With borders opening up again and the summer upon us, there's truly never been a better time to get a great new Aeroplan credit card. Fortunately, on August 4th, American Express released some value-packed offers, making the decision an easy one.
My Recommendation: To maximize your value, get either the Aeroplan Card (50,000 Aeroplan points, $120 annual fee) or the Aeroplan Reserve Card (85,000 Aeroplan points, $599 annual fee), both of which offer $800+ in additional value after subtracting the annual fee.
American Express recently made major updates to these 7 cards:
- Marriott Bonvoyâ„¢ Business American Express Card
- American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
- Platinum Card
- American Express Air Miles Reserve Card
- Marriott Bonvoyâ„¢ American Express Card
- American Express Aeroplan Card
- American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
And trust me when I say that some of the offers are very compelling.
Rather than overwhelm you with information on all 7 cards, though, I’m going to focus on just the two cards that I find most valuable: the American Express Aeroplan Card and the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.
If you’re interested in traveling at any point in the next 2-3 years, this is the post for you.
The American Express Aeroplan Card
The Aeroplan Card comes with a welcome bonus of up to 50,000 Aeroplan points. That's enough for multiple trips within North America, or a one-way trip almost anywhere in the world (see examples below).
If you prefer to think of the value from a cash perspective, I value Aeroplan points at 2.5 cents apiece after the recent Aeroplan overhaul. This means that the welcome bonus on the Aeroplan Card alone is worth $1,750, giving you a 14x return on the $120 annual fee.
If you’re looking to earn even more from your card, you can spring for the Aeroplan Reserve Card, with which you can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Let’s dig into the differences between the Aeroplan Card and the Aeroplan Reserve Card to see what stands out.
Aeroplan Card vs. Aeroplan Reserve Card
When you look at the two cards side-by-side, the main differences between the two are that the Reserve Card offers travel benefits like lounge access (both with Priority Pass and Maple Leaf Lounges) and priority check-in/boarding, while the Aeroplan Card does not. Of course, the additional 50,000 Aeroplan points is the bigger difference, and it makes the Aeroplan Reserve Card an excellent value on its own.
Here’s how the two cards stack up:
tack up:
| American Express Aeroplan®* Card | American Express Aeroplan Reserve®* Card | |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 35,000 Aeroplan points after spending $3,000 in net purchases on your Card within the first 6 months of Cardmembership. You can also earn a total of 5 Aeroplan points for every $1 on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada for the first 3 months of Cardmembership (up to 10,000 Aeroplan points). Plus, earn 2,500 Aeroplan points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in purchases on your Card for the first 6 months of Cardmembership. That could add up to 15,000 Aeroplan points. | Earn 55,000 Aeroplan points after spending $6,000 in net purchases on your Card within the first 6 months of Cardmembership. You can also earn a total of 10 Aeroplan points for every $1 on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada for the first 3 months of Cardmembership (up to 20,000 Aeroplan points). Plus, you can also earn 5,000 Aeroplan points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in purchases on your Card for the first 6 months of Cardmembership. That could add up to 30,000 Aeroplan points. |
| Points Earned Per $1 Spent With Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®* | 2 | 3 |
| Points Earned Per $1 Spent On Eligible Dining & Food Delivery In Canada | 1.5 | 2 |
| Points Earned Per $1 Spent On All Other Card Purchases | 1 | 1.25 |
| Free First Checked Bag For Up To 9 Air Canada Passengers | ✔ | ✔ |
| Comprehensive Travel Insurance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Worldwide Priority Pass Lounge Access | ✔ | |
| Maple Leaf Lounge Access Within North America | ✔ | |
| Priority Check-In, Boarding, & Baggage Handling On Air Canada Flights | ✔ | |
| Aeroplan Elite Status Benefits | ✔ | |
| Aeroplan Points Value At 2.5 Cents Apiece | $1,000 | $2,250 |
| Annual Fee | $120 | $599 |
| Profit On Aeroplan Points | $880 | $1,650 |
| Application Link | APPLY NOW | APPLY NOW |
My Recommendation
- If you don’t mind paying a $599 annual fee to get $2,000+ in Aeroplan points (plus lounge access and a bunch of other benefits), the Aeroplan Reserve Card is the card for you.
- If you prefer a lower annual fee for $1,500 worth of Aeroplan points, go with the standard Aeroplan Card.
These offers are too good to pass up, so make sure you capitalize on them before they disappear. Do yourself a favor and apply today.
What Is An Aeroplan Credit Card?
An Aeroplan credit card is a type of rewards credit card that allows you to earn Aeroplan points for every dollar you spend. You can then use your Aeroplan points to redeem for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
The best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada offer generous rewards, low fees, and valuable benefits, and there truly is a card for just about every type of traveler.
Benefits Of Aeroplan Credit Cards
Some of the features and benefits of Aeroplan credit cards include:
- The ability to earn Aeroplan points for every dollar you spend
- A wide variety of redemption options, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more
- Exclusive access to Aeroplan benefits, such as priority boarding and airport lounge access
- The ability to transfer Aeroplan points to other loyalty programs
- Generous welcome bonuses often worth $500 – $1,000 or more
How to choose the best Aeroplan credit card for you
When choosing the best Aeroplan credit card, it's important to consider your spending habits and travel needs. For example, if you travel often, you'll want a card that offers generous rewards on travel-related purchases.
Alternatively, if you don't travel often but still want to earn Aeroplan points, you may want to opt for an Aeroplan credit card with no annual fee.
