Meridian Visa Cash Back Card vs Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back: Which one is better?

Meridian Visa Cash Back Card

Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back
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 tripMobile Device Insurance
Up to $1,000 per occurrenceExtended Warranty
Up to 1 yearPrice Protection
$100 per item, $500 per yearPurchase 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 daysLost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Baggage Delay
$500Car Rental Damage & Theft
Max car value of $65k, up to 48 daysEmergency Out of province Medical
Up to $5M for 48 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
15 daysTrip Cancellation
$2,000Trip 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¢ / pointMerchandise
1¢ / pointTravel
1¢ / pointGift 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
Terms and conditions apply. Offer only available to residents of Ontario.
‡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. A maximum of 7,000 bonus points per Member is allowed and we will awarded to the Member’s primary account. Please allow up to two billing cycles for bonus points to post to your account. Meridian reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time.
Meridian Credit Union is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ link for the most up to date information.
Terms and conditions apply. Offer only available to residents of Ontario.
‡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. A maximum of 7,000 bonus points per Member is allowed and we will awarded to the Member’s primary account. Please allow up to two billing cycles for bonus points to post to your account. Meridian reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time.
^Applies to first $25,000 in purchases then 1% for all other purchases.
Meridian Credit Union is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ link for the most up to date information.