creditcardGenius Team
updated on Oct 1, 2025
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Best Aeroplan Credit Card

Although Aeroplan co-branded cards are on our list, the best credit card to earn Aeroplan points is actually the American Express Cobalt Card. You can earn up to 5 points per $1 on everyday purchases and transfer the points to Aeroplan without losing any value.

If this Amex doesn’t sound like the card for you, take a look at other excellent Aeroplan credit card options. A branded Aeroplan credit card not only earns reward points but also gives you Air Canada perks, such as free checked bags. Take a look at your options to see which card suits your travel needs.

Key Takeaways

  • The best Aeroplan credit card in Canada is the American Express Cobalt Card, followed by the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card.
  • There are 11 co-branded Aeroplan credit cards in Canada issued by TD, CIBC, and American Express.
  • Premium co-branded Aeroplan credit cards earn up to 3 points per $1 and provide exclusive travel perks to Air Canada and Star Alliance customers.
  • Fly Air Canada and use Aeroplan credit cards to earn points for flights, gift cards, merchandise, and vacation packages, for a maximum value of 2 cents per point.

The best Aeroplan cards compared

As the official loyalty program of Air Canada, the fastest way to earn Aeroplan Points is to fly. Using the right rewards credit card can help you earn points even faster and get rewards for non-Air Canada purchases.

The best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada don’t just have a high return rate but also include a hefty welcome bonus and exclusive perks for flying Air Canada:

CategoryCredit cardWelcome bonusAnnual feeMax. points per $1 spentAC perks
Best card overallAmerican Express Cobalt CardUp to 15,000 bonus points (terms)$155.885.0No
Best Aeroplan-branded cardTD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit CardUp to 85,000 bonus points (terms)$5992.0Yes
Best luxury cardAmerican Express Platinum CardUp to 100,000 bonus points (terms)$7992.0No
Best insurance cardTD Aeroplan Visa Infinite CardUp to 45,000 bonus points (terms)$1391.5Yes
Best no-fee cardAmerican Express Green Card10,000 bonus points (terms)$01.0No
Best budget Amex cardAmerican Express Gold Rewards Card $125 GeniusCash + Up to 60,000 bonus points (terms)$2502.0No
Best business cardAmerican Express Aeroplan Business Reserve CardUp to 90,000 bonus points (terms)$5993.0No
Best card for couplesAmerican Express Aeroplan CardUp to 40,000 bonus points (terms)$1202.0Yes

1. Best Aeroplan credit card

5.0 Genius Rating
4.1 (80) User reviews
award seal ×8 Award winner

Transfer points to Aeroplan and 7 other travel partners with Canada's #1 credit card.*

Annual fee
See rates
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Welcome bonus
$300
15,000 points
Annual rewards
$1,080
Learn more
American Express Cobalt® Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
American Express Cobalt® Card
5.0 Genius Rating
4.1 (80) User reviews
award seal 8x Award winner

Transfer points to Aeroplan and 7 other travel partners with Canada's #1 credit card.*

Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$300
15,000 points
Annual rewards
$1,080
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (660 - 724)
Instant approval: Yes

Rewards:

  • 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

With a high return rate (and the ability to convert Amex Membership Rewards Points to Aeroplan Points on a 1:1 basis), the American Express Cobalt Card is our best overall Aeroplan card. Based on $2,000 typical monthly spending, this Amex yields a 4.5% return, higher than any other card in Canada.

While flight rewards will give you the highest dollar value per point, one of the American Express Cobalt Card’s greatest strengths is its reward versatility – why not redeem points for charitable donations, gift cards, or merchandise? You can even convert your points to be used in the Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy programs.

What we love:

  • 10 types of insurance
  • Amex Hotel Collection benefits
  • Amex Offers, Front of the Line, and American Express Experiences benefits
  • No income requirements

Things to note:

  • Lower acceptance with American Express
  • No Air Canada benefits

2. Best Aeroplan-branded credit card

3.3 Genius Rating
2.5 (4) User reviews
Annual fee
$599.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,700
85,000 points
Annual rewards
$666
Learn more
TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
3.3 Genius Rating
2.5 (4) User reviews
Annual fee
$599.00
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,700
85,000 points
Annual rewards
$666
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (725 - 759)
Instant approval: Yes

Rewards:

  • 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada
  • 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining
  • 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Issued in sleek, black metal, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card is the definition of a luxury travel credit card.

