default for moderate spenders.
The Dividend Visa Infinite can earn more for households with high grocery and gas spending. Otherwise, its $120 fee may erase much of the difference. Skip the no-fee card if most of your spending earns its weak 0.5% base rate.
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Points for every $1 spent on travel via the CIBC Rewards Centre.†
Points for every $1 spent at eligible gas & electric vehicle charging stations.†
Points for every $1 spent at eligible grocery stores.†
Points for every $1 spent at eligible drug stores.†
Points for every $1 spent everywhere else.†
The appeal of this mid-tier points card is its flexibility: points on everyday earn categories, plus solid extras, like complimentary lounge access, travel insurance and NEXUS fee rebates. The caveat? This card’s highest earn rate (2x points) is limited to dollars spent via the CIBC Rewards Centre. Best for: Travellers who want occasional lounge access and flexible redemption options.
Pros
- Four airport lounge passes annually.
- NEXUS application rebates every four years.
- Robust travel insurance.
Cons
- 2x earn rate only applies to travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
- No priority airport services.
- Welcome Offer: Join and earn up to $1,600 in value including a first year annual fee rebate!† Here's how you can earn up to $1,600 in value–
- Get up to 45,000 Aventura Points (up to $900 in travel value†):
- 15,000 Aventura Points when you make your first purchase.†
- 30,000 Aventura Points when you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods.†
- Get a one-time annual fee rebate ($139) for you (the primary cardholder) and up to three authorized users ($50 each): up to $189 value.†
- Elevate your airport experience with 4 complimentary visits at 1,200+ lounges globally through Visa Airport Companion Program: up to $285 in value.†
- Plus, get a NEXUS◊ Application Fee rebate†: A $160 value†
- As an eligible CIBC Cardholder, take advantage of a free Skip+ membership (first year value of $110)†
- Plus, enjoy extra valuable travel benefits.
- Travel when it’s right for you – your Aventura Points don’t expire.†
- Redeem your Aventura Points for more than travel with our Shop With Points/Pay with Points features.†
- Travel local - Aventura Points can be redeemed for more than just flights – use your points for hotels and car rentals for a weekend getaway.
- 2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.†
- 1.5 points for every $1 spent at eligible gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores and drug stores.†
- 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.†
- Get a free Skip+ membership when you link your eligible CIBC credit card. Plus, enjoy $0 delivery fees and earn a $10 monthly voucher.†
- Fuel up for less - Link your card with Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
- This is a digital-exclusive offer.† To be eligible for this offer: 1) this offer must have been directly communicated to you from CIBC or from a partner/affiliate; and 2) you must apply for the eligible card through the link provided in the CIBC or partner/affiliate communication to you.† This offer is reserved for you. Please do not forward it to anyone else.
- CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Aventura card within the last 12 months.†
- †Terms and Conditions Apply. Select Apply Now to learn more.
The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite occupies a useful middle ground: four lounge visits, a NEXUS rebate and travel insurance without a premium-card price.
The catch is that its highest earn rate requires booking through the CIBC Rewards Centre. Choose it if you’ll actually use the airport perks and want more flexibility than an airline card provides. Choose Aeroplan if Air Canada benefits matter more.
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Points on gas & electric vehicle charging.
Points on groceries.
Points on direct Air Canada purchases.
Points on all other purchases.
A mid-tier Aeroplan card that earns accelerated points on groceries, gas, EV charging and Air Canada purchases, plus travel insurance and free checked bags on Air Canada itineraries. Just don’t expect high-end airport perks like priority check in or complimentary airport lounge access. Best for: Air Canada flyers who occasionally need to check a bag and want Aeroplan points without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Free first checked bags when you fly Air Canada.
- Free international money transfers.
Cons
- No airport lounge access.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase. Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $4,000 or more during the first 4 monthly statements periods. Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points as an additional anniversary bonus when you have at least $10,000 in net purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods. Offer applies to new cardmembers only.
