Air Canada Offers a Way To Extend Elite Status Through Credit Card Spending

Isaac Struna via UnsplashMore loyalty programs are including credit card spending in the equation for qualifying or re-qualifying for elite status.

Air Canada just launched a new and very interesting promotion through which cardholders can qualify for an extension of their elite status after meeting a point-earning requirement.

Here’s what you should know.

Certain Credit Card Spend Will Count Toward Air Canada Elite Status for a Limited Time

Cardholders with any co-branded Aeroplan card who earn 30,000 points from any purchases on those cards through November 30, 2022, will lock in elite status through December 31, 2023.

And if you’re already an Aeroplan cardholder, the points you’ve already earned on your card this year count towards the earning requirement!

Make sure you read the terms and conditions before starting your spending. It’s important to note that not all spending will count toward the 30,000-point requirement. Purchases that aren’t included are:

• Any 1-time welcome bonuses that you earn for signing up for your Aeroplan credit card
• Any time-limited promotional accelerators on certain spend categories
• Any points earned after November 30, 2022

If you currently do not hold any Aeroplan elite status, you are not eligible for any status extension. The status you have when you meet the terms of the promotion is the status eligible for the offer.

Also, there’s a cap to the number of bonus points you can earn. For instance, you can earn only 2x points on Air Canada purchases, 1.5x points on dining, and 1.25x points on all other purchases.

Here’s an example of a spending mix that would result in you achieving the earning requirement:

• Spending $5,000 on Air Canada purchases, for a total of 10,000 points
• Spending $7,000 on dining purchases (which includes take-out) for a total of 10,500 points
• Spending $8,000 on all other purchases, for a total of 10,000 points

Even if you don’t have an Aeroplan card, you can still take advantage of the deal. You’ll just need to apply, and if you’re approved, meet the earning requirements by the end of the offer period.

The Aeroplan^® Credit Card, which is available to U.S. consumers, is an excellent option if you fly Air Canada or use the Aeroplan loyalty program frequently.

It has a reasonable annual fee, and cardholders can earn a Welcome Flight Reward worth up to 50,000 points after spending $3,000, plus up to 51,000 points through 10x total points on travel and dining.

The card earns 3x points on Air Canada purchases, grocery stores, and dining and 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent in a calendar month (up to 1,500 bonus points).

Hot Tip: Wondering how to use the Air Canada Aeroplan points you’ve acquired? Read our full guide on the best ways to redeem them for maximum value.

Final Thoughts

If you want to extend your Aeroplan status but didn’t have many flights planned, this could be a good promotion to take advantage of. Remember, though, you have to meet the earning requirement by the end of November, meaning now’s the time to start working toward the goal if you think it’s within reach.