Fly Air Canada and you’ll enjoy complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge access; priority baggage handling, check-in, and boarding; and one $99+ annual worldwide companion pass per $25,000 spent per year. This card also offers one of the best welcome bonuses available: up to 85,000 points (worth approximately $1,700), which can help offset the card’s high $599 annual fee.

Throw in a few Visa Infinite Privilege perks – such as complimentary concierge services, hotel upgrades, and six annual visits to any DragonPass airport lounge in the world – and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable vacation.

What we love:

  • 1,000 Aeroplan Elite Status qualifying miles and one qualifying flight per $5,000 spent
  • 100 NEXUS credit every four years
  • 12 types of insurance
  • Six complimentary airport lounge visits per year
  • One $99+ annual worldwide companion pass ($25,000 spend required)
  • One travelling companion per Maple Leaf Lounge visit
  • Premium Air Canada benefits
  • Visa Infinite Privilege benefits

Things to note:

  • $150,000 personal or $200,000 household income required
  • Air Canada flights are the only high-value redemption option
Want an Aeroplan-branded Amex, instead? Consider the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. Here’s what our resident credit card expert, who holds this card, shares about it: "The Amex Aeroplan Reserve certainly has a high annual fee, but Amex and Aeroplan make it worthwhile – IF you can earn the companion voucher. The airport benefits make flying much more relaxing, and the companion voucher can save you a lot every year. But you have to earn it. And it's the biggest thing I don't like about the card – I need to spend $25,000 annually to get it."
2.8 Genius Rating
3.1 (9) User reviews

Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan®* points + Air Canada benefits.*

Annual fee
See rates
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Welcome bonus
$1,700
85,000 points
Annual rewards
$669
Learn more
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
2.8 Genius Rating
3.1 (9) User reviews

Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan®* points + Air Canada benefits.*

Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,700
85,000 points
Annual rewards
$669
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (660 - 724)
Instant approval: Yes

3. Best Aeroplan credit card for luxury travellers

2.8 Genius Rating
2.7 (16) User reviews
award seal ×2 Award winner

100,000 bonus points + The most perks of any credit card.*

Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$600
30,000 points
Annual rewards
$588
Learn more
American Express Platinum® Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
American Express Platinum® Card
2.8 Genius Rating
2.7 (16) User reviews
award seal 2x Award winner

100,000 bonus points + The most perks of any credit card.*

Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$600
30,000 points
Annual rewards
$588
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (560 - 659)
Instant approval: Yes

Rewards:

  • 2 points per $1 spent on restaurants and travel
  • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

The American Express Platinum Card doesn’t earn as many points as its Cobalt cousin, but it offers more than enough perks and benefits to make up for it. For starters, cardholders enjoy a free room upgrade and $100 USD credit at every property in the Amex Hotel Collection and complimentary breakfast for two, early check-ins, late check-outs, and Wi-Fi at every property in the Fine Resorts + Hotels Collection.

It’s also one of the best credit cards with airport lounge access because it includes unlimited visits, a complimentary Priority Pass membership, and free entry for guests and/or family to certain locations in the Amex Global Lounge Collection.

Plus, the American Express Platinum Card’s $1,700 welcome bonus can’t be beaten (although the TD Aeroplan VIP comes close with $1,500).

What we love:

  • $200 dining credit per year
  • $200 travel credit per year
  • 11 types of insurance
  • Amex Hotel Collection and Fine Resorts + Hotels Collection benefits
  • Amex Offers, Front of the Line, and American Express Experiences benefits
  • Automatic Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors Gold status
  • No income requirements
  • Unlimited complimentary airport lounge visits

Things to note:

  • Fewer rewards than other top cards
  • Lower acceptance with American Express
  • No Air Canada benefits

4. Best insurance Aeroplan credit card

3.9 Genius Rating
2.9 (38) User reviews

Up to 45,000 Aeroplan points + Free checked bags on Air Canada.*

Annual fee
$139.00 $0
1st year waived
Welcome bonus
$900
45,000 points
Annual rewards
$558
Learn more
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
3.9 Genius Rating
2.9 (38) User reviews

