Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back vs Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card: Which one is better?
Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back
4.1
Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card
4.2
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$404.9
Meridian Rewards
First Year Bonus Value
$70
Meridian Rewards
Annual Fee
$99
$0
First Year Waived
First Year Value
$450.9
$305.9 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*
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000
Baggage Delay
$500.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Max car value of $65k, up to 48 days
Travel Accident
$1M 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
Emergency Out of province Medical
Up to $5M for 48 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
15 days
Trip Cancellation
$2,000
Trip Interruption
$2,000
Insurance Included*
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Baggage Delay
$500Car Rental Damage & Theft
Max car value of $65k, up to 48 daysTravel 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 daysEmergency Out of province Medical
48 daysEmergency Medical Over 65
15 daysTrip Cancellation
$2,000Trip Interruption
$2,000
Extra Benefits*
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
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*
$99
$0
First Year Waived
Annual Fee*
$99
$0
First Year Waived
Income Required*
Min Personal Income:
$60,000
Min Household Income:
$100,000
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 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
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 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.
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
- 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
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
- High income requirements ($60,000 personal, $100,000 household)
- Available only to residents of Ontario
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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