Guide to Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada
Joining Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program is free — and there are a few ways to earn points. But for most people, an Aeroplan credit card is the simplest setup: you earn points on everyday spending, then redeem them for flights (or other travel) when you’re ready.
Aeroplan points can be especially valuable for Air Canada flyers because the program lets you redeem points on any Air Canada seat available for cash (the points price can vary), and you can also book flights with Aeroplan’s partner airlines.
Aeroplan credit cards: at a glance
| Card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Interest rates | Rewards rate | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card | APPLY NOW on American Express' website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on American Express' website | 5.0/5 | $599 | 21.99%/21.99% | 1.25x-3x Points | |
| TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card | APPLY NOW on TD's website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on TD's website | 4.8/5 | $599 | 21.99%/22.99% | 1.25x-2x Points | |
| TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card | APPLY NOW on TD's website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on TD's website | 5.0/5 | $139 First year rebate | 21.99%/22.99% | 1x-1.5x Points | |
What’s the best Aeroplan credit card in Canada?
View details
Points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations.
Points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on on everything else.
This top-shelf Aeroplan card offers 3x points on purchases made with Air Canada — the highest Aeroplan earn rate on the market. Comprehensive insurance coverage, annual companion passes and priority airport services add to the luxe factor, but the hefty $599 annual fee may be more than some cardholders are willing to spend. Best for: Air Canada enthusiasts who want to maximize their Aeroplan point accumulation.
Pros
- Up to 3x points on eligible dollars spent.
- Free Maple Leaf Lounge access, plus a complimentary Priority Pass membership.
- Free checked bags.
- Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.
Cons
- Steep $599 annual fee.
- Priority airport services only apply to Air Canada itineraries.
- Pay-per use rates apply to Priority Pass lounges.
- New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points.
- Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months.
- Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13
- You could earn up to $4,400 in value within your first 13 months. When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $1,700 in value, your earn potential in accelerated and everyday spend earn rate categories with approximately $1,760 in value, and the $1,000 in value you get from exceptional benefits, you can earn up to $4,400 or more in value within your first 13 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
- Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwide
- Receive up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four years when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
- Highest Air Canada earn rate on an Aeroplan payment card in Canada: Earn 3X the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 2X the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada and earn 1.25X the points on everything else.
- Get through the airport quicker with Air Canada Priority Check-In, Air Canada Priority Boarding and Air Canada Priority Baggage Handling.
- Receive one Annual Worldwide Companion Pass when you spend $25,000 in net purchases prior to your Card anniversary date; your Pass entitles you to buy an accompanying Air Canada economy class ticket for a companion at a fixed base fare from $99 to a maximum of $599 CAD (plus taxes, fees, charges, and surcharges)
- Enjoy access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges™* and Air Canada Café™ in North America for you and a guest, with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight.
- Enjoy your eligible first checked bag free for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada flights.
- Get a 10% Head Start. Starting in 2027, eligible Basic Cardmembers with Aeroplan Elite™* Status will receive a 10% head start toward qualification, based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) accumulated the year before. Roll over any unallocated unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels
- Get access to more than 1,200 Priority Pass™ airport lounges and enjoy an oasis of comfort before your flight, regardless of your airline or cabin class.
- Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more
- Get more from your travel experience at Toronto Pearson International Airport with:
- Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane
- Complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park
- 15% discount on parking rates at the Express Park and Daily Park
- 15% discount on Car Care Services
- Insurance Coverage: whether you’re shopping nearby or travelling abroad, you can feel confident knowing you can be taken care of.
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is made from precision cut and engraved 13g metal – it’s the perfect companion on your next exceptional journey
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
We chose the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card as our best overall Aeroplan pick because it delivers the strongest “Air Canada travel” experience in one card: premium airport benefits, meaningful Aeroplan-specific perks, and accelerated earning that can add up quickly for frequent flyers.
If you regularly fly Air Canada (or want your everyday spend to meaningfully move you toward Air Canada redemptions), the combination of lounge access, priority services and Aeroplan program benefits can outweigh the high annual fee — sometimes with value concentrated in just a few trips.
That said, it’s not a fit for everyone. If you fly only occasionally, don’t live near an Air Canada-heavy airport, or prefer a lower-fee card, a core Visa Infinite Aeroplan card may be a more practical choice.