Up to 45,000 Aeroplan points + Free checked bags on Air Canada.*

Annual fee
$139.00 $0
1st year waived
Welcome bonus
$900
45,000 points
Annual rewards
$558
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (725 - 759)
Instant approval: Yes

Rewards:

  • 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

If you’re collecting Aeroplan points, it stands to reason you’d also want some travel insurance coverage. Fortunately, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card includes an amazing credit card insurance package alongside the core benefits of the Visa Infinite program. Note that it includes the ultra-rare Emergency Medical over 65 coverage, along with mobile device, rental car, hotel coverage, and extensive travel insurance.

Plus, the card’s $139 annual fee is waived for the first year, which gives you the chance to try it out.

As a premium credit card user, you’ll also get one free checked bag for you and up to eight travelling companions on Air Canada, preferred pricing on Aeroplan rewards flights, and extra miles and flights towards Elite Status membership. Plus, frequent travellers to the U.S. will appreciate this card's NEXUS credit.

What we love:

  • 1,000 Aeroplan Elite Status qualifying miles and one qualifying flight per $5,000 spent
  • $100 NEXUS credit every four years
  • 12 types of insurance
  • Air Canada benefits
  • Automatic Avis Preferred Plus status
  • Visa Infinite benefits
  • Annual fee waived the first year

Things to note:

  • $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income required
  • Air Canada flights are the only high-value redemption option

5. Best no fee Aeroplan credit card

3.1 Genius Rating
5.0 (4) User reviews
award seal ×1 Award winner

10,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points + No Annual Fee.*

Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$200
10,000 points
Annual rewards
$504
Learn more
American Express® Green Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
American Express® Green Card
3.1 Genius Rating
5.0 (4) User reviews
award seal 1x Award winner

10,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points + No Annual Fee.*

Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$200
10,000 points
Annual rewards
$504
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (660 - 724)
Instant approval: Yes

Rewards:

  • 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases

The American Express Green Card offers a slow-and-steady approach to earning rewards. It may take longer to save up for a vacation, but that’s the cost of picking a card with no annual fees.

What we love:

  • $0 annual fee
  • $0 additional card fee
  • Amex Offers, Front of the Line, and American Express Experiences benefits
  • No income requirements

Things to note:

  • Lower acceptance with American Express
  • Low rewards
  • No Air Canada benefits
  • Only 2 types of insurance included

6. Best budget Aeroplan Amex credit card

3.8 Genius Rating
4.2 (20) User reviews
Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,200
60,000 points
Annual rewards
$708
GC Ends: Oct 31, 2025
Credit Card Genius Cash IconGC: $125
American Express® Gold Rewards Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
3.8 Genius Rating
4.2 (20) User reviews
Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$1,200
60,000 points
Annual rewards
$708
GC Ends:
Oct 31, 2025
Credit estimate:
 (560 - 659)
Instant approval: Yes

Rewards:

  • 2 points for every $1 spent on gas, groceries, drugstores, and travel
  • 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

The American Express Gold Rewards Card enables you to convert Amex Points to Aeroplan Points and sample the Platinum Card’s travel perks for a fraction of the price. Cardholders enjoy four complimentary passes to the Plaza Premium Lounge network per year, plus unlimited paid entry to Priority Pass lounges for $35 USD per visit.

What we love:

  • $100 travel credit per year
  • $50 NEXUS credit every 4 years
  • 11 types of insurance
  • Four complimentary Plaza Premium Lounge visits per year
  • One free additional card
  • Amex Hotel Collection benefits
  • Amex Offers, Front of the Line, and American Express Experiences
  • Complimentary Priority Pass membership

Things to note:

  • Lower acceptance with American Express
  • No Air Canada benefits

7. Best business Aeroplan credit card

2.4 Genius Rating
1.0 (2) User reviews
Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$0
Learn more
Annual rewards
$642
Learn more
American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card
2.4 Genius Rating
1.0 (2) User reviews
Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$0
Learn more
Annual rewards
$642
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (660 - 724)
Instant approval: Yes

Rewards:

  • 3 points per $1 spent on Air Canada
  • 2 points per $1 spent on hotels and car rentals
  • 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases

The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card combines high earn rates with the benefits of the official Air Canada logo. You’ll earn Aeroplan points with every purchase (no need to convert) and enjoy your first checked bag free; priority baggage handling, boarding, and check-in; and Maple Leaf Lounge access. You can even bring a guest into the lounge for free.

