Aeroplan is one of the most flexible rewards programs in the country, so infrequent flyers have lots of non-travel options. Converting your Aeroplan points to Starbucks Stars is just one of them.
Below, you'll find an in-depth look at the point values for each of these programs, how to make the conversion if you decide to do so, and thoughts on whether or not it's a good choice.
Key Takeaways
- Converting Aeroplan points to Starbucks stars isn't the most valuable redemption option, but it can still be helpful.
- 400 Aeroplan points convert to 100 Starbucks Stars.
- This conversion results in a values ranging from 0.86-1.25 CPP.
- You can earn plenty of Aeroplan points, and therefore Starbucks Stars, by using an Aeroplan credit card.
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How do you convert Aeroplan points to Starbucks Stars?
It only takes a moment to turn Aeroplan points into Starbucks Stars – you simply log into your Aeroplan account, check that you have at least 400 points, and make the conversion.
You'll need to select how many points you’d like to convert, keeping in mind the conversion rate:
400 Aeroplan points = 100 Starbucks Stars
Remember that you can’t convert the Stars back to points once you’ve made the change.
These points are now subject to the Starbucks Reward program rule, and all Stars expire six months after the calendar month in which you converted them.
Is converting Aeroplan points to Starbucks Stars worth it?
Converting your Aeroplan points to Starbucks stars isn't the most valuable way to use the points, but it can still be worthwhile for some people.
We crunched the numbers and found Aeroplan points are worth the most when you put them towards flights – you’ll get 4 cents per point (CPP) if you book during the off-season. Other redemption options net you anywhere from 0.71 CPP (gift cards and merchandise) to 2 CPP (flights during popular times).
To determine how much Aeroplan points are worth after you convert them to Stars, we’ve got to see what you can get with your new Starbucks Stars:
Then, we divided the cost of the item by the Stars you redeem to find the value:
| Starbucks Stars | Item | Item cost | Cents per point (CPP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 | Brewed coffee | $3.45 | 0.86 |
| 400 | Croissant | $3.95 | 0.99 |
| 800 | Handcrafted drink | $6.65 | 0.83 |
| 800 | Snack box | $5.75 | 0.72 |
| 1,200 | Lunch sandwich | $7.95 | 0.66 |
| 1,600 | Merchandise (up to $20) | $20 | 1.25 |
Now we have the info to answer our big question: is this worth it?
While the exact price you pay depends on the province and city you're in, the item you purchase, and the size of your drink, this exercise helps show that your Aeroplan points will lose value compared to using them for flights.
That said, if you have Aeroplan points piling up and you never fly, converting them to Stars might be a convenient way to use them up.
How to link your Aeroplan and Starbucks rewards accounts
Head to the Aeroplan web page and click the "Accept & Link" button to start the process of joining rewards accounts. If you don’t have a Starbucks account, you’ll have the opportunity to set one up.
That’s it! Once the accounts are linked, you can convert your Aeroplan points to Starbucks Stars. You’ll also earn Aeroplan points for using a linked Starbucks card:
Use these credit cards to earn the most Aeroplan points
You can substantially boost your Aeroplan bank with an Aeroplan credit card. Then, turn your points into Starbucks Stars and keep the free coffee flowing.
Here are your best options:
| Credit Card | Welcome Bonus | Earn Rates | Annual Fee, Income Requirements | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Cobalt Card | Up to 15,000 bonus points (terms) | * 5 points per $1 spent on eligible groceries and restaurants * 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 | * $155.88 * None | Apply Now |
| American Express Aeroplan Card | Up to 40,000 bonus points (terms) | * 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada * 1.5 points per $1 spent on restaurants * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | * $120 * None | Apply Now |
| American Express Green Card | 10,000 bonus points (terms) | * 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases | * $0 * None | Apply Now |
Don’t see a card that interests you? You can compare more credit cards here.
American Express Cobalt® Card
×8 Award winner Transfer points to Aeroplan and 7 other travel partners with Canada's #1 credit card.*
8x Award winner Transfer points to Aeroplan and 7 other travel partners with Canada's #1 credit card.*
The best Aeroplan credit card is technically not an Aeroplan credit card at all – it's the
Thanks to the magic of transfer partners, you can transfer your Amex Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
And you'll earn plenty of points at these rates:
- 5 points per $1 spent on eligible groceries and restaurants
- 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
No other Aeroplan credit card is offering you up to 5x the points on purchases. And if you frequent any coffee shop on a daily basis, this credit card will give you the best return on your restaurant and food purchases.
All these rewards are for an annual fee of $155.88 that gets charged out as $12.99 monthly.
American Express Aeroplan Card
The
Here's what you'll earn on all your purchases:
- 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on restaurants
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
It’s also a solid card for travel rewards since you’ll earn Aeroplan-specific benefits like a free checked bag, preferred pricing on reward flights, and 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles for every $10,000 spent.
American Express Green Card
You don’t have to pay an annual fee to get a great card that earns you Aeroplan points. The
It doesn't offer much else in terms of benefits, but will let you pile up the points at no extra cost to you. In addition to transferring points to Aeroplan, you can put points towards donations, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and other travel.
FAQ
How many Stars do you need at Starbucks to get a free drink?
With 100 points, you can get a free hot or iced coffee or tea. If you want something beyond the basics, you can cash in 200 points to enjoy a hot or cold handcrafted drink.
Do points expire at Starbucks?
Yes, Starbucks Stars expire six months after the month you earned them. For instance, if you earned or converted stars in January, they’ll expire the following August. Keep this in mind when deciding to convert Aeroplan points to Stars.
Can you transfer points out of Aeroplan?
You can transfer points to another Aeroplan member for a fee or set up a family share plan. Unfortunately, you can’t transfer Aeroplan points to another loyalty rewards program unless you’re an Elite status member converting to Marriott Bonvoy.
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