Not all rewards programs are created equal, and the best airline rewards program for you will depend on your spending habits and travel preferences. That said, we think that Aeroplan is objectively the best airline rewards program in Canada thanks to its high point value, extensive travel network, and ease of earning (and redeeming) points.
So that you can decide which airline rewards program is best for you, we’re breaking down the three options in Canada to compare earning potential, redemption options, and, of course, point value.
Key Takeaways
- Air Canada’s Aeroplan program offers the most value and flexibility.
- WestJet just revamped its rewards program, switching from dollars to points.
- Porter is the most simplistic program, but may be useful for domestic flights.
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Airline rewards programs in Canada
You’ve got 3 options when it comes to airline rewards programs: Aeroplan, WestJet Rewards, and VIPorter.
Aeroplan
Air Canada introduced Aeroplan back in 1984 but the program has gone through many changes since then. Currently, Aeroplan is a free program that earns travellers points for travel, purchases with partner retailers, and credit card use. You can redeem your Aeroplan points for flights, other forms of travel, merchandise, and gift cards – and with 25 Star Alliance partners and nearly 40 codeshare partners, you have plenty of choice when it comes to those flights.
WestJet Rewards
The second-largest airline in Canada revamped its WestJet Rewards program in April 2025, expanding the ways that you can earn and redeem points to offer greater value for travellers. Although WestJet isn’t a member of an airline alliance, it partners with Delta and 20 other airlines to provide an extensive travel network (though you can’t redeem your rewards with all of them).
Learn more about WestJet Rewards
VIPorter
Porter is Canada’s third-largest airline and offers VIPorter. This free loyalty program is more restricted in terms of its points. You can only earn or redeem points for travel with Porter, Air Transat, or Alaska Airlines. And although Porter partners with more airlines, you’ll only earn points for Porter-operated segments of travel.
Aeroplan vs. WestJet Rewards vs. VIPorter
Here’s a quick rundown of how these programs compare:
| Aeroplan | WestJet Rewards | VIPorter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points system | Miles | Points | Points |
| Airline partners | * 26 Star Alliance members * Joint venture partnerships with Lufthansa Group, United Airlines, and Air China | * Delta * Air France/KLM * British Airways * Cathay Pacific * Qantas +16 more | * Air Transat * Alaska Airlines * British Airways * Delta * JetBlue +8 more |
| Alliance membership | Star Alliance | None | None |
| Earning options | * Air Canada flights * Star Alliance flights * Other travel * Transfer or buy points * Partner retailer purchases * Credit cards | * WestJet flights + flights with 10 partner airlines * Other travel * Transfer points * Credit cards | * Porter and Alaska Airlines flights * Credit cards |
| Redemption options | * Flights * Vacations * Hotels * Car rentals * Merchandise * Gift cards | * Flights * Vacations * Merchandise * Gift cards | * Flights |
| Average earn rate | 4% | 1% | 7.5% |
| Average value of 1 point | 2 cents | 1 cent | 1.5 cents |
What is the best airline rewards program in Canada?
All things considered, Aeroplan is consistently noted as one of the best rewards programs in Canada, and we’d say it takes the top spot as the best airline rewards program. There are a few things that make it stand above its competitors.
Easy to earn miles
Aeroplan is generous in distributing miles and provides you with numerous ways to earn them beyond Air Canada travel. Sure, you can earn miles by flying with Air Canada or one of its many partners, but you’ll also be rewarded for booking other travel through Air Canada, converting other reward points (like Amex Membership Rewards) to Aeroplan miles, buying miles, shopping with the eStore, or using an Aeroplan credit card.
Plus, once you’ve earned elite status, you’ll earn miles even faster.
Miles have high value
Unsurprisingly, you’ll get the best value from your Aeroplan miles by using them towards Air Canada flights. Flying with Air Canada earns you an average of 2 cents per point (CPP), but your points could be worth up to 4 CPP if you book during off or shoulder season and find a great deal.
Other redemption options will net you anywhere from 0.71 to 0.90, which is still respectable.
Extensive partner network
It’s hard to beat Air Canada’s global network of partners. While this means you have lots of options to earn miles, it also means you have lots of options to redeem them. No matter where you want to travel on your rewards flight, Air Canada or one of its partners will be able to get you there.
While both WestJet and Porter are continually expanding their networks, they simply can’t compete with Air Canada in this regard.
Air Canada perks
Airlines want to reward your loyalty and Air Canada certainly splashes out on the benefits it gives Aeroplan members. Depending on your status, you may have access to:
- Complimentary checked bags
- Complimentary seat selection
- Priority baggage handling
- Priority security clearance
- Air Canada concierge service
- Access to Maple Leaf and Star Alliance Lounges
- Access to Air Canada Cafes
- Complimentary in-flight snacks and alcoholic beverages
Maximize your airline rewards with branded credit cards
All three airline rewards programs have credit cards that will help you earn points faster. Here’s an overview of your best options for each one.
