Head-to-Head: CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card vs Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* Card

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Alexandrine Bertrand
Alexandrine Bertrand Alexandrine Bertrand
An avid solo traveller, Alexandrine is an expert on loyalty programmes such as Aeroplan, Avios, AIR MILES, Flying Blue and Marriott Bonvoy. With a budget-conscious approach, she helps travellers make the most of their points and miles to experience affordable, off-the-beaten-path getaways. She also shares a love of gastronomy and enjoys exploring local flavours and culinary traditions.
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CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card vs Scotia Momentum VISA Infinite Card
To the point Here's our comparison between the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card and the Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* Card. Which one is the best?

In this analysis, we compare all their features: welcome bonus, requested income, annual fees, earning rate, insurance, benefits, etc.

Welcome Bonus

The welcome bonus offered by each of these cards varies according to the promotions.

Here’s how the current offer is structured:

CIBC Dividend Visa infinite front en

For a limited time, when you sign up for the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn:

  • 10% cash back on all purchases up to $250 during the period covered by your first 4 statements;
  • $50 cash back when you set up a pre-authorized payment within the first 4 months of your membership;
  • A refund of the first year’s annual fee ($120 value).
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite

For a limited time, when you subscribe to the Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* Card, get :

  • 10% cash back on all purchases for the first 3 months (up to $2,000 in total purchases)
  • No annual fee in the first year, including on supplementary cards.
Advantage: CIBC

CIBC’s welcome offer gives more time to reach the ultimate goal (4 months instead of 3 at Scotia) and offers up to $300, while Scotia’s stops at $200.

Minimum Income

CIBC Dividend Visa infinite front en

The CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card requires an annual personal income of $60,000 or $100,000 in annual household income.

Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite

The Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card requires a $60,000 personal income or $100,000 household income.

It’s a Tie!

Both CIBC and Scotia cards require a similar income.

If you don’t have this level of income, you’ll have to turn to these other cards:

Or opt for a card that requires no minimum income, such as the American Express SimplyCash Card.

Annual Fees

CIBC Dividend Visa infinite front en

The CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card has an annual fee of $120.

Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite

The Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* Card has an annual fee of $120.

It’s a Tie!

These two cards offered by CIBC and Scotia have a similar $120 annual fee.

However, both cards offer a first-year annual fee rebate.

Earning cash back

Both cards offer different cash back earning rates.

CIBC Dividend Visa infinite front en

With the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn:

  • 4% cash back on gas and groceries
  • 2% cash back on eligible transportation, food and living expenses
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite

With the Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* Card, you earn:

  • 4% cash back on groceries and recurring payments
  • 2% cash back on gas and daily transit
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

Annual limit

For both cards, there are annual purchase limits beyond which the cashback rate drops to 1%, instead of 2% or 4%.

CIBC Dividend Visa infinite front en

With the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card, if you exceed either of these two annual limits, you will earn 1% cash back on subsequent purchases:

  • $80,000 in annual purchases charged to the card
  • or $20,000 in annual purchases from grocery stores, supermarkets, service stations and gas, public transit, food and beverage outlets and restaurants, or in recurring payments

This annual limit will reset to zero after the day your December statement is printed.

Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite

With The Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card, if you exceed this annual limit by category, you will earn 1% cash back on subsequent purchases:

  • $25,000 in annual purchases from grocery stores, supermarkets, and for recurring bill payments
  • $25,000 in annual purchases on gas and daily transit

This annual limit is reset to zero after the day following the printing of your November statement.

Advantage: Scotia

The Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite Card offers a higher purchase limit, especially as it is per category (4% / 2%), whereas CIBC’s limit covers all categories.

Redeeming your cash back balance

CIBC Dividend Visa infinite front en

With the CIBC DividendMD Visa Infinite* Card, you can redeem your cash back whenever you like, provided you have a balance of at least $25 at the time the application is submitted.

Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite

With The Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn your cash back annually, on your November statement.

Advantage: CIBC

No debate: the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card offers more flexibility by allowing you to get your cash back faster.

The Benefits

CIBC Dividend Visa infinite front en

With the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card, you receive the following benefits:

  • Visa Infinite Program: hotel benefits, culinary events, complimentary concierge service
  • Up to 25% off car rentals with Avis and Budget
  • Save up to 10 cents per litre at participating gas stations
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite

The Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* Card offers you the following benefits:

  • Visa Infinite Program: hotel benefits, culinary events, complimentary concierge service
  • Up to 25% off car rentals with Avis and Budget
Advantage: CIBC

Since these are Visa Infinite credit cards, you will have the classic benefits of this type of card.

On the other hand, the CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card stands out thanks to its partnership with the Journie Rewards program: you can save up to 10 cents a liter at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron service stations.

Insurance

Insurance CIBC Dividend Visa infinite front en Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite
Travel cancellation insurance None Up to $1,500
Trip interruption insurance No up to $2,000
Out-of-Province/Country Emergency Medical Insurance Up to $5,000,000
10 days
Up to $1,000,000
15 days
Flight delay insurance No Up to $500
after 4 hours
Misdirected Baggage Insurance No Up to $500
after 4 hours
Baggage loss or theft insurance No Up to $500
after 4 hours
Hotel burglary insurance No None
Rental car theft and damage insurance up to $65,000 up to $65,000
Travel accident insurance $500,000 $500,000
Mobile Device Insurance 1 000 $ 1 000 $
Purchase Protection 1 additional year 1 additional year
Purchase Guarantee 90 days 90 days

 

Advantage: Scotia

The Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* Card offers superior insurance coverage. It offers more coverage if you travel.

Bottom Line

So? Which credit card is the big winner?

For all of its features and with the flexibility of earning cash back, the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card wins the game! However, if you intend to use your credit card to book travel, the Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite* Card may be a better option for you.

CIBC Dividend Visa infinite front en

The CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card stands out thanks to:

  • an excellent welcome offer;
  • cash back that is easier to access and available more quickly ;
  • savings at partner service stations.
Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite

The Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* Card stands out thanks to:

  • superior travel insurance ;
  • larger cash rebates for recurring payments ;
  • higher purchase limits to earn more cash back.
Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Caroline Tremblay
Caroline Tremblay
Caroline, a loyalty program specialist, helps families maximize their points to travel more frequently and affordably. With expertise in Disney, AIR MILES, and Costco, she travels the world with her partner and two children through rewards. Passionate about the latest in loyalty programs, Caroline shares tips to help you earn more points and turn your travel dreams into reality.
All posts by Caroline Tremblay
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