Meridian Visa Cash Back Card vs Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card: Which one is better?
Meridian Visa Cash Back Card
2.8
Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card
4.2
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$150.33
Meridian Rewards
First Year Bonus Value
$70
Meridian Rewards
Annual Fee
$0
First Year Value
$270.33
$150.33 in years after
Based on $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$345.8
Meridian Rewards
First Year Bonus Value
$70
Meridian Rewards
Annual Fee
$99
$0
First Year Waived
First Year Value
$391.8
$246.8 in years after
Based on $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
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
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
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 Rate*
- 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
Rewards Rate*
- Earn 3 reward points for every $1 spent (3% cash back) on purchases made outside Canada in foreign currencies
- Earn 1.5 reward points for every $1 spent (1.5% cash back) on other eligible purchases
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 Travel Rewards Card stands out primarily for its flexible reward options and considerable insurance coverage. With the ability to earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases and double points on foreign currency transactions, it offers a competitive edge for frequent travelers. Its extensive insurance benefits, including rare price protection, further bolster its appeal, making it a strong contender for those who meet the income requirements and reside in Ontario.
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
- Versatile Rewards: Earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, with double points on foreign currency purchases, enhancing travel savings.
- Impressive Insurance Coverage: Includes 11 types of insurance, featuring unique price protection which allows refunds on price drops of eligible items within 60 days.
- First Year Fee Waiver: The $99 annual fee is waived for the first year, adding initial value for new cardholders.
Cons
- Lower earn rate: Only 0.5% on all other purchases.
- Limited to Ontario residents.
Cons
- Geographic Limitation: The card is exclusively available to residents of Ontario, limiting its accessibility.
- High Income Threshold: Requires a personal income of $60,000 or household income of $100,000, which may be prohibitive for some potential users.
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