9 Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada

Earning Structure:

• 3 points per $1 spent on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases
• 2 points per $1 spent on dining and food delivery in Canada
• 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in the first 3 months of card membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $599
• Regular APR: 20.99% purchases / 21.99% cash advances
• Network: American Express
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling on Air Canada flights
• Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America
• Free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to 8 companions
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for flights with Air Canada and Star Alliance partners, as well as for upgrades, hotels, and car rentals.

Credit Requirements:

Generally requires good to excellent credit (FICO 660–724).

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Higher annual fee compared to entry-level cards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers straightforward earning rates and valuable travel perks for those starting to collect Aeroplan points.

Earning Structure:

• 2 points per $1 on Air Canada purchases
• 1.5 points per $1 on eligible dining, grocery, and gas purchases
• 1.25 points per $1 on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 20,000 Aeroplan points after your first purchase, plus an additional 35,000 points when you spend $12,000 within the first 180 days.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $599
• APR: 20.99% purchases; 22.99% cash advances
• Network: Visa Infinite Privilege
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.5%
• Recommended credit score: N/A

Key Benefits:

• Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America
• Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling with Air Canada
• Free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to 8 companions on the same reservation
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage
• NEXUS fee rebate

Redemption Options:

Aeroplan points can be redeemed for flights with Air Canada and Star Alliance partners, as well as hotels, car rentals, and merchandise.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need excellent credit to qualify, with a score of at least 760.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee may not be worth it for those who travel infrequently.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It simplifies earning and redeeming Aeroplan points while offering valuable travel perks for those starting with premium cards.

Earning Structure:

• 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases
• 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible grocery purchases
• 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
• 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 25,000 Aeroplan points after making your first purchase and spending $7,500 within 180 days of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $139 (first-year rebate available)
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.5%
• APR: 21.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Other perks: First checked bag free for up to 8 companions on the same reservation, partial NEXUS fee rebate, and Aeroplan points that never expire while the card is active

Key Benefits:

• Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights for the cardholder and up to eight travel companions
• Access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (with a paid pass)
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage
• Visa Infinite benefits such as concierge service and exclusive offers

Redemption Options:

Aeroplan points can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and merchandise through the Aeroplan program.

Credit Requirements:

Requires good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of at least 660, to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The highest earn rate applies only to select categories, so general spending earns points at a lower rate.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers a simple way to earn Aeroplan points on common purchases with straightforward redemption options.

Earning Structure:

• 1 Aeroplan point for every $1 spent on eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases
• 1 Aeroplan point for every $1 spent on eligible grocery purchases
• 1 Aeroplan point for every $1 spent on eligible Air Canada purchases, including Air Canada Vacations
• 1 Aeroplan point for every $1.50 spent on all other eligible purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase within the first 3 months. Earn an additional 10,000 points when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $89 (waived first year)
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.5%
• APR: 20.99% purchases, 22.99% cash advances
• Other perks: Mobile device insurance, Aeroplan points that never expire while your account is open

Key Benefits:

• Earn Aeroplan points on everyday spending
• Access to Air Canada travel rewards and partner airlines
• Basic travel insurance coverage
• Purchase security and extended warranty protection

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotels, car rentals, and merchandise through Aeroplan.

Credit Requirements:

The card typically requires fair to good credit, with a score of at least 650.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The base earn rate for non-bonus categories is lower than some other travel cards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers a straightforward way to earn and use Aeroplan points without complex rules.

Earning Structure:

• 2 points per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases
• 1.5 points per $1 spent on dining and food delivery in Canada
• 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 30,000 Aeroplan points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of card membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $120
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.5%
• APR: 30% on unpaid balances (charge card)
• Other perks: First checked bag free for up to 9 people on the same Air Canada reservation, preferred pricing on flight rewards, earns Status Qualifying Miles and Segments with spend

Key Benefits:

• Preferred pricing on Air Canada flights for Aeroplan members
• Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights for the cardholder and up to 8 companions
• Access to American Express Experiences and special offers
• No expiry on Aeroplan points as long as the account remains active

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for Air Canada flights, partner airline flights, upgrades, hotels, and car rentals via Aeroplan.

