Amex SimplyCash Preferred vs CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite
Two cards, one Standard Score rubric. The CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite scores higher overall at 7.3/10, but the right pick depends on which components match your spending.
The verdict
StrongBoth hit 4% on gas and groceries; the split is network and base rate. The SimplyCash Preferred pays 2% on everything else against the Dividend's 1%, but the Dividend's Visa works at Costco and every independent that waves off Amex. Spread-out spending favours the Amex math; acceptance-first households take the Visa.
See offer · current CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite offer, direct from the issuer
Rewards math assumes you pay your balance in full every month — interest charges quickly exceed any rewards value.
| Amex SimplyCash Preferred | CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Score | 7.2/10 · Strong | 7.3/10 · Strong |
| Annual fee | $119.88 ($9.99 charged monthly) | $120 (Rebated first year (current offer). Additional cards are $50 each for up to three, also rebated in the first year. CIBC raised that fee from $30 on August 1, 2026.) |
| Welcome bonus | Up to $250 in bonus cash back: a bonus 10% back on your first $2,000 of purchases in the first 3 months (worth up to $200), plus a $50 statement credit for any purchase in month 13 | Up to $350 in value: a 10% cash back bonus worth up to $200 over the first 4 statements (on net purchases up to $2,000), a $50 bonus for setting up a pre-authorized payment in the first 4 statements, and a $120 first-year annual fee rebate |
| Est. bonus value | ≈ $250 | ≈ $350 |
| First-year net value | ≈ $480 | ≈ $590 |
| Earn rates |
|
|
| Points currency | Cash back | Cash back |
| No FX fees | No | No |
| Lounge access | No | No |
Where the Amex SimplyCash Preferred wins
- Ongoing value: scores 8.0/10 on this component
- Strategic fit: scores 7.5/10 on this component
Where the CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite wins
- Low friction: scores 9.0/10 on this component
Read the full reviews: Amex SimplyCash Preferred and CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite, or see how both rank in Best Cash Back Credit Cards in Canada.