Best Aeroplan Credit Card in Canada for 2026
An unbiased comparison of every top Aeroplan card in Canada
Although Aeroplan co-branded cards are on our list, the best credit card to earn Aeroplan points is actually the American Express Cobalt Card, offering up to 5 points per $1 on everyday purchases. If this card doesn't sound like the one for you, our second- and third-place contenders are fantastic options that let you earn or transfer points to Aeroplan. Here's the breakdown:
| Credit card | Annual fee | Max points per $1 spent | Earn rate | Air Canada perks | Welcome bonus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | American Express Cobalt® Card | $191.88 | 5 | 3.94% | No | Up to 15,000 bonus points (terms) |
| #2 | American Express® Gold Rewards Card | $250 | 2 | 2.58% | No | Up to 60,000 bonus points (terms) |
| #3 | TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card | $139 | 1.5 | 1.86% | Yes | Up to 50,000 bonus points (terms) |
Air Canada is Canada's flagship carrier, and its Aeroplan loyalty program offers impressive travel benefits and perks, plus seamless integration into the Star Alliance network. The best Aeroplan credit cards offer a mix of lucrative points on purchases, robust travel insurance, and convenient Air Canada perks that make travelling a breeze.
But deciding on a card can still be a hassle.
Fortunately, our Genius Rating makes finding the right card for you a breeze by considering a card's merits across rewards yield, rates and fees, insurance and consumer protections, and flexibility. It's an unbiased, data-driven way to find your next card fast.
We also don't restrict our listings to Aeroplan-branded credit cards – if a card can transfer points to Aeroplan, it's also eligible.
Key Takeaways
- The best Aeroplan credit card in Canada is the American Express Cobalt Card, followed by the American Express Gold Rewards Card, and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card.
- When choosing an Aeroplan card, consider the earn rates, included perks, insurance coverage, and interest rates.
- Fly Air Canada and use Aeroplan credit cards to earn points for flights, gift cards, merchandise, and vacation packages, for a maximum value of 1.6 cents per point.
- Although Aeroplan points typically expire once an account is inactive for 18 months, Air Canada has paused point expiration until November 30, 2026.
The best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada
Our Gold award for Aeroplan cards in Canada goes to the American Express Cobalt Card for its high return rate, 1:1 points transfers to Aeroplan, and 10 types of insurance.
Our Silver award goes to the American Express Gold Rewards Card, given its manageable annual fee and 4 complimentary lounge passes.
And our Bronze award goes to the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, largely thanks to its comprehensive travel and medical insurance coverage, NEXUS credits, and complimentary bags on Air Canada flights.
However, there are several other excellent Canadian Aeroplan credit cards for all incomes and spending patterns. For example, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card offers one of Canada's best welcome bonuses, provides complimentary lounge access, and features comprehensive insurance, but its hefty annual fee won't suit occasional travellers.
Then, there's the American Express® Green Card, which charges no annual fee. It's a flat-rate card that earns 1 point per $1 on all purchases. But there's one exception: When you make hotel and rental car reservations with Amex Travel, you'll earn 2 points instead.
The #1 Aeroplan card in Canada: American Express Cobalt Card
×9 Award winner 
While the American Express Cobalt Card isn't technically an Aeroplan credit card, its impressive rewards, comprehensive insurance, and the tremendous value of American Express Membership Rewards make it our top choice for the best Aeroplan card.
For starters, the Cobalt comes with a considerable welcome bonus valued at up to $263. Then there are the rewards, with an average earn rate of 3.94%. Plus, Amex points transfer at a 1:1 ratio to Aeroplan (and can be converted to over a dozen other loyalty programs, including Marriott, Hilton, Delta, and more).
But there are also 10 types of insurance, including mobile device protection, which can be a lifesaver if your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged. And finally, there's the monthly fee, which breaks the $191.88 annual cost of the card into manageable installments of $15.99.
Best Aeroplan card Silver winner: American Express Gold Rewards Card
Like the Cobalt, the American Express Gold Rewards Card earns Membership Rewards points and shines with travel-centric perks. Users earn double points on travel purchases (including flights, hotels, car rentals, and cruises) as well as on other essential purchase categories like gas, groceries, and drugstore items. Overall, it's an ideal option for anyone looking to collect premium rewards for luxury travel.
Travel is made even easier for American Express Gold Rewards Card users thanks to the accompanying 4 annual complimentary visits to Plaza Premium Lounges in Canada. Should travel take you further, there's also a complimentary Priority Pass membership to over 1,200 worldwide lounges – keeping in mind that entry costs $35 per visit.
