Which card is better for groceries, CIBC Dividend Visa for Students or Preferred Visa?

The CIBC Dividend Visa for Students earns 1% on groceries, while the Preferred Visa earns 1%. The better choice depends on your grocery spending and the specific merchants you shop at.

Which card is better for international purchases?

The CIBC Dividend Visa for Students has a 2.5% foreign transaction fee, while the Preferred Visa has no foreign transaction fee. The card with no FX fee is better for international purchases.

CIBC Dividend Visa for Students vs Preferred Visa — Which Is Better? | Churnr

Header Quick Take Value Earn Rates Merchants Wallet Bonus FX Benefits Eligibility Perks Downgrade Verdict

Preferred Visa edges ahead by $122/yr

Preferred Visa earns $24 more on bills & utilities
Preferred Visa earns $21 more on shopping
Saves $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Bills & Utilities: +$24Shopping: +$21Dining & Restaurants: +$17

CIBC Dividend Visa for Students: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Showing Year 1 analysis

Dollar Value

$225

/first year

0.5% effective$19/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: −$193

Annual rewards earned+$255

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$0

Winner

$347

/first year

0.8% effective$29/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: −$72

Annual rewards earned+$347

FX costsNo FX fee

Annual fee−$0

Best for your spendingPreferred Visa—$347Year 1 value

+$122 more than CIBC Dividend Visa for Students

Scroll down for the full breakdown

Earn Rates by Category

Wallet Optimizer

Neither card currently offers a welcome bonus.

Downgrade

Coming soon

The Bottom Line

Preferred Visa edges ahead by $122/yr

Preferred Visa earns $24 more on bills & utilities
Preferred Visa earns $21 more on shopping
Saves $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Bills & Utilities: +$24Shopping: +$21Dining & Restaurants: +$17

Showing Year 1 analysis

Preferred Visa wins in both Year 1 and Year 2+ — consistent long-term value.

Data Sources

Issuer terms & conditions (verified Feb 2026)

Merchant MCC verification (239 merchants)

Insurance certificates (PDF review)

Reward program documentation

User-reported acceptance data

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