Finally combines those enviable Amex reward rates with the official Air Canada logo. You’ll get Aeroplan points with each purchase (no need to convert) and perks on Air Canada and Star Alliance flights like free first checked bag, priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, Maple Leaf lounge access.

What we love:

  • 1,000 Aeroplan Elite Status qualifying miles and one qualifying flight per $5,000 spent
  • 11 types of insurance
  • One $99+ annual companion travel voucher per year ($25,000 spend required)
  • One night free for every three reserved with Aeroplan Points (ends December 31, 2024)
  • One travelling companion allowed per Maple Leaf Lounge visit
  • $0 additional card fee (points only)
  • No income requirements
  • Premium Air Canada benefits

Things to note:

  • $199 additional card fee (share benefits and points)
  • Lower acceptance with American Express

8. Best Aeroplan credit card for couples

2.6 Genius Rating
4.3 (3) User reviews

Up to 40,000 bonus points + free checked bags on Air Canada.*

Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$800
40,000 points
Annual rewards
$522
Learn more
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
Instant approval: Yes
Credit estimate:
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
2.6 Genius Rating
4.3 (3) User reviews

Up to 40,000 bonus points + free checked bags on Air Canada.*

Annual fee
See rates
Learn more
Welcome bonus
$800
40,000 points
Annual rewards
$522
Learn more
Credit estimate:
 (660 - 724)
Instant approval: Yes

Rewards:

  • 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

The American Express Aeroplan Card’s rewards aren’t the most impressive, but you and your partner can share and save points faster with a free additional card. Or you can pay $50 for a secondary card that also includes preferred pricing on Aeroplan rewards flights and a first checked bag for free for the cardholder and up to eight travelling companions.

And, you’ll enjoy a generous welcome bonus of up to 40,000 Aeroplan points (worth up to $800). Again, this can offset the $120 annual fee (which happens to be slightly lower than other premium Aeroplan-branded credit cards).

What we love:

  • 1,000 Aeroplan Elite Status qualifying miles and one qualifying flight per $10,000 spent
  • 8 types of insurance
  • $50 additional card fee (shared benefits and points)
  • $0 additional card fee (points only)
  • Amex Offers, Front of the Line, and American Express Experiences benefits
  • Standard Air Canada benefits

Things to note:

  • Lower acceptance with American Express
  • Air Canada flights are the only high-value redemption option

How we get our rankings

To determine the best Aeroplan credit card in Canada, we evaluated over 125 credit card features in seven categories:

  • Rewards (54%)
  • Fees (13%)
  • Insurance (11%)
  • Perks (11%)
  • Interest (5%)
  • Acceptance (3%)
  • Approval (3%)

Since we’re talking Aeroplan Points, the top category had to be "Rewards." The creditcardGenius algorithm scored every entry out of five based on a monthly spend of $2,000.

Learn more about our Genius Rating methodology

Should you get a branded Aeroplan credit card?

With a dozen branded Aeroplan cards to choose from, you’re sure to find a card that suits your needs – but don’t forget to weigh the cost of carrying an Aeroplan card. You should only choose a credit card if you think you’ll use it and the benefits are worth it. Keep in mind that cards with the best rewards typically come with an annual fee.

Pros and cons of Aeroplan credit cards

Every official Aeroplan credit card includes the following perks:

  • No expiry date of Aeroplan points (as long as your credit card is active)
  • Preferred pricing on Aeroplan rewards flights

Plus up to 3 points per $1 spent on Air Canada purchases, including Air Canada Vacations.

But you’ll also have to contend with:

  • High annual fees ($139 – $599) for premium cards with the best earning rates
  • Low earning rates compared to non-Aeroplan credit cards
  • Limited perks for non-premium cards
  • Limited reward options through Aeroplan
  • No automatic Aeroplan Elite Status
The bottom line: You’ll get the most use of an official Aeroplan credit card if you’re a frequent flyer, you have cash to burn on annual fees, and Aeroplan Points don’t matter as much to you as advancing your Elite Status membership level.