Other Aeroplan credit cards in Canada (and what they’re good for)
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®).
Points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
Points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis card offers premium travel perks at top dollar. You get comprehensive travel insurance, annual $99 companion passes, unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges, six annual lounge passes via the Visa Airport Companion Program, priority airport services, NEXUS rebates and more. But not everyone will be able to afford the annual fee, nor meet the steep income requirement. Best for: Frequent Air Canada travellers with a big budget looking for premium perks at the airport.
Pros
- Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge visits, plus six complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program passes annually.
- Priority airport services.
- Annual $99 companion pass.
Cons
- Steep $599 annual fee.
- High $150,000 minimum income requirement.
Card details
Card details- Up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours. Conditions Apply.
- Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card†.
- Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†.
- Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†.
- Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
- Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®).
- Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
- Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 spent on all other purchases made with your Card.
- Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
- Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more Aeroplan points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.
- Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
- Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions†, and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
- Plus, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†.
- Get an annual round-trip companion pass from $99 (plus taxes, fees, charges and surcharges)†.
- Get access to Priority Airport Services† like Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage Handling, and Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades†.
- Travel Medical Insurance†: Up to $5 million of coverage for the first 31 days. If you or your spouse is aged 65 or older, you are covered for the first 4 days of your trip. Additional top-up coverage is available.
- To be eligible, $150,000 annual personal income or $200,000 household annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- †Terms and conditions apply.
- This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 spent on eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases.
Points for every $1 spent on eligible grocery purchases.
Points for every $1 spent on eligible direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®) made with your card.
Point for every $1 spent on all other Purchases made with your Card.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeWith a full suite of travel insurances, free checked bags for up to 8 companions, family point sharing, rental car perks and no blackouts or restrictions on travel bookings, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card checks a lot of boxes. However, the $139 annual fee may be too steep for some users, and anyone looking for airport lounge access won’t find it here. Best for: Families who fly Air Canada and spend big on everyday purchases.
Pros
- Rental car discounts.
- Free checked bags.
- NEXUS rebates.
Cons
- Low max earn rate (1.5x points).
- Slightly higher than average $139 annual fee for a travel card.
Card details
Card details- Up to $1,450 in value† including up to 45,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours and receive an annual fee rebate for the first year†. Conditions Apply. Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†. Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of Account opening†. Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening†.
- To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders while this offer is in effect.
- Offer may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
- Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®) made with your card.
- Earn 1 point† for every $1 spent on all other Purchases made with your Card.
- Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
- Interest Rates: 21.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
- Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn more Starbucks Stars at participating Starbucks stores. Conditions apply.
- Your Aeroplan Points do not expire as long as you are a TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Cardholder in good standing.
- Travel lightly through the airport and save on baggage fees†: Primary Cardholders, Additional Cardholders, and travel companions (up to eight) travelling on the same reservation will all enjoy their first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lbs) when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
- Travel Medical Insurance†: Up to $2 million of coverage for the first 21 days. If you or your spouse is aged 65 or older, you are covered for the first 4 days of your trip. Additional top-up coverage is available.
- To be eligible, a $60,000 annual personal income or $100,000 household annual income is required. You must also be a Canadian resident and be the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- †Terms and conditions apply.
- This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoint for every $1 spent on eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases.
Point for every $1 spent on eligible grocery purchases.
Point for every $1 spent on eligible Air Canada® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations®, made with your card.
Point† for every $1.50 spent on all other eligible purchases† made with your Card.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis low-fee travel card may be short on bells and whistles for those seeking lavish airport experiences, but anyone in the market for a straightforward entry point into the Aeroplan program will find what they’re looking for. Best for: Cost-conscious Aeroplan point collectors.
Pros
- Low $89 annual fee.
- Decent travel insurance.
Cons
- No airport perks.
- Low base rate of 0.67 point per $1 spent.
Card details
Card details- Up to $500 in value†, including up to 20,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours and receive an annual fee rebate for the first year†. Conditions Apply.
- To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders while the offer is in effect.
- Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
- Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every $1 you spend on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, grocery and Air Canada® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations®†.
