Aventura Points: The Ultimate Guide

Aventura Points, the rewards currency of the CIBC Aventura Rewards Program, are earned primarily through everyday purchases with Aventura credit cards. You can earn more Aventura points when you use your Aventura credit card toward specific purchase categories like travel, dining and groceries. The number of points you receive per purchase category depends on the earn rate in that category and the particular Aventura card you’re using. For example, the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege gives you 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases booked through the CIBC Rewards Centre, 2 points per dollar spent on eligible dining, entertainment, transportation, gas, electric vehicle charging and grocery purchases, and 1.25 points per dollar spent on all other purchases. In addition, welcome bonuses, promotional offers and referral incentives, which are available on all Aventura credit cards, enhance your ability to accumulate points quickly.

Meanwhile, Aventura Points can be used for a wide range of rewards. Most cardholders redeem Aventura Points for travel rewards, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, car rentals and vacation packages through the CIBC Rewards Centre. Aventura Points can also be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards, unique experiences and even financial rewards like mortgage payments or contributions to TFSAs or RRSPs. Each option has a distinct value per point.

How Much Are Aventura Points Worth?

The value of Aventura Points varies according to the reward you redeem them for. Here’s a breakdown of the different redemption options you have and the value you can expect from each one:

Travel generally offers the best value, especially for long-haul and business-class flights. Merchandise and statement credits offer lower value.

You must have a CIBC Aventura credit card to participate in the Aventura Rewards program. You can earn Aventura Points through welcome bonuses, everyday purchases in specific purchase categories, eligible purchases outside those categories (though often at a lower earn rate when compared to specific purchase categories)  and booking travel through the CIBC Rewards Centre.

Cards That Earn Membership Rewards

CIBC offers personal and business credit cards that earn Aventura Points. Each card features unique benefits and specific earning rates.

Personal Cards

Business Cards

Airport Lounge Access

Cardholders of select Aventura credit cards, such as the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, are granted free access to over 1,200 airport lounges globally six times a year through Visa Airport Companion. This feature not only offers a quieter and more comfortable environment for travellers but also provides amenities such as complimentary snacks and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi and sometimes even facilities for a shower and a rest.

Visa Infinite Benefits

The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card and CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card offer a suite of benefits from the Visa payment network that enhance travel and daily life. Cardholders have access to exclusive dining events that often feature gourmet meals prepared by renowned chefs and opportunities for hotel upgrades, including late check-out, room upgrades and a complimentary breakfast every morning. Visa Infinite benefits also include a personalized concierge service that provides assistance with reservations, event tickets and even day-to-day tasks.

Insurance Coverage

Aventura cards offer comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical insurance up to $1 million for unexpected hospital and medical expenses outside of Canada. In addition, this coverage includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, protecting you against financial losses if your travel plans are disrupted due to covered reasons. Plus, car rental collision loss/damage insurance also comes with these cards, providing coverage up to the MSRP of the rented car.

Nexus Application Rebate

Aventura Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders receive a rebate for the NEXUS application fee every four years (a $100 value). The NEXUS program allows travellers to use expedited processing lanes at airports and border crossings, significantly reducing their wait times during peak travel periods.

Airline Taxes and Fees

Points earned through the Aventura program can be redeemed for the cost of airline tickets and also for airline taxes and fees.

Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty

Aventura cards come with purchase protection that safeguards you against theft or damage of new purchases within 90 days of the purchase. In addition, the extended warranty benefit doubles the manufacturer’s warranty, extending up to an additional year. This adds a layer of financial security and peace of mind when buying electronics, appliances and other eligible products.

Combining Aventura Points

Cardholders can combine points from personal and business Aventura accounts, making it easier to get more out of the points they earn across different spending categories. This flexibility allows your points to add up quickly, providing faster access to bigger rewards, such as international flights and luxury hotel stays.

Aventura Points offer versatile redemption options, catering to multiple preferences and needs. Typically, redeeming Aventura Points for travel-related expenses, such as flights and hotel stays, provides the best value per point. However, there are other practical redemption options, including merchandise, financial products and gift cards.

Aventura Airline Rewards Chart Flight Redemptions

If you want to redeem your Aventura Points for air travel, the Aventura Flight Rewards Chart provides a list of destinations, the number of points needed and the maximum ticket price. For example, a short-haul flight to Canada or the U.S. requires 10,000 to 20,000 Aventura points and a $400 maximum ticket price. Using your Aventura Points can be a cost-effective way to manage travel expenses, especially for frequent destinations.

The timing of your bookings can make a big difference in how far your points go. If you book your flights early or choose less busy travel periods, your Aventura Points can take you further, helping you save on travel costs. For example, a round-trip flight from Toronto to Vancouver might require 25,000 Aventura Points during the off-season. But last-minute plans or holiday travel will likely mean spending more points for the same flight due to higher demand. Plan ahead to get the best value from your points, whether you’re jetting off to a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure.

CIBC Rewards Travel Centre

The CIBC Rewards Travel Centre is a user-friendly platform where you can directly apply your Aventura Points to a wide range of travel rewards. You’ll get a consistent redemption rate of approximately $0.01 per point across multiple travel services—whether you’re flying to your next destination, booking a hotel stay or renting a car—without worrying about blackout dates or other restrictions.

You won’t need to time your bookings to maximize point value as your points have a consistent value across the board. This makes the process as straightforward as shopping with cash. Just log in, select your travel dates and services, and use your points to cover the costs.

Cover Your Card Charges

Use your points to pay off your credit card balance.

Redeem for Financial Products

Redeem your points for payments or contributions to your CIBC TFSA, RRSP, line of credit, personal loan or self-directed Investor’s Edge brokerage account. You may also use points to make a prepayment on your residential mortgage.

Redeem for Merchandise

Redeem your points for a variety of merchandise, including electronics and home accessories, through the CIBC Rewards catalogue.

Redeem for Gift Cards

Convert your points into gift cards from a wide choice of retailers, restaurants and entertainment providers.

CIBC Experiences

Unlock exclusive access to special events and experiences, ranging from dining to cultural activities, typically reserved for members only.

Aventura Points really come into their own when you start to explore all the ways you can use them. Unlike some rewards programs that box you into narrow redemption windows or limited options, Aventura lets you book flights any time through the CIBC Rewards Travel Centre, without hitting the usual roadblocks like blackout dates. This flexibility means you can plan your trips on your own terms.

What’s more, Aventura Points stretch further than just flights. You can turn your points into financial gains by using them for investments or paying down your mortgage. You can also indulge in unique experiences beyond the usual merchandise rewards offered by other cards.

If you are often on the move, love shopping from your couch or are keen on achieving your financial goals, the extensive redemption options of the Aventura Rewards Program typically offer more value than what you’d find with others. This loyalty program is well worth your consideration.

Aventura Points provide access to a wide choice of rewards for both avid travellers or anyone who wants to get more out of their everyday spending. To really make the most of your points, it pays to keep an eye out for promotions that increase their value, book your trips during off-peak times and spend in categories that rack up points faster. Also, timing your big purchases to coincide with special offers can significantly boost your points balance.

Staying savvy about when and how to use your points and matching your card use to your spending habits ensures that the benefits of Aventura Points exceed the annual fee of the card. With a bit of smart planning, every point you earn can go towards something meaningful, whether it’s a well-deserved getaway, the latest gadget for your home or a few steps closer to your financial goals.

The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card, CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card, CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, CIBC U.S. Dollar Aventura® Gold Visa* Card, CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Students, CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Business and CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Business Plus. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.