- 1.5x Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and direct Air Canada purchases, including Air Canada Vacations, up to a maximum annual spend of $80,000.
- 1x Aeroplan point for every dollar you spend on all other purchases.
- Earn points twice by providing your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partners and more than 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
- Points can be redeemed for flights, car rentals and hotel bookings, as well as merchandise and gift cards available in the Aeroplan eStore.
- $139 annual fee, which can be reduced each year if you have a CIBC Smart Plus account.
- Access to Visa Infinite offers, including exclusive benefits at luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and wineries in British Columbia, Ontario and Sonoma Valley.
- Car rental discounts of up to 25% at participating Avis and Budget locations worldwide.
- The Aeroplan Family Sharing plan allows Aeroplan members in the same household to combine their points and speed up the delivery of their next flight reward.
- Primary cardholders hoping to reach Aeroplan Elite Status can receive 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 in eligible purchases.
- Access to CIBC Pace It, an installment plan designed to help you pay off large or unexpected purchases over time at a lower interest rate.
- 13 types of insurance provided, including 15-day travel medical benefits (three days if you’re 65 or older on your departure date) — worth up to $5 million in coverage per insured person.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required. You must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live who has not declared bankruptcy in the last seven years.
- The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Whether this card is worth it depends less on how often you travel than how often you fly Air Canada. Free checked bags can offset the annual fee quickly for the right household.
There’s no complimentary lounge access, so this is not a general airport-perks card. It is harder to justify if you choose airlines primarily by price or rarely check luggage.
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With no annual fee and an intuitive rewards program, the CIBC Adapta Mastercard is a practical choice for cardholders with fluctuating spending habits. Adapta points can be redeemed for cashback, but when compared to other no-fee cash-back options, this card’s 1% cash-back rate isn’t hugely competitive. Best for: Those who want a no-fee, set-and-forget earn structure with straightforward, cash-style redemptions.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Flexible earn rates that are automatically applied to your top spending categories monthly.
Cons
- Less competitive earn rates than other no-fee cashback cards.
- Welcome Offer: Join and get up to $200 in value† with no annual fee.† Here’s how it adds up–
- Receive a Welcome Bonus of 3,000 Adapta points after your first purchase (up to $25 value)†
- Get 3,000 Adapta points when you spend $1,000 in the first 4 monthly statement periods (up to $25 value)†
- As an eligible CIBC Cardholder, take advantage of a free Skip+ membership (first year value of $110)†
- Includes membership to Roadside Assistance† after you make your first purchase. Services include battery boosting, gas delivery, towing and more, offered by Dominion Automobile Association ($50 value)†
- How do Adapta points work? Each month, you’ll automatically earn–
- 1.5 Adapta points for every dollar you spend in your top 3 spend categories.†
- 2 Adapta points for every dollar you spend on eligible travel purchases made through CIBC by Expedia†; or
- 1 Adapta point for every dollar you spend on all other purchases.†
- What are Adapta points worth? 1,500 Adapta points are worth $10 when redeemed towards your credit card balance or a recent purchase.† 1,200 Adapta points are worth $10 when redeemed towards select CIBC financial products.†
- Get a free Skip+ membership when you link your eligible CIBC credit card. Plus, enjoy $0 delivery fees and earn a $10 monthly voucher.†
- Fuel up for less - Link your card with Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
- CIBC may approve your application, but you are not eligible to receive this Offer if you have opened, transferred or cancelled another Adapta card within the last 12 months.†
The CIBC Adapta Mastercard automatically rewards your top three spending categories each month, which is useful when your spending refuses to follow a tidy plan.
The point totals sound better than the cash value: at the standard statement-credit rate, 1.5 points per dollar works out to about 1% back. Convenience is the main benefit. This is a set-and-forget card, not a high-powered rewards card.
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This low-fee card doesn’t earn rewards, but its gas discounts, fee-free global money transfers and low ongoing interest rates could be a valuable trade-off. Best for: Those who typically carry a card balance and want to save on interest.
Pros
- Low $29 annual fee.
