11 Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada for 2024
Oct 14, 2024The best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada earn points for Air Canada’s loyalty program on every purchase. Aeroplan points have an average value of 2.23 cents per point.
Joining Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program is free and there are a handful of ways to earn points, but the easiest way is to sign up for one of the best Aeroplan credit cards.
With one of these travel cards, every purchase earns Aeroplan points, worth 2.23 cents per point on average, according to NerdWallet analysis. Plus, these cards will reward your loyalty with special perks and benefits that will make your next trip even more enjoyable.
New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months. Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13. That's up to $2,600 or more in value when you combine your welcome bonus points and card benefits. Plus, New Offer: Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 consecutive hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Offer ends December 31, 2024.
Best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdown
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's take
Card details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card details
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownNerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCard details
Card detailsNew American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months. Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13. That's up to $2,600 or more in value when you combine your welcome bonus points and card benefits. Plus, New Offer: Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 consecutive hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Offer ends December 31, 2024.
Methodology
BACK TO TOPNerdWallet Canada selects the best Aeroplan credit cards based on overall consumer value as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation methodology include each card’s earning rates, rewards structure (such as flat-rate or bonus categories), annual fee, redemption options, promotional APR period for purchases, bonus offers for new cardholders, and noteworthy features such as insurance, loyalty bonuses or the ability to choose one’s own rewards categories.
Best credit cards in Canada
Compare different cards side-by-side to find one with the perks and benefits that will meet your needs.Guide to Aeroplan credit cards and rewards in Canada
Aeroplan credit cards are rewards cards that earn Aeroplan points. These points are specific to Air Canada’s loyalty program, but since Aeroplan has more than 50 airline partners, you’re not restricted to using your points just on Air Canada flights. In addition, you can use your points on hotels, car rentals and even merchandise.
What is an Aeroplan credit card?
Aeroplan credit cards work like other Canadian credit cards but earn Aeroplan points.
Aeroplan has partnered with multiple financial institutions and offers co-branded Aeroplan credit cards to the public. While every Aeroplan credit card allows you to earn Aeroplan points, there are typically some minor differences, including:
Annual fee.
Welcome bonus.
Earn rate.
Insurance.
Benefits specific to Air Canada.
Travel perks.
Additional benefits.
Primary cardholders will get access to all of their Aeroplan credit card features. Some benefits, such as travel insurance and checked bags, can be shared by any travelling companions on the primary cardholder’s itinerary.
Is an Aeroplan credit card worth it?
If you like to travel, there are many reasons to get an Aeroplan credit card.
Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, so it may be easier to find a route to your final destination.
There are only a few ways for you to earn Aeroplan points without a co-branded Aeroplan card — and none of them are as easy as earning points on every purchase.
Many Aeroplan credit cards come with generous welcome bonuses. For example, you might get 50,000 Aeroplan points after meeting the minimum spend requirement. That’s enough points for multiple round-trip flights within North America, depending on the distance.
Aeroplan credit cards come with Air Canada-specific benefits, like free checked bags, access to Maple Leaf Lounges, and priority check-in and boarding.
Depending on the card, you may also get travel insurance, mobile device insurance, purchase security and an extended warranty.
If you fly Air Canada regularly, or want to earn points for travel discounts, an Aeroplan credit card may be a practical choice.
Aeroplan vs. Air Miles
The Aeroplan and Air Miles programs earn points that can be redeemed for numerous perks, including flight tickets, car rentals, vacation packages, merchandise, gift cards and more.
When comparing your card options, consider these differences:
Aeroplan | Air Miles | |
|---|---|---|
Earn rate | Varies by co-branded credit card. | Varies by co-branded credit card. |
Rate of return | NerdWallet searched more than 75 flights in 2021 and 2022 to determine the average value for Air Canada flights. Based on our analysis, the average value of 1 Aeroplan point is worth 2.23 cents. | NerdWallet analyzed 75+ data points to compare the Air Miles redemption values of flights in 2022 to determine a “cent per mile” value for each flight. Based on our analysis, the average value of 1 Air Miles Dream Mile is worth 11.35 cents. NerdWallet has not analyzed the average redemption value of Air Miles Cash Rewards. |
Redemption options | Flights, vacation packages, hotels, car rentals, gift cards and merchandise. | Flights, vacation packages, hotels, cruises, car rentals, gift cards, merchandise, events and attraction tickets. |
Ways to earn | Co-branded credit cards, Air Canada flights, retail partners, eStore merchants, car rentals, hotel stays, contests and promotions. | Co-branded credit cards, retail partners, online portal merchants and promotions. |
Special perks and benefits | Air Canada benefits, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access, eUpgrades provided with Aeroplan status or a core/premium Aeroplan credit card. | 25% discount on flights (conditions apply), free Boingo Wi-Fi around the world with select Air Miles Mastercard credit cards. |
Transfer partners | American Express Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to Aeroplan. | No transfer partners. |
How to choose the best Aeroplan credit card
Narrow down your choices by reviewing card benefits, annual fees, insurance coverage, and earn rates to find the card that best fits your lifestyle.
