CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite vs Scotiabank Gold American Express
The short answer: for most people the Scotiabank Gold American Express is the better overall card — we rate it 4.7/5 and it shines if you want grocery shoppers and travellers who want no foreign transaction fees. Choose the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite instead if your priority is flexible travel rewards with no airline lock-in.
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| Our rating | 4.3 | 4.7 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $139/yr | $120/yr |
| Welcome bonus | ~$1,000 | ~$650 |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% | None |
| Rewards type | points | points |
| Top earn rates |
|
|
| Purchase interest | 20.99% | 20.99% |
| Income required | $60,000 personal | None stated |
| Best for | Flexible travel rewards with no airline lock-in | Grocery shoppers and travellers who want no foreign transaction fees |
| Apply now | Apply now |
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite
A flexible travel card for people who don't want to be tied to one airline. The waived first-year fee and lounge access make year one an easy win.
Scotiabank Gold American Express
Our winnerA do-it-all rewards card: category-leading grocery earning, strong dining and entertainment multipliers, and no FX fee for when you travel or shop in USD.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite or the Scotiabank Gold American Express better?
For most Canadians, the Scotiabank Gold American Express is the better overall pick (we rate it 4.7/5 vs 4.3/5). It's especially strong if you want grocery shoppers and travellers who want no foreign transaction fees. The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite can still win if you specifically want flexible travel rewards with no airline lock-in.
Which card has the lower annual fee?
The Scotiabank Gold American Express has the lower annual fee (a $120 annual fee vs a $139 annual fee).
Do either of these cards charge foreign transaction fees?
CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite: 2.5% foreign transaction fee. Scotiabank Gold American Express: no foreign transaction fee.