Aeroplan credit card tiers

There are four types of Aeroplan credit cards: Standard, Mid-Tier, Business, and Premium.

Standard Aeroplan credit cards have low annual fees, low reward rates, low welcome bonuses, and no perks beyond the basics:

Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome bonusMax. points per $1 spentApply now
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card$0Up to 10,000 bonus points (terms)1.0Apply now
TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card$89Up to 15,000 bonus points (terms)1.0Apply now

But mid-tier Aeroplan credit cards enjoy advanced earning rates and extra perks such as:

  • 1,000 Aeroplan Elite Status qualifying miles and one qualifying flight per $10,000 spent;
  • First checked bag for free (for the cardholder and up to eight travelling companions);
  • And the chance to share their benefits with additional cardholders
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome bonusMax. points per $1 spentShared benefits feeApply now
American Express Aeroplan Card$120Up to 40,000 bonus points (terms)2.0$50Apply now
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card$139Up to 40,000 bonus points (terms)1.5$50Apply now
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card$139Up to 45,000 bonus points (terms)1.5$75Apply now

Business Aeroplan credit cards add only two unique perks:

  • One Maple Leaf Lounge one-time guest pass per $10,000 spent (up to four per year)
  • 1,000 Aeroplan Elite Status qualifying miles and one qualifying flight per $5,000 spent

Limited to two cards:

Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome bonusMax. points per $1 spentShared benefits feeApply now
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card$180Up to 60,000 bonus points (terms)2.0$50Apply now
TD Aeroplan Visa Business Card$1492.0$49Apply now

Finally, as you’d expect, premium Aeroplan credit cards demand a high annual fee and income requirements, but offer VIP perks such as:

  • 1,000 Aeroplan Elite Status qualifying miles and one qualifying flight per $5,000 spent
  • 12 extra months to use eUpgrade credits (for a total of 24 months)
  • One annual worldwide companion pass (starting at $99) after spending $25,000
  • Maple Leaf Lounge access on Air Canada or Star Alliance flights
  • Priority access to seats while waiting on standby
  • Priority access to upgrades
  • Priority baggage handling, boarding, and check-ins
  • The chance to roll over up to 200,000 unused Aeroplan Elite Status miles per year

We also snuck the last business Aeroplan credit card onto this list because it enjoys the same perks as the premium cards:

Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome bonusMax. points per $1 spentShared benefits feeApply now
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card$599Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms)3.0$199Apply now
American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card$599Up to 90,000 bonus points (terms)3.0$199Apply now
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card$599Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms)2.0$149Apply now
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card$599Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms)2.0$199Apply now

Which Aeroplan credit cards include lounge access?

Most premium Aeroplan credit cards will get you into a Maple Leaf Lounge, while others might get you access to card-specific lounges (like the Amex Global Lounge Collection). Here’s what you can expect:

  • American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card: Maple Leaf Lounges
  • American Express Platinum Card: Amex Global Lounge Collection (including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Club)
  • American Express Gold Rewards Card: Plaza Premium Lounges
  • CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card: Maple Leaf Lounges and lounges served by DragonPass
  • TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card: Maple Leaf Lounges and lounges served by DragonPass

Note that the business versions of these cards include lounge access, too.

Which Aeroplan credit cards include free checked bags?

Flights are expensive enough as it is without having to pay hefty fees for checked bags. Fortunately, these Aeroplan credit cards come with free checked bags when flying with Air Canada:

  • American Express Aeroplan Card
  • American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
  • TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
  • TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
  • CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
  • CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card

How does Aeroplan work?

Aeroplan is the official loyalty program of Air Canada. You can start earning Aeroplan Points with a free, basic membership, but only Aeroplan Elite Status 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, and Super Elite members enjoy exclusive perks.

Said perks for Elite Status members include access to Maple Leaf Lounges, priority baggage handling, boarding, and security check-ins, as well as complimentary checked bags and seat selections. Plus, you’ll get eUpgrade credits, up to 100% bonus Aeroplan Points per flight, and your choice of special perks whenever you level up your membership.

Gaining higher membership levels requires a combination of qualifying dollars, flights, and miles – generally, the only way to reach them is to fly.

