Featured Meridian credit cards
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.
Best for cash back on gas and groceries
1.9
Meridian Visa* Platinum Cash Back Card
1.9
$342
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
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
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
Meridian offers three different types of cash back 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.
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.
For those not looking to pay the annual fee, 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.
Best cash back for travel
$423
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
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
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
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.
Best for essential travel protections
2.0
Meridian Visa* Platinum Travel Rewards Card
2.0
$240
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
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
2.50%
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
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
2.50%
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
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.
Best for luxury travel
2.1
Meridian Visa Infinite* Travel Rewards Card
2.1
$360
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
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
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
0.00%
Balance Transfer
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
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
0.00%
Balance Transfer
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.
Best for USD
1.7
Meridian Visa* US Dollar Card
1.7
$216
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
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
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
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.
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.
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About Meridian Bank
Meridian is Ontario's largest credit union, offering a full range of personal and business banking services to Canadians. Unlike traditional banks, Meridian operates as a credit union, meaning it's owned by its members who have a say in how it's run.
While Meridian is an Ontario-based credit union that doesn't mean other Canadians can't take advantage of its excellent products. Meridian credit cards are open to all Canadian residents, with the exception of those in Quebec.
Meridian Rewards guide
Despite the "Cash Back" name, Meridian cards actually earn Meridian Rewards Points which can be redeemed in various ways:
Redemption options
- Merchandise rewards
- Travel awards
- Account credit
- Gift cards
The value of your points depends on how you redeem them. For maximum value, aim for redemptions that provide 1 cent per point. Most redemptions can be completed online, though vacation packages and cruises require calling their dedicated number at 1-833-998-4692.
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.
“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.”
Do Meridian points expire?
Unfortunately, yes, Meridian points expire after 36 months from the purchase date if not redeemed.
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.
How to choose the right Meridian credit card for your needs
When selecting a Meridian credit card, consider these factors:
- High grocery and gas spending: The Meridian Visa Infinite* Cash Back Card offers the highest earn rate on these categories
- Frequent international purchases: Consider the travel rewards cards that offer bonus points on foreign currency transactions
- Regular U.S. transactions: The U.S. Dollar Card can help avoid foreign exchange fees
- No annual fee preference: The Meridian Visa* Cash Back Card is your only option
- Moderate fee comfort: Consider the Platinum tier cards at moderate fees annually
- Premium benefits seeker: The Infinite tier cards offer the most value for the annual fee
- Frequent travelers: The Infinite Travel Rewards Card provides the best combination of travel perks and insurance
- Occasional travelers: The Platinum Travel Rewards Card offers decent benefits with a lower annual fee
- U.S. travelers: The U.S. Dollar Card eliminates currency conversion fees on U.S. purchases
- Comprehensive coverage needs: The Infinite tier cards offer the most robust protection
- Basic coverage needs: The no-fee Cash Back Card provides essential coverage
Eligibility requirements
To apply for a Meridian credit card, you'll need to:
To apply for a Meridian credit card, you'll need to:
- 1 Be a Canadian resident
- 2 Have reached the age of majority in your province or territory
- 3 Meet income requirements: Infinite tier cards typically require a minimum personal income of $60,000 or household income of $100,000
Additionally, since Meridian is a credit union, you'll need to become a member by purchasing a share (typically $25-$100) to join.
Pros and cons of Meridian credit cards
Pros
- Member-focused service: As a credit union, Meridian emphasizes personalized customer service
- Impressive insurance: Meridian credit cards have solid insurance for a credit union
Cons
- Not available in Quebec: Meridian credit cards are unavailable to Quebec residents
- Limited card options: Six personal cards compared to dozens offered by major banks
Summary of picks
Meridian Credit Card
Annual Fee
Card Review
Apply for Card
Should you get a Meridian credit card?
A Meridian credit card could be an excellent choice if you:
- Value the member-owned structure of a credit union
- Are looking for competitive earn rates with reasonable annual fees
- Want solid insurance coverage, especially on premium cards
- Appreciate personalized customer service
- Prefer supporting a Canadian financial institution with strong community ties
However, if you need specialized cards (like store-specific cards) or the most cutting-edge digital features, a major bank's offerings might better suit your needs.
FAQs
Cory Santos
Senior Reporter
Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, BlogTO, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk. He's also the creator and author of the annual Money.ca Credit Card Awards.
Hannah Logan
Money.ca writer
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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