In this edition of Head-to-Head, we’ll take a look at two well-rounded travel credit cards in the Canadian marketplace that are known for earning fixed rewards points: the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card and the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card.
While these two excellent cards for travellers are overall quite similar, there are several notable differences that may sway your decision either way, or might even compel you to give both of them a place in your wallet.
Let’s compare the two cards in all the ways that matter.
Card Basics
1. Welcome Bonuses
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card currently offers up to 45,000 Scene+ points, structured as follows:
- 35,000 Scene+ points upon spending $2,000 in the first three months
- 10,000 Scene+ points upon spending $40,000 in a calendar year
Meanwhile, the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card is offering up to 45,000 Aventura Points†, distributed as follows:
- 15,000 Aventura Points upon first purchase†
- 30,000 Aventura Points upon spending $3,000 within the first four statement periods†
Verdict: While both cards offer solid upfront value, the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card takes the win here with a lower spending requirement to unlock the full welcome bonus, and generous first-year annual fee waivers for both the primary cardholder and up to three authorized users†.
The Scotiabank Passport’s main chunk of the bonus comes quickly with a modest $2,000 spend, but the remaining 10,000 points require a hefty $40,000 in annual purchases, a target that won’t be feasible for many users.
With a simpler structure and lower cost of entry, CIBC takes the win in this round.
2. Annual Fee
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card carries an annual fee of $150, which isn’t usually rebated in the first year.
That said, Scotiabank has offered first-year annual fee waivers on this card in the past, though these promotions tend to be less frequent compared to what we typically see with CIBC.
The card also includes one free supplementary card in the first year, after that, each additional card costs $50 annually.
Meanwhile, the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card carries a $139 annual fee, which is often rebated in the first year†. You’ll also frequently see first-year fee waivers for up to three supplementary cardholders†, adding even more value if you plan to issue additional cards.
Verdict: The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card holds a slight edge here thanks to its consistently available first-year fee waivers for both primary and supplementary cardholders. However, Scotiabank has offered similar promotions in the past, and if a first-year annual fee waiver offer returns on the Passport® Visa Infinite* Card, it could easily flip the table and make this category a win for Scotiabank instead.
3. Earning Rates
This is arguably one of the most important comparisons to look at, since elevated earning rates on everyday spending categories are what give these cards their long-term value, especially if you’re planning to hold them beyond the first year.
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card earns Scene+ points at the following rates:
- 3 Scene+ points per dollar spent at Empire-owned grocery stores such as Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, and FreshCo
- 2 Scene+ points per dollar spent on other grocery stores, dining, daily transit, and entertainment
- 1 Scene+ point per dollar on all other purchases
One of the Passport’s underrated strengths is that these bonus categories apply globally, not just in Canada. It’s perfect for anyone who travels a lot, spends a lot. However, note that there’s a generous cap of $50,000 per year on accelerated earn rates, after which the rate drops to 1 point per dollar.
On the other hand, the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card earns Aventura Points at the following rates:
- 2 Aventura points per dollar spent on travel booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre†
- 1.5 Aventura points per dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores, drugstores, and EV charging†
- 1 Aventura point per dollar spent on all other purchases†
[insert earning rate picture]
Verdict: While both cards offer competitive earn rates, the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card stands out for travellers thanks to its strong category multipliers and no-FX-fee advantage. The CIBC card still holds its own with solid 1.5x categories, but Scotiabank wins this round.
4. Redeeming Rewards
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card earns Scene+ points, a fixed-value currency that can be redeemed at 1 cent per point against any travel purchase.
Whether it’s flights, hotels, car rentals, trains, or even award ticket taxes and fees, simply charge the travel expense to your card and redeem points within 12 months of the transaction.
This long redemption window is a major advantage. You’re not forced to decide right away whether to use your points, and you can even wait until your balance grows before applying them retroactively. It’s a level of flexibility that’s rare among Canadian credit cards.
You’re also not locked into a specific portal. You can book with any travel provider and still redeem points easily at the full redemption value of 1 cent per point.
That said, if you choose to book through the Scene+ Travel portal, you’ll earn an additional 3 Scene+ points per dollar spent, on top of the card’s base earn rate of 1 point per dollar — a nice incentive if you don’t mind booking in-platform.
