There are quite a few good credit cards that offer Aeroplan points as a reward, but some stand out above the rest for their impressive welcome bonuses, promotional cash back rates, and excellent rewards. I constantly keep up with the latest promotional rates and policy changes and make recommendations below based on my years of experience.
I recommend the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card as the #1 Aeroplan credit card in Canada due to its very generous welcome bonus, very high Aeroplan point earn rate on eligible eats & drinks and access to exclusive Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. It also comes with unlimited free deliveries and a 5% discount at partner restaurants.
What Is An Aeroplan Credit Card?
The Best Aeroplan Credit Cards In Canada
- American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card: Best for generous welcome bonus
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card: Best for comprehensive travel and medical insurance
- American Express Cobalt Card: Best for access to American Express Experiences and Front Of The Line presales
- American Express Green Card: Best for no annual fee
- American Express Platinum Card: Best for excellent earn rate of MR points
American Express® Aeroplan® Reserve Card
high earn rate at eligible eats & drinks, access to lounges, and priority travel perks
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Annual Fee$599
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Interest Rate20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advancesWelcome Bonus90,000 Aeroplan pointsRec. Credit Score660+
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Features & Benefits
- Earn 90,000 Aeroplan points as a welcome bonus
- Earn 7,500 Aeroplan points for each monthly billing period you spend $2,000 in net purchases on your card for the first 6 months of cardmembership (up to 45,000 Aeroplan points)
- Earn 5,000 Aeroplan points for each additional Aeroplan Reserve Card added to your account at time of application, up to 2 additional cards (up to 10,000 Aeroplan points)
- You'll also earn 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $6,000 in net purchases between 13 and 16 months of Cardmembership
- Unlimited free deliveries 5% discount on partner restaurants when you spend over $15
- Hotel Room Category Upgrade on the first and last night
- Worldwide Companion Pass when you spend over $25,000 in a year
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Pros & Cons
Why we like it
Great for high earn rate at eligible eats & drinks, access to lounges, and priority travel perksPros
- 90,000 bonus welcome points
- High earn rate of 10 Aeroplan points per $1 on eligible eats & drinks
- Priority Check-In, Boarding, and Baggage Handling when flying Air Canada
- Access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Café for you and a guest
- 15% discount on parking rates
- Earn 3 points per dollar spent with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
Cons
- High annual fee
- You can only earn Aeroplan points
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More Details
Bonuses and fees
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is a premium travel card with a $599 annual fee, and a credit score of at least 725 is recommended when applying for this card. You'll earn 2x the points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada, plus 1.25x the points on everything else.
Rewards
You can earn Aeroplan points at a rate of:
- 3 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on Air Canada
- 2 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on eats & drinks and food deliveries
- 2 Aeroplan points per $1 spent at Rocky Mountaineer rail-tours
- 1.25 Aeroplan points per $1 spent everywhere else
Perks and benefits
- Enroll in NEXUS and get a $100 rebate
- Access to Maple Leaf Lounges a
- Priority Check-in and Priority Boarding when flying Air Canada
- Annual Worldwide Companion Pass if you spend at least $25,000 in a year
Insurance
Like most American Express cards, the Aeroplan Reserve offers comprehensive travel and medical coverage:
- Emergency medical insurance
- Flight delay & trip cancellation insurance
- Lost or stolen baggage insurance
- Mobile device coverage
- $500,000 travel accident insurance
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
Great for earning Aeroplan points, a generous welcome bonus, and exclusive travel perks
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Annual Fee$139
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Interest Rate19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advancesWelcome Bonus50,000 ptsRec. Credit Score660+
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Features & Benefits
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points as a welcome bonus when you make your first purchase
- Earn 20,000 bonus Aeroplan points after you spend $1,500 within 90 days
- Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points as a welcome bonus when you spend $7,500 within 12 months
- No annual fee for the first year
- Emergency Road Services plus complimentary TD Auto Club membership
- Access to Visa Infinite Concierge service
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Pros & Cons
Why we like it
Great for earning Aeroplan points, a generous welcome bonus, and exclusive travel perksPros
- 50,000 bonus welcome points
- Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 spent
- Earn double the points when you pay with your card at over 320 partner brands
- Your Aeroplan points won't expire as long as your card is in good standing
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
- Complimentary Concierge service
Cons
- Needs a good credit score (660+)
- Requires a minimum yearly income of $60,000
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More Details
Bonuses and fees
The annual fee is $139, somewhat high compared to other credit cards, but it makes up for it with very good perks and benefits and a completely free first year. It also comes with 50,000 Aeroplan points, and you get an additional 20,000 points when you spend $1,500 within 90 days of opening your account and when you spend $7,500 within 12 months of opening your account.
