Aeroplan is Air Canada’s popular loyalty program. The affiliated credit cards earn Canadians valuable rewards, travel savings, and priority benefits. These cards offer signup bonuses worth thousands, accelerated earn rates, and privileges like free checked bags when flying Air Canada.
However, with premium cards featuring high annual fees, it’s important to pick the right Aeroplan card for your needs. This guide will compare the top Aeroplan cards in Canada and detail their rewards, benefits, and eligibility to help you maximize value.
We have categorized your best options across premium, core, and entry-level Aeroplan cards. This helps you find the best option depending on your priorities and constraints.
Best Premium Aeroplan Card
| Fee | Earn Rate* | Welcome Bonus | |
| American Express® Aeroplan® Reserve Card | $599 | 2.5% – 6% | Up to 90,000 Aeroplan points ($1,800 value) |
| TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card | $599 | 2.5% – 4% | Up to 100,000 Aeroplan points ($2,000 value) |
| CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card | $599 (discount available) | 2.5% – 4% | Up to 110,000 Aeroplan points ($2,200 value) |
Best Core Aeroplan Card
| Fee | Earn Rate* | Welcome Bonus | |
| American Express® Aeroplan® Card | $120 | 2% – 4% | Up to 40,000 Aeroplan points ($800 value) |
| TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card | $139 (waived first year) | 2% – 3% | Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points ($1,000 value) |
| CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card | $139 (waived first year) | 2% – 3% | Up to 30,000 Aeroplan points ($600 value) |
Best Entry-Level Aeroplan Cards
| Fee | Earn Rate* | Welcome Bonus | |
| CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Card | $0 | 1.33% – 2% | 10,000 Aeroplan points ($200) |
| TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum Credit Card | $89 (waived first year) | 1.33% – 2% | Up to 20,000 points ($500) |
Best Premium Aeroplan Credit Cards
Premium Aeroplan credit cards maximize rewards but have high annual fees. Cardholders can earn up to 3x points (6%) on Air Canada purchases and enjoy exclusive benefits such as lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, and an annual companion voucher.
These cards also provide comprehensive travel insurance coverage. Applicants typically need good credit (660+) and a high individual or household income of over $150,000 to be eligible. They are generally only worthwhile for heavy spenders or welcome bonus enthusiasts.
American Express® Aeroplan® Reserve Card
This card earns the highest points on our list. It also has a significant sign-up bonus and comprehensive travel benefits, aligning well with frequent travellers’ needs. The downside is the sky-high annual fee, although outpaced by the $1,800 welcome bonus. However, airport lounge access and priority Air Canada treatment justify the fee for frequent jet-setters.
- Annual Fee: $599
- Purchase Rate: 20.99%
- Cash Advance Rate: 21.99%
- Travel Benefits: comprehensive travel insurance, Maple Leaf Lounge access, Priority Pass membership, free first checked bag, priority check-in and boarding, Avis President’s Club, NEXUS statement credit, Aeroplan status lift, companion pass.
- Earn Rate:
- 3x points (6%) on Air Canada
- 2x points (4%) on dining and food delivery
- 1.25x points (2.5%) on everything else.
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 90,000 Aeroplan points ($1,800 value); 10,000 with two additional cards, 7,500 for each month exceeding $2,000 in spending (45,000 limit), and 35,000 when spending over $6,000 between months 13 to 16.
- Eligibility: N/A income, 660+ credit score.
- Additional Benefits: American Express Experiences, purchase protection, and extended warranty.
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card offers a similar experience to the Amex counterpart. Its primary difference is a slightly larger welcome bonus and a more accepted card network. Its hefty annual fee encompasses a $2,000 welcome bonus, strong insurance coverage, and airport lounge access.
- Annual Fee: $599
- Purchase Rate: 20.99%
- Cash Advance Rate: 22.99%
- Travel Benefits: Comprehensive travel insurance, Maple Leaf Lounge access, DragonPass membership, NEXUS rebate, rental car discounts, companion voucher, free first checked bag, priority check-in and boarding, Avis President’s Club, Aeroplan status lift.
- Earn Rate:
- 2x points (4%) on Air Canada
- 1.5x points (3%) on gas groceries, travel, and dining
- 1.25x (2.5%) on everything else
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 100,000 Aeroplan points ($2,000 value); 20,000 points with first purchase, 50,000 points exceeding $7,500 within 180 days, and 30,000 points after spending $12,000 within the first 12 months.
- Eligibility: $150,000 personal income or $200,000 household income, 660+ credit score.