- Low 13.99% purchase and cash advance interest rate.
- Up to 10 cents off per litre at Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.
Cons
- Doesn’t earn rewards.
- Limited insurance coverage.
- Transfer your credit card balance of $100 or more - Get 0% interest for up to 10 months with a 1% transfer fee† and a two year annual fee rebate.†
- Check full offer details below†:
- Transfer your credit card balance of $100 of more and get 0% interest for up to 10 months with a 1% transfer fee.†
- Transfer up to 50% of your assigned credit limit.†
- If you choose to carry a balance and you make your minimum payments on time, a balance transfer could save you money on interest.
- Take advantage of this 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers of $100 or more for your first 10 months. You’ll only have to pay a 1% fee† when you transfer your balance from another card to the CIBC Select Visa Card.
- This balance transfer offer is only available at the time of your online application.† Simply tick the checkbox to select the balance transfer option when you’re filling out your application. Once you take advantage of this offer, you will have a promotional rate balance on your account. As a result, you will lose your interest-free grace period on new purchases unless you pay your amount due, including any promotional rate balances, in full each month. While you will enjoy the promotional rate on the balances you transfer by using this offer, new purchases will be subject to the purchase interest rate.
- Balance transfers of amounts less than $100 are not eligible for this promotional balance transfer offer and will be subject to the regular interest rate for Cash Advances applicable to your account.
- Get a free Skip+ membership when you link your eligible CIBC credit card. Plus, enjoy $0 delivery fees and earn a $10 monthly voucher.†
- Fuel up for less - Link your card with Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations.†
If you carry a balance, the reward rate is usually the wrong question. The CIBC Select Visa trades rewards for a lower ongoing interest rate and a promotional balance-transfer offer.
Use it as a debt-management tool, not an everyday spending card. New purchases may lose their grace period while you carry a promotional balance, making a separate payment method the cleaner choice.
Compare CIBC credit cards
BACK TO TOP| Card | NerdWallet rating | Rewards rate | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIBC Costco®† Mastercard® | |||
 | 5.0/5 | 1%-3% | |
| CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card | APPLY NOW on CIBC's website | ||
 APPLY NOW on CIBC's website | 5.0/5 | 1%-4% | |
| CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card | |||
 | 4.4/5 | 0.67x-1x Points | |
| CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card | |||
 | 4.7/5 | 1x-2x Points | |
| CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card | APPLY NOW on CIBC's website | ||
 APPLY NOW on CIBC's website | 5.0/5 | 1x-2x Points | |
Methodology
BACK TO TOPWe selected the best CIBC cards in Canada based on overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodology include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features.
Why choose a CIBC credit card
BACK TO TOPCIBC’s strength is not one standout card. It is the number of ways into the lineup.
Dividend offers cash back. Aventura provides flexible travel rewards. Aeroplan suits Air Canada travellers, while Adapta automatically follows monthly spending. CIBC also offers cards for Costco members, students, newcomers, businesses and people looking to reduce interest costs.
That choice creates its own problem. Two cards can reward the same purchase differently, and the larger point total may not produce the larger reward. Start with how you want to redeem, then compare cards within that rewards family.
CIBC rewards programs and card features
BACK TO TOPCIBC Dividend cash back
Dividend cards earn cash rather than points. The main decision is whether to accept an annual fee for higher rates.
The no-fee Dividend Visa is easier to justify with moderate spending. The Dividend Platinum and Dividend Visa Infinite can earn more, but only after their fees are covered.
CIBC Aventura points
Aventura points can be redeemed for travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre, as well as statement credits, merchandise, gift cards and select financial products.
Aventura offers more flexibility than an airline program, but redemption values vary. Some cards also reserve their highest earn rates for travel booked through CIBC.
Aeroplan points
CIBC Aeroplan cards earn points in Air Canada’s loyalty program. Depending on the card, benefits may include free checked bags, preferred reward pricing, airport services or lounge access.
