Meridian credit cards are designed for how you spend.
Meridian credit cards have something for everyone. From cash back and travel rewards cards to even a U.S. dollar card, Meridian has a variety of credit card options to suit your needs. Although you may not have heard of Meridian before, their credit cards are comparable to some of the best credit cards in Canada.
What are the best Meridian credit cards?
Meridian Cash Back Credit Cards
Meridian offers three different types of cashback credit cards: the Meridian Visa Cash Back Card, the Meridian Visa Platinum Cash Back Card, and the Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back Card. The higher tier cards come with better benefits, but they may also come with an annual fee, which turns some people off. Here’s a rundown of all the cards to help you choose the best option for your needs.
The Meridian Visa Cash Back Card offers basic cash back without an annual fee. It also has insurance benefits which include global customer service, price protection, zero liability, mobile devices, common carrier accident protection, and purchase protection and extended warranty and more.
Some may consider the cash back offered with this card to be low, but you need to look at the whole package you’re getting. The mobile device insurance is quite valuable when you consider that this is a no-fee card.
Apply for the Meridian Visa Cash Back Card
Meridian Visa* Platinum Cash Back Card
7,000 bonus points†
Welcome Bonus
$0
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Apply for a Meridian Visa* and get 7,000 bonus points†. Expires May 31, 2025
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$49
Annual Fee
19.5%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
Annual Interest Rates
19.5%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$49
Annual Fee
0.00%
Balance Transfer
Between March 1 and May 31, 2025 you’ll get 7,000 rewards points† with ANY new Meridian Visa* card!
†The 7,000 bonus points offer is available for all new Personal Meridian credit card account holders who (i) apply for a Meridian credit card between March 1 and May 31, 2025, and approved by the Credit department, and (ii) make their first purchase with new Meridian credit card on or before June 30, 2025. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. It is not available to existing Meridian credit cardholders. A maximum of 7,000 bonus points per Member is allowed and we will awarded to the Member’s primary account. Please allow up to two billing cycles for bonus points to post to your account. Meridian reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
Annual Interest Rates
19.5%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$49
Annual Fee
0.00%
Balance Transfer
Between March 1 and May 31, 2025 you’ll get 7,000 rewards points† with ANY new Meridian Visa* card!
†The 7,000 bonus points offer is available for all new Personal Meridian credit card account holders who (i) apply for a Meridian credit card between March 1 and May 31, 2025, and approved by the Credit department, and (ii) make their first purchase with new Meridian credit card on or before June 30, 2025. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. It is not available to existing Meridian credit cardholders. A maximum of 7,000 bonus points per Member is allowed and we will awarded to the Member’s primary account. Please allow up to two billing cycles for bonus points to post to your account. Meridian reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time.
When it comes to the Meridian Visa Platinum Cash Back Card, cardholders get enhanced cash back on gas, grocery and utility bill payments. The Meridian Visa Platinum Cash Back Card also comes with a number of insurance benefits and some decent travel insurance benefits. The capped cash back and annual fee will annoy some people, but you would still come out ahead compared to the no fee version once you’ve charged $4,901 to the card so there is a lot of value here.
Apply for the Meridian Visa Platinum Cash Back card
7,000 bonus points†
Welcome Bonus
$0
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: For a limited time, apply for a Meridian Visa* and get 7,000 bonus points†. Expires May 31, 2025
Get this card if you...
-
want to earn cash back on everyday spending
-
value comprehensive insurance benefits
-
aren't interested in fancy credit card perks
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$99
Annual Fee
19.54%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back Card is a premium credit card that offers elevated cash back rates on categories such as gas, groceries, pharmacy purchases, and utility bills. It also provides benefits like travel insurance, price protection, and mobile device insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
First-year waiver on $99 annual fee
-
Tiered cash back rates up to 4%
-
Travel insurance, including intergenerational coverage
-
Valuable perks like price protection and mobile device insurance
-
Flexible redemption options beyond statement credit
Cons
-
$25,000 annual spending limit on 4% categories
-
Higher annual fee compared to Meridian Visa Platinum
-
Limited availability, not offered to residents of Quebec
-
Assessing benefits against personal spending habits is crucial
-
Potential overlap in benefits with the more affordable Platinum version
Annual Interest Rates
19.54%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$99
Annual Fee
0.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards cash back
4%
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back Card earns cash back on multiple levels, collecting 4.00% on all grocery and gas purchases;
2%
2.00% cash back on pharmacy purchases and on utility bills.
1.00% elsewhere.
1.00% cash back elsewhere.
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$48
Emergency medical insurance amount
Between March 1 and May 31, 2025 you’ll get 7,000 rewards points† with ANY new Meridian Visa* card!