Pick the right Aeroplan credit card tier
Aeroplan credit card tiers can help you determine the best card for your needs. Generally, Aeroplan cards can be categorized into the following tiers:
Entry: low annual income requirement and limited or no airline benefits.
Core: reasonable annual income requirement, the annual fee often waived for the first year, basic airline benefits, and additional perks, such as travel insurance.
Premium: high annual fee and income requirement, plus lots of airline and additional benefits.
If you’re not sure if an annual fee is worth it, stick to the entry-level cards. Or, try a premium card that waives the annual fee for the first year. While premium cards have a high annual fee, the Air Canada travel benefits could be worthwhile for frequent fliers.
Compare key features
Besides the tier, there are a few other features you’ll want to compare:
Annual fee. Paying a higher fee is only worth it if you can maximize your points or get value from the card perks.
Intro offer or welcome bonus. Sign-up offers are constantly changing. Some cards have better deals than others, so do your research.
Earn rate. Each Aeroplan credit card has slightly different earn rates for specific categories, so choose one that best aligns with your spending habits.
Additional benefits. Higher-tier Aeroplan credit cards come with more benefits than cards that are free to carry.
Insurance coverage. Some Aeroplan credit cards offer better insurance than others. Read the cardholder agreement for policy details.
Which Aeroplan cards offer lounge access?
If lounge access is an important factor, these Aeroplan cards all offer airport lounge entry:
American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card.
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Plus Card.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card.
TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card.
Types of Aeroplan credit cards
There are two types of credit cards that earn Aeroplan points: co-branded Aeroplan cards that earn Aeroplan points and rewards credit cards that earn points that can be transferred to the Aeroplan loyalty program.
Both groups include American Express and Visa credit cards. While both types of cards are widely accepted globally, it’s worth noting that some retailers, such as Costco, only accept Mastercard.
Co-branded Aeroplan cards
Since Aeroplan and Air Canada are not banks, they need to partner with financial institutions to issue co-branded credit cards. This is typical for loyalty programs, as it allows members and cardholders to earn points on every purchase and get additional benefits.
Banks that offer Aeroplan-branded credit cards
Co-branded Aeroplan credit cards are available through American Express, CIBC, and TD. Each bank offers multiple cards with different benefits and earn rates on rewards.
TD Aeroplan credit cards
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card.
TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card.
CIBC Aeroplan credit cards
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Card.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card for Students.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Plus Card.
American Express Aeroplan credit cards
American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card.
American Express Corporate Reserve Card.
Pros and cons of co-branded Aeroplan cards
Having a co-branded Aeroplan credit card could lead to cheaper travel, but that doesn’t mean you should rush into things. Like any financial decision, you need to look at the pros and cons of being a cardholder before making a decision.
Pros
You’ll earn Aeroplan points on every purchase.
Cardholders enjoy discounts like preferred pricing on flights.
Free first checked bags, Aeroplan Elite Status qualification boosts, and additional benefits for Core and Premium cardholders.
Maple Leaf Lounge Access, Priority Airport Services, NEXUS rebate and an annual Worldwide Companion Pass for Premium cardholders.
Aeroplan points can be used for flights, hotels, car rentals and merchandise.
You can use Family Sharing to combine your points with family members.
Cons
Some cards have a high annual fee.
If you don’t fly Air Canada or its partners often, the benefits may have limited use.
Aeroplan points can be devalued at any time.
Aeroplan uses dynamic pricing, so flights booked at peak times will require more points.
You can’t transfer your Aeroplan points to other loyalty programs, but you can convert partner points to Aeroplan.
If you prefer Mastercard, you’re out of luck. Co-branded Aeroplan cards are only available on the Visa and American Express networks.
