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Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in o...
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...
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Aeroplan® Credit Card
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
4.26
Up to 100,000 points
95
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Aeroplan® Credit Card
The Aeroplan card is a great option for Air Canada flyers looking to earn more points and receive automatic elite status.
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Flyers based in the U.S. may think they wouldn’t have a need for a card like the Aeroplan® Credit Card, it might be much better suited for you than you think.
Not only does Air Canada offer fantastic award redemptions, but adding the card to your wallet makes the program even more rewarding by offering elite status, more points, travel coverage, and more. Let’s take a closer look and see why the Aeroplan card might make a lot of sense for you.
Card Snapshot
Welcome Bonus & Info
Earn up to 100,000 bonus points
Earn 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Plus, 25,000 points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.
$95 Annual Fee
Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month - up to 1,500 points per month.
3x points per $1 on Air Canada purchases, at grocery stores, and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month (up to a maximum of 1,500 bonus points)
Receive Aeroplan 25K status for the remainder of the calendar year, plus the following calendar year, and continue to extend it beyond that by spending $15,000 on the card per calendar year
Free first checked bag for you and up to 8 traveling companions
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee credit
Preferred pricing on award tickets
No foreign transaction fees
Pay Yourself Back on travel expenses at 1.25 cents per point (through December 31, 2023)
You want a card that earns automatic Air Canada/Star Alliance status
Don’t Get If
You never fly with Air Canada
You want a card that earns transferable points
Aeroplan Card — Is It Worth It?
To determine whether or not the Aeroplan card is worth it to you, first think about how often with Air Canada.
If you fly with the airline with some frequency, consider how much value you think you would get out of the benefits of the card. These include automatic Aeroplan 25K status, free checked bags on flights, preferred pricing on award tickets, multiple travel protections, and much more.
Of course, you’ll also want to factor in the number of points you’ll earn each year thanks to the card’s multiple 3x bonus categories.
If you think the combined value of all of the benefits you’ll receive will easily eclipse the $95 annual fee, then, yes, the Aeroplan card would certainly be worth it to you.
Aeroplan Card Top Benefits
Aeroplan 25K Status
As a cardholder, you’ll automatically receive Aeroplan 25K status for the rest of the year in which you sign up for the card, plus all of the following year. If you’re not already familiar, Aeroplan 25K status offers the following benefits:
Better yet, you can extend your Aeroplan 25K status each year by spending $15,000 on your Aeroplan card, without needing to worry about hitting any other qualifying criteria.
Elite Status Boost
If you want to take your elite status to the next level, the Aeroplan card allows you to boost your elite status by 1 tier after spending $50,000 on the card in a calendar year.
This means that if you qualified for Aeroplan 35K based on flight activity in 1 year, but spent $50,000 on your card, you would automatically be upgraded to Aeroplan 50K instead!
Of course, this perk can be used to help you reach any level of elite status, even top-tier Super Elite status, but you can only receive a 1-tier boost from what you would have qualified for otherwise. In other words, you cannot spend $100,000 on the card and receive a 2-level bump.
Free Checked Baggage
If you’re a traveling family, this benefit alone could be massively valuable to you, as you’ll get the first checked bag free for you and up to 8 traveling companions on all Air Canada flights.
For those who have purchased checked bags for multiple family members before, know that this benefit can easily save you hundreds of dollars per trip.
Preferred Pricing on Award Tickets
In its own Aeroplan program, Air Canada has adopted a dynamic pricing model for its own tickets (but not for partner airlines). While you’ll never know exactly how many points a given award ticket on an Air Canada flight will cost you, by holding the Aeroplan card, you’ll automatically receive a discount that’s not offered to other members.
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS Fee Credit
While many cards offer Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits, the Aeroplan card was the first of its kind to offer a NEXUS credit, which provides expedited border crossing into the U.S. from Canada.
However, if given the choice between the 3, you should opt for Global Entry, as it gives you expedited access into the U.S. from every international destination, and includes TSA PreCheck automatically.
Card Protections
You hope that you never have to use them, but it’s great to know you have them, just in case. Here are the types of protection your Aeroplan card offers to you:
Trip Delay Reimbursement: If your flight is delayed more than 12 hours, or requires an overnight stay, you’re covered for qualified expenses like meals and lodging for up to $500 per ticket.
Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance: For trips that are cut short or canceled due to a covered reason like severe weather, you’re covered for up to $1,500 per person, and $6,000 per trip, towards non-refundable expenses.
Baggage Delay Insurance: If your baggage is delayed by more than 6 hours, you’ll be covered up to $100 per day towards essential expenses like clothing and toiletries.
Rental Car Insurance: Receive secondary rental car coverage towards damage to the car when you pay for the rental with your Aeroplan card and decline the rental company’s insurance. Keep in mind that secondary coverage means it will only kick in after your primary auto insurance has been exhausted.
Purchase Protection: Purchases made with your card are covered for 120 days towards accidental damage or theft, with up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Best Ways To Earn and Redeem Your Aeroplan Points
Perhaps you’re sold on the Aeroplan program, but you’re feeling skeptical about your ability to earn enough Aeroplan points for reward flights, even if you have the Aeroplan card. Don’t worry, we’ve put together a guide on the best ways to earn Aeroplan points.
Further, Air Canada’s Aeroplan program has one of the most generous award programs out there, as award tickets for its partner airlines are quite reasonable, and it doesn’t pass on fuel surcharges. With that, here are some of the best ways to redeem Aeroplan points for maximum value.
Alternative Cards to the Aeroplan Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
If you prefer a card that earns transferable rewards, then the Chase Sapphire Preferred card might be the perfect fit for you.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
60,000 points
$1,200
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cardson the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.
Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.
Pros
5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
5x points on select Peloton purchases over $250 (through March 31, 2025)
5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
2x points on all other travel worldwide
$50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
Excellent travel and car rental insurance
10% annual bonus points
No foreign transaction fees
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt
Complimentary Spot Club Platinum status with The Parking Spot for 2 years, 20% off of your first reservation, and points for 1 free day of parking (enroll by October 26, 2023)
Cons
$95 annual fee
No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
You’ll earn 5x points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 2x points on all other travel purchases. Additionally, you’ll earn 3x points per $1 on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services, along with 1x point per $1 on all other purchases.
Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders also receive perks like a $50 annual hotel credit through Chase travel, travel and purchase protections, and a 10% points bonus on your total account spend on every account anniversary.
For those who aren’t frequent Air Canada flyers, but instead prefer its Star Alliance partner United, then the United Explorer card would make more sense for you.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.
With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
60,000 bonus miles
$720
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.
You should consider the United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!
Pros
2x miles per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays
1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
First checked bag free for you and up to 1 traveling companion
25% statement credit on United inflight purchases
Priority boarding
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS statement credit
2 United Club 1-time passes each year
Premier upgrades on award tickets
Travel and purchase protections
Cons
$0 intro for the first year, then $95 annual fee
Does not earn transferable rewards
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases
Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United ClubSM with 2 one-time passes each year
With it, you’ll earn 2x points per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases, and hotel purchases, along with 1x point per $1 on all other purchases.
If you’re a frequent United flyer, you’ll love that the card gives you free checked bags on United flights, priority boarding, premier upgrades on award tickets, 25% back on United inflight purchases, and 2 1-time passes to the United Club each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get the Aeroplan card in the U.S?
Yes, the Aeroplan card is issued by Chase and is available to all U.S. customers.
What is the annual fee of the Aeroplan card?
The annual fee of the Aeroplan card is $95.
Is the Aeroplan card worth it?
That really depends on how often you fly with Air Canada. If you take at least a few flights with the carrier each year, or often enough to get great value out of the card’s perks like automatic Aeroplan 25K elite status, free checked bags, preferred pricing on award tickets, and more, then, yes, the Aeroplan card would be worth it.
Where does Air Canada fly?
Air Canada serves over 220 destinations worldwide, including more than 30 cities in the U.S.
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Yes, Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of inactivity. However, to stay active, you just need to earn or redeem at least 1 Aeroplan point within an 18-month period.
For Aeroplan cardholders, this won’t be a problem, as you’ll regularly be earning points by spending on the card.
Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.
