Find the best Aeroplan credit cards
Natasha Macmillan, Business Unit Director - Everyday Banking
October 22, 2024
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Compare Aeroplan credit cards in Canada
Aeroplan FAQ
What is Aeroplan?
Aeroplan is one of the largest and most popular airline loyalty programs in the country with over five million active loyalty members. First launched in 1984, the program was completely revamped in 2020 and is currently under the helm of Air Canada.
As a member of Aeroplan, you’ll earn Aeroplan points which can be redeemed for flights on Air Canada (and 26 partner airlines) to over 1,300 destinations as well as a mix of other rewards including merchandise, hotel stays, vacation packages, gift cards, and rental cars.
How much are Aeroplan points worth?
The average dollar value of 1 Aeroplan point is approximately $0.0144 (or 1.44 cents) when redeemed for travel, according to Ratehub.ca’s calculations. We arrived at this average by running the numbers for 35 round-trip economy flights departing from Canada to multiple destinations across the world at different times of the year.
The truth is, however, Aeroplan points aren’t fixed and can vary quite considerably depending on the particular destination you’re travelling to, whether you’re flying economy, business or first-class, as well as when you’re flying (e.g. during high-or-low demand seasons).
You can redeem Aeroplan points for gift cards and merchandise too, though points values will be considerably lower versus if you redeemed for travel. For instance, you’ll get about $0.0071 (or 0.71 cents) per point when redeeming for retail gift cards and potentially even less when redeeming for merchandise like jewellery or kitchenware.
How do you earn Aeroplan points?
You can earn Aeroplan points in one of two key ways.
Either as an Aeroplan loyalty member, in which case you’ll earn points only when booking flights on Air Canada and a Star Alliance Member airline or when shopping in-store at select retailers partnered with the program or online from the Aeroplan e-store.
The other, far more lucrative method is as a holder of a co-branded Aeroplan credit card. TD, CIBC, and American Express all issue co-branded Aeroplan credit cards.
What can you redeem Aeroplan points for?
You can redeem Aeroplan points for:
- Flights to over 1,300 destinations worldwide
- Hotel stays
- Car rentals
- Vacation packages
- Merchandise
- Gift cards
Which airlines are affiliated with the Aeroplan program?
Aeroplan points can be redeemed for any flight on Air Canada, as well as on over two dozen airlines that make up the Star Alliance network, including:
- United Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Air China
- Virgin Australia
- Air India
- Austrian Airline
- Etihad
- And more
Does Aeroplan have blackout dates?
No, Aeroplan doesn’t have blackout dates.
Can you transfer Aeroplan points between loyalty programs?
Yes, Aeroplan points can be transferred to a number of other popular points programs (and vice versa), including:
- American Express Membership Rewards:
- 1,000 points = 1,000 Aeroplan points
- Marriott Bonvoy:
- 3 points = 1 Aeroplan point (plus, get an extra 5,000 Aeroplan points when you convert at least 60,000 points)
- Best Western Rewards:
- 5 points = 1 Aeroplan point
- Hilton Honours:
- 10,000 points = 1,000 Aeroplan points
Can Aeroplan points be used retroactively?
Unfortunately not. While some loyalty programs allow you to purchase flight tickets on your card and apply your points at a later date as a statement credit, Aeroplan points must be redeemed as you’re booking your flight and not any later.
Can Aeroplan points be used to pay for taxes and fees?
Yes, you can use points (or a combination of points and cash) to pay off the entire cost of the travel booking, including taxes and fees.
Do Aeroplan miles expire?
No, your Aeroplan points don’t have a fixed expiry date as long as you have an Aeroplan credit card.
If you’re simply an Aeroplan loyalty member but don’t carry a co-branded credit card, your points will expire if there’s been no activity on your account over a consecutive 18 month period. To ensure your Aeroplan points never expire, make sure you earn, redeem, donate, or transfer your Aeroplan points at least once every 18 months.
Are Aeroplan points refundable?
Yes, a flight booked on Aeroplan points can be cancelled or changed up to two hours before the departure date. However, there may be cancellation and change fees you’ll need to factor for.