†The 7,000 bonus points offer is available for all new Personal Meridian credit card account holders who (i) apply for a Meridian credit card between March 1 and May 31, 2025, and approved by the Credit department, and (ii) make their first purchase with new Meridian credit card on or before June 30, 2025. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. It is not available to existing Meridian credit cardholders. A maximum of 7,000 bonus points per Member is allowed and we will awarded to the Member’s primary account. Please allow up to two billing cycles for bonus points to post to your account. Meridian reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time.
Our Take
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back Card is a premium credit card that offers elevated cash back rates on categories such as gas, groceries, pharmacy purchases, and utility bills. It also provides benefits like travel insurance, price protection, and mobile device insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
First-year waiver on $99 annual fee
-
Tiered cash back rates up to 4%
-
Travel insurance, including intergenerational coverage
-
Valuable perks like price protection and mobile device insurance
-
Flexible redemption options beyond statement credit
Cons
-
$25,000 annual spending limit on 4% categories
-
Higher annual fee compared to Meridian Visa Platinum
-
Limited availability, not offered to residents of Quebec
-
Assessing benefits against personal spending habits is crucial
-
Potential overlap in benefits with the more affordable Platinum version
Annual Interest Rates
19.54%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$99
Annual Fee
0.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards cash back
4%
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back Card earns cash back on multiple levels, collecting 4.00% on all grocery and gas purchases;
2%
2.00% cash back on pharmacy purchases and on utility bills.
1.00% elsewhere.
1.00% cash back elsewhere.
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$48
Emergency medical insurance amount
Between March 1 and May 31, 2025 you’ll get 7,000 rewards points† with ANY new Meridian Visa* card!
†The 7,000 bonus points offer is available for all new Personal Meridian credit card account holders who (i) apply for a Meridian credit card between March 1 and May 31, 2025, and approved by the Credit department, and (ii) make their first purchase with new Meridian credit card on or before June 30, 2025. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. It is not available to existing Meridian credit cardholders. A maximum of 7,000 bonus points per Member is allowed and we will awarded to the Member’s primary account. Please allow up to two billing cycles for bonus points to post to your account. Meridian reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time.
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back Card offers the most benefits of all of Meridian’s cash back cards, with the highest annual fee. As with other Meridian cash back cards, the Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back Card offers an impressive suite of travel-related insurance benefits.
Many consider other potential options to compete to be the best cash back credit card on the market, but they should compare it to the Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back Card. Both cards give similar earn rates, but the Meridian card has better insurance, and deserves more attention accordingly.
Apply for the Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back card
Meridian Travel Credit Cards
If you prefer to earn travel rewards over cash back, Meridian has you covered with its Platinum Travel Rewards Card and Infinite Travel Rewards Card. Here’s a breakdown of each travel card and its benefits.
Meridian Visa* Platinum Travel Rewards Card
7,000 bonus points†
Welcome Bonus
$0
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Apply for a Meridian Visa* and get 7,000 bonus points†. Expires May 31, 2025
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$49
Annual Fee
19.5%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The Meridian Visa* Platinum Travel Rewards Card is a travel-centric credit card offering cardholders the opportunity to earn points on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for foreign currency transactions. It provides flexible rewards redemption options and includes valuable insurance benefits. It's a straightforward rewards card without high fees.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
-
Bonus points on foreign purchases
-
Enjoy flexible rewards redemption
-
Valuable insurance benefits
Cons
-
Limited travel partners
-
Okay customer service
-
Moderate rewards rate as compared to other travel cards
-
Comes with a foreign transaction fee
Annual Interest Rates
19.5%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$49
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
0.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Meridian Visa Rewards
2%
Earn 2 reward points for every $1 spent on purchases made outside Canada
1%
Earn 1 reward points for every $1 spent on all purchases
Between March 1 and May 31, 2025 you’ll get 7,000 rewards points† with ANY new Meridian Visa* card!
†The 7,000 bonus points offer is available for all new Personal Meridian credit card account holders who (i) apply for a Meridian credit card between March 1 and May 31, 2025, and approved by the Credit department, and (ii) make their first purchase with new Meridian credit card on or before June 30, 2025. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. It is not available to existing Meridian credit cardholders. A maximum of 7,000 bonus points per Member is allowed and we will awarded to the Member’s primary account. Please allow up to two billing cycles for bonus points to post to your account. Meridian reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time.