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card offers two main ways to redeem points:
- At a fixed rate of 1 cent per point through the CIBC Rewards Centre
- Via the CIBC Aventura Flight Rewards Chart, where you can redeem points for flights at values of up to 2.29 cents per point, depending on the distance and destination
Redemptions through the chart must be made via the Rewards Centre and only apply to flights.
While Aventura Points can also be used to offset travel purchases made directly through vendors, you can only do so while the transaction is still pending. Once the charge is posted, the option disappears — meaning you’ll need to act fast or risk missing the redemption window if your points balance isn’t high enough.
Verdict: You can literally book any travel, any way you want, without sacrificing your redemption rate, but instead incentivized to book through the Scene+ travel portal with bonus earning rate. The ability to redeem against any eligible travel purchase up to 12 months later adds another layer of convenience that most programs simply don’t offer.
Aventura offers higher ceiling value through the flight rewards chart, but it’s best suited for those who plan ahead and spend significant time and effort to optimize their redemptions. For most travellers, Scotiabank is a clear winner here.
Perks and Beneifts
Beyond the welcome bonuses and earning rates, both cards offer a range of travel-focused perks that can make a real difference in your day-to-day experience — whether you’re flying, fuelling up, or looking to save time and money on the road.
1. Foreign Transaction Fees
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is one of the few Canadian credit cards that waives the standard 2.5% foreign transaction fee, making it an excellent choice for frequent travellers or anyone who shops in foreign currencies online. You’ll be charged the Visa mid-market exchange rate, with no hidden markup.
This can translate to significant savings over time. For example, spending $6,000 CAD in foreign currency throughout the year would typically cost you $150 in FX fees on most other credit cards. With the Passport Visa Infinite, that fee is entirely avoided, and that saving alone covers the annual fee and of course not to mention all the perks that come with the card.
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card, on the other hand, does charge the standard 2.5% foreign transaction fee on all purchases made in currencies other than Canadian dollars. So while you’ll still earn points globally, your returns are diluted by that extra fee.
Verdict: Scotiabank wins this category outright. Avoiding foreign transaction fees not only saves you money, but it also enhances the value of the points you’re earning abroad, especially since your category multipliers still apply globally. For international travellers, digital nomads, and expats, the no-FX benefit makes a tangible difference.
2. Airport Lounge Access
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card includes a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program membership, which comes with six free lounge visits per year. These can be used by the cardholder, and you’re also able to bring guests in with you, as long as you’re flying together. The program grants access to over 1,200 lounges worldwide.
It’s one of the strongest lounge perks on a mid-tier Canadian travel card, especially valuable if you travel a few times per year but don’t have elite status or unlimited lounge access.
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card also comes with a Visa Airport Companion membership, but includes only four free visits per year. The same guest policy applies: you can bring someone in with you if you’re travelling together, and the lounge network is identical.
Verdict: Scotiabank wins this round, offering two additional lounge visits per year with the same access terms. If you travel frequently or like to bring a partner or family member along, those extra visits can easily tip the scales in Scotiabank’s favour.
3. Nexus Credit
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card offers a rebate of up to $200 CAD once every four years for a NEXUS application or renewal fee. This benefit is straightforward — simply charge the fee to your card, and the statement credit will be applied automatically.
NEXUS is a valuable program for frequent travellers between Canada and the U.S., offering expedited security screening and border clearance, as well as access to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry in the U.S.
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card, on the other hand, does not include a NEXUS rebate, which is a noticeable omission for a travel-focused card at this tier.
Verdict: CIBC takes the win here with the inclusion of a NEXUS credit. A practical and appreciated perk that can save you a significant amount of time, especially for cross-border travellers.
4. Gas Discounts & Everyday Perks
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card offers a couple of helpful everyday perks for Canadian drivers.
First, you can link your card to the Journie Rewards program to save up to 10¢ per litre at Ultramar, Pioneer, Fas Gas, and Chevron stations. With regular use, this can add up to meaningful savings over time — especially if you fuel up frequently.
Second, the card earns 1.5 Aventura Points per dollar not only at gas stations and grocery stores, but also at EV charging stations† — a nice bonus for electric vehicle owners.
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card doesn’t offer a cents-per-litre fuel discount, but it does earn 2 Scene+ points per dollar on gas and transit. Plus, Scotiabank cardholders have access to Scene+ Offers, a portal where you can activate targeted deals for groceries, dining, and entertainment and earn additional bonus points when you meet the offer requirements. This can be a great way to stack offers and boost your return on everyday purchases.