Earning points
With the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, you can earn points on everyday spending. For all purchases made from Air Canada, you’ll earn 1.5 Aeroplan points; the same rate applies when you purchase groceries and pay for gas. Earn 1 point on all other purchases.
Perks and Benefits
- Link your TD Aeroplan account with your Starbucks Rewards Account and earn 50% more Aeroplan points and 50% more Stars at Starbucks stores
- Twice the points when you pay using the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card at over 300 partner brands
- Another benefit is that you can set up payments over $100 and pay them over 18 months at a 0% annual interest rate.
- Enroll for NEXUS and get a $100 rebate every 48 months
- Free Uber Pass membership for 6 months
American Express Cobalt Card
Great for exchanging MR points with other rewards program and high MR earn rate
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Annual Fee$156
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Interest Rate20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advancesWelcome Bonus30,000 MR pointsRec. Credit Score660+
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Features & Benefits
- Earn 2,500 Membership Rewards points as a welcome bonus after you spend $6,000 within a year ($500/month)
- $300 in statement credits towards purchases charged to your card
- Access to American Express Experiences
- Access to American Express Front Of The Line presales
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Pros & Cons
Why we like it
Great for exchanging MR points with other rewards program and high MR earn ratePros
- 30,000 MR bonus points
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on eligible eats & drinks purchases
- Transfer points 1:1 to other loyalty programs (Aeroplan, Marriot Bonvoy, and more)
- Access to presale tickets and VIP seating in select events through American Express' Front Of The Line program
- $100 Travel Credit and 4 complimentary visits to Plaza Premium Lounges
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
- Relatively low annual fee ($156)
Cons
- Needs a fairly good credit score (660+)
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More Details
Bonuses and fees
The American Express Cobalt Card is a premium credit card with an annual fee of $156. This card is unique because its Membership Reward points can be exchanged 1:1 with some of the best rewards programs, including the Aeroplan and the Marriot Bonvoy program.
Rewards
You can earn MR points at a rate of:
- 5 MR points per $1 spent on eats & drinks
- 3 MR points per $1 spent on streaming subscriptions
- 2 MR points per $1 spent on travel & transit
- 1 MR point per $1 spent on everything else
Redeeming your points
The American Express Cobalt Card offers plenty of options to exchange your points. You can spend them directly on categories like streaming subscriptions, various eats & drinks, movie tickets, or statements of credit.
Additionally, you can Exchange your MR points for Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, Hilton Honors, Choice Privileges, or Marriott Bonvoy points.
Insurance
This card offers very complete coverage, including categories like:
- Emergency Medical Insurance
- Flight Delay Insurance
- Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance
- Mobile Device Coverage
- $250,000 Travel Accident Insurance
American Express Green Card
Great for no annual fee, additional cards for free, and the option to transfer points to other programs
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Annual Fee$0
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Interest Rate20.99% on purchases, 21.99% on cash advancesWelcome Bonus10,000 MR pointsRec. Credit Score660+
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Features & Benefits
- Earn $10,000 Membership Rewards points as a welcome bonus after spending $1,000 in your first 3 months
- Redeem your points for a statement credit on eligible purchases
- Access to American Express Experiences and Front Of The Line
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Pros & Cons
Why we like it
Great for no annual fee, additional cards for free, and the option to transfer points to other programsPros
- 10,000 MR points
- No annual fee
- Transfer points 1:1 to other loyalty programs (Aeroplan, Marriot Bonvoy, and more)
- Request up to 9 additional cards at no cost
- Purchase protection
- Access to presale tickets and VIP seating in select events through American Express' Front Of The Line program
Cons
- Low base earn rate (1 point per $1 spent)
- Very limited benefits
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More Details
Bonuses and fees
The American Express Green Card is a travel card with no annual fee. It offers 1 MR point on many spending categories, including travel and delivery purchases. To apply for this card, you need a good credit score of at least 660, and there is no minimum annual income requirement.
