Aeroplan Credit Card Review (2026): Benefits, Rewards & Value
Dedicated airline card for Air Canada's Aeroplan program with excellent Star Alliance redemptions and valuable travel benefits.
Aeroplan Credit Card Guide
Dedicated airline card for Air Canada's Aeroplan program with excellent Star Alliance redemptions and valuable travel benefits.
ANNUAL FEE
$95
WELCOME BONUS
60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months
POINTS VALUE
~1.5¢ per point for Air Canada and partner flights
TRANSFER PARTNERS
0
In This Guide:
Transfer Partners
| Transfer Partner | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time | Transfer Bonuses |
|---|
Annual Credits & Benefits
NEXUS Application Fee Credit
Every 48 months
Statement credit for the application fee of the NEXUS program, which offers expedited processing at the U.S. and Canadian borders.
Pro Tip: NEXUS offers benefits for both Canadian and U.S. travel. Ensure you apply for NEXUS instead of just Global Entry if you frequently cross the Canadian border.
Is the Aeroplan Credit Card Worth the $95 Annual Fee?
Ideal For:
- Frequent Air Canada flyers and Star Alliance travelers
- Individuals who can maximize the 3X bonus categories (grocery, dining, Air Canada)
- Those who value automatic elite status and associated perks (free bags, priority services)
- Travelers seeking flexible redemption options with no fuel surcharges on many awards
- Anyone looking for a co-branded airline card with a reasonable annual fee and valuable benefits
Not Ideal For:
- Infrequent travelers who won't utilize the airline-specific benefits
- Consumers who prefer cash back or other flexible points currencies over airline miles
- Individuals who cannot easily use the 3X bonus categories
- Those seeking premium lounge access (only two passes annually)
- People unwilling to manage a foreign airline loyalty program
Value Calculation Example
Here's a conservative estimate of annual value for a typical cardholder who uses most, but not all benefits:
| Benefit | Face Value | Realistic Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus (60,000 points) | $900 | $800 | Valued at ~1.5¢ per point, conservative estimate of realistic value. |
| Free First Checked Bag | $140 | $100 | Assumes 2 round-trips per year for cardholder and one companion ($35 per bag, per direction). |
| Automatic Aeroplan 25K Status | $200+ | $150 | Includes priority airport services, preferred pricing, eUpgrade credits (value varies by use). |
| NEXUS Application Fee Credit | $100 | $20 | Amortized over 5 years ($100 credit every 48 months). |
| Monthly Spending Bonus (1,500 pts/month) | $270 | $200 | Assuming maxed out for 12 months (18,000 points valued at 1.5¢/pt, realistic slightly less). |
| Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance | $150+ | $75 | Coverage up to $1,500 per person / $6,000 per trip. |
| Baggage Delay/Lost Luggage Insurance | $100+ | $50 | Valuable protection against travel disruptions. |
| Car Rental Collision Damage Waiver | $100+ | $50 | Secondary coverage, still valuable for car rentals. |
| Annual Fee | -$95 | -$95 | Yearly cost |
| TOTAL VALUE | $1,960+ | $1,445 | +$1,350 over annual fee |
This calculation excludes the welcome bonus. The annual fee of $95 is easily offset by the free checked bag, 25K status, and NEXUS credit, making this card a strong value proposition for United and Star Alliance flyers. The ability to combine with Chase Ultimate Rewards further enhances its flexibility and value.
How to Earn Points
3X on Air Canada Purchases
Earn 3X Aeroplan points on all eligible Air Canada purchases, including flights, upgrades, and vacation packages.
3X on Grocery Stores & Dining
Earn 3X Aeroplan points at grocery stores (excluding wholesale clubs, superstores) and on dining, including takeout and eligible food delivery services.
1X on Everything Else
Earn 1X Aeroplan points on all other eligible purchases, providing a solid base earning rate.
Monthly Spending Bonus
Earn 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent per calendar month, up to 1,500 bonus points monthly. This rewards consistent spending on the card.
Sweet Spot Redemptions
| Route/Redemption | Points Required | Transfer Partner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US to Europe in Business Class | 60,000-70,000 points (one-way in business) | Star Alliance partners | Excellent value on Star Alliance partners like SWISS, Lufthansa, and TAP Air Portugal, often with no fuel surcharges. |
| US to Japan in Business Class | 55,000-75,000 points (one-way in business) | ANA | Great availability on ANA flights, especially from North American gateways, offering a premium travel experience. |
| Aeroplan Stopover Program | Base rate + 5,000 points | Any partner airline | Add a stopover on a one-way international award for just 5,000 additional points, effectively visiting two destinations for a minimal extra cost. |
Advanced Tips & Tricks
Pro Insider Tips
Combine with Chase Ultimate Rewards
If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve card, you can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio, providing flexibility to top up your account for redemptions.
Utilize Aeroplan Family Sharing
Pool points with up to 8 family members (free) to reach redemption goals faster. This is particularly useful for expensive premium cabin awards.
Leverage No Fuel Surcharges
Aeroplan generally does not pass on fuel surcharges on award tickets, making redemptions on many partner airlines significantly cheaper in terms of cash outlays compared to other programs.
Search for Partner Award Space
For optimal value, search for award space segment-by-segment on partner airlines rather than end-to-end. Use the 'Fewer points' filter on Air Canada's website to prioritize partner redemptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the welcome bonus work?
Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This is a straightforward bonus that can be redeemed for significant travel value.
How long does the 25K status last?
The complimentary Aeroplan 25K status is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you open the account and the entire following calendar year. To maintain status thereafter, you can qualify through flying activity or significant spending on the card.
Can I combine Chase Ultimate Rewards with Aeroplan points?
Yes, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan. This is a key feature that makes the Chase Aeroplan card and other Chase cards a powerful combination for earning Aeroplan points.
Do Aeroplan points expire?
No, Aeroplan points do not expire as long as your Aeroplan account linked to the card remains open and in good standing. This provides great flexibility for saving up for aspirational redemptions.
Ready to Apply?
The Aeroplan Credit Card offers exceptional benefits and rewards that make it a valuable addition to your wallet. Dedicated airline card for Air Canada's Aeroplan program with excellent Star Alliance redemptions and valuable travel benefits.