Aeroplan
You have many options when it comes to Aeroplan credit cards, but we’re narrowing it down to three great choices. Note that our top pick is not a branded Aeroplan card, but it’s a fan fave and we’d be remiss not to include it.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Current offer | Pros | Cons | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Cobalt Card | $155.88 | Up to 15,000 bonus points (terms) | * 10 types of insurance, including mobile device * No income requirements * Amex Experiences, Offers, and Front of the Line benefits * The Hotel Collection benefits | * Lower acceptance as an Amex | Learn more |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card | 139 | $139 | * Free checked bags on Air Canada * Preferred pricing * 12 types of insurance * Annual fee waived for the first year | * High income requirements of $60,000 personal or $100,000 household * Only high-value rewards are redeeming for Air Canada flights | Learn more |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card | 599 | $599 | * Free checked bags on Air Canada * Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards * Unlimited Maple Leaf lounge access | * High income requirements of $150,000 personal or $200,000 household * High annual fee * Only high-value rewards are redeeming for Air Canada flights | Learn more |
WestJet
Again, your best WestJet credit card options include a pair of branded cards and a big bank option.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Current offer | Pros | Cons | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard | $119 | 45,000 WestJet points (terms) | * 2 points per $1 spent on WestJet purchases * Annual companion voucher for travel anywhere WestJet flies starting from $119 * Save 3 cents per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada * Free first checked bags on WestJet flights | * Rewards limited to flights on WestJet * High income requirements of $80,000 personal or $150,000 household | Learn more |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege | 399 | $399 | * High point value of up to 2.33 cents * Includes 12 types of insurance * Save 3 cents per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada | * Only earns 1.25 points per $1 spent on all purchases * Poor rewards if not redeemed through the Air Travel Redemption chart * High income requirements of $150,000 personal or $200,000 household | Learn more |
| WestJet RBC Mastercard | 39 | $39 | * 1.5 points per $1 spent on WestJet purchases * Annual companion voucher for travel within Canada and to the Continental U.S. * Save 3 cents per litre on fuel at Petro-Canada | * Rewards limited to flights on WestJet * Companion voucher is expensive to use at $199 | Learn more |
VIPorter
The smallest rewards program doesn’t offer as many credit card options, but the two they do have are solid.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Current offer | Pros | Cons | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMO VIPorter Mastercard | $89 |  $100 GeniusCash + Up to 40,000 bonus points, 35% flight discount, first year free (terms) | * Up to 2 points per $1 spent on purchases * Automatic VIPorter Passport Avid Traveller status * Includes 9 types of insurance * Annual 35% flight discount | * Low base earn rate of 0.5 points per $1 spent * Points can only be used for flights on Porter, Air Transat, and Alaska Airlines | Learn more |
| BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard | 199 | $199 | * Up to 3 points per $1 spent on purchases * Automatic VIPorter Venture Avid Traveller status * Includes 11 types of insurance * Annual companion pass | *High income requirements of $80,000 personal or $150,000 household * Points can only be used for flights on Porter, Air Transat, and Alaska Airlines * High annual fee | Learn more |
Are airline rewards programs worth it?
If you are a frequent flyer, signing up for a free airline rewards program with your airline of choice makes a lot of sense. You’ll usually earn miles or points at a faster rate and can enjoy extra comforts and conveniences when flying.
That said, if you only fly once in a while, you’ll probably want to skip airline rewards programs since you’ll have better earning opportunities with other rewards programs.
To find a rewards program that’s worth it for you, first consider your spending habits. Then, choose a program that gives you the most perks for your purchases.
If you spend a lot on eating out, the McDonald’s and Tim’s reward programs might be better options. If you’re a frequent hotel guest, consider the Marriott Bonvoy program. If you want to earn points wherever you shop and have flexible rewards options, the Amex Membership Rewards Program can’t be beat. You’ll have the opportunity to earn lots of points and enjoy four high-value redemption options (including, yes, the ability to convert your points to Aeroplan miles).
FAQ
Which airlines’ points are worth the most?
We averaged the return on 7 reward categories and found that Aeroplan miles are worth the most, giving travellers an average of 2 cents per mile for Air Canada flights.
What is the best travel rewards program in Canada?
Although WestJet has made great strides in improving its rewards program recently, we still prefer Aeroplan. It’s hard to beat the high reward value, great airline network, Air Canada perks, and program flexibility. Amex Membership Rewards is also a stellar option with flexible redemption options, including flights.
Is Avion Rewards better than Aeroplan?
Avion’s average earn rate is lower than Aeroplan’s. Plus, only Elite cardholders can transfer points to other airline programs. Overall, we prefer the flexibility and higher value of Aeroplan.
How much are Aeroplan miles worth?
We found Aeroplan miles work out to be around 2 CPP when redeemed for flights – better than either WestJet or VIPorter points.
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