Buy, fuel up, and get money back. An accessible, secure card perfectly suited to your routine in Canada.

The CIBC Dividend Visa is more than just a credit card—it’s a smart tool that helps you save every day in Canada.

With cashback on groceries, fuel discounts, and no annual fee, it becomes the perfect choice for those who want convenience, financial control, and real returns with every purchase.

Whether you’re a newly arrived immigrant, an international student, or someone looking for better benefits in your daily routine, this card offers tangible advantages that impact your monthly budget. And the best part: all this comes with accessible eligibility criteria and an easy application process, straight from your phone or computer.

In this article, you will understand why the CIBC Dividend Visa is one of the best card options in the Canadian market and how to make the most of each of its features.

A card for those who truly want to save

The CIBC Dividend Visa’s proposition is clear: deliver real value to the user, without hidden fees or high income requirements.

With a minimum household income of just USD 15,000 per year, you can already apply for the card and enjoy all its benefits. This makes it an excellent choice for newcomers to Canada, international students, families in transition, and even those with good financial organization who simply don’t want to pay an annual fee.

Speaking of annual fees, that’s one of the card’s biggest draws. It’s completely free, for the primary cardholder as well as up to three additional cards.

This means you can share usage with family or trusted partners, consolidate spending on one card, and maximize cashback—all without extra cost.

Real money back with every purchase: the power of cashback

The standout feature of the CIBC Dividend Visa is its cashback system. Unlike many cards offering points that are hard to redeem or rewards limited to specific categories, this card gives you real cash back, directly based on your spending habits.

Here’s how it works:

• 2% cashback on groceries: every purchase at major Canadian supermarkets earns double return.
• 1% cashback on everyday essentials, including fuel, transportation, dining, and digital subscriptions.
• 0.5% cashback on all other purchases: even random expenses continue to give returns.

While these percentages may seem modest initially, when applied to a family’s monthly spending—especially on food and transport—the cumulative value over a year is impressive.

Cashback that never expires and easy redemption

One of the most frustrating aspects of traditional loyalty programs is reward expiration. You accumulate points for months, and when you’re ready to redeem, they’ve expired or require high thresholds to use.

With the CIBC Dividend Visa, that never happens. The cashback never expires. You accumulate it over time without worrying about deadlines.

Plus: once you reach USD 10, you can redeem the value directly through the bank’s mobile app or internet banking.

This freedom lets you use your rewards as you wish—whether to offset your bill, buy something you desire, or simply save it. It’s your money, your way.

Fuel savings that truly add up

In addition to cashback, another perk that really makes a difference—tangibly—is discounted fuel. When you link your CIBC Dividend Visa to the Journie Rewards program, you can save up to 10 cents per liter of gasoline at partner stations like Pioneer, Fas Gas, and Chevron.

The process is straightforward: link your card to the program and accumulate points with every fill-up.

As you reach point milestones, your discounts increase. Soon enough, you’ll be paying less per liter—essential for those relying on a car daily.

That saving might seem small at first, but over a year it can amount to hundreds of dollars saved, especially for frequent drivers or those taking longer trips.

Everyday purchase protection

Security is also a priority with the CIBC Dividend Visa. It offers two important protections for those buying higher-value items:

• Purchase Security Insurance: covers eligible products against theft, loss, or accidental damage within a specified period after purchase.
• Extended Warranty Insurance: extends the manufacturer’s warranty by up to one year on many products.

That means more peace of mind when buying electronics, appliances, or any high-cost item. No need to buy additional insurance or worry about extra coverage.

Who is the CIBC Dividend Visa ideal for?

This card was designed to suit various consumer profiles. Here are some examples of who benefits most:

• Immigrants and newcomers to Canada, who are still building credit history.
• Families with large monthly grocery bills.
• International students seeking financial ease and control.
• Self-employed or salaried individuals with moderate income, wanting real benefits without high fees.
• Frequent drivers looking to reduce fuel costs.

The CIBC Dividend Visa adapts to different lifestyles, offering solutions for low or high spenders—with the guaranteed benefit of financial return.

How to apply for your CIBC Dividend Visa: simple step-by-step

Applying for the CIBC Dividend Visa is fast, online, and easy. Even newcomers to Canada can complete the process without hassle. Here’s how:

Step 1: Check that you meet the basic requirements

Before applying, be sure you meet the minimum criteria:

Card eligibility requirements:

• Minimum household income of USD 15,000 per year
  This income level is reasonably accessible for students, immigrants, and families with moderate budgets.
• Residence in Canada
  A fixed Canadian address is required—this can be rented, shared, or provisional, as long as it’s verifiable.
• Minimum age: 18 (or 19 in some provinces)
  You must meet your province’s legal age requirement.
• Basic credit history (excellent score not required)
  The bank may review your credit, but the card is accessible even for those building credit in Canada.
• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  Not always required, but may be requested to facilitate credit assessment.

Step 2: Visit the CIBC website or app

You can apply in two ways:

• Online: Visit the official CIBC website and find the CIBC Dividend Visa card page. Click “Apply now” to start the digital application.
• Via app: Download the CIBC Mobile Banking app, set up your account (if you don’t have one), and follow instructions to apply from your phone.

Step 3: Complete the application form

You will need to provide:

• Full name, date of birth, nationality
• Current Canadian address
• Income and employment information (even informal or temporary)
• Estimated annual household income
• Type of residence (owned, rented, etc.)
• Monthly fixed expenses (optional, but helpful)
• Valid phone number and email
• Desired starting credit limit (optional)

If you’re new to Canada, including income documents or a job offer letter can strengthen your application.

Step 4: Wait for credit approval

After submission, the bank reviews your credit and eligibility. This may take a few minutes or up to 2 business days. If approved, you’ll receive confirmation via email.

Step 5: Receive and activate your card

Once approved, the physical card will be mailed to your Canadian address. Upon arrival:

• Log in to CIBC internet banking or the mobile app
• Go to the cards section
• Follow the activation process
• Set up your PIN and you’re all set!

Step 6: Link your card to Journie Rewards

To enjoy up to 10¢ per liter fuel discounts, follow these steps:

• Create an account on the Journie Rewards website
• Link your CIBC Dividend Visa
• Start earning points and unlock discounts at partner stations

This entire process is digital and user-friendly, making the CIBC Dividend Visa accessible even to those just settling in Canada and building their financial foundation.

Avoid interest charges: use smartly

As with any credit card, responsible usage is key to enjoying rewards without falling into financial pitfalls.

The interest rates for the CIBC Dividend Visa are approximately 21.99% for purchases and 22.99% for cash advances, which is standard in the Canadian market. In Quebec, the rate varies slightly but generally remains in the same range.

To avoid interest:

• Always pay your full statement balance each month
• Avoid cash advances, which carry immediate and higher interest
• Use the card as a planning tool, not an extension of your income

With these habits, the card becomes a true ally in managing your finances.

Conclusion: a card designed for those who value every cent

If you’re looking for a credit card with no annual fee, easy to apply for, and that gives real money back, the CIBC Dividend Visa is undoubtedly one of the most complete options in Canada.

With cashback on essential categories, purchase protection, and fuel discounts, it adapts to your lifestyle and helps build a stronger financial future—without complexity.

If you’re comparing options to find the best card for your profile, stay tuned: in our next article, we’ll introduce the BMO CashBack® Mastercard®, an excellent alternative that also offers cashback and exclusive benefits—especially appealing for newcomers to Canada.

Click below to discover if the BMO CashBack® Mastercard® is the right card for you!