Aeroplan is most useful when Air Canada already fits the way you travel. A potentially valuable point is not the same as an easily used one.
Adapta points
Adapta cards automatically award bonus points in your top three eligible spending categories each month.
That removes some work while earning, but redemption still matters. Adapta points are worth more toward select CIBC financial products than when applied to a card balance or recent purchase.
CIBC Costco cash back
The CIBC Costco Mastercard issues cash back annually as a certificate redeemable at Canadian Costco warehouses.
The Costco name can make it sound like the obvious card for warehouse spending. Purchases inside Costco earn only 1%, so membership alone is not enough reason to choose it.
Shared CIBC card benefits
Eligible CIBC cards may include Journie Rewards fuel discounts, complimentary Skip+ membership, CIBC Global Money Transfers, CIBC Pace It installment plans and access to CIBC by Expedia.
These benefits can add value, but only when they match something you already do. A discount is worth less when it changes where or how you spend.
CIBC banking package benefits
BACK TO TOPCIBC Smart Account clients may receive credit card annual fee rebates based on the average monthly value of eligible CIBC deposits and investments.
Clients with $40,000 to $99,999 in eligible balances may receive a rebate of up to $50. At $100,000 or more, the rebate can increase to $139 for the primary cardholder and up to $50 for each of three authorized users.
This is where the math changes for existing CIBC clients. A $139 Aventura or Aeroplan card may become much easier to justify. A $499 or $599 premium card is still expensive because the rebate covers only part of the fee.
Do not move a large balance to CIBC solely to save $139 without considering the rates, fees and benefits available elsewhere.
How to choose the right CIBC credit card
BACK TO TOPStart with the job you need the card to do.
Simple cash back: Choose a Dividend card. Start with the no-fee Dividend Visa and move up only if your spending supports the fee.
Flexible travel rewards: Consider Aventura.
Air Canada benefits: Consider Aeroplan.
Automatic spending categories: Consider Adapta.
Lower borrowing costs: Look at the CIBC Select Visa before comparing rewards.
Costco rewards: Compare the CIBC Costco Mastercard with other Mastercards accepted at Costco. The co-branded card is not automatically the highest earner inside the warehouse.
U.S.-dollar spending: The CIBC U.S. Dollar Aventura Gold Visa avoids currency conversion on U.S.-dollar transactions, but bills and payments are also in U.S. dollars.
Welcome offers can improve the first year. They should not decide what happens in year two.
Consider credit card costs and eligibility
CIBC offers cards with no annual fee as well as premium travel cards with annual fees approaching $600.
Many entry-level cards require at least $15,000 in household income. Visa Infinite cards commonly require at least $60,000 in personal income or $100,000 in household income. Infinite Privilege cards have higher requirements.
CIBC’s Canadian-dollar cards charge currency conversion fees on foreign-currency transactions. The CIBC U.S. Dollar Aventura Gold Visa avoids conversion fees on U.S.-dollar purchases, but transactions and payments are both made in U.S. dollars.
Income eligibility tells you whether you can apply. It does not tell you whether paying for the card makes sense.
CIBC credit cards for students
CIBC offers student versions of its Dividend, Aventura, Aeroplan, Adapta and Classic cards. Many have no annual fee, and selected cards have no minimum income requirement.
Applicants generally need to be the age of majority and enrolled full time at a college or university. Canadian students may qualify for a credit limit of up to $5,000, while international students may qualify for up to $2,000. These are maximums, not guaranteed limits.
The lower limits make the cards more accessible, but they also make it easier for credit utilization to climb. A $1,000 balance represents half of a $2,000 limit even when every payment is made on time.
CIBC credit cards for newcomers
A lack of Canadian credit history creates an obvious problem: lenders want to see a record that a newcomer has not had time to build.
CIBC says eligible newcomers can apply for a credit card without Canadian credit history or a security deposit. Applicants may qualify for a limit of up to $15,000, although approval and the actual limit depend on eligibility.