Beyond lounge access, the American Express Gold Rewards Card offers a $100 annual travel credit toward an Amex Travel booking, a $50 NEXUS statement credit every 4 years, access to the Amex Hotel Collection, and comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
Best Aeroplan card Bronze winner: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
If you want an Aeroplan credit card but don't want to break the bank with a high annual fee, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is for you. The modest $139 annual fee and welcome bonus worth up to $800 are a good start, but the 1.5x Aeroplan points on purchases are what sells it. Plus, new cardholders (and up to 3 authorized users) receive a first-year annual fee waiver.
The Air Canada perks that come with the card are what truly set it apart, though. Getting your first checked bag free is fantastic, and it can be extended to 8 of your travel companions on the same itinerary. With the average checked bag costing around $35, that's a potential savings of $315.
Additionally, cardholders enjoy preferred pricing on award flights, a partial fee rebate for NEXUS applications, and 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $20,000 spent annually (up to a 25,000 SQC maximum).
The best Aeroplan card for Air Canada perks: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
If you are a serious traveller and a loyal Air Canada customer, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is a luxurious option to supercharge your next journey. With unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage Handling, and Priority Airport Standby and Airport Upgrades with Air Canada, this is a true VIP card that enhances your trip from takeoff (before this, really) through landing. Don't forget the annual round-trip companion pass and partial NEXUS application fee rebate.
For every dollar spent, this card earns:
- 2 points on purchases made through Air Canada and at participating Hyatt locations
- 1.5 points on eligible EV charging, gas, groceries, dining, travel, and transit purchases
- 1.25 points for all other purchases
The best Aeroplan credit card with no annual fee: American Express Green Card
If you don't want to pay an annual fee for your Aeroplan card, the American Express Green Card is an excellent option with no income requirements at all. It earns flexible Amex Membership Rewards, too, further adding to its value.
This card earns a point per dollar on all purchases, but this doubles for hotel or car rental bookings made through Amex Travel. And while 1 point may not sound like much, remember that Amex Membership Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio with Aeroplan. So, the American Express Green Card looks like an excellent choice for those who prefer Aeroplan but still want to keep their redemption (and flying) options open.
Compare all top Aeroplan credit cards by Genius Rating
Our Genius Rating uses an unbiased algorithm and the most up-to-date data to review and rate
The Genius Rating methodology
To determine the best Aeroplan credit card in Canada, we evaluated over 126 credit card features in these 7 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 each entry out of 5, based on an estimated $3,000 in monthly spending.
Learn more about our Genius Rating methodology.
How to choose the right Aeroplan credit card
Finding the right Aeroplan card for your needs requires carefully weighing your spending habits, budget, and future travel plans.
Aeroplan credit cards offer a selection of perks, like free checked bags, companion passes, and priority boarding, but these benefits often come with higher annual fees. Similarly, some Aeroplan cards reward travel spending, while others focus on everyday purchases like gas and groceries.
Rewards
If you simply want an Aeroplan credit card for booking travel with Air Canada, you should narrow your card choices by focusing on the travel earn rate (or, more specifically, the Air Canada earn rate).
If you travel sparingly, a card that prioritizes rewards on everyday purchases like gas, groceries, and bills is preferable.
This chart compares the average earn rate for each of these top cards:
And this table lays out the top Aeroplan cards' earn rates by category:
| Card | Annual fee | Earn rate |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| American Express Gold Rewards Card | $250 | * 2 points for every $1 spent on gas, groceries, drugstores, and travel * 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases |
| 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 |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | $599 | * 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 |
| American Express Green Card | $0 | * 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases |
Tip: No matter what credit card you use, you could be earning bonus cash back on top of your card's rewards. Input your monthly spend in the GeniusCash app and level up to earn real cash.
Fees
Avoid paying an annual fee on an Aeroplan credit card unless you can use the perks it offers, such as lounge access or free checked baggage. If you rarely fly, those perks aren't worth the money.
Annual fees for Aeroplan credit cards vary widely. The American Express Green Card, for instance, doesn't charge an annual fee at all, while the ultra‑premium American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card costs $599 per year.
You should also pay attention to the foreign transaction fees. Also known as foreign exchange or FX fees, these are the additional charges incurred when making purchases in a currency other than Canadian dollars. Typically, this fee is around 2.5% of the transaction amount, but some cards waive it entirely.
Approval
When choosing Aeroplan cards, save yourself time by confirming you meet the eligibility requirements before you apply. Applying for a card you don't qualify for serves no purpose and may result in an avoidable hard inquiry on your credit report.
Aeroplan credit card applications require "good" to "excellent" credit scores. Most need a score of 660 or higher when applying.
Like most travel cards, Aeroplan credit cards are suited for a wide range of income levels. Premium versions, like the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, require an income of $150,000 personal or $200,000 household. On the other hand, cards like the American Express Cobalt Card don't consider income at all.
