Head to head · Reviewed 2026-07-05 · By The Points Standard editorial team
Amex SimplyCash Preferred vs CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite
Two cards, one Standard Score rubric. The Amex SimplyCash Preferred scores higher overall at 7.7/10 — but the right pick depends on which components match your spending.
How we make money & how we rank: rankings are set by the Standard Score, never by compensation. Some card links may become referral links; that never changes a card's score or position. Full disclosure. Last reviewed: 2026-07-05.
| Amex SimplyCash Preferred | CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Score | 7.7/10 · Excellent | 7.5/10 · Strong |
| Annual fee | $119.88 ($9.99 charged monthly) | $120 |
| Welcome bonus | Up to $400 in bonus cash back in the first year (offers vary) | First-year annual fee rebate plus bonus cash back (offers vary) |
| Est. bonus value | ≈ $400 | ≈ $320 |
| First-year net value | ≈ $680 | ≈ $560 |
| Earn rates |
|
|
| Points currency | Cash back | Cash back |
| No FX fees | No | No |
| Lounge access | No | No |
Where the Amex SimplyCash Preferred wins
- First-year value — scores 8.0/10 on this component
- 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
The verdict
Both 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.
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.