Our Take
The Meridian Visa* Platinum Travel Rewards Card is a travel-centric credit card offering cardholders the opportunity to earn points on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for foreign currency transactions. It provides flexible rewards redemption options and includes valuable insurance benefits. It's a straightforward rewards card without high fees.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Pros
-
Bonus points on foreign purchases
-
Enjoy flexible rewards redemption
-
Valuable insurance benefits
Cons
-
Limited travel partners
-
Okay customer service
-
Moderate rewards rate as compared to other travel cards
-
Comes with a foreign transaction fee
Annual Interest Rates
19.5%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$49
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
0.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards Meridian Visa Rewards
2%
Earn 2 reward points for every $1 spent on purchases made outside Canada
1%
Earn 1 reward points for every $1 spent on all purchases
Between March 1 and May 31, 2025 you’ll get 7,000 rewards points† with ANY new Meridian Visa* card!
†The 7,000 bonus points offer is available for all new Personal Meridian credit card account holders who (i) apply for a Meridian credit card between March 1 and May 31, 2025, and approved by the Credit department, and (ii) make their first purchase with new Meridian credit card on or before June 30, 2025. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. It is not available to existing Meridian credit cardholders. A maximum of 7,000 bonus points per Member is allowed and we will awarded to the Member’s primary account. Please allow up to two billing cycles for bonus points to post to your account. Meridian reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time.
With the Meridian Visa* Platinum Travel Rewards Card, consumers will earn basic points on eligible travel categories. Despite the fact that you earn extra points for purchases made in a foreign currency, you still pay the foreign transaction fee. That being said, you’re still paying significantly less for purchases made in a foreign currency when compared to credit cards that charge the full 2.5% fee.
Insurance benefits that come with the Meridian Visa* Platinum Travel Rewards Card include: global customer service, zero liability, price protection, mobile device insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty and some travel. For full details of the included travel insurance, continue reading below.
Apply for the Meridian Visa* Platinum Travel Rewards card
Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards Card
7,000 bonus points†
Welcome Bonus
$0
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Apply for a Meridian Visa* and get 7,000 bonus points†. Expires May 31, 2025
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$99
Annual Fee
19.5%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards Card is a travel-focused credit card offering elevated earn rates on foreign currency purchases; however, it applies a foreign transaction fee, which may offset the bonus rewards. Cardholders benefit from comprehensive travel insurance and flexible rewards redemption options.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
Bonus rewards on foreign currency purchases outside of Canada
-
Lower annual fee than similar competitor cards
-
Great insurance benefits
-
Attractive standard earn rate
-
Includes Visa Infinite benefits
Cons
-
You must be an Ontario resident to apply
-
There is a minimum annual income requirement
-
Must spend in foreign currencies to earn bonus rewards
Annual Interest Rates
19.5%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$99
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
0.00%
Balance Transfer
Between March 1 and May 31, 2025 you’ll get 7,000 rewards points† with ANY new Meridian Visa* card!
†The 7,000 bonus points offer is available for all new Personal Meridian credit card account holders who (i) apply for a Meridian credit card between March 1 and May 31, 2025, and approved by the Credit department, and (ii) make their first purchase with new Meridian credit card on or before June 30, 2025. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. It is not available to existing Meridian credit cardholders. A maximum of 7,000 bonus points per Member is allowed and we will awarded to the Member’s primary account. Please allow up to two billing cycles for bonus points to post to your account. Meridian reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time.
Our Take
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards Card is a travel-focused credit card offering elevated earn rates on foreign currency purchases; however, it applies a foreign transaction fee, which may offset the bonus rewards. Cardholders benefit from comprehensive travel insurance and flexible rewards redemption options.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
Bonus rewards on foreign currency purchases outside of Canada
-
Lower annual fee than similar competitor cards
-
Great insurance benefits
-
Attractive standard earn rate
-
Includes Visa Infinite benefits
Cons
-
You must be an Ontario resident to apply
-
There is a minimum annual income requirement
-
Must spend in foreign currencies to earn bonus rewards
Annual Interest Rates
19.5%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$99
Annual Fee
$2.5
Foreign Transaction
0.00%
Balance Transfer
Between March 1 and May 31, 2025 you’ll get 7,000 rewards points† with ANY new Meridian Visa* card!
†The 7,000 bonus points offer is available for all new Personal Meridian credit card account holders who (i) apply for a Meridian credit card between March 1 and May 31, 2025, and approved by the Credit department, and (ii) make their first purchase with new Meridian credit card on or before June 30, 2025. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. It is not available to existing Meridian credit cardholders. A maximum of 7,000 bonus points per Member is allowed and we will awarded to the Member’s primary account. Please allow up to two billing cycles for bonus points to post to your account. Meridian reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time.
The Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards card is Meridian’s best travel credit card. Although there is no signup bonus, the amount of points you earn from your everyday purchases is similar to many other travel rewards credit cards.
