Earn rates
The Privilege earns at three rates. Air Canada purchases earn 2x Aeroplan points. Gas stations, EV charging, grocery stores, restaurants, travel, and transit earn 1.5x. All other purchases earn 1.25x. The broad 1.5x tier covers most daily spending categories, and the 1.25x base ensures every dollar earns meaningfully above the Visa Infinite’s flat 1x.
| Spending category | Earn rate | Points per $100 spent |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada purchases | 2x Aeroplan | 200 pts |
| Gas and EV charging | 1.5x Aeroplan | 150 pts |
| Grocery stores | 1.5x Aeroplan | 150 pts |
| Dining and restaurants | 1.5x Aeroplan | 150 pts |
| Travel and transit | 1.5x Aeroplan | 150 pts |
| Everything else | 1.25x Aeroplan | 125 pts |
Bonus earn rates apply to a combined maximum of $100,000 in eligible category spending per year. Spending above that cap earns at the base 1.25x rate. Verify current earn caps directly with CIBC.
Key benefits
Maple Leaf Lounge access
The lounge benefit on the Privilege is unlimited North American Maple Leaf Lounge access with one complimentary guest per visit — otherwise reserved for Aeroplan 35K status holders and business class travellers. The card also includes Visa Airport Companion visits, which covers international airports where Air Canada does not operate a Maple Leaf Lounge. Verify current guest policy and the number of included Visa Airport Companion visits directly with CIBC, as terms are subject to change.
Annual companion pass
Cardholders who spend $25,000 in a calendar year receive a round-trip Air Canada companion ticket starting from $99 plus taxes and fees. The pass applies to economy fares on Air Canada–operated flights. At typical domestic tax levels, the companion pays $199 to $399 total for a return trip. The pass is issued once per year when the spend threshold is met. Verify current pass terms with CIBC.
Smart Plus fee offset
CIBC Smart Plus chequing account holders receive up to $139 toward the Privilege’s $599 annual fee. This brings the effective annual fee to approximately $460 for qualifying customers. Unlike the Visa Infinite, where the $139 Smart Plus credit covers the full annual fee, the Privilege’s higher fee is only partially offset. The Smart Plus account carries a $29.95 monthly fee, waived when you maintain a $4,000 minimum daily balance. Verify current Smart Plus waiver terms at cibc.com.
Travel insurance
Coverage types and limits:
- Emergency medical: up to $5,000,000 (31 days per trip; age limits apply)
- Trip cancellation: up to $2,500 per person
- Trip interruption: up to $5,000 per person
- Flight / trip delay: up to $500 per person (4+ hour delay)
- Lost baggage: up to $1,000 per person
- Baggage delay: up to $1,000 per person
- Rental car collision / damage: up to 48 days
- Common carrier accident: up to $500,000
- Hotel / motel burglary: up to $2,500
- Mobile device insurance: coverage for loss, theft, and accidental damage
Coverage limits and eligibility conditions apply. Always review the certificate of insurance before travel and verify current limits directly with CIBC.
Income requirement
The Visa Infinite Privilege requires a personal income of $150,000 or a household income of $200,000. If you do not meet the income requirement, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite at $139 is the next tier down.
What the earn math looks like
A cardholder spending $2,500 per month across typical categories:
| Category | Monthly spend | Rate | Monthly points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $600 | 1.5x | 900 pts |
| Gas | $200 | 1.5x | 300 pts |
| Dining | $300 | 1.5x | 450 pts |
| All other spending | $1,400 | 1.25x | 1,750 pts |
| Total | $2,500 | 3,400 pts / mo |
40,800 Aeroplan points per year at this spend mix. At a conservative 1.5 cents per point, approximately $612 in Aeroplan value annually. The Visa Infinite earns 34,800 points at the same spend, a difference of 6,000 points worth roughly $90 per year. Lounge access and the companion pass are the primary fee justifiers; the earn differential alone does not close the gap over the Visa Infinite.
Good fit if
- You fly Air Canada regularly and do not hold Aeroplan 35K status — unlimited lounge access with a guest is otherwise reserved for status holders
- You regularly travel with a partner and will use the annual companion pass when the $25,000 spend threshold is met
- You bank at CIBC and the Smart Plus offset reduces your effective fee to ~$460
Less useful if
- You hold Aeroplan 35K status or higher — you already receive Maple Leaf Lounge access as a status benefit
- You travel solo most of the time and will not realistically use the companion pass
- You need a Nexus credit — the TD Privilege offers up to four $100 Nexus credits per 48-month period across cardholders on the account