Aeroplan is one of Canada’s most popular travel rewards programs with millions of members.
The reasons for its popularity are not far-fetched.
You can earn Aeroplan points when you use Aeroplan credit cards, shop at hundreds of Aeroplan partner stores and online retailers, fly with Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners, and in many other ways.
There is a lot of flexibility when redeeming your Aeroplan rewards points, and you can even transfer your points over from some other loyalty programs.
Read on to learn about the best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada.
The 5 Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada
Here are some of the best Aeroplan credit cards offered by TD, CIBC, and American Express when we consider a combination of their annual fees, sign-up bonuses, rewards earning rates, perks, and other benefits.
For a list of Canada’s best travel credit cards, click here.
American Express Cobalt Card
Best for travel rewards and perks
Annual fee: $155.88 (in monthly payments of $12.99)
Rewards: Earn up to 5X points on high-spend categories.
Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on cash advances.
Minimum income requirement: No minimum income or credit limit requirements.
Recommended credit score:
Good
On Amex’s website
American Express Aeroplan Card
Great for earning Aeroplan points
Annual fee: $120
Rewards: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada purchases. Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on dining. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.
Interest rates: As a charge card, a 30% annual rate applies for balances that are not paid in full.
Minimum income requirement: None
Recommended credit score:
Good to Excellent
On Amex’s website
American Express Platinum Card
Top credit card for VIP perks
Annual fee: $799 (and $250 annual fee for additional cards)
Rewards: Earn 2x Membership Rewards Points on dining and food delivery, 2x pts. on travel and 1x pts. on everything else.
Interest rates: Variable (charge card)
Minimum income requirement: N/A
Recommended credit score:
Very Good
On Amex’s website
American Express Gold Rewards Card
Excellent for travel rewards
Annual fee: $250
Rewards: Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on gas + grocery + drug + travel purchases. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Penalty rates: 20.99% for purchases; 21.99% for cash advances.
Minimum income requirement: No income requirements.
Recommended credit score:
Good
On Amex’s website
American Express Green Card
Entry-level Amex rewards credit card
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Earn 1X points on everyday purchases.
Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on cash advances.
Minimum income requirement: None
Recommended credit score:
Good
On Amex’s website
Top 10 Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada
1. American Express Cobalt Card
Best overall Aeroplan credit card.
The American Express Cobalt Card has an annual fee of $155.88 and an APR of 20.99% for purchases and 21.99% for cash advances.
You can earn 1x-5x American Express points for eligible purchases, including 5x points for dining and 3x points for streaming. Its high rewards rates, affordable annual fee and good travel insurance coverage make it one of our favourite Aeroplan credit cards.
It is easy to redeem your points by transferring them into Aeroplan points. There is a minimum of 1,000 points per transfer, and you can do this online or by phone.
You can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio (e.g. transfer 1,000 rewards points into 1,000 Aeroplan points). You can find full information on the Air Canada website.
2. American Express Aeroplan Card
Best for no interest charges.
The American Express Aeroplan Card has an annual fee of $120, and you can earn 2x points on eligible purchases with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations. In addition, you can earn double the points at Aeroplan partner brands, 1.5x points on dining purchases and 1x points on everything else.
It’s a great way to build up points faster. And because it is a charge card, it does not charge interest, but you must pay the balance in full.
3. American Express Platinum Card
Best premium Aeroplan credit card.
The American Express Platinum Card is a premium Aeroplan credit card with a $799 annual fee.
You can get up to 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards points (1:1 for Aeroplan) as follows:
- 70,000 points when you spend $10,000 in the first three months
- Additional 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership
This card generally offers 2 points per $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points per $1 spent on eligible travel, 1 point for all other purchases, $200 in annual travel credit and $200 in annual dining credit, complimentary airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, and purchase protection and extended warranty.
4. American Express Gold Rewards Card
Best for frequent travellers.
This American Express card has an annual fee of $250 and an APR of 20.99% for purchases and 21.99% for cash advances.
You can use the card to earn 2x rewards points on eligible travel, gas, drugstore and grocery purchases, while you earn 1x on everything else.
You can transfer your points to Aeroplan points in the same way as described for the American Express Cobalt Card.
It also has several perks, including room upgrades, airport lounge access and emergency medical insurance coverage.
5. American Express Green Card
Best for affordability.
The American Express Green Card has no annual fee and an APR of 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on cash advances.
You can earn 1x points on all purchases, including travel, dining and more, and an extra point for hotel and car rental purchases at Amex Travel Online.
You can transfer your points to Aeroplan points quickly and easily and earn points without any fee. There are also no limits on rewards.
6. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
- Annual fee: $139
- Income requirement: $60,000
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite is one of the best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada. The general earning rate for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite is:
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on grocery, gas, drugstore, and aircanada.com purchases
- 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else
Other Perks: Comprehensive travel insurance, purchase security, extended warranty, rebates on a NEXUS card every 48 months, Air Canada benefits, and car rental discounts. The first-year fee of $139 is waived.
Read this TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Review.
7. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- Annual fee: $599
- Income requirement: $200,000
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege is a top-rated premium card similar to the Platinum Card from American Express.
The card’s regular earn rate is 1.5 points per $1 spent on grocery, gas, and travel, 2 points per $1 on Air Canada purchases, and 1.25 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Other Perks: Global airport lounge access via Priority Pass (x6 passes per year), Air Canada benefits (priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling; access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges, an annual round-trip companion pass, and more.
8. American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Best for Air Canada customers.
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card has an annual fee of $599 and an APR of 20.99% for purchases and 21.99% for cash advances.
You can earn 3x points on eligible purchases at Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, 2x points at Rocky Mountaineer, dining and food delivery, and 1.25x points on all other purchases.
It includes good travel insurance coverage and is a great way to earn points, especially if you travel frequently. In addition, you can earn unlimited rewards and additional benefits with Air Canada, including Maple Leaf Lounge access and priority check-in.
9. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
- Annual fee: $139
- Income requirement: $60,000
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite has the following rewards rates:
- Earn 1.5 miles per $1 spent on gas, grocery, drug store and aircanada.com purchases
- Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on everything else
Other Perks: Comprehensive travel insurance, purchase security and extended warranty, and Air Canada benefits.
10. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card
Best for earning Aeroplan points directly for no fee.
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card is free to use with no annual fee. The APR is 20.99% for purchases and 22.99% for cash advances.
You can earn 1 Aeroplan point for every $1 spent on groceries and gas or at Air Canada as well as Air Canada Vacations.
You’ll also earn 1 Aeroplan point every time you spend $1.50 elsewhere, and you can earn twice the points at the Aeroplan eStore spending with Aeroplan partners and online retailers.
Best Canadian Aeroplan Credit Cards Compared
| Aeroplan Cards | Annual Fee | APR Purchases | APR Cash Advances | Rewards |
| American Express Cobalt Card | $155.88 | 20.99% | 21.99% | Up to 5x American Express points |
| American Express Aeroplan Card | $120 | N/A | N/A | Up to 2x Aeroplan points |
| American Express Platinum Card | $799 | N/A | N/A | Up to 2x Membership Rewards Points |
| American Express Gold Rewards Card | $250 | 20.99% | 21.99% | Up to 2x American Express points |
| American Express Green Card | $0 | 20.99% | 21.99% | Up to 2x American Express points |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | $139 | 20.99% | 22.99% | Up to 1.5x Aeroplan points |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege | $599 | 20.99% | 22.99% | Up to 2x Aeroplan points |
| American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card | $599 | 20.99% | 21.99% | Up to 3x Aeroplan points |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite | $139 | 20.99% | 22.99% | Up to 1.5 Aeroplan points |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card | $0 | 20.99% | 22.99% | Up to 1 Aeroplan point for every $1 spent |
Aeroplan Credit Cards Explained
Aeroplan is the loyalty program of Air Canada, and it is free to join. There are several ways to earn points, but Aeroplan credit cards are the easiest.
With these credit cards, you can earn Aeroplan points with every purchase. On average, each point is worth between 1 and 2 cents.
Aeroplan has over 45 partners, and you can use your points on more airlines and are not limited to Air Canada. You can also use your points on hotels, car rentals and more.
All Aeroplan credit cards allow you to earn Aeroplan points directly or earn other rewards points that you can convert into Aeroplan points. However, they all differ slightly in how much you can earn as well as their annual fees, insurance coverage, and other perks.
Types of Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada
There are two main types of Aeroplan credit cards in Canada: Cards that allow you to earn Aeroplan points directly, and cards where you can earn rewards points that you can transfer to the Aeroplan program.
Several banks provide credit cards that are Aeroplan branded. These institutions have partnered with Aeroplan to offer their credit cards, but the banks offer several cards with different benefits and earning rates. These include:
- American Express provides several cards, including the American Express Aeroplan Card and the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.
- TD provides cards, including the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card.
- CIBC provides cards, including the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card.
How the Aeroplan Rewards Program Works
The Aeroplan Rewards Program is quite simple. You earn Aeroplan points as you spend on your credit card, and then you redeem these for discounts on your flights with Air Canada or its airline partners.