Getting the highest available limit may require visiting a CIBC Banking Centre with immigration documents. CIBC’s Smart Account for Newcomers also has no monthly fee for the first two years and can be opened alongside an eligible credit card.
The appeal is access to a regular rewards card while building Canadian credit. The same rules still apply after approval: keep spending manageable, pay on time and avoid carrying a balance for the sake of earning rewards.
How to manage a CIBC credit card
BACK TO TOPCIBC cards can be managed through online and mobile banking. Cardholders can activate a card, lock a missing card, report it lost or stolen and set up spending or fraud alerts.
Payments can be made through online or mobile banking, telephone banking, a CIBC ATM or a CIBC Banking Centre. Recurring payments can also be arranged from an eligible bank account.
Before cancelling, move recurring charges and confirm what will happen to any unused rewards. Aeroplan points already deposited into an Aeroplan account remain separate from the card. Other rewards may need to be redeemed within a limited period.
Is a CIBC credit card worth it?
BACK TO TOPA CIBC credit card may be worth it when one of its rewards systems already matches your behaviour.
Dividend works when you want cash back without managing points. Aeroplan works when Air Canada is already part of your travel. Aventura works when flexible travel rewards and airport benefits are useful often enough to justify the fee. Adapta works when convenience matters more than extracting the highest possible return.
CIBC is less compelling if avoiding foreign transaction fees is the priority or if you do not want to use its rewards and partner ecosystems.
The deciding factor is not how many benefits the card lists. It is how many replace money you would otherwise spend.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best CIBC credit card?
The best CIBC credit card depends on what you need from it. The CIBC Dividend Visa is our cash-back pick for most people because it has no annual fee. The Aventura Visa Infinite is better suited to flexible travel rewards, while the Aeroplan Visa Infinite makes more sense for regular Air Canada travellers. The CIBC Select Visa is designed for lower interest rather than rewards.
What is the best CIBC cash-back credit card?
The CIBC Dividend Visa is the most broadly useful CIBC cash-back card because it earns rewards without an annual fee. The Dividend Visa Infinite has higher rates, but it is most useful when your spending and card benefits can offset its $120 annual fee.
Is Aventura or Aeroplan better?
Aventura is more flexible because it is not tied to one airline. Aeroplan may provide more practical value if you regularly fly Air Canada and can use benefits such as free checked bags or preferred reward pricing.
Which CIBC credit cards have no annual fee?
CIBC’s no-fee options include the CIBC Dividend Visa, CIBC Adapta Mastercard, CIBC Aventura Visa, CIBC Aeroplan Visa and CIBC Costco Mastercard, among others.
Which CIBC cards include airport lounge access?
Eligible Aventura and premium Aeroplan cards include lounge benefits. The Aventura Gold and Aventura Visa Infinite include four complimentary visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program. The Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege includes six. The Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege includes Air Canada lounge access and Visa Airport Companion visits.
Do CIBC credit cards charge foreign transaction fees?
CIBC applies currency conversion fees when a card is used in a currency different from the card’s currency. The CIBC U.S. Dollar Aventura Gold Visa avoids conversion fees on U.S.-dollar purchases because transactions and payments are both made in U.S. dollars.
Can CIBC waive a credit card’s annual fee?
Some CIBC bank accounts provide annual fee rebates for eligible CIBC credit cards. The rebate amount and eligible cards depend on the banking package.
Do CIBC credit card rewards expire?
Rules depend on the rewards program. Aeroplan points do not expire while the primary cardholder continues to hold an eligible CIBC Aeroplan card. Aventura and Adapta points generally remain available while the account is open and in good standing, but cancellation may trigger a limited redemption period. Costco cash-back certificates do not expire.
The best CIBC credit cards right now:
CIBC Dividend Visa* Card — Best for cash back
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite* Card — Best for flexible travel perks
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite* Card — Best for Air Canada travellers
CIBC Adapta Mastercard — Best for no annual fee and rewards that adapt to your spending
CIBC Select Visa* Card — Best for lower interest and balance transfers
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