Members who collect 100,000 Aeroplan Points or more in a year earn Aeroplan Elite 25K Status.

Learn more about how Aeroplan works

How much is an Aeroplan Point worth?

Air Canada lists the official value of 1 Aeroplan Point as 2 cents CAD – however, this isn’t strictly true. The value of your points depends on what type of reward you choose:

  • Flights: 2.0 cents per point (CPP)
  • Car rentals: 0.90 CPP
  • Vacation packages: 0.83 CPP
  • Hotels: 0.82 CPP
  • Merchandise: 0.74 CPP
  • Gift cards: 0.71 CPP

And which reward you choose. For example, Air Canada gift cards yield a value of 1 CPP, while Air Canada flights yield up to 4 – but it all depends on where and when you choose to fly.

How many Aeroplan Points do you need for a flight?

The Air Canada Flight Rewards Chart divides the world into four zones. It costs fewer Aeroplan points to fly within one zone than to fly between them; the same goes for short Economy flights to quiet destinations.

RouteEconomyPremium EconomyBusinessFirst
Within zones (0 – 2,751+ miles)6,000 – 55,00010,000 – 80,00015,000 – 90,00025,000 – 130,000
Between zones (0 – 11,001+ miles)25,000 – 110,00030,000 – 180,00040,000 – 250,00050,000 – 350,000
Travel on Emirates (0 – 12,001+ miles)15,000 – 150,000N/A30,000 – 300,00065,000 – 750,000

To maximize the value of your Aeroplan Points, book Air Canada flights during your destination’s "off" and “shoulder” tourist seasons. Divide the ticket price by the cost in points; if it’s anything less than 2 CPP, it’s not worth it.

Pro Tip: Use the Points Predictor to estimate how many points you need for a certain flight and the Points Finder to see how far you could fly based on the points you already have.

How to redeem Aeroplan points for maximum value

If you’ve spent time and effort earning Aeroplan points, you want to get the most value from them. Sure, you can scour online forums or read through complicated point charts – but we’ve distilled that info.

To get the most out of your Aeroplan points:

  • Redeem points strategically: Wait until a good promotion to book using fewer points, and book a stopover if you want to visit two destinations for the price of one. You can also get more value from your points by avoiding airlines with high surcharges when you search for flights,
  • Take advantage of transfer partners: If you have points with Marriott Bonvoy or earn points through Amex Membership Rewards, you can transfer them to Aeroplan points to boost your balance.
  • Pool points with family members: Aeroplan’s Family Sharing Plan allows you to combine points with family members without charging any fees. Up to eight members can combine points, making it easier to pay for big trips.
  • Keep an eye on expiry dates: Nothing is worse than going to use your points only to find that they have expired. To keep your points active, use an Aeroplan credit card or make small redemptions at least once every 18 months.

How to earn Aeroplan points faster

The most common way to earn Aeroplan points is by scanning your membership card at participating businesses, but making sure you purchase flights and vacation-related services like hotels or rental cars from Aeroplan-associated airlines (Air Canada and Star Alliance) is also a great way to increase your point generation.

Another great source of rewards is bonus point offers, which can range from linking your rewards account to partnered reward programs to large welcome bonuses for new credit cards.

Is an Aeroplan credit card worth it?

If you fly with Air Canada often, an Aeroplan credit card – co-branded or otherwise – can definitely be worth it. We’ve made it no secret that we like the flexibility of the American Express Cobalt Card, which earns you up to 5 points per $1 spent and then transfers 1:1 to Aeroplan points. Redditors tend to agree:

Redditor opinion that the Cobalt is a great card for collecting Aeroplan points

Suppose you go with an Aeroplan-branded credit card. In that case, your Aeroplan points won’t expire and you’ll get perks like free checked bags and Preferred Pricing on rewards flights – but you’ll have fewer earning opportunities and less flexibility overall.

Redditor opinion on Aeroplan credit card earn rates

And then some feel like overall, it just isn’t what it used to be:

Redditor opinion on the usefulness of Aeroplan and branded cards

How to apply for an Aeroplan credit card

The secret to successfully applying for a credit card is to pay attention to the eligibility requirements. You can avoid rejection and unnecessary checks to your credit score by verifying you meet hard requirements such as age, citizenship, and personal or household income.