Verdict: CIBC still wins for drivers, thanks to direct gas savings and bonus earn on EV charging. That said, Scotiabank’s Scene+ Offers portal adds a creative way to maximize everyday spending across other lifestyle categories like food and entertainment which could appeal more depending on your habits.
Other Factors
Now that we’ve covered the core features and standout perks, let’s take a look at some additional considerations that may help tip the scales — especially if you’re on the fence.
1. Supplementary Cards
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card includes one free supplementary card in the first year. After that, each additional card comes with a $50 annual fee.
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card also charges $50 per supplementary card, but often includes a first-year fee waiver for up to three additional cardholders† as part of its welcome offer, which can add up to $150 in upfront savings.
Verdict: CIBC takes the lead on first-year value, especially if you’re planning to add multiple cardholders. However, Scotiabank still holds strategic value for globally-minded households. If everyone in your family travels frequently or makes regular foreign currency purchases, having multiple users on a no-FX-fee card could justify the ongoing $50 annual cost per user.
2. Insurance Coverage
Both the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card and the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card offer strong travel insurance packages but there are some key differences in coverage amounts and features.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Scotiabank: Up to $2 million in coverage for out-of-province travel for up to 25 days (3 days if age 65 or older)
- CIBC: Up to $5 million in coverage for out-of-province travel for up to 15 days (3 days if age 65 or older)
Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption
- Both cards: Up to $1,500 per person for trip cancellation, and $2,000 per person for trip interruption
Flight Delay, Baggage Delay & Lost Luggage
- Both cards: Up to $500 for flight delays (over four hours) and $1,000 for delayed or lost baggage
Rental Car Insurance
- Both cards: Coverage for car rentals with an MSRP up to $65,000, when declining the rental agency’s insurance
Mobile Device Insurance
- Scotiabank: Not included
- CIBC: Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged phones, tablets, or smartwatches (up to 24 months if paid with the card)†
Verdict: CIBC wins on emergency medical and mobile device coverage, with a much higher medical insurance limit and protection for your mobile phone, which is increasingly relevant these days. That said, Scotiabank’s 25-day medical coverage window is more generous than CIBC’s 15 days, which could be better for longer trips if you’re under 65.
3. Ease of Approval
Both the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card and the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card are Visa Infinite products, meaning they share the same minimum income requirement: $60,000 personal income or $100,000 household income.
Verdict: It’s a tie. Since both cards fall under the Visa Infinite tier, they come with the same published eligibility criteria.
4. Visual Design
Both cards have a sleek, professional look that reflects their premium Visa Infinite status.
The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card features a polished world map design that clearly signals its focus on travel. A subtle but effective touch that sets it apart visually. The dark tones and minimalist layout give it a refined, high-contrast aesthetic.
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card opts for a more abstract design, with layered wave-like patterns and a monochrome finish that evokes a modern, textured feel. It’s clean and understated, a good match for the card’s no-nonsense travel functionality.
Verdict: Entirely subjective. Personally, we like the CIBC card’s globe motif as a thematic nod to its travel rewards. At the end of the day, both cards look sharp, and unless you’re picking your wallet based on social media aesthetics, either one will do the trick.
Conclusion
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card and the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card are two strong contenders in Canada’s mid-tier travel credit card space, but they serve slightly different purposes.
If you’re looking for simplicity, flexibility, and international usability, the Scotiabank Passport stands out. With no foreign transaction fees, strong earning rates across the globe, and the ability to redeem Scene+ points against any travel expense up to 12 months later, it’s a top choice for frequent travellers or digital nomads who value ease and practicality.
On the other hand, the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card shines for those who are willing to plan ahead. It offers higher potential redemption value through the Aventura flight rewards chart, more robust insurance coverage, and valuable perks like a NEXUS rebate, gas discounts, and mobile device protection. Combined with frequent first-year fee waivers, it delivers strong upfront value.
Your optimal choice ultimately depends on your personal spending patterns and travel preferences. However, if you’re someone who frequently travels abroad or prefers a straightforward, fixed-value points system that works seamlessly post-purchase, the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card has a slight edge.
Either way, you’ll end up with a capable travel card that earns valuable points and saves you money on your next trip.
† Terms and conditions apply. Refer to the card issuer’s website for complete, up-to-date information. Reasonable efforts are made to ensure accuracy of content.