Changing a flight can cost anywhere from $25-$100 depending on whether you book a standard or flex ticket. Meanwhile, a full cancellation/refund may result in a fee of between $75 to $175. Generally, cancellation fees will be lower if you request the changes online from aircanada.com versus calling over the phone via the program’s Contact Centre. More details here.
Aeroplan is Air Canada’s frequent flyer program and one of the most popular airline loyalty programs in Canada with over 5 million active members. Many credit card providers like CIBC, TD, and American Express offer a variety of different Aeroplan credit cards that'll earn points on all your everyday purchases.
Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program, where members can redeem points for flight rewards, merchandise, and discounts on hotel stays and car rentals. The best Aeroplan credit cards also offer valuable perks and benefits like travel insurance coverage, NEXUS rebates, companion passes, free checked bags, and lounge access.
We have listed below our choices for the best Aeroplan credit card in Canada.
Best Aeroplan credit card
Best for Groceries & dining
based on spending $2,200/mo after $156 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt – 5pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
15,000 points (a $150 value)
- Annual fee
$156
Perks of the American Express Cobalt® Card
| Perks | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge access | Not included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
| Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
| Travel accident insurance | $250,000 | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
| Travel emergency medical | $5,000,000 for first 15 days (under 65) | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
| Car rental insurance | MSRP of up to $85,000, for 48 days | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
| Trip cancellation | Not included | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
| Trip interruption | Not included | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
| Flight delay insurance | $500; delays 4 hours or more | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
| Baggage loss insurance | $500 per trip for all persons | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
| Baggage delay insurance | $500; delays 6 hours or more | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
| Hotel/motel burglary | Included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
| Mobile insurance | Up to $1,000 for 90 days | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
| Purchase assurance | Up to $1,000 for 90 days | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
| Extended warranty | Up to one additional year | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
| Price protection | Included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- In your first year as a new Cobalt Cardmember, you can earn 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in net purchases on your Card. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year. That’s up to $150 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets
- Earn 5x the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.
- Earn 3X the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
- Earn 2X the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada
- Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online
- Earn 1X point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else
- Enjoy access to hotel bookings, a room upgrade (when available), 12pm check-in and late check-out (when available), and up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
- Cobalt Cardmembers receive regular Perks such as bonus reward offers and access to great events
- Access Front Of The Line® Amex Presale & Reserved Tickets to some of your favourite concerts and theatre performances and special offers and events curated for Cardmembers with Amex ExperiencesTM
- 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.
Ratehub’s take
The American Express Cobalt is one of Canada’s best travel credit cards. If you’re looking for a versatile credit card that rewards both everyday spending and travel, the American Express Cobalt is an ideal choice. Cardholders can enjoy strong travel insurance, a generous welcome offer, and flexible point redemption options.
Pros
- Exceptional point earning: 5x the points on eligible restaurant and food delivery, 3x the points on eligible streaming services, 2x the points on ride shares, transit and gas. The earning potential for restaurants and takeout is significantly higher than most other cards
- Flexible point redemption: Travelers can choose from three ways to use their points: points 1:1 to several valuable loyalty programs including Aeroplan, use the Fixed Points Program to simplify redemptions regardless of travel dates, or use points for statement credits at a rate of 1 point = 1 cent. Or, redeem Membership Rewards for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or purchases
- Exclusive access: Enjoy privileges such as Front of the Line Presale and Reserved tickets to concerts, theatre performances, movie screenings, culinary events, and other special offers
- Comprehensive travel insurance: Benefit from a strong travel insurance package, including up to $5,000,000 in travel emergency medical
- No additional fee for authorized users: Add authorized users for no extra cost (an average fee of $30-50 on other comparable cards)
Cons
- Monthly fee: A monthly fee of $12.99 (totalling an annual fee of $156, which is higher than most other rewards cards)
- Limited acceptance: American Express isn’t as widely accepted in Canada compared to Visa and Mastercard
- Travel insurance age limitations: The travel insurance package does not cover trip cancellation or medical coverage for cardholders over the age of 65
- Lack of airport lounge access: Frequent travellers may be disappointed as this card does not offer access to airport lounges
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 725
Minimum income: N/A
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 21.99%
Cash advance: 21.99%
Balance transfer: N/A
Ratehub.ca's take
The American Express Cobalt offers an industry-leading five times the points (valued at $0.01 per dollar) on eligible restaurants and food delivery purchases, three times the points on eligible streaming services, and twice the points on ride shares, daily transit and gas, meaning you can quickly rack up travel points if you frequently spend in these areas. Cardholders can transfer their Amex membership rewards points to other airline partners including Aeroplan. The high points earn rate is why we’ve selected the Cobalt as the top Aeroplan credit card, because the earn rate is much higher than any Aeroplan-branded credit card on this list.
