Comparison: MBNA TrueLine Mastercard Credit Card vs CIBC Select Visa* Card

Updated Sep 5, 2024
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Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
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Comparison - CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card vs RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
To the point Here's our detailed comparison of MBNA TrueLine Mastercard and CIBC Select Visa.

Financial institutions MBNA and CIBC both offer a credit card with a balance transfer option at 0% interest :

But which of these cards offers the best rate?

**Please note that the MBNA TrueLine Mastercard credit card is not available in Quebec.

Welcome bonus - Balance Transfer

Both credit cards offer a welcome bonus.

MBNA True Line EN

When you subscribe to the MBNA True Line® Mastercard® (Outside Quebec), you get balance transfers for :

  • 0% interest on balance transfers for 12 months
  • 3% transfer fee
CIBC Select Visa front en

With the CIBC Select Visa* Card, you will receive balance transfers for :

  • 0% interest for 10 months
  • 1% transfer fee
Advantage: CIBC Select Visa* Card

Both cards offer a 0% interest rate.

However, the CIBC Select Visa* Card has a transfer rate of 1%, which is lower than its competitor’s 3%.

Exclusive Benefits and Savings

Thanks to certain partners, credit cards offer more points or useful discounts for everyday purchases.

MBNA True Line EN

The MBNA True Line® Mastercard® (outside Quebec ) is very simple.

  • Get up to 9 additional cards at no annual fee
  • Around-the-clock fraud protection
  • Card made entirely of recycled plastic
  • Minimum 5% discount on Review and Budget car rentals
CIBC Select Visa front en

The CIBC Select Visa* Card has the same Visa Infinite advantages as its competitor.

  • Up to 3 additional cards at no annual fee
  • Personalized convenience cheques
  • Link your card to Journie Rewards to save up to 10 cents per liter on gas at Ultramar, Pioneer, Fas Gas and Chevron.
  • Up to 25% off Avis and Budget car rentals

 

Advantage: CIBC Select Visa* Card

For its general benefits, the CIBC Select Visa* Card wins this round.

Standard Balance Transfer Interest Rates

Apart from the promotional 0% interest rate, the MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card (Non Quebec Residents) and CIBC Select Visa* Card offer standard interest rates.

MBNA True Line EN

The standard interest rate for MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card (Non Quebec Residents) is 17.99%.

CIBC Select Visa front en

The CIBC Select Visa* Card’s standard interest rate is 13.99%.

 

Advantage: CIBC Select Visa* Card

The CIBC Select Visa* Card ‘s standard interest rate is the better of the two cards, since it’s lower.

Annual Fees

Let’s see which card is the least expensive.

MBNA True Line EN

The MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card (Non Quebec Residents) has an annual fee of $0. Easy to remember!

CIBC Select Visa front en

The CIBC Select Visa* Card has an annual fee of $29.

However, this card often has a reimbursement promotion to cover the fee. At present, the fee is fully reimbursed for 2 years.

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With an annual fee of $0 at all times, it’s an obvious choice.

Insurance

Both credit cards offer some insurances… or not!

MBNA True Line EN

The MBNA True Line® Mastercard® credit card (Non Quebec Residents) has no insurance coverage.

Travel medical insurance None
Insurance – Public transportation None
Other insurances None
CIBC Select Visa front en

The CIBC Select Visa* Card offers something similar for insurance. View the insurance summary here:

Travel medical insurance Optional at extra cost
Insurance – Public transportation 100 000 $
CIBC Payment Protector InsuranceTM Available at additional cost
Advantage: CIBC Select Visa* Card

For a card with little or no annual fee, it’s difficult for a financial institution to offer comprehensive insurance.

Even so, the CIBC Select Visa* Card is slightly superior. At an additional cost, it is possible to have certain coverages, and it offers coverage in the event of a problem on public transport abroad.

Minimum Income

MBNA True Line EN

The MBNA True Line® Mastercard® (outside Quebec) requires :

  • a minimum individual income of $0
CIBC Select Visa front en

To obtain a CIBC Select Visa* Card, you must meet the following easy criteria:

  • a minimum individual income of $0
Advantage : Draw

It’s easy to reach the minimum income required for both cards!

Bottom Line

So? Which Card is the winner?

The CIBC Select Visa* Card has a slight edge thanks to :

  • 0% interest rate welcome offer and lowest transfer fee of 1%.
  • Save up to 10 cents per liter on gas with the Journie Rewards program
  • Lowest standard interest rate
  • Its ability to add insurance coverage

While the MBNA True Line® Mastercard® (Outside Quebec) offers amenities such as:

  • 0% interest for 2 more months
  • $ 0 annual fee all the time
Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Caroline Tremblay

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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