Air Canada Aeroplan, Air Canada's loyalty program, was recently revamped to provide its members with different ways to find value using Aeroplan points. At the same time, Chase partnered with Air Canada to release the Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card, the only card in the U.S. that earns points directly within the Aeroplan program.
What kind of value does the Chase Aeroplan Card offer? Would it make sense to find space for it in your wallet? Let's look at the Aeroplan's benefits and drawbacks to see who it might be right for.
Who should get the Aeroplan Credit Card?
The Aeroplan Credit Card might make sense if you want a mid-tier airline credit card that's designed to earn Air Canada Aeroplan points. For frequent Air Canada fliers, this card could be a good fit. It doesn't necessarily have premium travel benefits, but the $195 annual fee isn't high compared with some luxury credit cards.
This card might not make sense if you rarely fly Air Canada or its partner airlines, or don't have the typically required good or excellent credit to qualify. Because this is a travel credit card, it's likely best for individuals who travel on occasion, possibly at least once or twice a year. However, you could find plenty of value in the card if you travel more frequently and take advantage of the card's travel benefits.
Card basics
| Card type | Travel |
| Credit card issuer | Chase |
| Credit card network | Mastercard |
| Annual fee | $195 |
| Intro bonus | Earn up to 115,000 bonus points (earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open; Plus, 40,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months your account is open) |
| Reward rate | up to 5X total points for each dollar spent on Air Canada; 3X points on travel purchases; 2X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and at gas stations; and 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases |
| Recommended credit score | Good, Excellent |
| Foreign transaction fee | None |
Aeroplan Credit Card benefits and perks
- Generous welcome offer: Earn up to 115,000 bonus points (earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open; Plus, 40,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months your account is open).
- Helpful rewards: Earn up to 5X total points for each dollar spent on Air Canada; 3X points on travel purchases; 2X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and at gas stations; and 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Air Canada statement credits: Earn up to $100 in Air Canada statement credits (delivered as up to two $50 credits semi-annually) when you make eligible transactions.
- Elite status: Receive Aeroplan 25K Status when your Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Card account is opened and up until the account is closed. Enjoy Priority Airport Services such as Priority Airport Check In and Zone 2 Priority Boarding on flights operated by Air Canada
- Status boost: Spend at least $75,000 in purchases on your card to move up to 35K Status for the remainder of that calendar year and for the next calendar year.
- DoorDash benefits: Receive a complimentary 12-month DashPass subscription if you activate by Dec. 31, 2027. DashPass benefits include $0 delivery fees for orders over $12.
- No foreign transaction fees: Don't stress about making foreign purchases with this card, as it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
- Free checked bag: Cardmembers and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation receive their first checked bag (up to 50 pounds) for free when travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
- Trusted traveler programs: Receive up to $100 in statement credits to cover the application fee for certain trusted traveler programs, including TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, as well as NEXUS.
- Cardmember concierge: Receive access to a 24/7 concierge service to help with specific needs, such as making restaurant reservations or helping you locate an item you want to give someone.
- No award restrictions: Any Air Canada flight that's available to book with cash is also available to book with rewards.
- Preferred pricing: Save 15% on eligible Air Canada flight redemptions as a cardmember.
- Travel coverage: Receive travel coverage such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and trip delay reimbursement.
- Transfer partners: Boost your Aeroplan points earning potential by transferring rewards from other loyalty programs to your Aeroplan account. This includes popular programs such as Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Capital One.
Drawbacks to the Aeroplan Credit Card
- Annual cost: If you compare credit cards and different credit card offers, many rewards cards don't come with an annual fee. This card charges $195 per year. It's not as expensive as certain travel cards, but it's also not free.
- Limited premium benefits: You get a few travel benefits with this card, including elite status and reimbursement of the application fee for certain trusted traveler programs. But if you want airport lounge access, travel credits, or some of the other premium travel benefits, consider one of the best travel credit cards.
Earning and redeeming points
Potential earnings in years one and two
Here's a look at how your points can add up with the Aeroplan Credit Card. To calculate these values, we used a point valuation of 1.5 cents per point.
Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend and in which categories you spend.
Year one earnings: $1,939
Year two earnings: $1,002
These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model, which looks at points earned via spending, the welcome bonus, and the annual fee.
Keep in mind, you might be able to get more value from this card if you use certain benefits, such as elite status with Aeroplan.
Best ways to earn
If you want to earn the most points possible with any rewards credit card, it's typically best to use the card as much as you can on purchases you're already making. This is especially true for making purchases that fall within a card's bonus categories. With the Aeroplan Credit Card, earn up to 5X total points for each dollar spent on Air Canada; 3X points on travel purchases; 2X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and at gas stations; and 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
If you want to help boost your earning potential even more, consider using other credit cards that earn rewards which can be transferred to your Aeroplan account. For example, the American Express® Gold Card earns Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to Aeroplan.