Best Aeroplan branded credit card
Best for Aeroplan Points
based on spending $2,200/mo after $139 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt – 1.5pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
25,000 points (a $360 value)
- Anniversary bonus
25,000 points (a $360 value)
- Annual fee
$139 $0 first year waived
Perks of the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
| Perks | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge access | Not included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
| Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
| Travel accident insurance | Included | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
| Travel emergency medical | Included | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
| Car rental insurance | Included | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
| Trip cancellation | Included | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
| Trip interruption | Included | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
| Flight delay insurance | Included | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
| Baggage loss insurance | Included | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
| Baggage delay insurance | Included | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
| Hotel/motel burglary | Not included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
| Mobile insurance | Included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
| Purchase assurance | Included | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
| Extended warranty | Included | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
| Price protection | Not included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- Earn up to $1,500 in value†, including up to 50,000 Aeroplan points†, no Annual Fee for the first year† and additional travel benefits. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.
- 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 $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening†
- Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
- Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate†
- Plus, share free first checked bags with up to 8 travel companions†
- Get an annual fee rebate for the first year†.
- 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 by January 6, 2025.
- Earn Aeroplan Points on your everyday purchases
- Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, 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 170+ 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 Infinite* Cardholder in good standing.
- Earn big rewards on the little things: Earn 50% more Aeroplan Points and 50% more Stars at participating Starbucks® stores. Simply link your TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card to your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions apply.
- Travel with confidence with Travel Medical Insurance†
- Complimentary Visa Infinite* Concierge service† available 24/7
- †Terms and conditions apply.
- Financial institutions pay us for connecting them with customers, including by paying for advertisements, clicks, or when someone applies for/is approved for a product. Terms and conditions apply between you and the provider of the product – please be sure to review them. Product information and details vary for Quebec. The content provided on our site is for information only; it is not meant to be relied on or used in lieu of advice from a professional. Partners/Advertisers are not responsible for the accuracy of information on our site. However, not all products we list are tied to compensation for us. Our industry-leading education centres and calculators are available 24/7, free of charge, and with no obligation to purchase. To learn more, visit our About us page.
Ratehub’s take
For Aeroplan clients and frequent Air Canada fliers, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card offers exceptional benefits for earning more points to redeem on airline travel.
Pros
- Aeroplan redemption: Redeem Aeroplan points for flights on Air Canada or over 27 Star Alliance member airlines, including United Airlines and Lufthansa, to name a few
- Air Canada perks: Access Air Canada perks, including the first bag checked free for the primary cardholder and up to eight travel companions, potentially saving up to $30 per traveller on flights across Canada and the US. Plus, earn credits towards achieving elite airline status
- Nexus Membership reimbursement: Receive up to $100 in Nexus Membership reimbursements every 48 months, making for smoother cross-border travel within Canada or to the US
- Comprehensive travel insurance: Enjoy a strong travel insurance package, including up to 21 days of out-of-province/country medical emergency coverage, flight delay insurance, lost/delayed baggage insurance, and even hotel/motel burglary insurance for stays within the US and Canada
- Double Aeroplan points: Get double the Aeroplan points when using this card along with your Aeroplan card at participating retailers
Cons
- Annual fee: The card’s annual fee is $139, which is slightly higher than the $120 typically found on comparable rewards cards
- Complex points program: The Aeroplan points program isn’t the most straightforward, and it can take some effort to understand how to best maximize points. Note that Aeroplan points can only be redeemed on Air Canada and Star Alliance Members
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 660
Minimum income: $60,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.99%
Cash advance: 22.99%
Balance transfer: 22.99%
Ratehub.ca's take
Aeroplan clients and frequent Air Canada fliers searching for a card to help them earn more on travel should look no further than the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite. Users can earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent on eligible gas, grocery, and direct through Air Canada purchases (including Air Canada Vacations) and 1 point per dollar on everything else. It should be noted that this earn rate is lower than other generic travel cards including the Cobalt card, and there is less flexibility because you can’t transfer your points to other travel programs. However, Aeroplan credit card holders can also get preferred pricing - meaning fewer points or dollars are required to book flights. You can also get double the Aeroplan points when using this card with your Aeroplan membership number at participating retailers.
