Pros
- Solid sign-up bonus
- Decent rewards-earning rates
- Useful travel perks
- Automatic elite status
Cons
- Annual fee
- Partner booking fees
Key features of the Aeroplan® Card
If you’re a frequent Air Canada flyer, you might be considering adding the Aeroplan® Card to your wallet. The card has an annual fee of $95 but offers ongoing value with its rewards and perks.
Here are a few key things to think about before applying.
Solid sign-up bonus
As a new cardholder, you can earn a sign-up bonus worth 70,000 points by spending $3,000 on purchases in your first three months after account opening.
Useful bonus rewards categories and monthly bonus potential
With this card, there are a few different ways to earn points — including some useful everyday bonus categories. Here’s what you get.
- 3 points per $1 spent on Air Canada purchases
- 3 points per $1 on groceries
- 3 points per $1 on dining, which includes takeout and eligible delivery services
- 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
And you may be able to earn even more points. You can earn 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend each month on up to $6,000 in purchases. That’s a possible total of 1,500 bonus points each month.
Automatic elite status
If you have the Aeroplan® Card, you’ll automatically be granted Aeroplan 25K Status, an elite rewards status level, when you get your card. Your status is valid the rest of the calendar year that you first have the card as well as the next calendar year. Aeroplan 25K Status members get benefits that include priority check-in, priority boarding and two free checked bags.
When you spend $15,000 on your account each calendar year, your status gets automatically renewed. If you spend $50,000 on your card in a calendar year, you get upgraded to Aeroplan 35K Status.
What else you need to know about the Aeroplan® Card
If you’re considering applying for this card, here are a few other things you may want to know.
- First checked bag is free — You and up to eight of your traveling companions traveling on the same reservation can get a free first checked bag on Air Canada flights.
- No seat restrictions — You can use your points to purchase any seat without having to worry about restrictions.
- TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit — You’ll get a statement credit of up to $100 once every four years if you charge the application fee to your Aeroplan Card.
- Travel perks — Some of the card’s travel benefits include trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement and auto rental collision damage waiver.
- Partner booking fee — If you fly with one of Air Canada’s travel partners, you’ll be required to pay a partner booking fee.
- No fees for purchases abroad — If you plan to use the card internationally, you won’t have to worry about paying any foreign transaction fees.
Understanding your points and redemption
Air Canada points are worth an estimated 1.08 cents each, based on Credit Karma’s point valuations. And since flight rewards are the primary redemption option, you’ll likely get the most value from booking Air Canada flights.
If you don’t have enough points for the flight you want, you can opt to use both points and cash. Points can also be used to make an upgrade offer to a higher cabin class or to purchase in-flight Wi-Fi.
Other redemption options include the following:
- Hotel stays
- Rental cars
- Vacation packages
- Experiences and activities
- Merchandise
- Gift cards
Who the Aeroplan® Card is good for
The Aeroplan® Card may be a good fit if you travel on Air Canada often. The sign-up bonus can help you start building a points balance. Plus, the bonus categories can help you boost that balance — especially if you like to cook and eat out often. And the automatic elite status could be a useful perk, too.
But if you don’t plan to fly Air Canada regularly, a more general travel rewards credit card may be something you want to consider.
Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.
The Aeroplan® Card may not be the best fit for your needs. If that’s the case, consider these other options.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: People who want to transfer points to several travel partners or have the option to redeem points for cash back may prefer this card.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: People who want flexible travel rewards redemption options and a big sign-up bonus may prefer this card.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card may be a good fit for people looking for a straightforward rewards card with a big sign-up bonus.