The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card is a premium cash back credit card that offers a high earn rate on everyday spending categories. It provides 4% cash back on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, and grocery purchases, along with 2% cash back on dining, transportation, and recurring payments. The card requires a minimum annual income and carries an annual fee, but includes a range of insurance benefits and partner discounts. For Canadian households with significant spending on gas and groceries, this card can be a tool for earning cash back throughout the year.
Card Rewards Structure and Earning Potential
The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card uses a tiered cash back structure that rewards specific categories of spending more heavily. Cardholders earn 4% cash back on eligible purchases made at gas stations, for electric vehicle charging, and at grocery stores. This is a notably high rate for these common household expense categories. For other everyday spending, the card provides a 2% cash back rate on eligible transportation costs, dining purchases, and recurring bill payments. All other purchases that do not fall into these specified categories earn a base rate of 1% cash back. There is no limit on the total amount of cash back a cardholder can earn, and the accumulated rewards do not expire. Cash back can be redeemed once the balance reaches a minimum of $10 through CIBC Online Banking or the CIBC Mobile Banking app.
The earning potential of this card is significant for households that spend heavily on gas and groceries. For example, spending $1,000 per month on these combined categories would generate $40 in cash back each month, or $480 over a year, solely from the 4% rate. This calculation does not include the additional cash back earned from the 2% and 1% categories on other spending. Cardholders can set up an alert in online or mobile banking to be notified when their cash back balance reaches a chosen amount for the first time, and then receive an alert every 90 days if the balance remains at or above that level. This feature helps with tracking rewards and planning redemptions.
Welcome Offers and Eligibility Requirements
A common welcome offer for the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card includes up to $350 in value, which typically involves a rebate of the $120 annual fee for the first year. This offer is often a digital-exclusive promotion that must be accessed through a specific link provided by CIBC or an affiliate partner. To be eligible for this specific offer, an applicant must not have opened, transferred, or cancelled another CIBC Dividend card within the 12 months prior to application. The card has specific financial requirements for approval. Applicants must meet a minimum individual annual income of $60,000 or a minimum household annual income of $100,000. The card also has a minimum credit limit, which is a common requirement for premium Visa Infinite products, though the exact figure is set by CIBC during the application review process.
Beyond income, general eligibility requires the applicant to be a Canadian resident who has reached the age of majority in their province or territory. CIBC may approve an application, but the applicant is not eligible to receive the specific welcome offer if they have had another Dividend card activity within the last year. This offer is reserved for the individual recipient and should not be forwarded, as it is intended to be a personalized promotion. The welcome offer's total value can also be increased by bundling the card with a CIBC Smart Account, which can bring the total value up to $850 through combined rebates and offers, though qualifying actions apply for that bundle.
Annual Fees and Interest Rates
The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card carries an annual fee of $120. This fee is typically waived for the first year as part of the card's welcome offer. The regular purchase interest rate for the card is 20.99%. For cash advances, which include withdrawing cash from an ATM or using convenience cheques, the interest rate is 22.99%. For residents of the province of Quebec, the cash advance interest rate is 21.99%. It is important to note that a cash advance fee of $3.50 is charged for each transaction, and interest on cash advances begins accruing immediately without a grace period. Managing the card to avoid interest charges involves paying the statement balance in full by the payment due date each month.
The card also has fees for additional cards. Cardholders can request additional cards for authorized users at a cost of $50 each for up to three additional cards, and this fee is also rebated for the first year as part of the welcome offer. The interest rates and fees are standard for a premium cash back card in Canada, and the value proposition hinges on using the card for purchases to earn rewards while avoiding carrying a balance that would incur interest. The card's terms, including rates and fees, are subject to change, and cardholders should review their cardholder agreement for the most current information.
Insurance Coverage and Protections
The card includes a suite of insurance coverages that are characteristic of premium credit card products. A key benefit is Out-of-Province Emergency Travel Medical Insurance, which provides coverage for medical emergencies when travelling outside one's home province. The card also includes Mobile Device Insurance, which can cover repair or replacement costs for a mobile phone if it is damaged or stolen. Purchase Security and Extended Protection Insurance covers eligible new purchases against damage or theft for a limited period and may extend the manufacturer's warranty. Car Rental Collision and Loss Damage Insurance is provided for rentals when the card is used for the entire rental transaction. Cardholders also have access to Visa Infinite concierge services and can enrol in optional CIBC Payment Protector insurance to help cover payments in case of job loss, disability, or critical illness.