- Extra Features: 50% more points at Starbucks, enhanced points at partner brands. purchase security and extended warranty.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card offers the largest welcome bonus, reaching $2,200 in value. However, the card also has high spending requirements to achieve it. The card is similar to TD, with strong earning potential and premium privileges like lounge access. It offers a slight discount for those who bank with CIBC.
- Annual Fee: $599 (discounted with CIBC Smart Plus account)
- Purchase Rate: 20.99%
- Cash Advance Rate: 22.99%
- Travel Benefits: Comprehensive travel insurance, Maple Leaf Lounge access, Visa Airport Companion, NEXUS rebate, companion voucher, free first checked bag, priority check-in and boarding, Avis President’s Club, Aeroplan status lift.
- Earn Rate:
- 2x points (4%) on Air Canada
- 1.5x points (3%) on gas, EV charging, groceries, travel, and dining
- 1.25x points (2.5%) on everything else
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 110,000 Aeroplan points ($2,200 value). Get 20,000 points with your first purchase, 30,000 points when you spend $6,000 during the first 4 months, and 60,000 points when you spend $25,000 in first 12 months.
- Eligibility: $150,000 personal or $200,000 household income, 760+ credit score.
- Extra Features: Journie rewards, purchase security and extended warranty.
Best Core Aeroplan Credit Cards
The core Aeroplan cards are best for the average Canadian, as they balance rewards with affordability. These cards have moderate annual fees and offer welcome bonuses of around 30,000 to 50,000 points.
With earn rates of up to 2x points on bonus categories and perks such as a free checked bag, these cards are a great choice for frequent travellers who want rewards and protection without the higher costs associated with premium cards.
The downside is that these cards don’t offer airport lounge access, although comparable travel credit cards do at this price point. Furthermore, their travel insurance doesn’t include emergency medical coverage.
American Express®Aeroplan® Card
Amongst core cards, the American Express Aeroplan Card provides strong rewards for frequent travellers without stringent income requirements like some competitor cards. It also provides standard benefits such as moderate travel insurance and a free checked bag. However, as a charge card, it has a high interest rate. Cardholders should avoid carrying a monthly balance.
- Annual Fee: $120
- Purchase Rate: 30%
- Cash Advance Rate: N/A
- Travel Benefits: moderate travel insurance, complimentary checked bag, Aeroplan status lift
- Earn Rate:
- 2x points (4%) on Air Canada
- 1.5x points (3%) on dining and food delivery
- 1x point (2%) on everything else
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 40,000 Aeroplan points ($800 value); 3,000 points per month if you exceed $1,000 (30,000 maximum), additional 10,000 points for purchasing between months 14-17.
- Eligibility: No specific income requirements, 660+ credit score
- Extra Features: Purchase protection and extended warranty, American Express Experiences
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card
With a generous welcome bonus, no annual fee for the first year, and useful Air Canada benefits like a free checked bag, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card offers strong rewards for moderate-income travellers. The downside is the enhanced earn rate only applies to Air Canada purchases. As such, cardholders won’t maximize rewards on everyday spending
- Annual Fee: $139 (waived first year)
- Purchase Rate: 20.99%
- Cash Advance Rate: 22.99%
- Travel Benefits: Travel insurance, free checked bag, NEXUS rebate, Aeroplan status lift
- Earn Rate:
- 1.5x points (3%) on Air Canada
- 1x point (2%) on everything else
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points ($1,000 value); 10,000 with first purchase, 25,000 after exceeding $5,000 in six months, and 15,000 after spending $7,500 within the first 12 months.
- Eligibility: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income, 660+ credit score
- Extra Features: Rental car discounts, 50% more points at Starbucks, enhanced points at partner brands
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card offers a generous welcome bonus, first year free, and Air Canada privileges like a free checked bag, making it a strong option for moderate-income travellers seeking rewards. Its earn rate exceeds the TD equivalent on everyday spending, making it a better long-term option.
- Annual Fee: $139 (waived first year with CIBC Smart Plus Account)
- Purchase Rate: 20.99%
- Cash Advance Rate: 22.99%
- Travel Benefits: Travel insurance, free checked bag, Visa Infinite offers, Aeroplan status lift
- Earn Rate:
- 1.5x points (3%) on gas, EV charging, groceries, and Air Canada
- 1x point (2%) on everything else
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 30,000 Aeroplan points ($600 value); 10,000 with first purchase, 10,000 after exceeding $4,000 in the first four months, and 10,000 after exceeding $15,000 in the first 12 months.
