Aeroplan credit cards are financial products offered by TD, CIBC, and American Express that allow Canadian cardholders to earn Aeroplan points on everyday spending. These points can be redeemed for flights on Air Canada and its extensive Star Alliance partner network, as well as for other travel and merchandise. The best Aeroplan credit card for an individual depends on factors like travel frequency, desired airport benefits, and willingness to pay an annual fee. Understanding the different cards available helps Canadians make an informed choice based on their personal spending and travel patterns.
Understanding Aeroplan Credit Card Issuers and Tiers
Aeroplan credit cards in Canada are issued by three financial institutions: TD, CIBC, and American Express. Each issuer provides a range of cards categorized into entry-level, core, and premium tiers, which correspond to increasing annual fees and enhanced benefits. The entry-level segment includes cards like the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card, which has no annual fee, and the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card, which has an $89 annual fee. The core segment, aimed at average Canadian travellers, features cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, and the American Express Aeroplan Card. The premium segment caters to frequent flyers seeking luxury airport experiences and includes products like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card and the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. All cards across these tiers allow cardholders to earn Aeroplan points, but the earning rates, insurance packages, and travel perks differ significantly.
Entry-Level Aeroplan Credit Cards
Entry-level Aeroplan credit cards provide a cost-effective way to start earning points. The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card is the only no-annual-fee Aeroplan co-branded card on the market. The TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card carries an $89 annual fee with a $35 fee for supplementary cards. Both cards offer similar basic Aeroplan benefits and earning structures, typically providing one point per dollar spent on eligible purchases. The primary justification for the TD card's fee is its inclusion of insurance coverages not found on the CIBC card. These include flight and trip delay insurance, delayed and lost baggage insurance, hotel burglary insurance, and mobile device insurance. It is important to note that neither entry-level card offers comprehensive travel medical insurance, trip cancellation, or trip interruption coverage. A significant update effective January 12, 2027, adds new benefits to both cards. Cardholders will receive a 15 percent discount on the points required for the base fare of Air Canada flight rewards, a fourth night free on Aeroplan hotel redemptions, and a fourth day free on Aeroplan car rentals. These benefits apply even to the no-fee CIBC card, enhancing its value for occasional travellers.
Core Aeroplan Credit Cards for Regular Travellers
Core Aeroplan credit cards are designed for Canadians who travel regularly and seek a balance of earning power and practical benefits without the highest premium fees. This segment includes the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, and the American Express Aeroplan Card. The American Express card has the lowest annual fee in this group at $120. These cards typically offer accelerated earning rates on common spending categories like groceries, gas, electric vehicle charging, and direct Air Canada purchases. For example, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card earns 1.5 points per dollar spent in these categories. A standard benefit across the core Visa Infinite cards from TD and CIBC is free first checked bags for the primary cardholder and up to eight travel companions on the same Air Canada reservation. These cards also come with more robust travel insurance packages than entry-level options, which may include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, and delayed baggage. However, core cards generally do not include premium airport perks like complimentary lounge access or priority check-in services.
Premium Aeroplan Cards with Airport Benefits
Premium Aeroplan credit cards cater to frequent Air Canada travellers who value luxury airport experiences and are willing to pay a high annual fee for comprehensive benefits. Cards in this tier include the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card and the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. These cards offer the highest earning rates, such as 3 points per dollar spent on Air Canada purchases with the American Express Reserve Card. The defining features of premium cards are airport-centric benefits. These typically include unlimited access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges, priority check-in, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling. Many premium cards also offer annual companion flight passes, where a companion can fly for a reduced fee, such as $99. Other perks can include a statement credit for the NEXUS application fee every 48 months and comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical coverage. The trade-off for these benefits is a high annual fee, which can be $599 or more, and a steep personal income requirement for approval. These cards are structured to provide value concentrated in frequent travel, making them less suitable for occasional flyers.
Earning and Redeeming Aeroplan Points
Aeroplan points are earned primarily through spending on a co-branded credit card, flying with Air Canada or its partners, and shopping with retail partners. Credit card earning rates vary by card and purchase category, with accelerated rates often applied to Air Canada purchases, groceries, gas, and dining. Points can also be earned through the Aeroplan eStore with over 200 online retailers and at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands when you pay with your card and provide your Aeroplan number. Aeroplan points can be redeemed for a wide variety of rewards, with flights typically offering the highest value. Members can redeem points for flights on Air Canada and the entire Star Alliance network, which includes over 25 partner airlines like United Airlines and Lufthansa, providing access to over 1,300 destinations worldwide. Points can also be used for hotel stays, car rentals, vacation packages, merchandise, and gift cards. Redemptions are managed through the Aeroplan booking portal, where members can choose to pay entirely with points or use a combination of points and cash. A key feature for families is Aeroplan Family Sharing, available on some cards, which allows up to eight family members to pool their points for redemptions.
- Primary Earning Method: Spending on Aeroplan credit cards.
- High-Value Redemption: Flights on Air Canada and Star Alliance.
- Redemption Flexibility: Points plus cash bookings available.
- Family Sharing: Up to 8 members can pool points on eligible cards.
- Partner Network: Over 25 airline partners.
- Retail Partners: Earn via Aeroplan eStore and in-store partners.
Program Rules and Key Considerations
Several important rules govern the Aeroplan program and its associated credit cards. Aeroplan points do not expire as long as you remain the primary cardholder of an Aeroplan credit card in good standing. If you are only a program member without a card, points will expire after 18 consecutive months of account inactivity. Points can be transferred into Aeroplan from several other loyalty programs, though transfer ratios vary. For instance, American Express Membership Rewards points transfer at a 1:1 ratio, while Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio with a 5,000-point bonus when converting at least 60,000 points. Flight bookings made with Aeroplan points can be changed or cancelled up to two hours before departure, but fees apply. Change fees typically range from $25 to $100, while cancellation fees can range from $75 to $175, with lower fees often available for online changes versus phone assistance. When evaluating cards, it is crucial to consider the total cost, including the annual fee, against the value of the benefits you will realistically use, such as lounge access, free checked bags, or insurance coverage.