- Earn 1 point† for every $1.50 spent on all other eligible purchases† made with your Card.
- Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
- Your Aeroplan Points do not expire as long as you are a TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Cardholder.
- Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn more Starbucks Stars at participating Starbucks stores. Conditions apply.
- Flight/Trip Delay Insurance†: Up to $500 in coverage per insured person if your flight/trip is delayed for over 4 hours.
- Delayed and Lost Baggage Insurance†: Up to $1,000 overall coverage per insured person toward the purchase of essentials such as clothes and toiletries if your baggage is delayed more than 6 hours or lost.
- Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance†: Up to $500,000 of coverage for covered losses while travelling on a common carrier (for example, a bus, ferry, plane, train or auto rental).
- Emergency Travel Assistance Services†: Help is just a call away. Toll-free access to help in the event of a personal emergency while travelling.
- To be eligible, you must be a Canadian resident and be of the age of majority in your province/territory of residence.
- †Terms and conditions apply.
- This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*.
Points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on everything else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThe American Express Aeroplan Card can help you rack up points at an impressive clip, especially if you make regular use of food delivery apps. No pre-set spending limit means freedom and flexibility — just remember to pay down that balance every month.
Pros
- Relatively low annual fee.
- Plenty of opportunities to score double points.
Cons
- As a charge card, unpaid balances are subject to a 30% annual interest rate.
- Perks may not be enough to scratch the “premium” itch for those used to other luxury cards.
Card details
Card details- New American Express® Aeroplan®* Cardmembers can earn up to 45,000 Aeroplan points:
- Earn 35,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 6 months.
- Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in month 13
- You could earn up to $1,550 in value within your first 13 months. When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $900 in value, your earn potential in accelerated and everyday spend earn rate categories with approximately $515 in value, and the $140 in value you get from exceptional benefits, you can earn up to $1,550 or more in value within your first 13 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 2X the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada vacations®*.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 1.5X the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 1X the points on everything else.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.
- Get 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $20,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card, up to 25,000 SQC
- As an American Express Aeroplan Cardmember, you can often book flight rewards for even fewer points with preferred pricing.
- Amex Experiences™: From music and movies, to specially curated dining and online shopping opportunities, stay connected with all that we have to offer from the comfort of your own home
- Enjoy an array of travel related insurance benefits such as Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance and up to $500,000 in Travel Accident Insurance.
- 24/7 Customer Service and Emergency Card Replacement.
- As part of our commitment to sustainability, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card has been made with 70% reclaimed plastic
- No pre-set spending limit on purchases gives you flexibility. Using a charge card is a great way to manage your finances as the balance must be paid in full each month.*
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on gas & electric vehicle charging.
Points on groceries.
Points on direct Air Canada purchases.
Points on all other purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeA mid-tier Aeroplan card that earns accelerated points on groceries, gas, EV charging and Air Canada purchases, plus travel insurance and free checked bags on Air Canada itineraries. Just don’t expect high-end airport perks like priority check in or complimentary airport lounge access. Best for: Air Canada flyers who occasionally need to check a bag and want Aeroplan points without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Free first checked bags when you fly Air Canada.
- Free international money transfers.
Cons
- No airport lounge access.
Card details
Card details- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase. Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $4,000 or more during the first 4 monthly statements periods. Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points as an additional anniversary bonus when you have at least $10,000 in net purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods. Offer applies to new cardmembers only.
- 1.5x Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and direct Air Canada purchases, including Air Canada Vacations, up to a maximum annual spend of $80,000.
- 1x Aeroplan point for every dollar you spend on all other purchases.
- Earn points twice by providing your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partners and more than 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
- Points can be redeemed for flights, car rentals and hotel bookings, as well as merchandise and gift cards available in the Aeroplan eStore.
- $139 annual fee, which can be reduced each year if you have a CIBC Smart Plus account.
- Access to Visa Infinite offers, including exclusive benefits at luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and wineries in British Columbia, Ontario and Sonoma Valley.
- Car rental discounts of up to 25% at participating Avis and Budget locations worldwide.
- The Aeroplan Family Sharing plan allows Aeroplan members in the same household to combine their points and speed up the delivery of their next flight reward.
- Primary cardholders hoping to reach Aeroplan Elite Status can receive 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 in eligible purchases.