Rewards
You can earn MR points at a rate of:
- 1 MR point on deliveries and travel-related purchases
- 1 MR point on eligible hotels and car rentals
Perks and benefits
- Transfer your points to other flyer programs at a rate of 1 MR point for 1.2 Marriott Bonvoy, 1 Aeroplan point, or 1 Avios point
- Request up to 9 supplementary cards at no cost
- Extended warranty
Redeem your points
There are four main ways you can spend your MR points:
- Merchandise at eligible stores
- Gift cards
- American Express Travel Services
- Online subscriptions
American Express Platinum Card
high earn rate at eligible eats & drinks and the option to transfer points to other programs
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Annual Fee$799
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Interest RateN/A
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Welcome Bonus100,000 MR points
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Rec. Credit Score760+
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Features & Benefits
- Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $10,000 within your first 3 months
- Earn an additional 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership
- Full access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, the Centurion Lounge network, the Plaza Premium Lounges, and more
- Redeem your points through American Express Travel Online, the Flexible Points Travel Program, or the Fixed Points Travel Program
- Transfer your points to other reward programs: Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group Americas, Hertz and Avis
- $200 annual dining credit
- $200 annual travel credit
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Pros & Cons
Why we like it
Great for high earn rate at eligible eats & drinks and the option to transfer points to other programsPros
- 100,000 MR points
- Earn 2 MR points per $1 spent on eligible dining, food delivery and travel purchases
- Earn 1 MR points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Access to over 1,300 American Express lounges worldwide
- Transfer MR points between Aeroplan and Avios (1:1)
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
- Travel accident and emergency insurance
Cons
- High annual fee
- Requires a good credit score (660+)
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More Details
Bonuses and fees
The American Express Platinum Card is a premium credit card with one of the highest annual fees, set at $799. It requires an excellent credit score of at least 760 to apply. With the Platinum Card, you'll earn 2 points for every dollar spent on dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every dollar spent on travel, and 1 point for everything else.Rewards
You can earn MR points at a rate of:- 2 MR points per $1 on eats & drinks, dining, and food deliveries
- 2 MR points per $1 spent on travel-related purchases (flights, hotels, and more)
- 1 MR point per $1 spent on everything else
Perks and benefits
- Access to presale tickets through Amex’s Front Of The Line program
- Complimentary membership to Hilton Honors Gold Status and Marriot Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- Exclusive access to American Express Experiences (entertainment, dining, retail)
- Enroll for NEXUS and get a $100 rebate
- Special offers when booking travel through American Express Travel Online
- Priority lane at the Toronto Pearson International Airport
Insurance
Like most American Express cards, the Platinum Card offers very complete coverage:- Emergency medical insurance
- Flight delay & trip cancellation insurance
- Lost or stolen baggage insurance
- Mobile device coverage
- $500,000 travel accident insurance
The Platinum is a great card and it's one of the best American Express cards in the market, but it can be a little out of many Canadian's leagues due to the high annual fee and the need to travel frequently to take advantage of all the perks that come with it. If that's your case, you can also opt for the Amex Gold, which also offers great rewards at a fraction of the annual fee.
Pros & Cons Of An Aeroplan Credit Card
Pros: Why an Aeroplan credit card may be worth it
- Spend your Aeroplan points at dozens of airline partners like Star Alliance, Lufthansa, and Aeromar
- If you’re a frequent traveller you will find it extremely easy to maximize rewards on travel purchases like airfares, hotel stays, and car rentals
- Access to exclusive lounges and hotels
- Travel perks like free room upgrades and priority boarding
- Access to the Aeroplan travel portal where you can pick your flights and redeem your points
Cons: Why an Aeroplan credit card may not be worth it
- Aeroplan cards usually have a high annual fee – if you don’t travel frequently, you will miss out on most benefits and end up losing money
- Aeroplan credit cards require a good-to-excellent credit score (660+)
Types Of Aeroplan Credit Cards In Canada
#1 Co-Branded Aeroplan Credit Cards
Co-branded Aeroplan credit cards are a type of Aeroplan cards that are issued in partnership with a financial institution. Some Aeroplan co-branded cards can be restrictive and not allow you to exchange your points wherever you want; instead, you may be forced to spend your points at select stores or airlines.
#2 Transferable Point Aeroplan Credit Cards
An alternative way to earn Aeroplan points is to apply for a credit card that offers points that can be exchanged for Aeroplan points. The most common of these are American Express credit cards, which offer the option to exchange MR points for Aeroplan points at a rate of 1:1.
How To Choose An Aeroplan Credit Card In Canada
Card type
The most important thing you should consider when picking an Aeroplan credit card is how to maximize your points. If you go for a co-branded Aeroplan card you can take advantage of the very generous welcome bonuses; if you want a more flexible option, a credit card that allows you to exchange points for other loyalty programs might be preferable.
Annual fee
Another important fact to consider is the annual fees. In general, annual fees for these credit cards start at around $130 and can go as high as $699, depending on the card. This may seem high, but if you’re a frequent traveller you will easily make up for this fee with all the additional benefits like free stays at hotels and flights.