Transferable rewards credit cards that earn Aeroplan points
Co-branded Aeroplan credit cards will always be the easiest way to earn Aeroplan points. However, there are other credit cards and loyalty programs that allow you to transfer points to an Aeroplan account.
Loyalty programs with Aeroplan conversion options
These loyalty programs earn points that can be converted into Aeroplan points. The conversion ratio shows how many points from one program equal one Aeroplan point. For example, Marriott Bonvoy’s 3:1 ratio means three Marriot Bonvoy points equal one Aeroplan point. Amex Membership Rewards’ 1:1 ratio means one Membership Rewards point equals one Aeroplan point.
ALL – Accor Live Limitless points, 2:1 ratio.
American Express Membership Rewards points, 1:1 ratio.
Best Western Rewards points, 5:1 ratio.
Choice Privileges points, 5:1 ratio.
Coast Rewards points, 1:1 ratio.
Hilton Honors points, 10:1 ratio.
IHG Rewards Club points, 5:1 ratio.
Marriott Bonvoy points, 3:1 ratio.
Shangri-La Golden Circle Award Points, 1:1 ratio.
Wyndham Rewards points, 5:1 ratio.
How to transfer Amex points to Aeroplan
With American Express Membership Rewards, you can transfer your points to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. So, 1,000 Membership Rewards points would get you 1,000 Aeroplan points. Some people prefer to collect Membership Rewards points over Aeroplan since you can use your Membership points for any type of travel purchase.
If you see a flight redemption on Aeroplan you want to book, you could transfer the number of Membership Rewards points required and book the flight once the points have been processed.
American Express has multiple credit cards that earn Membership Rewards points, including:
How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Aeroplan
Marriott Bonvoy, the loyalty program of Marriott International, allows you to transfer your points to Aeroplan at a 3:1 ratio.
This conversion ratio is less competitive than a 1:1 ratio, but the overall value can be improved. When you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to Aeroplan, you get 5,000 bonus points, for a total of 25,000 Aeroplan points. That effectively makes your conversion ratio 2.4:1, which could be useful if you find yourself in need of additional Aeroplan points to make a redemption.
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the only personal credit card in Canada that directly earns Marriott Bonvoy points. They also offer a business version of the card.
Co-branded Aeroplan cards vs. transferable rewards cards
In most cases, the differences between co-branded and transferable rewards cards are minimal, but we generally think:
Co-branded credit cards are best for people who frequently fly a specific airline and are loyal to the brand.
Transferrable rewards cards are best for people who prefer to earn flexible, transferrable rewards that can be used to book a wider variety of travel.
Co-branded card | Transferable rewards card | |
|---|---|---|
Best for | People who fly a specific airline regularly. | People who prefer flexible rewards. |
Points earned | Specific to the co-brand. | Can be used for any travel and sometimes transferred to other loyalty programs. |
Value of points | Varies by redemption. | Varies by redemption. |
Earn rate | Usually an increased earn rate for purchases specific to the co-branded loyalty program and for some categories. | Increased earn rate can differ by category. |
Airline benefits | Depending on the card, you may get free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access and more. | You may get general travel benefits, such as lounge access or a NEXUS rebate. |
Additional benefits | Depends on the card, but usually travel-focused. | Depends on the card, but usually travel-focused. |
How to get an Aeroplan credit card
You can apply for an Aeroplan credit card online by visiting the website of the card provider and filling out an online application.
If you’re interested in a TD or CIBC Aeroplan credit card, you can walk into one of their branches to start the application process. You don’t have to be a TD or CIBC customer to apply for one of their Aeroplan credit cards.
You may also find pop-up events at the mall or airport where you can sign up for a card on the spot.
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements for Aeroplan credit cards may differ by card and provider.
Age
Financial institutions typically require the primary cardholder to be the age of majority in their province/territory of residence. People under the age of majority may be able to access an Aeroplan credit card if they’re added as a supplementary cardholder to a user that’s already been approved.
Credit score
Financial institutions don’t typically reveal the exact credit score required to be approved for a credit card, but, at a minimum, you should have a credit score of 600 before applying. If you’re applying for a premium or top-tier credit card, you may need an even higher credit score.
Income
Some Aeroplan credit cards have a minimum personal or household annual income requirement for you to be approved.
Entry (basic Visa): $15,000 household income requirement.
Core (Visa Infinite): $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income requirement.
Premium (Visa Privilege): $150,000 personal or $200,000 household income requirement.