Best no fee Aeroplan credit card
based on spending $2,200/mo after $0 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1pt / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
10,000 points (a $100 value)
- Annual fee
$0
Perks of the American Express® Green Card
| Perks | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge access | Not included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
| Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
| Travel accident insurance | Not included | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
| Travel emergency medical | Not included | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
| Car rental insurance | Not included | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
| Trip cancellation | Not included | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
| Trip interruption | Not included | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
| Flight delay insurance | Not included | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
| Baggage loss insurance | Not included | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
| Baggage delay insurance | Not included | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
| Hotel/motel burglary | Not included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
| Mobile insurance | Not included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
| Purchase assurance | Up to $1,000 within 90 days | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
| Extended warranty | Up to one additional year | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
| Price protection | Included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- Get the Card that lets you live in the moment while getting ready for the future
- The American Express® Green Card lets you go for it with every swipe or tap of your Card
- As a new American Express® Green Cardmember, you can earn a Welcome Bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards® points when you charge $1,000 in purchases to your Card in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. That’s $100 towards groceries or concert tickets.
- Earn 1x the points on Card purchases
- Charge an eligible purchase to your Card and redeem your Membership Rewards points for a statement credit (All eligible purchases: 1,000 points = $10 statement credit)
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
- With Amex ExperiencesTM and Front Of The Line® Amex Presale Tickets, American Express Cardmembers get access to amazing events in Canada
- 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. Conditions apply
Ratehub’s take
The American Express Green Card takes the crown for best no-fee travel credit card due to its attractive welcome bonus, quickly-earned points on travel purchases, easy redemption, and other travel-related perks.
Pros
- No annual fee: Enjoy the card’s travel benefits without an annual fee
- Double points on travel: Effectively double your points when booking travel through American Express Travel
- Flexible redemption options: Redeem points for travel, gift cards, merchandise, everyday purchases, or eligible purchases at Amazon.ca
- Transferable points: Transfer your points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and loyalty programs like Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy, making it easier to save on flights and accommodations while abroad
Cons
- Low standard earn rate: The standard earn rate of one point per $1 may not be as competitive as other no-fee rewards cards
- Limited insurance coverage: The insurance package includes extended warranty and purchase protection only, lacking some travel coverage offered by other no-fee credit cards
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 725
Minimum income: N/A
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 21.99%
Cash advance: 21.99%
Balance transfer: N/A
Ratehub.ca's take
The American Express Green Card takes our prize for best no-fee aeroplan credit card due to its healthy welcome bonus, point accelerator for travel purchases, redemption flexibility and great perks. Cardholders earn one point per dollar which can be doubled when booking travel expenses through American Express Travel. You can also transfer your points to travel loyalty programs including Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy. Users can choose to cash in their points on travel (booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program), gift cards and merchandise through Membership Rewards, groceries and other everyday purchases through Pay with Points, or eligible purchases at Amazon.ca. The points earn rate on this card is relatively low for a travel credit card, but you’ll save on the annual fee.
Best Visa Aeroplan credit card
based on spending $2,200/mo after $599 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1.25pts – 2pts / dollar spent
- Welcome bonus
50,000 points (a $720 value)
- Anniversary bonus
30,000 points (a $432 value)
- Annual fee
$599
Perks of the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
| Perks | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge access | Included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
| Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
| Travel accident insurance | Included | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
| Travel emergency medical | Included | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
| Car rental insurance | Included | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
| Trip cancellation | Included | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
| Trip interruption | Included | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
| Flight delay insurance | Included | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
| Baggage loss insurance | Included | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
| Baggage delay insurance | Included | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
| Hotel/motel burglary | Included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
| Mobile insurance | Included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
| Purchase assurance | Included | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
| Extended warranty | Included | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
| Price protection | Not included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- Earn up to $2,900 in value† including up to 80,000 Aeroplan points (enough for a round trip to Honolulu†) and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.
- Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card†
- Earn an additional 30,000 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†
- Additional Travel Benefits
- Enroll for NEXUS and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate†
- 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†
- Earn Aeroplan Points on your everyday purchases
- Take advantage of an extensive suite of travel insurance.
- Get access to Priority Airport Services† like Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage Handling, and Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades†.
- 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 spent on eligible gas, grocery, travel 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 170+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
- †Terms and conditions apply.
- Financial institutions pay us for connecting them with customers, including by paying for advertisements, clicks, or when someone applies for/is approved for a product. Terms and conditions apply between you and the provider of the product – please be sure to review them. Product information and details vary for Quebec. The content provided on our site is for information only; it is not meant to be relied on or used in lieu of advice from a professional. Partners/Advertisers are not responsible for the accuracy of information on our site. However, not all products we list are tied to compensation for us. Our industry-leading education centres and calculators are available 24/7, free of charge, and with no obligation to purchase. To learn more, visit our About us page.
Ratehub’s take
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege is a premium travel rewards card that will get you access to airport lounges around the world, faster access to Aeroplan Elite Status, priority boarding and more. You’ll have to pay for these benefits with the high annual fee, but it might be worth the price for frequent fliers who appreciate luxury.
Pros
- Generous bonuses: Get both a generous welcome bonus and an anniversary bonus to multiply your Aeroplan rewards points (conditions apply)
- Travel insurance: Strong travel insurance package including travel medical and trip cancellation/interruption
- Wide array of travel perks: an annual round-trip companion pass from $99, free access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges in Canada or the United States, priority airport check-in and baggage handling, and an annual fee rebate for NEXUS can every 48 months (up to $100 CAD).
Cons
- Annual fee: Steep annual fee of $599 can be too pricey for some users. However, the amount of perks and benefits offered make it well worth it for the right cardholder
- Mostly suited for loyal Air Canada customers: Those who fly other airlines or want more flexibility may want to look elsewhere
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 660
Minimum income: $150,000/yr
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 20.99%
Cash advance: 22.99%
Balance transfer: 22.99%
Ratehub.ca's take
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege offers a higher earn rate than other Aeroplan-branded credit cards, and premium perks like airport lounge access - for a premium price. The 599 annual fee is steep, but for the travel benefits you get with the card, it might be worth it. With this card, you can earn two points per $1 on all purchases direct through Air Canada (including Air Canada Vacations), 1.5 points on eligible gas, grocery, travel, and dining, plus 1.25 points on everything else. That means that even if you decide not to book your travel through Air Canada, you’ll still earn bonus points (albeit slightly less). But the real draw of this card is in its wide array of travel perks: an annual round-trip companion pass from $99, wait for your flight in comfort with free, unlimited access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges at any airport in Canada or the United States, enjoy priority airport check-in and baggage handling (plus other airport upgrades), and reach Aeroplan Elite Status much quicker by earning 1,000 status qualifying miles and one status qualifying segment for every $5,000 spent on the card. Those who sign up for NEXUS can also get an annual fee rebate every 48 months (up to $100 CAD).
Best Aeroplan credit card for business
based on spending $2,200/mo after $599 annual fee
- Earn rewards
1.25pts – 3pts / dollar spent
- Annual fee
$599
Perks of the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card
| Perks | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge access | Included | You’ll gain complimentary passes to airport lounges. The number of passes and lounges you have access to will vary. |
| Waived foreign transaction fees | Not included | A surcharge that credit card holders pay for purchases made in a foreign currency (typically 2.5%). |
| Travel accident insurance | Included | If you suffer a loss as a result of an accidental bodily injury sustained while occupying a common carrier, you are eligible for this coverage. |
| Travel emergency medical | Included | If you require urgent medical care while on a trip outside of your home province, you will be covered for any eligible medical expenses incurred. |
| Car rental insurance | Included | Credit card rental car insurance usually covers theft, loss and damage to your rental car in the case of an accidental collision. |
| Trip cancellation | Included | If you have to cancel your trip before it’s even started, your prepaid travel costs will be covered up to a maximum amount if the cause of cancellation is eligible for the insurance. |
| Trip interruption | Included | If your trip has to be cut short or is delayed after the scheduled departure date, you will be covered up to a maximum amount for an eligible cause of interruption or delay. |
| Flight delay insurance | Included | If your flight departure is delayed by a certain number of hours, you’ll be reimbursed a certain amount for necessary and reasonable expenses. |
| Baggage loss insurance | Included | If your checked bag cannot be located by a common carrier, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the replacement cost of lost personal property. |
| Baggage delay insurance | Included | If your checked bag is not delivered within a specified time upon your arrival, you’ll be reimbursed for the cost to replace essential items. |
| Hotel/motel burglary | Included | Provides protection, while you’re checked in, for your personal belongings when left unattended in your room up to a certain dollar amount. |
| Mobile insurance | Not included | Reimburses a portion of your cell phone in the event it’s damaged or lost. Device coverage is limited to a certain period of time after purchasing with your credit card. |
| Purchase assurance | Included | Automatically protects new purchases by insuring them for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of loss, theft or damage. |
| Extended warranty | Included | Either doubles the length of the item’s manufacturer’s warranty coverage or extends it by 1 year, whichever is less. |
| Price protection | Included | If, within a certain amount of time of purchasing an item, its price drops or you find an identical item offered for a lower retail price than what you paid, you will be reimbursed for the difference. |
Other perks
- Earn up to 90,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points.
- Earn 65,000 Aeroplan points after spending $10,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months.
- Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,500 in purchases in month 13.
- Earn Aeroplan points that you can redeem in a variety of ways.
- Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations®*, 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible hotels and car rentals.
- Earn 1.25 points for every $1 spent on everything else.
- Make the most out of a full suite of business management tools that give you more control over your business – anytime and anywhere.
- Leverage your cash flow with the option of carrying a balance or paying in full each month
- Control employee expenses plus track and accumulate points on your account with Employee Cards, so you have an opportunity to maximize the points you earn.
- Unlock business travel possibilities to make every work trip one to look forward to.
- Access more than 1,200 Priority Pass™ airport lounges around the globe. That means an oasis of comfort before your flight—regardless of your choice of airline or cabin class
- Enjoy access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges™ for you and a guest, and Air Canada Café™; in North America, with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance®* flight
- Enjoy Priority Check-In, Priority Boarding, and Priority Baggage Handling when you fly with Air Canada, together with up to eight companions
- 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)
- Stay focused on getting where you need to go. Receive up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four years when NEXUS application or renewal fees are charged to your Aeroplan Business Reserve Card.
- Pay with your American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card and present your Aeroplan Membership Card at over 170 Aeroplan partner brands and 120 online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore to earn points twice
- If you’re departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport, enjoy the benefits of being an American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Cardmember. Get more from your travel experience with access to Pearson Priority Security Lane, Complimentary Valet Service, 15% discount on parking rates, and 15% discount on Car Care Services
- Roll over any unallocated Aeroplan Elite™ Status Qualifying Miles and unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels.
- Enjoy priority access to the standby list and eUpgrades. Get prioritized on the standby waitlist for an Air Canada flight and higher priority when you request an eUpgrade
- Earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card
- Book flight reward tickets for even fewer points with Air Canada. In addition to flights, you can also redeem for hotel stays, car rentals, vacation packages, merchandise and more.
- Unlock two-car-class rental upgrades, expedited service, dedicated phone line, and more with complimentary upgrade to Avis President’s Club
- 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
Ratehub’s take
This card is a solid choice for businesses with a number of employees who frequently travel. There are an array of travel perks including insurance and airport lounge access. If you prefer not to book through Air Canada, or travel isn’t a major component of your business, the annual fee may not be worth it.
