Aeroplan Rewards is the best and most valuable airline rewards program in Canada. The program is free to join, and members can earn points in many different ways, including flights with Air Canada, and redeem those points for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, and more.
The best way to earn points is with an Aeroplan credit card, and there are several excellent choices. Plus, if you use a card (or reach Elite Status in the program), your points never expire.
This article gives a detailed explanation of how the Aeroplan program works, including all the ways to earn and redeem points, the best Aeroplan cards to use, and all the benefits and perks available to Aeroplan members.
Key Takeaways
- The Aeroplan rewards program is owned and operated by Air Canada.
- Aeroplan points can be redeemed for flights, gift cards, car rentals, vacation packages, hotels, and merchandise – but flights are the most valuable choice, offering 1.6 cents per point.
- The fastest ways to earn Aeroplan points are to fly Air Canada, convert points from other rewards programs, sign up for Chexy, and shop with an Aeroplan credit card.
- Aeroplan reward flights must be booked on Air Canada or Star Alliance member airlines.
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What is Aeroplan?
Aeroplan is the rewards program owned and operated by Air Canada. Buying flights, flight-related services, and products through program partners (or with an Aeroplan credit card) earns you Aeroplan points to spend on 6 reward categories. You can even pool points with up to 8 family members to buy a big vacation package.
Sign-up is free, but the best points-earning opportunities – and perks – are reserved for frequent flyers.
Fortunately, Air Canada is the country's largest airline and a founding member of the Star Alliance, with 50+ domestic routes and hundreds of other destinations across 6 continents. If Air Canada can't get you to your destination, it has a partner that can.
Aeroplan pros:
- 350+ financial, retail, and travel partners
- 50+ Canadian, 50+ U.S., and 100+ international airports in the Air Canada network
- 50+ airlines and 1,300+ global destinations in the Aeroplan partner network
- 11 Aeroplan credit cards with advanced points earning rates
- 6 rewards categories valued at up to 1.6 cents CAD per Aeroplan point
- 7 ways to earn Aeroplan points
- 5 Aeroplan Elite Status membership levels with perks including complimentary meals, Maple Leaf Lounge access, and priority airport services
Aeroplan cons:
- Aeroplan points don't count towards flight charges, fees, surcharges, or taxes
- Best point-earning rates are reserved for frequent flyers in premium flight classes
- Can't transfer points for free
- Economy Basic fares don't earn you Aeroplan points
- Flight rewards have no fixed value per Aeroplan point
- Rewards worth as little as 0.5 cents CAD per Aeroplan point
How much are Aeroplan points worth?
Unlike some rewards program currencies, Aeroplan points aren't worth a set amount. The value of each point depends on which reward you choose and when.
Cost of reward in $ / cost of reward in Aeroplan points x 100 = value in cents per point (CPP)
Flight rewards are at the top of the ladder. A ticket to a quiet destination during "shoulder" or "off" tourist seasons yields up to 2 CPP, but the average flight yields 1.6.
By contrast, we found toys and games on the Aeroplan eStore – like a LEGO Editions Football Soccer Ball – worth as little as 0.59 CPP.
From most to least valuable, here are the 6 Aeroplan rewards categories:
| Reward Category | Average CPP | How to Redeem |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | 1.6 | * Book through the Air Canada website. * Selecting a quiet destination during "off" and "shoulder" tourist seasons yields up to 2 CPP. |
| Car rentals | 0.90 | * Book through the Air Canada website to rent a vehicle from 11,000+ locations worldwide. |
| Vacation packages | 0.83 | * Book through Air Canada Vacations to spend your points on cruises, hotels, tours, vacation packages, and flight and hotel bundles. |
| Hotels | 0.82 | * Book through the Aeroplan HotelSavers website and save up to 30% in points with 17 luxury, 17 premium, and 9 economy accommodations partners. |
| Merchandise | 0.74 | * Visit the Aeroplan eStore to shop for products in 18 categories from over 380 brands. * Point values vary, so keep a calculator handy. |
| Gift cards | 0.71 | * Visit the Aeroplan eStore to shop gift cards from A&W to Williams Sonoma. * Prepaid credit cards yield the least CPP (0.61), while Air Canada gift cards yield the most (1.0). |
Because it's the most valuable rewards category (and the most complicated to redeem), we've dedicated the next section to getting as much value as possible out of booking an Aeroplan reward flight.
