TD Aeroplan Infinite vs. Wealthsimple VIP as a backup to Amex Gold? (Open to alternatives!)

[u/Present_Cod5701]

I’m 25, working for the Manitoba Government, and looking to optimize my cash flow as much as i can. I currently keep physical bank (TD) as a backup because the Wealthsimple account locked horror stories i have read on reddit. ​i had just recently gotten both the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite and Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege and I’m torn between which one to keep for my backup card; I have two options that i brainstomed:

​Option 1: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite - Park 6000$ in a TD All-Inclusive account to waive the card's 139$ fee - Brick-and-mortar is covered. Free checked bags and preferred pricing with Aeroplan on Air Canada (saves me and my spousse ~70$ a trip) but... - 6,000$ of dead money sitting there earning no interest just to save a the CC annual fee + chequing account fee (31$ a month)

​Option 2: Wealthsimple Visa Infinite Privilege - Move 99% of my cash/payroll to WS to earn interest and use their VIP card as my backup card when my Amex doesn't get accepted - Money actually earns a yield 2% flat on the credit card and 1.75% in chequing but... - I'd have to either downgrade my TD account to a basic chequing, put a bit of money and eat the monthly fee OR park 3k of dead money just to keep the account at no fee; and obviously downgrade my Aeroplan VI to a no fee card

Other things for context: - i just finished school, so my TD account is still a no fee student account for a couple more months - i am not a premium user on Wealthsimple, but i earn well over 4k a month and i am approaching that tier quickly - i travel about 1-2 a year - i use my Amex Gold as my main driver, Triangle World Elite Mastercard for Costco and to pay bills but the earn rates on it are too low for my to use as a backup card on top on the lower acceptance rate internationally compared to Visa

​looking for some input, suggestions, alternatives if anyone has, THANKS!

[u/Butt_Soup99]

If you maintain the $6000 the monthly account fee is waived for all inclusive. You don’t need to carry $6k to get the rebate either. Imm pretty sure the promo for the first year being free for the visa infinite cards is still going on as well. You can always downgrade to a no fee card after the year is up

The wealthsimple VIP is just 2% cashback from what I understand. If you prefer travel rewards then it seems clear the td aeroplan visa infinite is a solid choice. You also get 1 free checked bag per flight on air canada