Comparing Key Features Across Card Tiers
The value proposition of an Aeroplan credit card changes significantly across the entry-level, core, and premium tiers. The following table compares representative features across these segments, highlighting the trade-offs between cost and benefits. It is based on general product structures and the updates effective January 12, 2027. The entry-level tier focuses on basic point earning with new redemption discounts like the 15% points discount on Air Canada flights. The core tier adds practical travel utilities like free checked bags and better insurance, while the premium tier is distinguished by airport lounge access and services that enhance the travel experience itself. The 15 percent points discount on Air Canada flight rewards, effective in 2027, is a notable benefit that adds value across all tiers, including the no-annual-fee option. For example, on a 60,000-point flight reward, the 15% discount alone saves you 9,000 Aeroplan points, which is a solid return on a card that costs nothing to hold.
| Card Tier | Annual Fee Example | Key Earning Rate | Notable Benefits | Target User |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $0 - $89 | ~1 pt/$ on eligible spend | 15% pts discount on AC flights, limited insurance | Cost-conscious point collector |
| Core | $120 - $139 | 1.5 pts/$ on categories | Free 1st checked bag, improved travel insurance | Regular Air Canada flyer |
| Premium | $599+ | Up to 3 pts/$ on AC spend | Lounge access, priority services, companion pass | Frequent flyer seeking premium perks |
The annual fee for Aeroplan credit cards increases with the tier, which brings more specialized and high-value travel benefits. Core cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite provide strong everyday earning rates on categories like gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases. Premium cards such as the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card offer comprehensive travel insurance, annual companion passes, and priority airport services. For frequent Air Canada travellers, these premium benefits can outweigh the high annual fee. These top-shelf cards are best for Air Canada enthusiasts who want to maximize Aeroplan point accumulation and enjoy premium airport benefits.
Common Mistakes When Choosing an Aeroplan Card
Selecting an Aeroplan credit card without a clear understanding of one's own travel habits can lead to paying for benefits that go unused. A common mistake is opting for a premium card with a high annual fee for its lounge access and priority services, but then not flying enough times in a year to justify that cost. Conversely, a frequent Air Canada traveller who checks bags regularly might overlook the value of a core card's free first checked bag benefit, which can save hundreds of dollars annually. Another error is focusing solely on a high welcome bonus without considering the card's long-term earning structure and fee. The bonus is a one-time incentive, while the ongoing earning rates and annual fee have a lasting impact. Furthermore, some cardholders may not properly activate or link required accounts to receive benefits, such as linking their Aeroplan number to their credit card account to ensure they receive free checked bags or to participate in Family Sharing. It is also important to review the specific insurance wordings, as coverage limits, exclusions, and claim procedures vary significantly between issuers and card tiers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Aeroplan credit card in Canada?
There is no single best Aeroplan credit card for all Canadians. The most suitable card depends on individual travel frequency, spending patterns, and desired benefits. Premium cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege or American Express Aeroplan Reserve offer extensive airport perks for frequent flyers, while core cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite provide strong everyday earning and practical benefits at a lower fee. Entry-level cards offer a low-cost way to earn points.
How much are Aeroplan points worth?
Aeroplan points are worth about 1.4 cents each when redeemed for flights, according to Ratehub.ca calculations. The exact value can vary depending on the destination, travel class, and travel demand. Redeeming points for flights typically provides the highest value compared with merchandise or gift cards. This valuation is based on flights with Air Canada and its partner airlines.
Can I use Aeroplan points for flights on other airlines?
Yes, Aeroplan points can be redeemed for flights on Air Canada and its Star Alliance partner airlines. The Star Alliance network includes over two dozen partner airlines such as United Airlines and Lufthansa. This network provides access to over 1,300 destinations worldwide. However, you cannot transfer Aeroplan points directly to other airline loyalty programs.
What are the benefits of Aeroplan Family Sharing?
Aeroplan Family Sharing allows the primary cardholder to share points with up to eight family members. This feature makes it easier to accumulate points for family travel redemptions. All additional cardholders must link their Aeroplan number to access eligible Air Canada travel benefits. The shared points can be redeemed for travel rewards like Air Canada flights.
What changes are coming to Aeroplan cards in 2027?
Effective January 12, 2027, new benefits are being added to most Canadian Aeroplan credit cards. These include a 15 percent discount on the points required for the base fare of Air Canada flight rewards, a fourth night free on Aeroplan hotel redemptions, and a fourth day free on Aeroplan car rentals. These benefits will apply even to no-annual-fee cards like the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card. Annual fees for many cards are also increasing on or after this date.
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Aeroplan points do not expire as long as you are a primary cardholder of an Aeroplan credit card in good standing. This is a key benefit of holding a co-branded card from issuers like TD, CIBC, or American Express. For Aeroplan members without a credit card, points will expire if there is no account activity over a consecutive 18 month period. To prevent expiry, members must earn, redeem, donate, or transfer points at least once every 18 months. The Aeroplan program itself is Air Canada's loyalty program, allowing point redemption for flights and other travel rewards.
Sources and further reading
- Guide to Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada nerdwallet.com
- Aeroplan credit cards cibc.com
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Credit Card | TD Canada Trust td.com
- Best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada ratehub.ca
- How Do the 11 Aeroplan Credit Cards Compare? princeoftravel.com
This article explains how things work and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules, limits and rates change, so check the current figures with the Canada Revenue Agency, your province or your financial institution before you act.