How to redeem Aeroplan points for flights
Aeroplan points have the highest potential value when redeemed for flights – emphasis on potential. According to the Air Canada flight reward chart, the estimated cost of your Aeroplan reward flight depends on:
- The airline you choose: Flights with Air Canada may cost more than flights with a partner airline.
- The number of miles between your departure and destination airports: The farther you fly, the more points it costs.
- Your flight class: Business Class flights cost more than Economy and Premium Economy flights.
- Your travel dates: Booking a flight next week costs more than booking several months in advance. Similarly, a flight during "off" and "shoulder" tourist seasons costs less.
- Your destination's travel zone: Air Canada divides the world into 4 major travel zones: North America, South America, the Atlantic, and the Pacific. Flying between 2 zones costs more points than remaining within 1.
Pro Tip: Rather than using a chart, try using the Air Canada Points Finder, which shows you where your Aeroplan points can take you depending on your departing airport, travel dates, travel class, and points budget. Or try the Points Predictor, which estimates the cost of flying between 2 airports in points.
To book your reward flight, it's a simple matter of visiting the Aeroplan flight redemption platform:
- Select "Book with points Aeroplan."
- Search for a flight.
- Choose the flight, class, and options you want.
- Confirm whether you'll pay in cash, Aeroplan points, or a mix of both.
- Enter your membership number, payment info, and traveller details.
Once you confirm the booking, there's nothing left to do but mark it on your calendar.
Aeroplan rewards calculator
We created an Aeroplan rewards calculator, so you can see the value of each option based on the exact number of points you have.
Keep in mind that most Aeroplan redemption options vary in value, but this calculator gives you an idea of how to optimize your points.
| Redemption Option | Point Value | Total Value |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | 1.6 cents | $160 |
| Air Canada Gift Cards | 1 cent | $100 |
| Car rentals | 0.9 cents | $90 |
| Vacation packages | 0.83 cents | $83 |
| Hotels | 0.82 cents | $82 |
| Merchandise | 0.74 cents | $74 |
| Gift Cards | 0.71 cents | $71 |
How does Aeroplan work?
The Aeroplan program has 1 standard and 5 elite membership levels. All new members start at the free first level with zero points, bonuses, or benefits.
Buy enough flights, flight-related services, and qualifying purchases within 13 calendar months (December 31 – January 31 of the following year) to become an Aeroplan Elite Status member.
All Elite Status members enjoy:
- 250 miles minimum counted toward Aeroplan points per flight, regardless of actual flight distance
- 5 eUpgrade credits
- 3 bonus Aeroplan points per $1 spent on partner hotels and rental cars
- 2 bonus Aeroplan points per $1 spent on the Aeroplan eStore
- Complimentary preferred seat selection on Standard or Flex fares
- Complimentary sports equipment handling
- Priority boarding, check-in, flight waitlisting, and standby on Air Canada flights
At higher membership levels, some benefits even apply to flights with any Star Alliance airline.
How to qualify for Aeroplan Elite Status
There are 5 levels of Aeroplan Elite Status membership. Each one is named after the number of Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) you must earn to qualify:
- Elite Status 25K: 25,000 SQC or 100,000 Everyday Status Qualification
- Elite Status 35K: 35,000 SQC
- Elite Status 50K: 50,000 SQC
- Elite Status 75K: 75,000 SQC
- Super Elite: 125,000 SQC
Once you qualify for any Elite Status membership level, you can pick and enjoy milestone benefits for every 10,000 SQC you earn up to 200,000 – and every 20,000 SQC you earn after that, up to 1 million SQC.
Milestone benefits include things like eUpgrade credits, priority reward vouchers, Maple Leaf lounge passes, and more.
