Meridian Visa Cash Back Card vs Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back: Which one is better?
Meridian Visa Cash Back Card
2.8
Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back
4.1
Welcome Bonus*
The 7,000 bonus points offer is available for all new Personal Meridian credit card account holders who (i) apply for a Meridian credit card between March 1 and May 31, 2025 (ii) make their first purchase with new Meridian credit card on or before June 30, 2025. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. It is not available to existing Meridian credit cardholders.‡
Welcome Bonus*
The 7,000 bonus points offer is available for all new Personal Meridian credit card account holders who (i) apply for a Meridian credit card between March 1 and May 31, 2025 (ii) make their first purchase with new Meridian credit card on or before June 30, 2025. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. It is not available to existing Meridian credit cardholders.‡
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$145.53
Meridian Rewards
First Year Bonus Value
+
$70
Meridian Rewards
Annual Fee
-
$0
First Year Value
$265.53
$145.53 in years after
Based on a hypothetical $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$395.3
Meridian Rewards
First Year Bonus Value
+
$70
Meridian Rewards
Annual Fee
-
$99
$0
First Year Waived
First Year Value
$441.3
$296.3 in years after
Based on a hypothetical $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
How to Earn Rewards*
- Earn 1 reward point for every $1 spent (1% cash back) on gas, groceries, pharmacy and utility bill payments
- Earn 0.5 reward point for every $1 spent (0.5% cash back) on other eligible purchases
How to Earn Rewards*
- Earn 4 reward points for every $1 spent (4% cash back) on gas and groceries˄ (up to $25,000 in spending annually)
- Earn 2 reward points for every $1 spent (2% cash back) on pharmacy and utility bill payments˄ (up to $25,000 in spending annually)
- Earn 1 reward point for every $1 spent on other eligible purchases
Insurance Included*
Travel Accident
$100k per insured person per trip
Mobile Device Insurance
Up to $1,000 per occurrence
Extended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Price Protection
$100 per item, $500 per year
Purchase Protection
90 days
Insurance Included*
Travel Accident
$1M per insured person per tripMobile Device Insurance
Up to $1,000 per occurrenceExtended Warranty
Up to 1 yearPrice Protection
$100 per item, $500 per yearPurchase Protection
90 days
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000
Baggage Delay
$500.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Max car value of $65k, up to 48 days
Emergency Out of province Medical
Up to $5M for 48 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
15 days
Trip Cancellation
$2,000
Trip Interruption
$2,000
Extra Benefits*
N/A
Extra Benefits*
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Interest Rates*
Purchase:
19.50%
Cash Advance:
21.99%
Balance Transfer:
21.99%
Interest Rates*
Purchase:
19.50%
Cash Advance:
21.99%
Balance Transfer:
21.99%
Annual Fee*
$0
Annual Fee*
$99
$0$
First Year Waived
Income Required*
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Income Required*
Min Personal Income:
$60,000
Min Household Income:
$100,000
Loyalty Program*
Loyalty Program*
Point Redemption Options*
Statement Credits (Cash)
1¢ / point
Merchandise
1¢ / point
Travel
1¢ / point
Gift Cards
1¢ / point
Point Redemption Options*
Statement Credits (Cash)
1¢ / pointMerchandise
1¢ / pointTravel
1¢ / pointGift Cards
1¢ / point
Is this card worth it?
The Meridian Visa Cash Back Card is a solid choice for anyone looking for a simple, no-fee card with straightforward rewards. While its cash back rates are not the highest, especially on non-boosted categories, it still offers decent value with 1% back on gas, groceries, and utility bills. The inclusion of basic insurance coverage, especially price protection, adds a nice bonus. However, its appeal is mainly for low to moderate spenders, as the rewards rate for other purchases is quite low, and the card is only available to Ontario residents. Overall, it’s a practical option for those who don’t want to pay an annual fee and prefer basic perks without complexity.
Is this card worth it?
The Meridian Visa Infinite Cash Back Card offers solid cash back rewards, particularly with up to 4% on groceries and gas, and a competitive annual fee of $99 (waived in the first year). It stands out with comprehensive travel insurance, including price protection, which is a rarity in this category. However, the card does come with some drawbacks, such as high income requirements and limited availability to Ontario residents. Overall, this card provides excellent value for those who spend heavily on groceries, gas, and utilities, and for those who value strong insurance coverage and a low annual fee.
Pros
- 1% cash back on select categories (gas, groceries, etc.).
- No annual fee.
- Includes 5 types of insurance (e.g., price protection, mobile device insurance).
- Simple eligibility: No income requirements.
- Flexible rewards: Redeem for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, or travel.
Pros
- Up to 4% cash back on groceries and gas
- 11 types of insurance coverage, including price protection
- Choice of cash back redemption (statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel)
- Lower $99 annual fee (waived first year)
- Good earn rates across several categories
- High insurance coverage with extended terms, especially for travel
Cons
- Lower earn rate: Only 0.5% on all other purchases.
- Limited to Ontario residents.
Cons
- High income requirements ($60,000 personal, $100,000 household)
- Available only to residents of Ontario
Legal