- Access to CIBC Pace It, an installment plan designed to help you pay off large or unexpected purchases over time at a lower interest rate.
- 13 types of insurance provided, including 15-day travel medical benefits (three days if you’re 65 or older on your departure date) — worth up to $5 million in coverage per insured person.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household) annual income is required. You must also be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live who has not declared bankruptcy in the last seven years.
- The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on Air Canada purchases.
Points on gas & electric vehicle charging.
Points on groceries.
Points on travel.
Points on dining.
Points on other purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis top-shelf Aeroplan card is stacked with perks, including up to 2x points on eligible purchases, unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority airport services and more. The hefty annual fee and high income criteria place it firmly in premium territory. Best for: Air Canada loyalists who can make the most of top-tier travel benefits to offset this card’s sizable annual fee.
Pros
- Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge visits, plus six complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program passes annually.
- Free checked bags.
- Priority check in, boarding and baggage handling.
Cons
- Steep $599 annual fee.
- $150,000 individual or $200,000 household annual income requirement.
Card details
Card details- Get up to 110,000 Points: You’ll receive 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase, another 30,000 points if you spend $6,000 or more during your first four monthly statement periods, and 60,000 more points as an additional anniversary bonus if you have at least $25,000 in net eligible purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods. This offer only applies to newly approved card accounts.
- 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases, including Air Canada Travel Vacations.
- 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel and dining, up to annual $100,000 spend.
- 1.25x Aeroplan points on other purchases.
- Earn points twice by providing your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
- Points can be redeemed for flights, car rentals and hotel stays, as well as complete vacation packages like cruises and all-inclusive resort visits. Points can also be redeemed for gift cards and merchandise sold through the Aeroplan eStore.
- $599 annual fee, which can be reduced by up to $139 each year if you have a CIBC Smart Plus account.
- An annual Worldwide Companion Pass, worth up to $599, to any destination in the world that Air Canada flies when you spend $25,000 on your card.
- Exclusive access to Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Program, Visa Infinite Dining Series and the Visa Infinite Wine Country Program.
- Reach Aeroplan Elite status sooner by earning 1,000 Status Qualifying miles and one Status Qualifying segment for every $5,000 you spend on eligible purchases.
- Save up to 25% on car rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations.
- Authorized users can access travel benefits when travelling without you by linking their Aeroplan number.
- Access to CIBC Pace It, an installment plan designed to help you pay off large or unexpected purchases over time at a lower interest rate.
- 13 types of insurance provided, including 31-day travel medical benefits (10 days if you’re 65 or older on your departure date) — worth up to $5 million in coverage per insured person.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, $150,000 (individual) or $200,000 (household) annual income is required. You must be a Canadian resident who has reached the age of majority in your province or territory and who hasn’t made a bankruptcy claim in the last seven years.
- The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoint for every $1 you spend on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging.
Point for every $1 you spend on groceries.
Point for every $1 you spend directly with Air Canada.
Point for every $1.50 you spend on all other purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeCIBC’s entry-level Aeroplan card earns an uncomplicated 1 point per dollar spent on groceries, gas, EV charging and Air Canada purchases. There are no annual fees, which will be welcome news for budget-focused travellers, but don’t expect a full suite of travel insurance. Best for: Travellers who want a no-fee starter card to collect Aeroplan points on everyday essentials.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Car rental coverage.
- Free international money transfers.
Cons
- Low baseline rate of 0.67 Aeroplan points per $1 spent.
- Minimal travel insurance.
Card details
Card details- 1x Aeroplan points per dollar on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and Air Canada travel purchases, up to $40,000 annual spend.
- 1x Aeroplan points per $1.50 spent on all other purchases, including gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and Air Canada travel purchases that exceed the $40,000 threshold.
- Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and 170+ online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
- Aeroplan Points never expire and can be redeemed for a variety of travel, merchandise, gift card, and other rewards offered by Aeroplan’s participating partners and suppliers.
- $0 annual fee.
- Primary Aeroplan credit cardholders may get access to preferred pricing, which means you can book flight rewards for even fewer points.
- Get three free months of Uber Pass for discounts on rides, meals and more.
- Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every $6 spent on CIBC Global Money Transfer, with no transaction fees or interest as long as you pay your balance on time.
- Use the CIBC Pace It feature to make installment payments on large purchases.
- Four types of insurance are provided: car rental collision and loss damage insurance, purchase security and extended protection insurance, and common carrier travel accident insurance.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, $15,000 (household) annual income is required. Also, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoint for every $1 you spend on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging.
Point for every $1 you spend on groceries.
Point for every $1 you spend directly with Air Canada.
Point for every $1.50 you spend on all other purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis card offers students clean and easy entry into the Aeroplan program: no annual fee, points on everyday essentials and access to Aeroplan’s Family Sharing feature to pool rewards with loved ones. There’s no robust travel insurance or glitzy airport perks though, so it’s best for occasional flyers building credit. Best for: Students who want to access credit and earn travel rewards in tandem.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- No minimum income requirements.
- 12-month Skip+ free trial.
Cons
- No emergency medical coverage.
- Credit limits are capped at $5,000 for domestic students and $2,000 for international students.
Card details
Card details- 1x Aeroplan points per dollar on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and Air Canada travel purchases, up to $40,000 annual spend.
- 1x Aeroplan points per $1.50 spent on all other purchases, including gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and Air Canada travel purchases that exceed the $40,000 threshold.
- Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and 170+ online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
- Aeroplan Points never expire and can be redeemed for a variety of travel, merchandise, gift card, and other rewards offered by Aeroplan’s participating partners and suppliers.
- $0 annual fee.
- Get three free months of Uber Pass for discounts on rides, meals and more. Offer ends September 8, 2022.
- Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every $6 spent on CIBC Global Money Transfer, with no transaction fees or interest as long as you pay your balance on time. Offer ends June 30, 2022.
- Maximize your points by adding up to three additional cards and giving them to your spouse or other family members. Points can be shared with other Aeroplan members in your household.
- Earn points by using your CIBC Aeroplan Visa to automatically make recurring bill payments.
- Receive preferred pricing when paying for flights with your Aeroplan points.
- Save up to 25% on car rentals at participating Budget and Avis locations worldwide when paying with your card.
- Save up to 10 cents per litre at participating Chevron, Ultramar and Pioneer gas stations if you link your card with Journie Rewards.
- Use the CIBC Pace It feature to make installment payments on large purchases.
- Four types of insurance are provided: auto rental collision and loss damage insurance, purchase security, extended protection insurance, and $100,000 in common carrier accident insurance.
- Preferred rates: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.
- To be eligible, you must have full-time status in a college or university.
- The information for the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card for Students has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations.
Points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on on everything else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis top-shelf Aeroplan card offers 3x points on purchases made with Air Canada — the highest Aeroplan earn rate on the market. Comprehensive insurance coverage, annual companion passes and priority airport services add to the luxe factor, but the hefty $599 annual fee may be more than some cardholders are willing to spend. Best for: Air Canada enthusiasts who want to maximize their Aeroplan point accumulation.
Pros
- Up to 3x points on eligible dollars spent.
- Free Maple Leaf Lounge access, plus a complimentary Priority Pass membership.
- Free checked bags.
- Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.
Cons
- Steep $599 annual fee.
- Priority airport services only apply to Air Canada itineraries.
- Pay-per use rates apply to Priority Pass lounges.
Card details
Card details- New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points.
- Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months.
- Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13
- You could earn up to $4,400 in value within your first 13 months. When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $1,700 in value, your earn potential in accelerated and everyday spend earn rate categories with approximately $1,760 in value, and the $1,000 in value you get from exceptional benefits, you can earn up to $4,400 or more in value within your first 13 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
- Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwide
- Receive up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four years when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
- Highest Air Canada earn rate on an Aeroplan payment card in Canada: Earn 3X the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 2X the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada and earn 1.25X the points on everything else.
- Get through the airport quicker with Air Canada Priority Check-In, Air Canada Priority Boarding and Air Canada Priority Baggage Handling.
- Receive one Annual Worldwide Companion Pass when you spend $25,000 in net purchases prior to your Card anniversary date; your Pass entitles you to buy an accompanying Air Canada economy class ticket for a companion at a fixed base fare from $99 to a maximum of $599 CAD (plus taxes, fees, charges, and surcharges)
- Enjoy access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges™* and Air Canada Café™ in North America for you and a guest, with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight.
