Which card is easier to unlock the welcome bonus on?

The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card offers the easier path. Its welcome bonus of up to 45,000 Aventura Points can be earned after a first purchase and $3,000 in spending within the first 4 monthly statement periods.The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card offers 40,000 Scene+ points after spending $2,000, but additional bonus points require spending $10,000 and $40,000. For most households, CIBC's bonus is simpler and easier to earn.

How do the earn rates stack up for typical spending?

Scotiabank Passport wins on category bonuses. It earns 4 points per $1 on hotels and car rentals, 3 points per $1 at grocery partners, and 2 points per $1 on dining and entertainment. CIBC Aventura earns 2 points per $1 on travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre and 1.5 points per $1 on gas, groceries and drug stores. For grocery- and dining-heavy households, Scotia delivers a noticeably higher effective return.

Which card has the lower annual fee?

The CIBC Aventura charges $139 per year, often waived in the first year through digital offers. The Scotiabank Passport charges $150 per year, waivable when you hold an eligible Scotiabank chequing account package. Net of typical first-year waivers, both cards effectively cost $0 in year 1. After that, CIBC is $11 cheaper annually, but the Scotia FX advantage usually outweighs the difference for travellers.

What is the deciding factor for most travellers?

It comes down to two things: foreign exchange and lounge access. Scotia Passport charges 0% FX fees and includes 6 complimentary lounge visits. CIBC Aventura charges the standard 2.5% FX fee and includes 4 DragonPass lounge visits plus a $160 NEXUS rebate. If you spend more than $5,000 a year in foreign currency, Scotia saves you over $125 annually on FX alone. If you primarily travel in Canada and the U.S. with Aeroplan goals, CIBC's transferable points may suit you better.