As for the rest of the Aeroplan membership experience, it wouldn't be a rewards program without some sweet perks and benefits:
| Benefit | 25K | 35K | 50K | 75K | Super Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complimentary checked bags | 1* | 3* | 3* | 3* | 3* |
| Complimentary standard seat selection | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Priority baggage handling | No | Yes | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* |
| Priority security clearance | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Air Canada Concierge Service | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Maple Leaf Lounge access | No | No | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* |
| Star Alliance Gold Lounge access | No | No | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* |
| Non-Star Alliance lounge access | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Air Canada Café access | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bonus Aeroplan points per flight | 2x | 3x | 4x | 5x | 6x |
* Benefit also applies to flights on Star Alliance member airlines
Aeroplan Super Elite members also get the following super-exclusive perks:
- Access to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) Arrivals lounge
- Complimentary in-flight alcoholic beverage and snack
- Free cancellations and changes on Aeroplan reward flights
Aeroplan One Million Miles program
Once you've flown 1 million Aeroplan miles in your lifetime with Air Canada or a partner airline, you'll earn permanent Aeroplan Elite Status membership. Fly even more to boost your membership level and earn the same perks for someone else:
| Status Earned | Annual Perks | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Million Miles | * Aeroplan Elite Status will never fall below Aeroplan 50K | * 2,500 SQC |
| 2 Million Miles | * Aeroplan Elite Status will never fall below Aeroplan 75K * 1 designated friend will be recognized with ongoing Aeroplan 50K Status | * 5,000 SQC AND * Aeroplan 35K Status for a friend |
| 3 Million Miles | * Aeroplan Elite Status will never fall below Aeroplan Super Elite Status | * 10,000 SQC AND * Aeroplan 50K Status for a friend |
| 4 Million Miles | * Aeroplan Elite Status will never fall below Aeroplan Super Elite Status * Previously nominated designated friend will be recognized with ongoing Aeroplan 75K Status | * 20,000 SQC AND * Aeroplan 75K Status for a friend |
| 5 Million Miles | * Same as above | * 30,000 SQC AND * Aeroplan Super Elite Status for a friend |
Plus, members in the Aeroplan One Million Miles Club get a welcome package with an exclusive membership card and special luggage tags.
7 ways to earn Aeroplan points fast
We've already hinted at the many ways to earn Aeroplan points, from flying Air Canada to using a co-branded credit card. Officially, there are 7 ways for Aeroplan members to earn points:
- Buy flights and flight-related services from Air Canada or Star Alliance airlines
- Book hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages through Air Canada
- Convert points from other rewards programs
- Purchase Aeroplan points or Points Boosters
- Shop at the Aeroplan eStore and with retail partners
- Shop with an Aeroplan credit card
- Sign up and pay your bills with Chexy to earn Aeroplan points
Pro Tip: To earn points faster, try combining 2 or more of the above methods. For example, you could use the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card to book an international Business Class flight on Air Canada, and then multiply the points with a Points Booster.
1. Buy flights and flight-related services
If you fly frequently, the points can add up quickly. Air Canada keeps it simple when you book with them – you earn 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent on base airfares and carrier surcharges. This applies whether you fly with Air Canada or any of their partners.
If you're an Aeroplan Elite member, you'll get a multiplier tacked on top, starting at 2x the points for 25K Elite members, all the way to 6x for Super Elite.
As you search for flights, Air Canada will show you the base number of points for any flight for all fare classes. Select flights will offer bonus points. For example, here are 2 flights on the same day, between Toronto and Edmonton:
If you're not particular about when you fly, check out various options to see if you can score some easy bonus points.
Click on the info icon to see what you can earn for each Aeroplan Elite status level.
Have you booked a flight with one of Air Canada's partner airlines? The number of points you'll earn depends on the partner. You can find those details here, but you'll typically earn points based on distance flown with a multiplier tacked on for the fare class.
2. Book hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages
Air Canada's booking website offers plenty of options for where to sleep, what to drive, and what to do once you reach your destination. The Aeroplan program partners with:
- 10+ hotel and resort chains providing 250 – 500 Aeroplan points per stay, or up to 2 points per $1 USD spent
- 6 car rental agencies providing up to 199 Aeroplan points per rental, or up to 2 points per $1 CAD spent
- Air Canada Vacations, which yield 500 – 5,000 Aeroplan points based on fare class and destination
You can stay with Fairmont or Hotel Express, drive with Avis or Budget, and get your first checked bag free, plus enjoy flexible payment plans and other perks through Air Canada Vacations.
Air Canada has also welcomed Helijet into the Aeroplan program, empowering BC travellers booking a scheduled or charter helicopter flight to earn points on their travel.