Welcome Bonus And Promotional Rates
Co-branded Aeroplan credit cards come with very generous welcome bonuses, ranging from 20,000 Aeroplan points up to 100,000 or more. Welcome bonuses are great, but you also want reasonable earn rates – most of these credit cards offer great promotional and non-promotional rates, ranging from 3 to 10 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases. Keep in mind some promo rates may have a time limit (usually a couple of months after you open your account), and some select partner stores offer to double the usual yield per $1 spent, just by showing your card.
Credit Card Insurance & Purchase Warranties
Aeroplan credit cards tend to offer comprehensive medical and travel insurance. The cards that offer coverage usually have the highest fees and are a great option if you travel often or travel with your family. Here are some of the typical insured categories you can expect:
- Baggage loss insurance
- Baggage delay insurance
- Car rental insurance
- Extended warranty
- Mobile Insurance
- Flight delay insurance
- Purchase assurance
- Travel emergency medical
- Travel accident insurance
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
How To Apply For An Aeroplan Credit Card In Canada
Credit score
Aeroplan credit cards in Canada require a good credit score of at least 660. The higher your credit score the more likely your application is going to be accepted, and the wider the range of premium credit cards you will be able to access. Additionally, credit cards with higher requirements also come with better welcome bonuses and extra perks.
Personal Or Household Income Requirements
Some premium credit cards come with an income requirement, and Aeroplan cards are no exception. It usually ranges from $60,000-$80,000 for individuals or from $100,000-$150,000 for households. These cards tend to require a higher credit score as well and come with the best benefits.
Age
In Canada, the minimum age to request a credit card is the age of the majority. Teens under that age can’t get approved for credit cards but can be added as authorized users to one of their parent’s credit cards. For reference, the age of the majority in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan is 18 years old. In all other provinces, the age of the majority is 19.
Residency Status
Canadian credit cards are available to residents and non-permanent residents. However, most premium cards require you to be a Canadian resident. For other card types like a prepaid, store, and secured credit cards, you don’t even need a credit history. Residency requirements will largely depend on the specific credit card issuer.
Aeroplan Credit Card FAQs
Are Aeroplan Credit Cards Worth It?
When Aeroplan credit cards might be worth it for you:
- If you earn enough Aeroplan points every year to compensate for the annual fee
- If you travel often and want to save up points for your dream vacation
- If you have no trouble keeping up with your monthly credit card payments and are very unlikely to fall behind on payments
- If you are sure you will be able to redeem your points before they expire
When Aeroplan credit cards might not be worth it for you
- If you often fall behind on payments, the additional interest you will incur will offset any reward you may gain
- If you don’t travel a lot, chances are you will not make anywhere near enough to justify the high annual fee
- If you don’t want to keep track of the variable point-to-value rate of travel points
What Is The Best Free Aeroplan Credit Card In Canada?
The best free Aeroplan credit card in Canada is the American Express Green Card. It offers a welcome bonus of 10,000 MR points, which can be easily exchanged for Aeroplan points. It also comes with a complimentary membership to the American Express Front Of The Line program, and you will earn points on every purchase at a rate of 1 point per $1 spent.
What Is The Difference Between Air Miles And Aeroplan?
Air Miles and Aeroplan are very similar when it comes to earning points. The main difference is that with Aeroplan you get more value per point, but Air Miles offers more options to earn points.
Is Aeroplan Only For Air Canada?
No, Aeroplan points are very flexible and you can spend your points at any of Air Canada’s partner stores to reserve hotel stays, car rentals, and more. Some of their partners include Star Alliance airlines, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Budget, and AVIS Car Rentals.
Do Aeroplan Miles Expire?
Yes – if there is no activity in your account for over 18 months your Aeroplan points will expire. Earning and redeeming points will keep your account active; you can also transfer, convert or donate points to maintain activity. Every time you do any of these the 18-month period resets.
Can You Convert Aeroplan Points To Cash?
Yes, you can convert your Aeroplan point to cash. There are many platforms out there that will connect you to buyers interested in Aeroplan points.
How Many Aeroplan Points Do I Need For A Flight?
Depending on how far you’re planning to go flights can go from 10,000 Aeroplan points for relatively short flights (500 miles or less) to 17,500 Aeroplan points for flights between 1,500 and 2,750 miles.
How Many Aeroplan Points Is A Dollar?
Each Aeroplan point is worth between $0.01 and $0.02.