- Enjoy your eligible first checked bag free for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada flights.
- Get a 10% Head Start. Starting in 2027, eligible Basic Cardmembers with Aeroplan Elite™* Status will receive a 10% head start toward qualification, based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) accumulated the year before. Roll over any unallocated unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels
- Get access to more than 1,200 Priority Pass™ airport lounges and enjoy an oasis of comfort before your flight, regardless of your airline or cabin class.
- Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more
- Get more from your travel experience at Toronto Pearson International Airport with:
- Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane
- Complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park
- 15% discount on parking rates at the Express Park and Daily Park
- 15% discount on Car Care Services
- Insurance Coverage: whether you’re shopping nearby or travelling abroad, you can feel confident knowing you can be taken care of.
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is made from precision cut and engraved 13g metal – it’s the perfect companion on your next exceptional journey
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Methodology
BACK TO TOPBest credit cards in Canada
Compare different cards side-by-side to find one with the perks and benefits that will meet your needs.Guide to Aeroplan credit cards and rewards in Canada
BACK TO TOPAeroplan credit cards are rewards cards that earn Aeroplan points — the loyalty currency for Air Canada’s Aeroplan program.
While Aeroplan points are especially useful for Air Canada flights, Aeroplan also lets you redeem points with partner airlines and for other travel (like hotels and car rentals). Non-flight redemptions can be convenient, but flights are typically where Aeroplan points deliver the strongest value.
Fast facts about Aeroplan points:
Aeroplan points can be redeemed for Air Canada flights, flights with partner airlines, and other travel.
Air Canada flight rewards use dynamic pricing (the points cost can change with demand).
Partner flights are usually priced more predictably, but availability can be limited — and Aeroplan may charge a flat partner booking fee when you book flights on other airlines.
Aeroplan point value
Aeroplan uses dynamic pricing for many Air Canada redemptions, so point value varies by route and date. Based on NerdWallet’s analysis of Aeroplan flight redemptions in 2024, the average value of 1 Aeroplan point is 1.60 cents.
1 Aeroplan point = about 1.60 cents
As a practical rule of thumb, if the redemption you’re considering falls meaningfully below the “typical” value you can get from Aeroplan flights, it may be better to pay cash and save your points for a better-value booking.
Aeroplan card tiers (entry vs. core vs. premium)
Aeroplan credit cards generally fall into three practical tiers. The tier determines how many Air Canada-specific perks you’re likely to get — and what you’ll pay for them.
Entry-level Aeroplan cards:
Typically the lowest (or no) annual fee.
Designed for earning Aeroplan points without heavy travel perks.
Best if you want Aeroplan points but don’t fly Air Canada often.
Core Aeroplan cards (often Visa Infinite):
Usually include the most-used Air Canada perk for many travellers: free first checked bags on Air Canada flights.
May include stronger insurance coverage and more accelerated earning.
Best for people who fly Air Canada a few times per year and want perks without premium-card pricing.
Premium Aeroplan cards (often Visa Infinite Privilege / premium Amex):
Built for frequent Air Canada flyers.
Often add lounge access and priority airport services on top of core perks.
Best when you’ll actually use the airport perks often enough to justify the higher annual fee.
TD vs. CIBC Aeroplan cards: how to choose between the similar ones
Deciding between the TD and CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite (core) cards — or between the TD and CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege (premium) cards — can seem difficult on the surface. But, to us, we think it’s mostly a choice between issuers.
The Aeroplan travel benefits are broadly similar at each tier, so the “right” pick often comes down to your bank relationship and which card’s side perks and earning structure best match your spending.
Both TD and CIBC Visa Infinite Aeroplan cards tend to be best for travellers who want free checked bags and Aeroplan earning without paying for premium lounge access.
Consider TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite if:
A NEXUS fee rebate matters to you.
You like the TD ecosystem (or can offset fees with TD banking bundles).
Your spending aligns with TD’s bonus categories and caps.
Consider CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite if:
Your spending aligns better with CIBC’s bonus categories.