The insurance certificates for the Dividend Visa Infinite Card are available as a PDF document from CIBC. For Quebec residents, specific Product Summaries and Fact Sheets are also provided due to provincial insurance regulations. Statutory Conditions that apply to certain insurance coverages can be viewed on a dedicated CIBC insurance website. The coverage details, including limits, exclusions, and eligibility requirements, are contained within these documents. It is the cardholder's responsibility to understand the terms of these insurance policies, as they are a key component of the card's value proposition alongside the cash back rewards.
Partner Discounts and Additional Perks
Beyond cash back, the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card provides several ways to save through partner programs. A significant perk is the Journie Rewards program, which offers savings on fuel. By linking the card to Journie Rewards, cardholders can save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar, and Chevron gas stations across Canada. The card offers discounts on car rentals, providing up to 30% off base rates with Avis Pay Now or up to 35% off with Budget Pay Now at participating locations worldwide. Cardholders can earn a $10 monthly voucher and get free delivery fees with a Skip+ membership when they link their eligible CIBC credit card. A Disney+ subscription benefit provides a $4.50 monthly statement credit when the card is used to pay for a Disney+ Standard with Ads subscription. Furthermore, cardholders can send money abroad to over 120 countries with a $0 transfer fee when using the card for the transaction.
Cardholders also have access to hotel benefits and unique dining events through the Visa Infinite program. The 24-hour complimentary Visa Infinite concierge service can assist with travel planning, gift sourcing, and restaurant reservations. When booking travel through CIBC by Expedia, cardholders earn 2% cash back on eligible travel purchases made through that portal. These ancillary benefits complement the core cash back earnings and can provide additional value for cardholders who travel, dine out, or use the associated services. All partner offers and discounts are subject to the terms and conditions of the respective programs.
Application Process and Card Management
Applying for the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card requires the applicant to be a Canadian resident who has reached the age of majority in their province or territory. The application process is conducted online, and approval is subject to creditworthiness and income verification. Once the card is received, it must be activated, which can be done through CIBC Online Banking or the CIBC Mobile Banking app. The same platforms are used for managing cash back redemptions, setting up account alerts, and reviewing transactions. Cardholders can set up alerts to be notified when their cash back balance reaches a chosen amount or if there is potential unauthorized use of the card. The app also allows users to instantly lock a missing card or report it as lost or stolen. It is important for applicants to review all terms and conditions, as card details, rewards, and offers are subject to change.
CIBC provides tools to help manage spending and security. Cardholders can set up alerts through the CIBC Mobile Banking App and CIBC Online Banking to get notified by phone, email, or online message when they have exceeded a customized budget or are nearing their credit limit. For fraud prevention, CIBC monitors transaction patterns and will notify the cardholder by text, email, or phone to authenticate a transaction that appears potentially fraudulent. If a cardholder sees a transaction they do not recognize, they can submit a digital dispute directly through online or mobile banking by selecting the transaction, reporting an issue, and following the instructions. These management and security features are integral to the card's functionality.
Comparing the Dividend Card Family
The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite is the premium offering within CIBC's family of cash back cards. It sits above the no-fee CIBC Dividend Visa card and the mid-tier CIBC Dividend Platinum Visa. The table below outlines key differences in earn rates, fees, and benefits across the main card tiers, illustrating the trade-offs between cost and rewards. The higher annual fees on the Platinum and Infinite cards correspond to increased cash back rates and more comprehensive insurance packages. The Infinite card distinguishes itself with the highest earn rates, premium Visa Infinite benefits, and extensive travel and purchase protections. The no-fee Dividend Visa card has a much lower minimum income requirement of $15,000 household income, making it more accessible, but with significantly lower reward rates. None of the cards in the Dividend family typically offer a traditional welcome bonus beyond potential annual fee rebates, which is a point of comparison with cards from other issuers.