Perks
Aeroplan credit cards offer a variety of impressive perks and travel benefits, but what you'll get depends on the type of Aeroplan card you choose. No-annual-fee options typically offer basic Air Canada perks, while the more elite cards come with companion vouchers and other premium benefits.
Here are some of the standard perks you can expect to enjoy with an Aeroplan card:
- Welcome bonuses: New Aeroplan cardholders typically receive a points bonus worth $100 or more, depending on the card's annual fee. One of the top current offers is for new American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card cardholders and is worth an incredible $1,360.
- Preferred Pricing: Aeroplan credit cardholders can book reward flights for fewer points than non-cardholders thanks to the Preferred Pricing feature. Booking through Aeroplan can save up to 20,000 points or $400 on domestic Air Canada routes.
- First free checked bag: Many Aeroplan cards offer a first checked bag free to the cardholder, and some include this perk for other guests on the same reservation. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card provides the first checked bag for free for up to 8 of the cardholder's travelling companions.
- Elite Status: All Aeroplan cardholders earn SQC by spending on their cards, which allows them to achieve valuable Elite Status milestones more quickly.
Insurance
As with perks, the number and size of an Aeroplan card's insurance package depends on the card tier you select. Basic cards offer reduced protection but still include items like extended warranty and purchase protection, while high-end cards provide an impressive suite of travel and emergency medical insurance coverage.
These are a few examples of the types of valuable travel insurance coverage available with Aeroplan cards:
- Trip cancellation/interruption: Reimburses non‑refundable travel costs
- Trip delay: Covers meals, lodging, and transport after a 2- to 4-hour minimum delay
- Baggage delay/loss: Reimburses travellers for essential items lost during transit
- Travel accident: Provides a lump‑sum benefit in the event of death or severe injury
- Emergency medical: Covers emergency medical expenses abroad
- Rental car collision/loss damage insurance: Covers collision or loss damage for car rentals when the rental agency's insurance is waived
- Hotel burglary: Covers loss or theft of belongings while staying at a hotel, motel, or resort
Here's a comparison of insurance package values for the top Aeroplan cards:
Interest rates
This is true of all credit cards but bears repeating: It's not ideal to carry a balance on an Aeroplan card. Interest charges can significantly reduce the overall value of a card, as they can quickly eat into any rewards value you've earned.
This is what the rates look like for the best Aeroplan credit cards:
- Purchase rate: 21.99%
- Cash advance rate: 21.99% – 22.99%
- Balance transfer rate: 22.99%
Please note that most of these Aeroplan cards don't offer balance transfers. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card are the only ones from our list that offer it, both at the same rate.
Acceptance
In general, it's wise to consider which of your most-frequented businesses and stores will accept your chosen credit card, but you shouldn't have to worry about it much with Aeroplan cards.
American Express is accepted by more retailers than you might think, and the old narrative of Amex being difficult to use abroad is just that: old. While Visa and Mastercard still have a stronger foothold, as of June 2025, Amex is accepted by about 160 million merchants around the globe.
However, if you're a frequent Costco shopper, an Amex card likely isn't for you – Costco only accepts Mastercard. This is an important fact to keep in mind when choosing a credit card.
How does Aeroplan work?
Aeroplan is Air Canada's official loyalty program that allows members to earn points on flights, travel services, and purchases made with partner brands or Aeroplan co-branded cards. These points unlock rewards across 6 categories, and you can combine them with family members when you want to book something bigger.
There's no cost to join, though the most valuable earning rates and benefits go to those who travel frequently.
That said, Air Canada's extensive network makes racking up points easier – as Canada's biggest carrier and a Star Alliance founding member, it connects travellers to more than 50 Canadian cities and hundreds of international destinations spanning 6 continents. Between Air Canada's own routes and its partner airlines, you'll have plenty of opportunities to earn and redeem.
The best Aeroplan perks are those enjoyed by Elite Status members and include the following:
- Maple Leaf Lounges
- Priority baggage handling
- Priority boarding
- Priority security check-ins
- Complimentary checked bags
- Seat selection
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.
Learn more about how Aeroplan works.
How to earn Aeroplan points
Here's how you earn Aeroplan points:
- Flying with Air Canada or Star Alliance partners: You earn Aeroplan points when booking travel or flying with Air Canada (including Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge) or with other Star Alliance member airlines.
- Retail shopping: You can also earn Aeroplan points by shopping with affiliated merchants, including Uber and Starbucks, or through the Aeroplan eStore.
- Aeroplan credit cards: You can earn Aeroplan points on your everyday spending with an Aeroplan credit card. American Express, CIBC, and TD Canada Trust offer co-branded Aeroplan credit cards for Canadians that feature perks like complimentary bags, elite-tier earning, and lounge access, as well as impressive welcome offers.