Besides the comprehensive travel insurance that’s included, cardholders also get insurance benefits such as global customer service, zero liability, price protection, mobile device insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty. That’s a lot of value for a card that waives the annual fee for the first year.
Apply for the Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards card
Meridian U.S. Dollar Card
Frequent travellers to the United States may also be interested in the Meridian Visa US Dollar Card. It’s an ideal credit card choice for consumers who make a number of purchases in U.S. dollars. Here’s what you need to know about the Meridian Visa US Dollar Card.
Meridian Visa* US Dollar Card
4.0
7,000 bonus points†
Welcome Bonus
$0
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Apply for a Meridian Visa* and get 7,000 bonus points†. Expires May 31, 2025
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$65
Annual Fee
19.5%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
19.5%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$65
Annual Fee
Between March 1 and May 31, 2025 you’ll get 7,000 rewards points† with ANY new Meridian Visa* card!†
†The 7,000 bonus points offer is available for all new Personal Meridian credit card account holders who (i) apply for a Meridian credit card between March 1 and May 31, 2025, and approved by the Credit department, and (ii) make their first purchase with new Meridian credit card on or before June 30, 2025. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. It is not available to existing Meridian credit cardholders. A maximum of 7,000 bonus points per Member is allowed and we will awarded to the Member’s primary account. Please allow up to two billing cycles for bonus points to post to your account. Meridian reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
19.5%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Fees
$65
Annual Fee
Between March 1 and May 31, 2025 you’ll get 7,000 rewards points† with ANY new Meridian Visa* card!†
†The 7,000 bonus points offer is available for all new Personal Meridian credit card account holders who (i) apply for a Meridian credit card between March 1 and May 31, 2025, and approved by the Credit department, and (ii) make their first purchase with new Meridian credit card on or before June 30, 2025. This offer may not be combined or used in conjunction with any other offer. It is not available to existing Meridian credit cardholders. A maximum of 7,000 bonus points per Member is allowed and we will awarded to the Member’s primary account. Please allow up to two billing cycles for bonus points to post to your account. Meridian reserves the right to cancel, modify or withdraw this offer at any time.
The Meridian Visa US Dollar Card allows cardholders to earn rewards on USD purchases. Since this is a U.S. dollar card, you don’t incur any foreign transaction fees when you make a purchase in U.S. dollars which saves you 2.5% in fees every time. That fee does apply if you make purchases in a currency besides USD. Keep in mind that you need to pay your bill in U.S. dollars for you to completely avoid any exchange fees.
Apply for the Meridian Visa US Dollar Card
How Meridian Travel Rewards work?
The idea of being able to use points toward travel is an attractive prospect, but just how does it work? Nancy Donohue, Senior Manager of Payments at Meridian helps break it down for us:
“Meridian Members can redeem their travel points on our rewards site or by phone. In addition to travel, redemption options include various categories: Merchandise, Event Tickets, Activities and Gift Cards. When visiting the site, Members can browse the categories, refine their searches within the categories and view options within and beyond their points value. Our online banking allows for single sign-on to this site which is also mobile-enabled.”
Meridian’s travel redemption rate for both travel cards is 100 points=$1 when redeemed for travel. Redemptions for travel are shown only as points on the Meridian travel portal, but the points required for a redemption are equivalent to the current price of the travel you’re trying to book.
It’s important to note that points cannot be used to pay for airline taxes or surcharges. Furthermore, Meridian does not use a full-service travel agency, however, members that need assistance can contact a customer service representative.
Finally, consumers should also know that using your points toward merchandise or gift cards does not offer as much value compared to using your points for travel.
Meridian Travel insurance coverage
As indicated earlier in this article, both the Meridian Visa* Platinum Travel Rewards Card and Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards Card have additional travel benefits. These benefits depend on the tier (Platinum or Infinite) and are applicable to both the cash back and travel rewards cards. The information below will help break down the differences between the two options to help you better decide which is a better fit for your travel insurance needs.
Meridian Visa Platinum travel insurance
Though the travel insurance under the Meridian Visa Platinum cards does not include emergency travel medical insurance, cardholders still get quite a bit of insurance which includes the following: auto rental collision/loss damage insurance (up to 48 days); lost or delayed baggage which covers up to $1,000 for theft or damage and up to $500 for late delivery; common carrier accident protection of $500,000; and 24/7 travel assistance.
Whether you are looking for a basic cash back credit card, a travel rewards credit card, or a U.S. dollar credit card, Meridian has some great options to suit your needs and lifestyle.
Recommended read: Best credit cards with mobile device insurance
Hannah Logan is a Canadian freelancer writer and blogger who specializes in personal finance and travel. You can follow her adventures on her travel blog EatSleepBreatheTravel.com or find her on Instagram @hannahlogan21.
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