You prefer CIBC’s fee rebate options (often tied to certain CIBC accounts).
You want the core Aeroplan travel perks, but don’t need premium airport access.
At the premium tier, both issuers are aimed at frequent flyers who will actually use airport perks. Expect many of the same “big” benefits (like lounge access and priority services), then compare the details.
Compare these decision points:
Lounge access: Where it works, guest rules and any included lounge-visit programs.
Priority services: Which services are included (and whether companions on your booking also benefit).
NEXUS rebates: Whether you and/or additional cardholders can use them.
Earning structure: Whether the bonus categories match your actual spending (Air Canada, travel, dining, etc.).
Annual fee offset options: Whether your banking setup can soften the cost.
How to get an Aeroplan credit card
You can apply for most Aeroplan credit cards online through the issuer. TD and CIBC also offer in-branch applications if you prefer. When you apply, make sure your Aeroplan number is linked correctly so your airline benefits (like baggage and priority services) apply when you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Does Aeroplan have a cancellation policy?
Fees for cancelling through Aeroplan vary by the class of your seat, type of fare and when you cancel.
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of account inactivity. Account activity can be maintained by earning, redeeming, donating and transferring your points. If you have an Aeroplan credit card and use it regularly, your points will be safe.
Which Aeroplan cards offer lounge access?
If lounge access is an important factor, these Aeroplan cards all offer airport lounge entry:
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Plus Card.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card.
TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card.
How do I know if my card is linked to my Aeroplan profile?
When you apply for an Aeroplan credit card, you should receive a letter or email from Aeroplan with your new account information. To ensure your credit card has been linked to the program, log in to your Aeroplan account and check to see whether you are designated as a credit card holder.
You can also check whether your credit card has been linked to your Aeroplan profile by looking at your monthly credit card statement. If properly linked, the number of Aeroplan points you’ve accumulated should be included in each statement.
Can I have more than one Aeroplan credit card?
Yes, you can have more than one Aeroplan credit card at a time. In fact, there’s no limit to the number of credit cards you can carry, assuming you’re approved for each card.
Having more than one Aeroplan credit card gives you the opportunity to take advantage of different welcome bonuses and earn rates, but tread lightly: keeping up with multiple credit cards takes diligence and responsibility. Missed payments and other credit missteps could negatively impact your credit score and strain your finances.
How does the Aeroplan rewards chart work?
While the zone charts are somewhat intimidating, Aeroplan has a points predictor tool that will show you roughly how many points it’ll cost you to fly between destinations. That said, this tool only offers a range, so you have to search your exact dates to find out what it’ll really cost you.
In addition, this points predictor tool doesn’t calculate the value of your points for you. To do that, you’d use the following formula:
(Ticket price – taxes) X 100 / points required for a redemption = Cost per point
For example, let’s say you want to fly round-trip from Toronto to Vancouver, and the cash price is $500. You can pay that $500 outright, or you can redeem 25,000 Aeroplan points and pay $75 in taxes to get the flight for free. Your formula would be as follows:
($500 – $75) X 100 / 25,000 = 1.7 cents per point
In this example, the value exceeds our estimated value of 1.29 cents per point, so the redemption is worth it.
How do you earn Aeroplan Elite Status?
Aeroplan also has Elite Status tiers: 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K and Super Elite (100K). An increased status gives you perks, such as free eUpgrade credits, seat selection, lounge passes, priority boarding and more.
To earn higher status, you’ll need to earn more than just Aeroplan points. Instead, you’ll need to meet different requirements based on how much you fly with Air Canada. These qualification requirements include:
Status Qualifying Miles (SQM), which are earned based on the distance you fly.
Status Qualifying Segments (SQS), which are earned based on flight segments you cover.
Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD), which are earned based on how much you spend on flight tickets.
The more you fly and spend with Air Canada, the higher your tier. For example, to get to 25K status, you need to earn either 25,000 SQM or 25 SQS and $3,000 in SQD.
Certain Aeroplan credit cardholders will earn Aeroplan Elite Status qualification boosts — 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one Status Qualifying Segment — every time they exceed certain spending goals: it takes $5,000 eligible annual spend for Premium cardholders and $10,000 for Core cardholders.
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Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell