The new Aeroplan program has launched and with it, there are some new Aeroplan credit cards offers. In total, there are 11 Aeroplan co-branded credit cards offered across CIBC, TD and American Express.
Instead of analyzing all of these cards, this article will show you the best Aeroplan credit cards on offer from each financial institution.
For each card, the main details including the annual fee, welcome bonus, benefits and earning rates will be presented.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa card
Highlights:
- $0 annual fee
- 10,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase
Earning rates:
- 1 Aeroplan point per dollar spent on Air Canada, groceries, and gas.
- 1 Aeroplan point per $1.5 spent on all other purchases.
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa card is the only no annual fee Aeroplan co-branded credit card. It’s currently offering a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points after your first purchase. This is enough points for a short one-way economy flight (say between Montreal and Toronto).
Overall, the earning rates on this card are rather low. You’ll earn 1 Aeroplan point for every dollar spent on flights or vacations with Air Canada, groceries and gas. For all other purchases, you’ll earn 1 point for every $1.5 spent which isn’t as competitive as other Aeroplan credit cards.
Overall, I’d recommend this card to beginners in the Aeroplan program since it offers a bonus of 10,000 points after your first purchase. Plus, your Aeroplan points won’t expire as long as you’re cardholder.
Lastly, you only need an annual income of $15,000 to apply for this no-annual fee card.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card
Highlights:
- $139 annual fee
- 10,000 Aeroplan points upon first purchase
- Another 40,000 Aeroplan points after spending $5,000 in the first 180 days of account opening. (until September 5, 2023).
- Also, earn an extra 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 within 12 months of opening your card. This equates to spending $625/month for 1 year.
- Free first checked bag (up to 9 people on the same reservation) on Air Canada flights.
- Rebate up to $100 every 4 years for a NEXUS border security application.
Earning rates:
- 1.5 Aeroplan point for every $1 spent on gas, grocery and Air Canada purchases.
- 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
For a limited time, 1.5 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent at participating Starbucks® locations. Offer ends November 7, 2021.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card is the best of Aeroplan’s core line of credit cards and has an annual fee of $139. Plus, this card has good sign up bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points after your first purchase and another 40,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months of membership if you apply before September 5, 2023.
In terms of earning rates, this card provides 1.5 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on Air Canada, groceries and gasoline purchases. For all other purchases, it offers 1 point for every dollar spent which is a typical credit card earn rate.
Additional TD card features & perks
On top of what’s been previously mentioned, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card comes with some additional features.
For travellers with luggage, the most alluring benefit would be the free first checked bag on Air Canada flights. This benefit not only extends to primary cardholder but also up to 9 other people travelling on the same flight reservation.
Another great feature for frequent flyers to the U.S. is the $100 CAD rebate (every 4 years) for a NEXUS border security application. The NEXUS card allows for faster Canada-U.S. border crossings for pre-approved travellers and costs $50 USD. So, having this credit card would cover the NEXUS application fee.
Overall, this credit card is best for people who travel with a spouse, partner or friend as the Air Canada Buddy Pass could provide substantial savings. It’s also a great card for those who want free checked luggage with Air Canada flights. Plus, the NEXUS application rebate is great for frequent travellers to the United States.
Lastly, to apply for this card, you’ll need a annual personal income of $60,000 or an annual household income of at least $100,000.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve card
Highlights:
- $599 annual fee (cash back of $100 if you apply via Great Canadian Rebates)
- Earn up to 115,000 bonus Aeroplan points (offer until July 24, 2023).
- Priority check-in, priority boarding and free first checked bag on Air Canada flights
- Complimentary access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge within North America
- Plus many more benefits including the ability to earn Aeroplan elite status.
Earning rates:
- 3 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
- 2 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on dining and food delivery
- 2 Aeroplan points on eligible purchases with the Rocky Mountaineer® train
- 1.25 Aeroplan point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
The Amex Aeroplan Reserve card is the premium Aeroplan-branded credit card, geared towards Air Canada’s frequent flyers. The card’s annual fee is $599.
Currently, the card is offering an impressive welcome bonus of up to 115,000 Aeroplan points (until July 24, 2023) which can be earned as follows:
- 45,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $6,000 in the first three months.
- 7,500 Aeroplan points for each of the first six months in which you spend $2,000 (up to 45,000 points).
- 25,000 Aeroplan points when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of card membership.
Since this card is geared towards frequent Air Canada flyers, the earn rate for Air Canada purchases is an remarkable 3 Aeroplan points per dollar spent.
This card also shines for dining and food delivery purchases allowing you to earn 2 points per dollar spent in those categories.
Finally, for all other purchases it offers only 1.25 point per dollar spent which is slightly higher than other Aeroplan co-branded credit cards.
Additional Amex card features & perks
In addition of what’s been previously mentioned, the Amex Aeroplan Reserve card comes with some additional features. For business or frequent travellers, this card provides priority check-in, priority boarding and a free first checked bag on Air Canada flights.
Plus, with this card, you’ll have free access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges within North America. So, you can relax, use the free Wifi or grab a snack before your flight.
Another great feature for frequent flyers to the U.S. is the $100 CAD rebate (every 4 years) for a NEXUS border security application. The NEXUS card allows for faster Canada-U.S. border crossings for pre-approved travellers and costs $50 USD. So, having this credit card would cover the NEXUS application fee.
Plus with this card, you receive some benefits when traveling on the Rocky Mountaineer train located in the Canadian Rockies. For example, you could receive a complimentary hotel room upgrade, on the first and last night, and a complimentary upgrade from SilverLeaf to GoldLeaf class of service when you book directly with Rocky Mountaineer using your Aeroplan Reserve Card.
Overall, it’s clear that this credit card is best for big spenders and people who fly Air Canada regularly. The priority benefits, free checked luggage, complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge access are sure to please the most eager Air Canada flyers.
There are other benefits to this card including priority benefits at Toronto Pearson International Airport and the ability to fast-track your way to Aeroplan elite status. More information about these benefits can be found on the Amex Aeroplan Reserve card website.
Summary
For any Canadian interested in the new Aeroplan program, it’s certainly worth considering which Aeroplan co-branded credit card is best for you.
Beginners to the Aeroplan program should consider the CIBC Aeroplan Visa card. This no-annual fee card offers a bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points after your first purchase. Although, this card doesn’t offer as many benefits as the more premium Aeroplan credit cards.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card is best for those who travel with a partner or in groups. It offers 1 free checked luggage for the primary cardholder and up to 9 additional travellers on the same itinerary. Plus, this card is offering a bonus of up to 50,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 180 days. But hurry, this promo offer ends on September 5, 2023.
Finally, the best credit card for those that travel regularly with Air Canada would be the Amex Aeroplan Reserve card. Although the annual fee is high, you can earn $100 if you apply for the card via GCR. Plus, there are many perks associated to this card including free checked luggage, priority benefits and Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America.
Which Aeroplan co-branded credit card is best for you? Let me know in the comments below.
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