Which welcome bonus is more valuable, CIBC Dividend or Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite?

The Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite typically delivers a higher welcome bonus at up to $300 cashback, earned at 15% on the first $2,000 spent in the first three months. The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite offers up to $250 cashback at 10% on the first $2,500 of spending across the first four statements. Both cards waive the $120 annual fee in year one and add a small bonus for setting up pre-authorized payments. On raw welcome value, Scotia wins by about $50, but the longer 4-month earning window on the CIBC card can be easier for households with steady, lower monthly spending.

Which card earns more on groceries and gas?

Both cards earn 4% in their top categories, but the splits differ. The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite pays 4% on groceries and gas, 2% on transit and dining, and 1% on everything else, with a combined $20,000 annual cap on bonus categories. The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite pays 4% on groceries and recurring bills, 2% on gas and transit, and 1% on the rest, with a higher $25,000 annual cap per category. Heavy gas spenders should pick CIBC; households with substantial recurring bills like utilities, telecom, and streaming should pick Scotia.

Does the CIBC Dividend's Journie Rewards partnership add real value?

Yes, the Journie Rewards partnership saves up to 10 cents per litre at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar, and Chevron stations, which stacks on top of the 4% cashback at gas stations. For a driver filling up 50 litres weekly, that's an extra $5 per fill-up or roughly $260 per year in pure savings on fuel before counting the cashback. Scotiabank does not currently offer an equivalent gas partnership, so heavy commuters or families with multiple vehicles will see materially better total value with the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite.

Which card has better travel insurance, the CIBC Dividend or the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite?

The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite has clearly stronger travel insurance, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight delay, and lost or delayed baggage protection, plus 15 days of out-of-province emergency medical coverage for travelers under 65. The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite has more limited travel coverage and lacks trip cancellation or interruption insurance. For families or frequent travelers who don't want to buy standalone trip protection, the Scotia card's bundled coverage easily justifies its similar $120 annual fee, even if the cashback advantage on bonus categories goes to CIBC.

Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine is the President and Founder of Milesopedia and a leading expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel across Canada, France, and the U.S.A. Now 40 years old and a father of two, he has explored more than 100 countries—many of them alongside his wife Audrey and their children. Specializing in loyalty programs such as Aeroplan, Flying Blue, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, Jean-Maximilien helps travellers unlock the full potential of their points and benefits. His mission: empower others to travel better and smarter across North America and Europe.

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