Introduction
If you’re a student deciding between the CIBC Aventura Visa for Students and the CIBC Dividend Visa for Students, you’re likely balancing the desire for rewards with practical financial benefits. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these cards across various categories.
Rewards Program
- Aventura Visa for Students: Earns Aventura Points, ideal for travel and merchandise. You get 1 point per $1 on gas, groceries, and more.
- Pros: Flexible travel rewards, points can be used for flights, hotels, or even to pay down your credit card balance. Points never expire.
- Cons: Travel redemption can be complex, especially if you’re not a frequent traveler.
- Winner: Aventura Visa – The broader use of points for travel, merchandise, and more gives it an edge in flexibility.
- Dividend Visa for Students: Offers cash back rewards with 2% back on groceries and up to 1% on other purchases.
- Pros: Straightforward cash back, ideal for students who prefer tangible rewards over travel points.
- Cons: Lower overall reward rate compared to Aventura Points, especially outside groceries.
- Winner: Dividend Visa – Simplicity and immediate value through cash back is compelling, especially for everyday purchases.
Fees and Interest Rates
- Aventura Visa for Students: No annual fee and standard purchase interest rates.
- Winner: Tie – Both cards have no annual fee, making them equally accessible for students.
- Dividend Visa for Students: Also no annual fee with a similar interest structure.
- Winner: Tie – Both cards excel in this category with student-friendly fee structures.
Additional Benefits
- Aventura Visa for Students: Includes SPC+ membership for discounts and purchase protection insurance.
- Winner: Aventura Visa – Extra perks like the SPC+ membership and insurance make it a stronger option for students looking for added value.
- Dividend Visa for Students: Fewer additional perks, primarily focused on cash back.
- Winner: Aventura Visa – The added benefits make it a more attractive package overall.
Overall Verdict
- Aventura Visa for Students: Offers versatile rewards, excellent for those who travel or want flexible point redemption options. The extra perks like SPC+ membership and insurance provide additional value.
- Score: 8.5/10
- Dividend Visa for Students: Best for students who prefer simple, straightforward rewards through cash back on essential purchases like groceries. It’s reliable but lacks the broader benefits of the Aventura card.
- Score: 7.5/10
Final Recommendation: If you value travel rewards and additional student perks, the Aventura Visa for Students is the better choice. If you prefer a simple cash-back system for everyday spending, go with the Dividend Visa for Students.
Student Credit Cards