3. Convert points from other rewards programs
Air Canada has 22 conversion program partners in Canada, so you can transform points in one rewards program into Aeroplan points.
Some of the eligible points you can convert include:
- American Express Membership Rewards at a rate of 1 Membership Rewards point to 1 Aeroplan point
- Best Western Rewards at a rate of 5:1
- Hilton Honors at a rate of 10:1
- IHG One Rewards at a rate of 5:1
- Marriott Bonvoy at a rate of 3:1
- Wyndham Rewards at a rate of 5:1
Starbucks is also an Aeroplan partner. Although you can't turn Starbucks Stars into Aeroplan points, you can convert Aeroplan points to Stars at a rate of 400 points to 100 Stars.
You can also earn Aeroplan points by linking your Starbucks Rewards account and loading funds in the app:
- Earn 25 Aeroplan points for every $50 – $74.99 added
- Earn 100 Aeroplan points on all top-ups of $75+
4. Purchase Aeroplan points or Point Boosters
Yes, you can buy Aeroplan points.
Unfortunately, it's seldom worth it – points cost 3.5 cents CAD each and can only be redeemed for rewards that are rarely worth more than 2 CPP. Any points you buy are also non-refundable, taxable, and must be purchased in packs of at least 1,000 (to a maximum of 250,000 per transaction and up to 1,000,000 per year).
Costing just over 2 CPP, the cheaper option is to boost Aeroplan points you've already earned. You can multiply the points you earned on a recent purchase by 1x, 3x, or 5x – but again, these points are taxable, non-refundable, and seldom justified by the worth of the rewards you redeem them for.
5. Shop at the Aeroplan eStore and with retail partners
Air Canada has 350+ retail partners offering Aeroplan points with every purchase. Best of all, there's no limit on the number of points you can earn per year.
Here's where to shop:
- On the Aeroplan eStore: Earn 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent at partners like Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, Gap, Sephora, and more.
- In-store: Earn bonus points or 0.25 – 1 point per $1 spent at stores like LCBO, Starbucks, or UPS.
- Through partner apps: Earn bonus points for signing up and redeeming offers through Starbucks, Uber, Uber Eats, and other apps.
Taking advantage of promotions on all 3 platforms can also net you up to 5x bonus points per $1 spent, letting you reach your Aeroplan goals faster.
6. Pay your bills and expenses with Chexy
Chexy is a Canadian fintech startup founded in 2022. With this online service, you authorize Chexy to pay your bills using your specified credit card information.
This does cost you a small service fee, but in return, you can earn credit card rewards on expenses you normally couldn't charge. These include:
- Rent
- Taxes
- Insurance
- Tuition
- Daycare
Chexy partners with Aeroplan, so you could be earning Aeroplan points on these items. You can also look out for special Chexy/Aeroplan promotions.
7. Shop with Aeroplan credit cards
Last but not least, Air Canada has partnered with 3 major credit card issuers in Canada – American Express, CIBC, and TD Bank – to offer 11 Aeroplan-branded credit cards. Aeroplan cards offer advanced points earning rates, benefits, and perks like:
- First free checked bag (up to 23 kg) on Air Canada flights
- No expiry of Aeroplan points as long as card is active
- Preferred pricing on Air Canada flights
- Shared benefits with additional cardmembers
The best Aeroplan credit cards
While you have plenty of options, here are our picks for the top credit cards for earning Aeroplan points from the 3 major issuers.
Here are the best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Rewards | Welcome Bonus | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card | $139 | * 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, grocery and direct through Air Canada purchases * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | Up to 50,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| American Express Cobalt Card | $191.88 | * 5 points per $1 spent on eligible groceries and restaurants (up to $2,500 spent per month) * 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming services * 2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit, and ride share purchases * 1 point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | Up to 15,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | $599 | * 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada * 1.5 points per $1 spent on gas, EV charging, groceries, dining, and travel * 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms) | Learn more |
Best TD Aeroplan credit card
×2 Award winner 
The best TD Aeroplan credit card is also our pick for the best Aeroplan-branded credit card overall: the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card.
