Editorial Note: Comparewise is supported by our readers. When you find products and services through links on our site, we may earn commission.
The Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Card is great for helping Canadian frequent travellers get rewards and benefits.
Meridian Credit Union is Ontario’s largest credit union offering helpful financial products across Canada.
Their premium travel credit card offers rewards, complete travel insurance coverage and other perks. With the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card, you also get rewarded on regular spending when traveling.
Rewards include earning 6 points for every $2 spent on foreign currency purchases and 3 points for every $2 spent on everything else.
This works out to a 3% return on your foreign currency spending and a 1.5% return on spending for all other purchases, which is quite competitive in the travel rewards card world.
Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Card features
Here are the features that make the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card an outstanding choice for travellers:
- Rewards Program: The card’s rewards program is straightforward and generous. You’ll earn 6 Meridian Rewards Points for every $2 spent on foreign currency purchases, which is equivalent to a 3% return. For all other purchases, you’ll earn 3 points per $2 spent, or a 1.5% return. This makes the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Card particularly attractive if you frequently make purchases in foreign currencies.
- Flexible Redemption Options: The points you earn with your Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card can be redeemed for a variety of rewards. You can use your points for travel bookings, merchandise, gift cards, or even as statement credits. This flexibility allows you to choose the redemption option that best suits your needs.
- Travel Insurance Coverage: One of the most valuable features of the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card is its comprehensive travel insurance package. Here’s what you can expect:
- Travel Emergency Medical Insurance: Up to $5,000,000 per insured person per trip
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Up to $2,000 per person for trip cancellation and up to $2,000 for trip interruption
- Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance: Up to $500 for delayed baggage and up to $1,000 for lost or damaged baggage
- Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $1,000,000 per person
- Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance: Coverage for up to 48 consecutive days
- Mobile Device Insurance: You’ll get up to $1,000 in coverage for your mobile devices, which can be a real lifesaver if you’re prone to dropping your phone.
- Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty: The card also offers purchase protection for 90 days from the date of purchase, covering up to $10,000 per item. Additionally, it doubles the manufacturer’s original warranty for up to one extra year.
- Visa Infinite Benefits: As a Visa Infinite card, you’ll have access to exclusive benefits such as the Visa Infinite Concierge service, Visa Infinite Dining Series, and Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection.
- Lower Annual Fee: Compared to many premium travel credit cards, the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card has a relatively low annual fee of $99, which is waived for the first year.
These features make the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card a well-rounded option for travellers who want to earn rewards on their spending while enjoying comprehensive travel protection.
Pros and cons of the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Card
Like any financial product, the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break them down:
Pros of the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Card
- High Earn Rate on Foreign Currency Purchases: The 3% return on foreign currency spending is one of the highest rates available for this category.
- Solid Base Earn Rate: The 1.5% return on all other purchases is competitive with many other premium travel cards.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: The extensive travel insurance package can save you money on separate travel insurance policies.
- Lower Annual Fee: At $99 (waived for the first year), the annual fee is lower than many comparable premium travel cards.
- Flexible Redemption Options: You can use your points for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits, giving you plenty of choices.
- Visa Infinite Benefits: Access to exclusive Visa Infinite perks adds value to the card.
Cons of the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Card
- Limited Availability: The card is only available to Ontario residents, which may disappoint potential applicants from other provinces.
- High Income Requirement: You need a minimum annual income of $60,000 individual or $100,000 household to qualify for this card.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: While you earn bonus points on foreign currency transactions, you’ll still pay the standard 2.5% foreign transaction fee.
- No Welcome Bonus: Unlike many other premium travel cards, the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card doesn’t currently offer a welcome bonus.
- Limited Bonus Categories: Apart from foreign currency purchases, there are no other bonus spending categories.
When considering the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card, it’s important to weigh these pros and cons against your personal spending habits and travel needs.
How to use the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Card
To make the most of your Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card, follow these tips:
- Use for Foreign Currency Purchases: Since you earn 3% in rewards on foreign currency transactions, use this card for all your international purchases and when travelling abroad.
- Everyday Spending: With a solid 1.5% earn rate on all other purchases, use this card for your daily expenses to accumulate points quickly.
- Travel Bookings: Use the card to book your flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Not only will you earn points, but you’ll also activate the card’s travel insurance benefits.
- Redeem Wisely: Aim to get at least 1 cent per point value when redeeming. Travel redemptions often offer the best value.
- Take Advantage of Visa Infinite Benefits: Use the concierge service for travel planning and reservations, and enjoy exclusive dining experiences through the Visa Infinite Dining Series.
- Activate Insurance: Make sure to charge the full cost of your travel to the card to activate the travel insurance benefits.
- Consider Additional Cards: If you have family members who spend frequently, consider getting them additional cards to earn rewards faster.
If you want to get the most out of your Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card, use these strategies.
Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Card alternatives
While the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card is a solid choice, it’s always good to consider alternatives. Here are a few comparable cards:
- TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card: This card offers Aeroplan points, which can be valuable for Air Canada flights. It has a similar annual fee but offers more bonus categories and a welcome bonus.
- Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Card: This card waives foreign transaction fees entirely, which could be more beneficial than the Meridian card’s bonus points on foreign currency transactions. It also offers a welcome bonus and lounge access.
- BMO Ascend™ World Elite® Mastercard®: This card offers a higher earn rate in multiple categories and a generous welcome bonus, though it has a higher annual fee and income requirement.
- CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Card: This card offers flexible travel rewards, a welcome bonus, and airport lounge access, with a similar annual fee to the Meridian card.
Conclusion
The Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card is a solid choice for frequent travellers, with its availability restricted to Ontario residents, which may disappoint potential applicants from other provinces.
The lack of a welcome bonus and the presence of foreign transaction fees (despite the bonus earn rate on foreign currency purchases) are also factors to consider.
For Ontario residents who frequently travel or make purchases in foreign currencies, the Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card offers excellent value. Its combination of rewards, insurance, and Visa Infinite benefits can enhance your travel experiences and provide peace of mind on the road.
You might also like…