- Eligibility: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income, 760+ credit score
- Extra Features: Journie gas rewards, rental car discounts, Avis preferred plus membership
Best Entry-Level Aeroplan Cards
The entry-tier Aeroplan cards are designed for individuals new Aeroplan, offering the opportunity to earn points without high fees. These cards have low or no annual fees and provide smaller welcome bonuses, usually 10,000 to 20,000 points. With earn rates of 1x point per dollar spent, basic insurance protections, and accessible income requirements, these entry-level Aeroplan cards are ideal for occasional travellers.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Card
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card is the only no-fee option, making it the best choice for students or those wanting to dabble in Aeroplan. The reduced income requirement makes it accessible to the average Canadian. However, it offers a strong welcome bonus and surprising insurance for a no-fee credit card.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Purchase Rate: 20.99%
- Cash Advance Rate: 22.99%
- Travel Benefits: Basic insurance
- Earn Rate:
- 1x point (2%) on gas, EV charging, groceries, and Air Canada
- 0.67x points (1.33%) on everything else
- Welcome Bonus: 10,000 Aeroplan points ($200) on first purchase
- Eligibility: $15,000 household income, 760+ credit score
- Extra Features: Purchase security and extended warranty
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum Credit Card
For a higher annual fee, the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card offers slightly enhanced benefits. This materializes as more robust insurance coverage and a higher welcome bonus than the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card.
- Annual Fee: $89 (waived first year)
- Purchase Rate: 20.99%
- Cash Advance Rate: 22.99%
- Travel Benefits: Moderate travel insurance
- Card Earn Rate:
- 1x point (2%) on Air Canada
- 0.67x points (1.33%) on everything else
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 20,000 points ($500); 10,000 with first purchase, 10,000 when exceeding $1,000 within 90 days of account opening
- Eligibility: N/A Income, 660+ credit score
- Extra Features: Enhanced points at Aeroplan partners, 50% more rewards at Starbucks, rental car discounts, purchase protection and extended warranty
Looking for the best credit card options?
Pros Of Aeroplan Credit Cards
- Earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases
- First-year annual fee is generally waived on core cards
- Generous signup bonuses
- Potential free checked bags lounge access, and priority services
- Potential Travel insurance and purchase protections
- Stopovers allowed on international itineraries
Cons Of Aeroplan Credit Cards
- High annual fees on premium cards
- Limited flexibility – points only transferable to airline partners
- Dynamic award pricing – peak pricing requires more points
- Lower value non-flight redemptions – merchandise and gift cards offer lower cents per point value
- Foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad
- Requires frequent Air Canada travel to maximize privileges and elite boosts
- Points can expire if the account is inactive for 18 months
How Do Aeroplan Points Work?
Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program. Members earn points through flights and spending on Aeroplan credit cards. Once earned, Aeroplan points are commonly redeemed for flights on Air Canada or Star Alliance.
Members can also use conversion programs to transfer points to various hospitality networks such as Hilton Honours. Alternatively, you can redeem points on merchandise, statement credits, and more. However, as with most point programs, travel-related redemptions tend to maximize the value of your hard-earned points.
Value Of Aeroplan Points
Aeroplan points dynamically change in value but average two cents per point. This means you can waste your hard-earned points on an improper redemption. As such, always be vigilant to ensure you are redeeming Aeroplan points at a reasonable value.
This is commonly done by comparing the amount of points required with the cost of your flight using a site like Expedia. For example, assume your round-trip flight costs 10,000 points, or $500 on Expedia. Redeeming through points values them at five cents per point (=500/10,000). This scenario exceeds the average rate of two cents per point, so it is a strong redemption.
How To Choose The Best Aeroplan Card
Choosing the best Aeroplan credit card depends on your needs and travel habits. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Annual Fee – Ensure the rewards and benefits justify the annual fee. Although premium cards offer enhanced earn rates, you’ll likely only profit as a heavy spender, given their hefty annual fees.
- Welcome Bonus – Compare signup bonuses across their minimum spending requirements. Ideally, you can comfortably exceed the threshold. Additionally, front-loaded welcome bonuses are more favourable.
- Earn Rates – Find a card with bonus categories that align with your spending habits.
- Air Canada Privileges – Cards with free checked bags, lounge access, and priority services are ideal for frequent Air Canada flyers.
- Insurance Coverage – Review what’s included. Premium cards have the most comprehensive coverage, including travel health insurance.
- Income and Credit Requirements – Some cards require excellent credit 700+ and high income. Others are more accessible.
Bottom Line
Aeroplan credit cards provide great rewards value for Air Canada loyalists through generous signup bonuses, strong category bonuses, and privileges. However, the value diminishes for those not wedded to the airline. With high annual fees on premium cards, be sure to pick one that aligns with your travel habits and budget.
Understanding point value and redemption tips can help maximize rewards. Overall, Aeroplan cards offer outstanding earn-and-burn potential for strategic Canadians.