- Transferring points: If you earn points in another loyalty program, you can transfer them to Aeroplan. Aeroplan allows point conversions with leading travel loyalty programs, such as Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, as well as with banks like American Express.
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, follow these guidelines:
- Redeem points strategically: Wait until a good promotion to book travel in order to use fewer points, and book a stopover if you want to visit 2 destinations for the price of 1. 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 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 8 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.
The following chart shows you what your Aeroplan points are worth when redeemed for the various options:
Aeroplan credit card tiers
Aeroplan offers 3 types of credit cards: Entry, Core, and Premium.
Entry Aeroplan credit cards have low annual fees, low reward rates, low welcome bonuses, and basic perks:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Max Points per $1 Spent | Supplementary Card Fee | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card | $0 | Up to 10,000 bonus points (terms) | 1 | $0 | Learn more |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card | $89 | Up to 20,000 bonus points (terms) | 1 | $35 | Learn more |
Core Aeroplan credit cards enjoy advanced earn rates and extra perks such as:
- 1,000 SQC per $20,000 spent
- First checked bag for free (for the cardholder and up to 8 travelling companions)
- The chance to share benefits with additional cardholders
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Max Points per $1 Spent | Supplementary Card Fee | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Aeroplan Card | $120 | Up to 35,000 45,000 bonus points (terms) | 2 | $50 | Learn more |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card | $139 | Up to 50,000 bonus points (terms) | 1.5 | $50 | Learn more |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card | $139 | Up to 50,000 bonus points (terms) | 1.5 | $75 | Learn more |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Business Card | $149 | Up to 20,000 bonus points (terms) | 2 | $49 | Learn more |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card | $180 | Up to 60,000 bonus points (terms) | 2 | $50 | Learn more |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Plus | $139 | Up to 75,000 bonus points (terms) | 2 | $50 | Learn more |
Premium Aeroplan credit cards have 2 unique perks:
- Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access, including one complimentary guest
- 1,000 SQC per $5,000 spent (up to 25,000 SQC per calendar year)
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Max Points per $1 Spent | Supplementary Card Fee | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card | $599 | Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms) | 3 | $199 | Learn more |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | $599 | Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms) | 2 | $199 | Learn more |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card | $599 | Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms) | 2 | $149 | Learn more |
| American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card | $599 | Up to 90,000 bonus points (terms) | 3 | $0 | Learn more |
Which Aeroplan credit cards include lounge access?
Most premium Aeroplan credit cards will get you into a Maple Leaf Lounge, while others also include access to Dragonpass lounges. Here's what you can expect:
- American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card: Maple Leaf Lounges
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card: Maple Leaf Lounges and Dragonpass lounges
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card: Maple Leaf Lounges and Dragonpass lounges
Note that the business version of the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card includes 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 Card
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Aeroplan points will expire if there hasn't been any account activity for 18 months.
Luckily, though, this expiry policy is paused until November 30, 2026.
If you hold an Aeroplan credit card, chances are very good that your points won't expire. You'll use the card frequently enough that you'll never meet the 18 months of inactivity threshold.
FAQ
What's the best Aeroplan credit card currently available in Canada?
While it's not an Aeroplan-branded card, the best Aeroplan credit card in Canada is the American Express Cobalt Card. This card earns up to 5 points per $1, which you can convert to Aeroplan points at a valuable 1:1 rate.
What is the best Aeroplan-branded credit card?
The luxurious travel perks and steady earn rate combine to 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 American Express 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 to get an Aeroplan card.
What's the best Aeroplan welcome bonus?
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card has the best official bonus of all Aeroplan cards, offering up to 85,000, worth $1,360. But this is dwarfed by The Platinum Card's 100,000-point bonus, which is worth $1,600 when transferred to Aeroplan.
Is there a no-fee Aeroplan credit card?
Yes, the American Express Green Card is an Aeroplan card with no annual fee. It doesn't generate points as quickly as other Aeroplan cards, but the lack of fees and income requirements can easily balance this out for the right cardholders.
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Typically, Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of inactivity. However, those with Aeroplan Elite Status are exempt from this policy. Also Aeroplan has suspended its expiration policy until November 30, 2026, though there do not seem to be plans to extend this timeline.
Are Aeroplan cards worth it?
Yes. As part of the Aeroplan Rewards program, these cards are especially worth it for frequent Air Canada travellers . You can use any Aeroplan card to earn and redeem points for travel benefits like flights, car rentals, vacation packages, hotel stays, merchandise, and gift cards.
Which Aeroplan cards are premium?
Premium Aeroplan cards include the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. Aeroplan's Business cards, like the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card, can also offer excellent value for travel.
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 255 Canadian credit cards.
