The Short Version: Key Differences
- CIBC wins on welcome bonus: 50,000 points (~$750 est.) vs TD's 40,000 points (~$600 est.)
- 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 40,000 Aeroplan pts (~$600 est.) | Up to 50,000 Aeroplan pts (~$750 est.) |
| Bonus Structure | 10k on first purchase + earn on $750 spend over 12 months | Conditions vary by current promotion |
| 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
- The current CIBC welcome bonus promotion is not elevated — check both offers at time of application
When CIBC Aeroplan Makes More Sense
Choose CIBC if:
- Maximizing the welcome bonus is your primary goal — 50,000 points versus 40,000 is a $150 difference in estimated travel value
- 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?
CIBC Aeroplan wins on the welcome bonus (50k vs 40k points) and on total travel medical coverage ($5M vs $1M). TD Aeroplan wins on travel medical duration (21 days vs 15 days) and on baggage protection ($1,000 vs $500). For most applicants, CIBC has the edge at application time due to the larger welcome offer. However, 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. CIBC offers a larger welcome bonus (50,000 pts vs 40,000) and 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.