There used to be a time when having a Gold credit card meant you were a high roller. Then came the platinum cards for even higher rollers but early in 2008 we have seen Canadian banks that issue Visa cards, launch the new Visa Infinite Brand. Typically, black in colour, the new Infinite cards are now the premium card for Visa issuers.

In reality these cards are not much different then cards that are already on the market. However, they do have some slight changes in benefits and features that cardholders may want to have. All the Infiinite cards offer some sort of Personal Concierge service to help book tickets, make dinner reservations and more.

Individually some of the new benefits for the cards include the ability to spend over your credit limit on the CIBC Aerogold Infinite Visa. The CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite card will earn extra Aeroplan miles on gas, groceries etc (like the AeroGold card). RBC offers enhanced services and point earning opportunities and with the TD First Class Infinite Card it offers Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance.

The Visa Infinite Cards in Canada:

CIBC AeroGold and Aventura Visa Infinite Cards
At this point the CIBC Infinite cards are being offered by invitation only to some of CIBC's best card holders or should we say highest spenders. The little bit of info we have on the AeroGold card is that you will be able to spend over your preset credit limit (evaluated on each individual transaction) and the Aventura will see the mileage multiplier that the AeroGold card has had for the past year where you will earn 1.5 miles for purchases at Gas, Grocery and drug stores.

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
Like CIBC, the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card is only being offered to select RBC customers. From the RBC press release the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card will offer enhanced services, including additional opportunities to earn points, improved travel insurance and access to unique offers.

TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card,
Currently the only Infinite card in Canada available to the general public, the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card heralds the feature that you can book your travel anyway you want, anywhere you want. Simply after booking with any travel provider, you call up TD Travel Rewards and redeem the points against your travel booking in the form of a credit on your balance. While TD states there is no card like it, the Capital One® No Hassle Rewards Miles card has offered this feature since 2007. This feature is also available on the TD Platinum Travel Visa. The card also offers Elite Hotel Privileges which offers best rates and complimentary upgrades at select boutique and luxury hotels if available.

Which card is best?
Each card has it's perks, if you like to travel in business or first class, then the AeroGold or Avion Infinite cards are your better bets as the miles/points can be redeemed for business or first class reward tickets via the airline frequent flyer programs (Air Canada for AeroGold, British Airways for Avion) To this day business or first class tickets still offer the highest percentage return on dollars spent via credit cards. Of course your spending needs to be on the higher side to be able to redeem for these tickets. If you tend to spend less or like to redeem for travel outside of business or first class tickets then the TD card is your best bet due to the fact you can book any travel anyway you like.

Links:
CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite Card.
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card,