American Express doesn’t list their minimum income requirements to be approved. In addition, CIBC offers an CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card for Students that has no minimum annual income requirement.
How do I know if my card is linked to my Aeroplan profile?
When you apply for an Aeroplan credit card, you should receive a letter or email from Aeroplan with your new account information. To ensure your credit card has been linked to the program, log in to your Aeroplan account and check to see whether you are designated as a credit card holder.
You can also check whether your credit card has been linked to your Aeroplan profile by looking at your monthly credit card statement. If properly linked, the number of Aeroplan points you’ve accumulated should be included in each statement.
Can I have more than one Aeroplan credit card?
Yes, you can have more than one Aeroplan credit card at a time. In fact, there’s no limit to the number of credit cards you can carry, assuming you’re approved for each card.
Having more than one Aeroplan credit card gives you the opportunity to take advantage of different welcome bonuses and earn rates, but tread lightly: keeping up with multiple credit cards takes diligence and responsibility. Missed payments and other credit missteps could negatively impact your credit score and strain your finances.
How to use your Aeroplan credit card
You’ll earn points every time you use your Aeroplan credit card to make a purchase, but there are a few tricks you can incorporate to maximize your earning potential.
How to earn the most Aeroplan points
Charge everything. Since every purchase you make earns you Aeroplan points, you should charge everything you can to your card. Just make sure you pay the full balance every month.
Double dip. You can earn double the Aeroplan points at participating merchants. Just show your Aeroplan card when checking out and then use your Aeroplan credit card as the method of payment.
Use the eStore. Aeroplan has an eStore with over 200 retailer partners. Eligible purchases made through the eStore earn extra Aeroplan points.
Look for the big offers. Compare sign-up bonuses before you sign up for a card to maximize your points earned.
How to earn Aeroplan Elite Status
Aeroplan also has Elite Status tiers: 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K and Super Elite (100K). An increased status gives you perks, such as free eUpgrade credits, seat selection, lounge passes, priority boarding and more.
To earn higher status, you’ll need to earn more than just Aeroplan points. Instead, you’ll need to meet different requirements based on how much you fly with Air Canada. These qualification requirements include:
Status Qualifying Miles (SQM), which are earned based on the distance you fly.
Status Qualifying Segments (SQS), which are earned based on flight segments you cover.
Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD), which are earned based on how much you spend on flight tickets.
The more you fly and spend with Air Canada, the higher your tier. For example, to get to 25K status, you need to earn either 25,000 SQM or 25 SQS and $3,000 in SQD.
Certain Aeroplan credit cardholders will earn Aeroplan Elite Status qualification boosts — 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one Status Qualifying Segment — every time they exceed certain spending goals: it takes $5,000 eligible annual spend for Premium cardholders and $10,000 for Core cardholders.
How the Aeroplan rewards program works
Aeroplan points can be used on any available seat on Air Canada and Aeroplan partner flights. Points can also be used for hotels, car rentals and even merchandise, but those typically have a lower redemption value.
Aeroplan uses a zone-based chart for flight redemptions, and how many points it takes for a free flight is affected by the destination, departing airport, and the number of miles flown. In addition, Aeroplan uses dynamic pricing to adjust the cost of Air Canada flights depending on demand.
Partner airlines use a fixed points system instead of a dynamic schedule, which means they may cost you fewer points. However, partner reward flights have significantly fewer seats available and charge a $39 booking fee.
Aeroplan does not include surcharges when booking with points. Stopovers of up to 45 days can be added for 5,000 points on select itineraries. Note that stopovers are not allowed for Canada or U.S. itineraries.
Aeroplan’s Family Sharing plan allows groups of up to eight Aeroplan members to pool points and share Elite Status. This allows for quicker redemptions since all the groups’ points are combined. The plan can include immediate and extended family members.
Aeroplan points value
Aeroplan uses dynamic pricing, so the value of your points will change depending on your redemption. That said, NerdWallet searched more than 75 flights in 2021 and 2022 to determine the average value for Air Canada flights.
Based on our analysis, the value of 1 Aeroplan point is worth 2.23 cents.
More specifically, you can expect to get around
1.69 cents in value per Aeroplan point for economy class awards on Air Canada.
2.81 cents in value per Aeroplan point for business class awards on Air Canada flights.
Based on this data, if the value of your redemption is worth at least 1.69 cents per point, then you should book your flight on points. If the value you’re getting falls below this threshold, you’re better off paying cash and saving your points.
