The Short Version: Key Differences
- Tie on welcome bonus: both offer up to 50,000 points (~$750 est.) plus a first-year annual fee rebate, though TD's middle tier is easier to reach ($3,000 in 90 days vs CIBC's $6,000 over 6 statement periods)
- CIBC wins on travel medical coverage limit: $5,000,000 vs TD's $1,000,000
- TD wins on travel medical duration: 21 days per trip vs CIBC's 15 days
- TD wins on baggage delay and loss coverage: $1,000 each vs CIBC's $500 each
- Earn rates, annual fee, and income requirement are identical on both cards
Side-by-Side Comparison
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $139/yr | $139/yr |
| Minimum Income | $60,000 personal | $60,000 personal |
| Welcome Bonus | Up to 50,000 Aeroplan pts (~$750 est.) | Up to 50,000 Aeroplan pts (~$750 est.) |
| Bonus Structure | 10k on first purchase + 15k after $3,000 in 90 days + 25k anniversary bonus after $12,000 in 12 months; first-year fee rebated | 10k on first purchase + 15k after $6,000 in 6 statement periods + 25k anniversary bonus after $12,000 in 12 statement periods; first-year fee rebated |
| Groceries / Dining / Gas / Air Canada | 1.5x Aeroplan pts | 1.5x Aeroplan pts |
| Aeroplan Partner Purchases | 1x Aeroplan pts | 1x Aeroplan pts |
| All Other Purchases | 1x Aeroplan pts | 1x Aeroplan pts |
| Travel Medical Limit | $1,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Travel Medical Duration | 21 days per trip | 15 days per trip |
| Trip Cancellation | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Trip Interruption | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Flight Delay | $500 | $500 |
| Baggage Delay | $1,000 | $500 |
| Baggage Loss | $1,000 | $500 |
| Rental Car Coverage | Up to 48 days | Up to 48 days |
| Network | Visa Infinite | Visa Infinite |
When TD Aeroplan Makes More Sense
Choose TD if:
- You take longer trips — 21-day coverage means a three-week vacation is fully covered; CIBC's 15-day limit would leave the last week uninsured
- You check bags frequently and want more protection if luggage is delayed or lost ($1,000 vs $500 per claim)
- You already bank with TD and want tighter integration with your existing accounts
- You want the easier early bonus milestone: TD's 15,000-point tier needs $3,000 in 90 days, while CIBC's needs $6,000 over 6 statement periods
When CIBC Aeroplan Makes More Sense
Choose CIBC if:
- You travel on shorter trips (under 15 days) where the coverage duration difference does not matter
- You want the peace of mind of a $5M travel medical limit versus TD's $1M limit
- You already bank with CIBC and prefer consolidating rewards with your primary financial institution
Verdict
Which card wins?
Both cards currently offer up to 50,000 Aeroplan points and a first-year annual fee rebate, so the welcome bonus no longer separates them. CIBC Aeroplan wins on total travel medical coverage ($5M vs $1M). TD Aeroplan wins on travel medical duration (21 days vs 15 days), on baggage protection ($1,000 vs $500), and on an easier early bonus milestone. For shorter trips, CIBC's higher medical limit gives more headroom. For travellers who regularly spend 16 to 21 consecutive days abroad — such as retirees or winter sun seekers — TD's longer coverage window is the more important variable. Earn rates are identical, so ongoing value after the first year is the same on both cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TD or CIBC Aeroplan card better?
It depends on your priorities. Both currently offer up to 50,000 Aeroplan points plus a first-year annual fee rebate. CIBC offers higher travel medical coverage ($5M vs $1M). TD offers longer travel medical coverage (21 days vs 15 days) and double the baggage delay and loss coverage ($1,000 vs $500). Earn rates and annual fees are identical on both cards.
Do both cards earn the same Aeroplan points?
Yes. Both cards earn 1.5 Aeroplan points per dollar on groceries, dining, gas, and Air Canada purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other spending. Aeroplan points are the same currency regardless of whether they were earned through TD or CIBC — they are redeemable identically for Air Canada flights and other Aeroplan partners.
Can you have both the TD and CIBC Aeroplan card?
Yes. Since TD and CIBC are separate issuers, you can hold both cards simultaneously. Some Aeroplan collectors do this to collect welcome bonuses from both institutions. However, both carry $139 annual fees, so holding both long-term means $278/yr in combined fees — only worthwhile if your spending justifies the cost of each card independently.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Credit card terms, welcome offers, and insurance coverage are subject to change. Always verify current terms with TD and CIBC before applying.