Or you could use a card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. These points can also be transferred to Aeroplan.
| Categories | Rewards rate |
| Air Canada purchases | up to 5x total points |
| Travel purchases | 3x points |
| Grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and at gas stations | 2X points |
| All other purchases | 1X points |
Maximizing your redemptions
You have multiple Aeroplan redemption options available for using your Aeroplan points. Here are a few ways Aeroplan members can redeem points:
- Flights with Air Canada and partner airlines
- Seat upgrades and travel perks
- Hotel stays
- Car rentals
- Vacation packages
- Aeroplan eStore shopping, including purchasing merchandise, gift cards, activities, and more
- Pay Yourself Back: You can now redeem your points for a statement credit to cover travel purchases made with your card. Points are worth 1.25 cents each, and there is no limit to the number of points you can redeem through December 31, 2023.
Travel rewards are typically best redeemed for travel options, such as flights or hotel stays. In most cases, the rewards from an airline credit card, such as the Aeroplan Credit Card, would best be used for flight redemptions. This is often because other redemptions might offer lower value for your points.
Aeroplan Credit Card transfer partners
You can't typically transfer your Aeroplan points to other rewards programs, but Air Canada does partner with other airline loyalty programs to provide Chase Aeroplan cardmembers opportunities to use their points on partner flights. For example, Air Canada is a member of the Star Alliance, which includes these 26 member airlines:
- Aegean
- Air Canada
- Air China
- Air India
- Air New Zealand
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- Asiana Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Avianca
- Brussels Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Croatia Airlines
- EGYPTAIR
- Ethiopian Airlines
- EVA Air
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Lufthansa
- SAS
- Shenzhen Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- SWISS
- TAP Air Portugal
- Thai Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
Air Canada also partners with other airlines that aren't part of the Star Alliance, such as:
- Aer Lingus
- Air China
- Air Dolomiti
- Cathay Pacific
- Central Mountain Air
- Etihad Airways
- Eurowings/Germanwings
- GOL
- Middle East Airlines
- SriLankan Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Virgin Australia
If you want to transfer rewards to your Aeroplan account, consider these loyalty programs:
- Accor Live Limitless (ALL)
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Best Western Rewards
- Capital One miles
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Choice Privileges
- Coast Rewards
- IHG Rewards Club
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Hilton Honors
- Radisson Rewards
- Shangri-La Golden Circle Award
- Wyndham Rewards
Aeroplan Credit Card FAQs
What is the APR of Aeroplan Credit Card?
The Aeroplan has a 19.74% - 28.24% Variable APR and doesn't typically have an introductory APR offer for purchases or balance transfers. Because of this APR and the interest you would have to pay, it likely doesn't make sense to carry an outstanding balance on this card.
What is the annual fee for the Aeroplan Credit Card?
The Aeroplan Credit Card has a $195 annual fee that isn't waived for the first year. This type of annual fee is in line with similar travel credit cards that don't typically offer premium benefits.
What credit score do you need to qualify for the Aeroplan Credit Card?
You likely need a good or excellent credit score to qualify for the Aeroplan Credit Card. Using the FICO scoring model, one of the most widely-used credit scoring systems, a good credit score would be at least 670. An excellent credit score would be 800 or higher.
Other cards to consider
The Aeroplan Credit Card might be a good fit for you if you're a frequent flier with Air Canada or you find Aeroplan points valuable. But if this isn't the case, you might consider another travel card, including the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.
The Capital One Venture Rewards has a $95 annual fee and you can enjoy $300 to use on hotel and vacation rental bookings through Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s more than $1,000 in travel value (limited-time offer). You can also earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases. Because the Capital One Venture earns a flexible rewards currency, you typically have more options than you would with Aeroplan points. This could include using them to book travel through Capital One or transferring them to a Capital One transfer partner.
For more details, check out our Capital One Venture Card review.
The Amex Delta Gold has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $150 per year thereafter and offers the opportunity to earn as high as 80,000 Bonus Miles and a $250 Statement Credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership (apply to find out your offer; terms apply; offer ends 11/04/2026). You can also earn 2X miles on qualifying Delta purchases, at restaurants and at U.S supermarkets; and 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. This card could be a good fit if you're a Delta frequent flier or find Delta SkyMiles more valuable than Aeroplan points. Terms apply.
For more details, check out our American Express Delta Gold SkyMiles review.
Add Us On Google