Cardholders enjoy 1.5x Aeroplan points on qualifying purchases with Air Canada, plus:
- 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on eligible gas and grocery purchases
- 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent on other purchases
- Free checked bags on Air Canada
- Preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards
- 12 types of insurance
- 1,000 SQC for every $10,000 spent annually
Its annual fee of $139 is reasonable (and waived for the first year). Plus, you'll get to enjoy all the benefits of having a Visa Infinite credit card:
- Access to special Canadian culinary events through the Visa Infinite Dining Series
- Preferred rates, free room upgrades, and special perks at 900+ hotels in the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
- Vacation planning, reservation, and ticket services through the Visa Infinite Complimentary Concierge
If you're looking for a more premium card with a better earn rate, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is one of the best credit cards with lounge access thanks to the Visa Airport Companion Program. You'll get complimentary passes to airport lounges around the world, including Plaza Premium Lounges.
Best American Express Aeroplan credit card
With great perks, zero income requirements, and an earn rate unmatched by any Aeroplan card, the American Express Cobalt Card takes the top spot. Sure, it's not an Aeroplan-branded card, but it's a de facto Aeroplan card since you can transfer your Amex points 1:1 to Aeroplan points.
Though you won't get any Air Canada benefits or lounge access, you have the opportunity to collect loads of points and enjoy flexible rewards:
- 5 points per $1 spent on groceries and restaurants
- 3 points per $1 spent on streaming services
- 2 points per $1 spent on gas, transit, and travel
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Transfer points to Aeroplan (at 1:1 ratio) and 5 other airlines, use with the Fixed Points Travel Program, transfer to hotel programs, or redeem for any purchase
- Front of the Line access
- Amex bonus offers
- 10 types of insurance coverage
If you're looking for an Aeroplan-branded Amex credit card, try the American Express Aeroplan Card, which offers 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent and a suite of premium Air Canada and Amex perks for a lower annual fee of $120.
Best CIBC Aeroplan credit card
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card may not be our top choice, but the competition is fierce, and it's a respectable premium credit card in its own right. Cardholders enjoy 2x Aeroplan points through Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, plus:
- 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on gas, groceries, dining, and other travel
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- 1,000 SQC towards Aeroplan Elite Status membership per $5,000 spent
- 1 free checked bag for you and up to 8 travelling companions on Air Canada flights
- 1 free night per 3-night hotel stay booked with Aeroplan points
- Priority boarding, check-in, and baggage handling on Air Canada flights
- Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access, plus complimentary guest passes
- Visa Infinite Privilege perks, including the Visa Infinite Complimentary Concierge Services, Dining Series, and Luxury Hotel Collection
CIBC also offers the no-fee CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card and the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, which costs $139 per year. They score lower on our list because they only earn up to 1.5x Aeroplan points per $1 spent and they include fewer perks.
FAQ
What is the value of an Aeroplan point?
If you optimize your Aeroplan points by redeeming them for flights, you'll get an average value of 1.6 cents per point (CPP). But the value significantly drops for car rentals, and flights outperform other popular categories like merchandise, vacation packages, and hotels.
How flexible are Aeroplan rewards?
Aeroplan rewards can be redeemed for flights with 50+ airlines to 1,300+ destinations around the world, accommodations with 10+ hotel chains, car rentals in more than 11,000 locations, and gift cards and merchandise from over 350 retail partners.
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Your Aeroplan points won't expire as long as you redeem or earn points at least once every 18 months. If not, your account will be marked inactive and deleted 3 years later. If you have an Aeroplan credit card or Elite Status, your points never expire.
Can you transfer Aeroplan points?
Yes, you can transfer Aeroplan points. You can also gift your Aeroplan points to another member or donate them to registered charities. If you don't have enough points for a flight on your own, you can send them to a friend or family member who does – but you'll pay a processing fee.
Is there an Aeroplan and Starbucks partnership?
Yes, there is an Aeroplan-Starbucks partnership, but conversion isn't a 2-way street. You can link your Aeroplan and Starbucks Rewards accounts and earn points for adding funds to your Starbucks balance. You can also convert Aeroplan points to Starbucks Stars.
Which credit card is the best for earning Aeroplan points?
The credit card with the most Aeroplan point-earning potential is the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, which awards 3x the points on every purchase with Air Canada. But this card has a steep annual fee of $599. Canada's overall #1 Aeroplan card by Genius Rating is the American Express Cobalt Card.
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