Aeroplan rewards chart
Aeroplan is broken into four zones: North America, Atlantic, Pacific and South America. The points required to fly within or to another zone are based on distance, carrier and demand. (All images via Aeroplan Flight Rewards Chart, June 2024.)
Within North America
Between North America and Atlantic Zones
Between North America and Pacific Zones
Between North America and South America Zones
These redemptions are for one-way flights. As you can see, the farther you fly the more points it costs. In addition, the range you see within a zone refers to dynamic pricing. So, during off-peak travel plans, you need fewer points to fly. For peak travel dates, expect to pay more.
Keep in mind that peak travel dates aren’t the only thing that affects dynamic pricing. Time of day may also cost more points.
When using partner airlines, you pay a fixed number of points based on distance.
How Aeroplan points are calculated
While the zone charts are somewhat intimidating, Aeroplan has a points predictor tool that will show you roughly how many points it’ll cost you to fly between destinations. That said, this tool only offers a range, so you have to search your exact dates to find out what it’ll really cost you.
In addition, this points predictor tool doesn’t calculate the value of your points for you. To do that, you’d use the following formula:
(Ticket price – taxes) X 100 /points required for a redemption = Cost per point
For example, let’s say you want to fly round-trip from Toronto to Vancouver, and the cash price is $500. You can pay that $500 outright, or you can redeem 25,000 Aeroplan points and pay $75 in taxes to get the flight for free. Your formula would be as follows:
($500 – $75) X 100 / 25,000 = 1.7 cents per point
In this example, the value exceeds our estimated value of 1.69 cents per point, so the redemption is worth it.
How to earn Aeroplan points
Earning Aeroplan points is easy since there are multiple ways to do so. Maximizing your earn rate, however, does require a little bit of work and planning.
Using Aeroplan credit cards
Using one of the best Aeroplan credit cards will always be the easiest way to earn Aeroplan points. Not only will you earn points on every purchase you charge to your card, but you’ll often get a generous welcome bonus when you sign up. Many Aeroplan credit cards also have an increased earn rate for different categories, so you can get points quickly.
Aeroplan credit card reviews
Not sure which Aeroplan credit card is right for you? Read NerdWallet’s in-depth reviews of the following cards:
Other ways to earn Aeroplan points
Transfer partners. Numerous rewards points, including American Express Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy points, can be transferred to Aeroplan.
Aeroplan partners. You can earn Aeroplan points through partner merchants, such as Uber, LCBO, Starbucks, and The UPS Store.
Aeroplan eStore. The Aeroplan eStore has hundreds of partner retailers, including Adidas, AliExpress, Amazon and Casper.
Promotions and special offers. Aeroplan will often run contests or spend challenges where you can earn additional points.
Purchasing points. Aeroplan also allows you to buy points, but the cost is usually more than the estimated value.
How to redeem Aeroplan points
Redeeming Aeroplan points is easy since everything is done via aircanada.com. When searching for flights, you’ll see an option to use your points. Available flights will show the number of Aeroplan points required for redemption, plus applicable taxes. You can filter your search by departure time, stops, airline and more.
By default, redemptions shown are for one-way flights, so you need to select your departure and return flight to see the full price. If your itinerary is complex or you need to add a stopover, you’ll likely have to call Aeroplan directly to have an agent piece together your itinerary.
Hotels, car rentals and merchandise redemptions are also conducted through aircanada.com.
How to get the best value for Aeroplan redemptions
Since one Aeroplan point is worth at least 1.69 cents, any redemption above that is considered a good value. Our data shows that a business-class flight has an average value of 2.81 cents per point, so that’s an easy way to get the best value for your points.
Other ways to make the most of Aeroplan redemptions:
Book with partner airlines. Because they use a fixed amount of points, you may get a better value.
Since Aeroplan uses distance bands, there are a few sweet spots that’ll get you the best value. You may have to do a little experimenting with the travel portal to find them, however.
Frequently asked questions
Does Aeroplan have a cancellation policy?
Does Aeroplan have a cancellation policy?
Fees for cancelling through Aeroplan vary by the class of your seat, type of fare and when you cancel.
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of account inactivity. Account activity can be maintained by earning, redeeming, donating and transferring your points. If you have an Aeroplan credit card and use it regularly, your points will be safe.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
Beth Buczynski
Clay Jarvis