To make the application process easier, gather all the information beforehand, such as your:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Credit score
  • Personal income
  • Household income
  • Place of employment, employer’s name, and work phone number

Plus all your supporting documents, including your:

  • Birth certificate
  • Driver’s license
  • Letter of employment
  • Mortgage or lease agreement
  • Social Insurance Number card or letter
  • Tax return

Then all you have to do is click the "Apply Now" button next to your credit card of choice. We’ll guide you through the application and even reward you with special offers like geniusCash on eligible cards!

Aeroplan vs. other rewards programs

Other popular Canadian rewards programs include TD Rewards, CIBC Aventura, and RBC Avion Rewards. Here’s how they stack up:

AeroplanTD RewardsAventuraAvion
Membership requirementsCredit card OR free accountCredit cardCredit cardRBC account OR free account
CurrencyAeroplan PointsTD Rewards PointsAventura PointsAvion Points
Rewards* Events and attractions
* Gift cards
* Merchandise
* Travel
* Gift cards
* Merchandise
* Statement credits
* Travel
* Donations
* Financial products
* Gift cards
* Merchandise
* Points conversions
* Travel
* Statement credits
* Donations
* Financial products
* Gift cards
* In-store discounts
* Merchandise
* Points conversions
* Travel
* Statement credits
Top rewards categoryAir Canada flights (2 CPP)Expedia For TD (0.5 CPP)Aventura Airline Travel Rewards (2.29 CPP)Avion Air Travel Redemption Schedule (2.33 CPP)
Bottom rewards categoryGift cards (0.71 CPP)Redeem for cash (0.25 CPP)Payment with Points (0.63 CPP)RBC Financial Rewards (0.58 CPP)
Special membership benefits* eUpgrades
* Free checked bags and priority services on Air Canada
* Maple Leaf Lounge access
* Avis and Budget car rental discounts
* Bonus Starbucks Stars
* Book any travel
* None* DashPass, Petro-Canada, and Rexall perks
* Points conversions
Best cardAmex CobaltTD Aeroplan Visa Infinite PrivilegeCIBC Aventura Visa InfiniteRBC Avion Visa Infinite

Aeroplan offers several useful membership benefits that its rivals lack, but it's a very travel-focused rewards program.

Ultimately, the best program for you will depend on which rewards you want and how much travelling you do. You’ll get the most value from the program whose point categories match your typical spending habits.

If you usually book flights with Air Canada, Aeroplan is probably the rewards program for you.

FAQ

What’s the best Aeroplan credit card currently available in Canada?

The best Aeroplan credit card in Canada is the American Express Cobalt Card, which earns up to 5 points per $1 that you can convert to Aeroplan Points at a rate of 1:1 for high value.

What is the best Aeroplan-branded credit card?

Luxurious travel perks and a steady earning rate make the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card the top Aeroplan-branded credit card in Canada. You’ll also get preferred pricing on Aeroplan rewards flights, a hefty insurance package, and Visa Infinite benefits.

Who issues Aeroplan credit cards?

American Express, CIBC, and TD (in partnership with either Amex or Visa) issue all 11 of the official Aeroplan credit cards in Canada. This means you’ll need to apply to one of these issuers for an Aeroplan card.

What’s the best Aeroplan welcome bonus?

The best official welcome bonus belongs to the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card card, which offers up to 85,000 points– but it’s dwarfed by the American Express Platinum Card’s 100,000-point bonus, all of which you can transfer to Aeroplan.

Is there a no fee Aeroplan credit card?

Yes, the American Express Green Card is an Aeroplan card with no annual fees. Though you won’t generate points as fast as other Aeroplan cards, the lack of fees and income requirements makes this a great card to start earning rewards.

Do Aeroplan points expire?

Aeroplan Points normally expire after 18 months of inactivity (which is defined as zero earnings or redemptions). Still, if you have an Aeroplan credit card, your points remain viable for as long as it does.

Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone. No bank, credit card issuer, rewards program, or other entity has reviewed, approved, or endorsed this content. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website. Our credit card scores and rankings are based on our Rating Methodology that takes into account 126+ features for each of 229 Canadian credit cards.

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