Credit Requirements:

Typically requires good credit, generally a FICO score of 660 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Acceptance of American Express can be lower at some merchants compared to Visa or Mastercard.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The earning rates are simple to understand, and Aeroplan points are easy to redeem for flights and travel rewards.

Earning Structure:

• 1.5x points on gas and electric vehicle charging purchases
• 1.5x points on grocery purchases
• 1.5x points on direct Air Canada purchases, including Air Canada Vacations
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points upon your first purchase and 20,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 4 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $139 (waived first year)
• Regular APR: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.5%
• Insurance: 13 types, including travel medical coverage up to $5 million for trips up to 15 days (3 days if 65+)
• Perks: Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights, Visa Infinite benefits, Aeroplan Family Sharing

Key Benefits:

• Preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards with Air Canada
• Comprehensive travel insurance, including trip interruption and flight delay coverage
• Access to Visa Infinite benefits such as concierge service and exclusive offers
• Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights for the primary cardholder and companions

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, merchandise, and gift cards via Aeroplan.

Credit Requirements:

Typically requires excellent credit, generally a score of 760 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Category bonuses are capped at $80,000 annually; few premium travel perks beyond Air Canada benefits.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It provides a straightforward earning system and valuable travel benefits, simplifying point collection for new Aeroplan members.

Earning Structure:

• 2x points on Air Canada purchases, including Air Canada Vacations
• 1.5x points on gas and electric vehicle charging purchases
• 1.5x points on grocery purchases
• 1.5x points on travel purchases
• 1.5x points on dining purchases
• 1.25x points on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn up to 110,000 Aeroplan points: 20,000 points on your first purchase, 30,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 4 months, and 60,000 points as an anniversary bonus after $25,000 in spending in the first 12 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $599 (up to $139 rebate with a CIBC Smart Plus account)
• Regular APR: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.5%
• Insurance: 13 types, including up to $5 million in travel medical coverage for trips up to 31 days (10 days if 65+)
• Perks: Annual Worldwide Companion Pass, Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority check-in, boarding, and baggage, Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel and Dining Series access

Key Benefits:

• High earn rates on multiple categories
• Exclusive Air Canada travel perks and lounge access
• Ability to reach Aeroplan Elite status faster

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, merchandise, and gift cards through Aeroplan.

Credit Requirements:

Typically requires excellent credit, generally a score of 760 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee may not be worth it for those who travel infrequently.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers straightforward earning rates and flexible redemption options, making it easier to understand and use.

Earning Structure:

• 1x point for every $1 spent on gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, and Air Canada purchases (up to $40,000 annual spend)
• 1x point for every $1.50 spent on all other purchases (and on category purchases above the $40,000 cap)

Welcome Bonus:

Get 10,000 Aeroplan points after your first purchase, which can be worth up to $200 in travel.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Regular APR: 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.5%
• Insurance: Car rental collision and loss damage, purchase security, extended protection, and common carrier travel accident
• Perks: Preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards, Uber Pass trial, earn points twice at Aeroplan partners and through the Aeroplan eStore

Key Benefits:

• Preferred pricing on Air Canada flights
• Access to Air Canada travel offers and promotions
• Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage
• Ability to share points with family through Aeroplan Family Sharing

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, vacation packages, and merchandise through the Aeroplan program.

Credit Requirements:

Generally requires excellent credit, usually a score of 760 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Earning rates are lower for non-bonus categories compared to premium Aeroplan cards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers a low-cost way to start earning Aeroplan points while learning how to use a travel rewards program.

Earning Structure:

• Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging, groceries, and Air Canada travel, with a maximum annual spend of $40,000.
• 1x Aeroplan point for every $1.50 spent on all other purchases, including those exceeding the $40,000 threshold.

Welcome Bonus:

Receive 10,000 Aeroplan points after making your first purchase, which can be redeemed for up to $200 in travel.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 20.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances
• Aeroplan points never expire while you’re a cardholder
• Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and 170+ online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee
• Access to Aeroplan flight rewards
• Purchase security and extended warranty protection
• Ability to build credit history while studying

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and merchandise through Aeroplan.

Credit Requirements:

Available to full-time college or university students in Canada with a credit score of 300–900.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Lower credit limits may apply compared to standard cards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple earning rules, no annual fee, and helps students start collecting travel rewards early.