You can use points for hotels, car rentals and other things, but they are primarily used for flights.
You could save up enough points to fly for free, but it depends on your starting point, destination, and distance travelled. You can even pool points with the Family Sharing plan.
Value of an Aeroplan Point
Dynamic pricing is used by Air Canada, meaning the value of points changes. It usually comes in at between 1 and 2 cents.
You can use this to determine whether it is worth using your points or spending cash when booking a flight.
How to Redeem/Use Aeroplan Points
Redeeming your points is a simple process. You can do this via the Air Canada website for flights, hotels and car rentals.
Simply search for flights, and you will see an option on the website to use your Aeroplan points. This option shows you the flights available and the points required.
If it is too complex or you have special requirements, you can call Aeroplan for assistance. You can also use your points when booking flights at partner airlines.
How to Maximize Aeroplan Points
You will want to get the most out of your Aeroplan points, and there are several ways to do this.
For a start, use partner airlines when you can. They do not use dynamic pricing like Air Canada and instead use fixed points, which often leads to better value.
Look at the distance bands as well. Based on this, you can get more value from certain flights, allowing you to travel further for the same amount of points.
How to Choose the Best Aeroplan Credit Card
There are many Aeroplan credit cards in Canada, and choosing the right one is not always easy. Start by exploring the different cards, including the ones in this guide, and look at the various factors.
While some have an annual fee, others are free to use. Premium cards often have better perks and rewards, but no-fee cards can also be good. On the other hand, a premium card with an expensive annual fee may be worth it if you fly often.
Look for introductory offers too. These cards often come with welcome bonuses, which can provide you with a good way to earn more points. They frequently change, however, so check the offers when considering applying.
Check the earn rates for each card. Credit cards often have different rates for different categories, so choose a card where you can earn more based on the categories you spend the most on.
Also, some credit cards contain more perks and benefits than others, including insurance coverage.
How To Get an Aeroplan Credit Card in Canada
Getting an Aeroplan credit card is relatively easy to do. Start by looking at the available cards, including those in our guide, to decide which is right for you based on factors like the points offered.
Once you have chosen one that looks suitable, check your eligibility. Must be the age of majority in your province or territory. You must usually have a good credit score. If not, your application may be rejected, and it’s best to avoid applying for multiple cards in a short period.
There may also be a minimum income requirement, depending on the card. A minimum household income may also be stated. Make sure you meet this requirement before applying.
You can apply via the credit card’s website if you meet the requirements. This is the quickest and easiest way to apply, and your application may be approved or rejected immediately. Alternatively, you may be able to apply over the phone or in person at your local bank branch.
Simply fill in the required information and submit your application. If approved, your card will be sent to your address, and you can activate it.
Pros and Cons of Aeroplan Credit Cards
There are a few advantages and disadvantages to Aeroplan credit cards you should consider before applying for one:
Pros:
- Aeroplan credit cards provide you with an easy way to earn Aeroplan points.
- Aeroplan points are not restricted to Air Canada.
- Aeroplan points can be redeemed for cheaper flights and other travel-related benefits like hotels and car rentals.
- You might also get additional benefits like insurance coverage.
- Family Sharing allows you to combine points with other family members.
- Some cards have good welcome offers where you can earn a large number of points if you meet the requirements.
- Many cards come with additional Air Canada benefits like free checked bags and priority check-in.
Cons:
- Annual fees can be high with some Aeroplan cards.
- Aeroplan cards are only useful if you fly on Air Canada or a partner airline frequently.
- Aeroplan points cannot be transferred to other loyalty programs.
- Because of dynamic pricing, you may need to use more points at peak times.
Aeroplan Canada FAQs
How much are Aeroplan points worth?
Aeroplan points are worth between 1 and 2 cents each on average, depending on how they are redeemed.
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Aeroplan points can expire, but only if your account has had no activity for 18 months. If you use your Aeroplan credit card to earn points regularly, your points will not expire.
What is the best Aeroplan credit card?
There are several Aeroplan credit cards to choose from, and the best depends on your situation. However, the American Express Cobalt Card is our top-ranked card overall.
How do I transfer membership rewards to Aeroplan?
You can easily transfer membership rewards to Aeroplan online or over the phone. For example, American Express rewards points can be converted at a 1:1 ratio with Aeroplan points.
Is an Aeroplan credit card worth it?
If you are a regular traveller, and particularly if you like travelling with Air Canada, an Aeroplan credit card can be an excellent way to save money on your flights and enjoy perks like free checked bags.
Where can I use Aeroplan points?
You can use Aeroplan points at Air Canada and several Star Alliance carriers.
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