Here are a few more things you'll want to keep in mind:
- How many Aeroplan points you can earn
- The redemption options available
- Any exclusive Aeroplan benefits offered
- The annual fee
- The interest rate
Aeroplan Credit Card FAQs
How do Aeroplan credit cards work?
Aeroplan credit cards allow you to earn Aeroplan points for every dollar you spend. You can then use your Aeroplan points to redeem for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
There are many different Aeroplan credit cards available, so it's important to compare the features and benefits of each one to find the best card for your needs.
What are the best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada?
Some of the best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada include the American Express®* AeroplanPlus® Platinum Card, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite* Card, the American Express Platinum Card, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite* Card, and the AeroplanPlus®* World Elite Mastercard®. These
How much are Aeroplan points worth?
Aeroplan points are typically worth between 1 and 2 cents each. However, the value of your Aeroplan points may vary depending on how you redeem them. For example, Aeroplan points redeemed for flights are typically worth more than Aeroplan points redeemed for merchandise, and Aeroplan points redeemed for flights within Canada are typically worth more than Aeroplan points redeemed for flights to other countries.
To get the most value out of your Aeroplan points, be sure to compare the various redemption options before redeeming your points.
How can I earn Aeroplan points?
There are many ways to earn Aeroplan points, including using an Aeroplan credit card, flying with Air Canada or one of its partner airlines, staying at a hotel in the Aeroplan Hotel Collection, renting a car from Avis or Budget, and more.
You can also earn Aeroplan points by shopping with Aeroplan's retail partners, such as Esso, The Brick, and Staples. Finally, you can transfer Aeroplan points from eligible loyalty programs, such as American Express Membership Rewads, Marriott Bonvoy, and RBC Rewards.
Can I transfer Aeroplan points to another person?
Yes, you can transfer Aeroplan points to another person as long as they are a member of the Aeroplan program. Here's how to transfer your Aeroplan points to someone else:
- Log in to your Aeroplan account and go to the “Points” section.
- Click on the “Transfer Points” button and follow the on-screen instructions.
Keep in mind that there is a fee of $0.01 per point (with a minimum fee of $25 and a maximum fee of $250) when transferring Aeroplan points to another person.
What are the best ways to redeem Aeroplan points?
The best way to redeem Aeroplan points depends on your preferences and needs. Some people prefer to redeem their Aeroplan points for flights, while others prefer to redeem them for hotel stays or car rentals. You can also redeem Aeroplan points for merchandise, gift cards, and more. To get the most value out of your Aeroplan points, though, you'll definitely want to redeem them for flights.
To see the different options you have for redeeming your Aeroplan points, log in to your Aeroplan account and go to the “Redeem Points” section. Then, select the type of redemption you want and follow the instructions to get the full details on your selection.
How can I earn more Aeroplan points?
You can earn Aeroplan points by signing up for an Aeroplan credit card and using it to make everyday purchases. You can also earn Aeroplan points by shopping with Aeroplan's retail partners, such as Air Canada, Esso, and Hotels.com.
Can I have more than one Aeroplan credit card?
Yes, you can have more than one Aeroplan credit card, and having multiple Aeroplan credit cards can help you earn points faster.
Can I earn the welcome points on more than one Aeroplan card?
Yes, you will earn the welcome bonus points on each Aeroplan credit card that you sign up for.
What is the Air Canada Buddy Pass?
The Air Canada Buddy Pass is a great way to fly with a friend or family member at a discounted rate. It allows you to book two tickets for the price of one, and can be used for flights within Canada or to select international destinations. The pass must be booked at least 14 days in advance, and is subject to availability. So if you're looking to save on airfare, the Air Canada Buddy Pass is definitely worth considering.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using the Air Canada Buddy Pass:
- Both passengers must be booked on the same flight and itinerary.
- The pass cannot be used for flights that are part of a vacation package.
- Only one pass can be used per booking.
Other than that, the Air Canada Buddy Pass is a great way to save on airfare for your next trip.
Can I earn more than one Air Canada Buddy Pass?
Yes, you can earn multiple Air Canada Buddy Passes. However, they cannot be used at the same time. Each pass must be used within one year of being earned. Additionally, you can only have two passes in your account at any given time, so if you earn a third pass, you'll need to use one of the other two before you can use the new one.
Are there any restrictions on where I can fly with the Air Canada Buddy Pass?
The Air Canada Buddy Pass is valid for flights within Canada and to select international destinations. A full list of destinations can be found on the Air Canada website.
How do I use the Air Canada Buddy Pass?
To use the Air Canada Buddy Pass, simply book a flight as you normally would. When you get to the checkout page, enter the code for your pass in the “Promo Code” field. The discount will be applied to your booking and you'll be all set!
Keep in mind that the Air Canada Buddy Pass is subject to availability, so make sure to book your flight in advance. Additionally, only one pass can be used per booking, so if you're traveling with more than one person, you'll need to make separate bookings.
Can I Convert My Buddy Pass Into Aeroplan Points?
No, the Air Canada Buddy Pass cannot be converted into Aeroplan points. It is a non-transferable, non-refundable discount that can only be used for air travel. If you're looking to earn Aeroplan points, you'll need to sign up for an Aeroplan credit card.
What Airlines Are Partners With Air Canada?
Air Canada has a number of Canadian airline partners, including Air Canada Rouge, WestJet, Porter Airlines, Swoop, and Air Transat.
Air Canada is also partnered with a number of international airlines, including Aer Lingus, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Eva Air, Hainan Airlines, Jet Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and more.