| Card | Annual Fee | Gas/Grocery Cash Back | Key Insurance Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIBC Dividend Visa | $0 | 2% | Basic purchase protection |
| CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite | $120 | 4% | Adds travel medical & mobile device insurance |
CIBC allows customers to hold up to four credit cards at the same time for strategic rewards maximization. Each application for an additional card is subject to a separate approval process. The CIBC Dividend Visa for students is a specific no fee variant with no minimum income requirement. This student card offers the same cash back rates as the standard no fee card, providing 2 percent on groceries and 1 percent on other purchases.
Common Considerations and Cardholder Scenarios
When evaluating the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card, several practical considerations come into play. The card's value is most apparent for individuals or households whose monthly spending aligns strongly with the high-reward categories. A cardholder who spends significantly on gas, groceries, dining, and recurring bills will see a faster accumulation of cash back to offset the annual fee. For someone who spends $2,200 per month across all categories, after accounting for the $120 annual fee, the card can generate a meaningful annual return. The card is less optimal for those with minimal spending in the 4% and 2% categories, as the 1% base rate is common among many no-fee cards.
Another consideration is the card's insurance package, which adds value for travellers and those concerned with purchase protection. The Out-of-Province Emergency Travel Medical Insurance is a notable benefit for Canadians who travel within Canada but do not have provincial coverage outside their home province. The Mobile Device Insurance is a unique offering not found on many cash back cards. Cardholders should assess whether they would otherwise pay for similar coverage separately. The requirement to use the card for the full transaction to activate certain benefits, like car rental insurance, is a standard rule that must be followed. Finally, the card's integration with CIBC banking platforms is a convenience for existing CIBC clients but requires non-clients to manage an additional financial relationship.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cash back rate for groceries and gas with the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite?
The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card offers 4 percent cash back on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, and grocery purchases. This rate is considered among the best on the market for these two common spending categories. On top of a base 1 percent earn rate for all purchases, this 4 percent reward is a key selling point of the card. The cash back is earned on eligible purchases only, and there is no limit on the total amount you can earn. This makes it a strong choice for households with significant spending on fuel and groceries.
How much is the annual fee and is it waived the first year?
The annual fee for the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card is $120. A frequent welcome offer includes a first year annual fee rebate, which is part of a promotional value package of up to $350. This offer is often a digital exclusive, meaning you must apply through a specific link provided in a communication from CIBC or a partner. Eligibility terms apply, such as not having opened, transferred, or cancelled another CIBC Dividend card within the past 12 months. After the first year, the standard $120 annual fee applies.
How do I redeem the cash back I earn?
You can redeem your cash back once the balance reaches at least $10. Redemption is done easily through CIBC Online Banking or the CIBC Mobile Banking App. There is no limit on the total cash back you can accumulate, and the rewards do not expire. You can also set up alerts to notify you when your cash back balance reaches a specific amount you choose for convenient redemption planning.
Does the card offer any travel insurance?
Yes, the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card includes several insurance coverages. This includes Out of Province Emergency Travel Medical Insurance, which provides coverage for emergency medical situations while travelling outside your home province. The card also offers Car Rental Collision and Loss Damage Insurance when you use it to pay for the entire rental vehicle cost. Additional insurance benefits include Purchase Security and Extended Protection Insurance for eligible items.
How can I save on gas with this card beyond the cash back?
Beyond the 4 percent cash back, you can save on gas by linking your card with the free Journie Rewards program. This provides savings of up to 10 cents per litre at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar, and Chevron gas stations. This discount is applied at the pump in addition to the cash back earned on the purchase. It is a valuable perk for maximizing savings on one of the card's key reward categories.
Sources and further reading
- Apply for the Dividend Visa Infinite Credit Card cibc.com
- CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card, overview ratehub.ca
- CIBC Dividend Visa 2025 Review: Is It Worth It? milliondollarjourney.com
- CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card milesopedia.com
This article explains how things work and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules, limits and rates change, so check the current figures with the Canada Revenue Agency, your province or your financial institution before you act.