Pros:
- High everyday earn rate: The base earn rate of 1.25 points per dollar on purchases is relatively speaking, quite high. Plus, you’ll be rewarded generously for hotels and car rentals, so if your employees travel a lot, this could be a solid choice
- Generous insurance coverage: Cardholders will be covered for a high level of emergency medical insurance, travel accident insurance, and various types of trip delay and theft insurance. Plus, your business will be covered with employee misuse protection up to $100,000 per cardholder
Cons:
- Steep annual fee: The $599 annual fee is steep, and for such a pricey card it is missing some key perks like complimentary international lounge access (the card offers complimentary access in North America, and you will be charged an entrance fee at other lounges using Priority Pass)
- Earnings may be limited if you don’t fly Air Canada: Your highest earnings come from Air Canada bookings, so if your company prefers to fly using other airlines, this card may not be the right fit for your business
Eligibility requirements
Minimum credit score: 725
Minimum income: N/A
Interest rates
Purchase interest: 21.99%
Cash advance: 21.99%
Balance transfer: N/A
Ratehub.ca's take
The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve credit card is a premium travel credit card designed for business owners who travel frequently. With exclusive benefits and rewards, this card aims to enhance your travel experience while providing exceptional and top-of-the-line value. This card makes the most sense if your company frequently flies using Air Canada, because the points earnings potential is highest with this airline.
How to redeem Aeroplan points?
You can redeem points for flights on Air Canada (as well as on Star Alliance member airlines) online from aircanada.com. You can also redeem points for other rewards like hotel stays or merchandise here.
Aeroplan operates according to the Aeroplan rewards chart that splits up the world into four major travel zones: North America, Atlantic, Pacific, and South America. Travel between and within zones requires a different range of points, and the larger the distance (in kilometres) between the departure and travel destinations, the more points you’ll need to redeem.
The redemption rules do vary slightly when using points to book a flight on Air Canada versus a Star Alliance airline, and each offers its own pros and cons.
On Air Canada, the number of points needed to redeem a flight isn’t fixed and can fluctuate within a pre-set range depending on whether you’re flying during a high-or-low demand season. For instance, a one-way flight from Toronto to Vancouver may require anywhere from 12,500 points to 17,500 - depending on travel demand. When you fly on Air Canada and have an Aeroplan credit card, you can also get the first bag checked free for you and up to eight companions when travelling to most destinations in North America (that can add up to several dozens of dollars saved on baggage fees).
When booking on Star Alliance member airlines, there’s an additional $39 booking fee for each passenger that you’ll need to account for and a first checked bag isn’t included. Unlike on Air Canada, however, the number of points needed to redeem a Star Alliance flight are fixed and won’t fluctuate. For instance, a one-way flight from Toronto to Vancouver on a Star Alliance airline will always require the same 12,500 points.
You’ll want to run the numbers to see which option offers a higher return for your particular flight.
What are some ways to maximize Aeroplan points?
Aeroplan points can be maximized in a handful of ways. Since points values aren’t fixed - and can vary depending on where and when you fly according to a Flight Rewards Chart - you can often reap higher values well above the standard $0.01 (1 cent) per point offered by other programs. You’ll just need to put in some effort and strategize your travel bookings.
- Tip 1: Use stopovers: Aeroplan has a unique stopover policy that allows you to add 1 stop on each one-way flight and it’ll only cost you an incremental 5,000 points. By adding the right stopovers, you can create elaborate itineraries, travel further, and see more destinations, all while redeeming fewer points than a conventional one-way flight. And the fewer points you use, the more value you get. Just note: there are some restrictions, like the fact you can’t add stopovers on flights within North America.
- Tip 2: Save for business class: On average, you’ll earn a far higher return on a per-point basis when redeeming Aeroplan points for business class flights versus economy. So considering saving up points to fly in luxury for less.
- Tip 3: Use your points for base fare: Using your points for the base ticket price and paying with cash for taxes and fees (instead of paying for taxes and fees with your points) is the most valuable way to use your Aeroplan points. Plus, you’ll have a bit more points left over for next time.
- Tip 4: Compare airline options: As we covered earlier in the FAQ, redemption rules vary slightly depending on whether you fly on Air Canada or Star Alliance. So be sure to compare your options.
- Tip 5: Use a co-branded Aeroplan credit card: Holders of co-branded Aeroplan credit cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite can often get access to better redemption rates on flights, and will often require fewer points to redeem a booking versus generic Aeroplan loyalty members. And the fewer points needed to redeem, the more your points will be worth on average.
- Tip 6: Take advantage of promotions: Subscribe to Aeroplan emails and check the app for limited-time promotions that will give you discounted flights, or the chance to earn a higher number of points on travel bookings.
- Tip 7: Check the Aeroplan e-store: The program’s online shopping portal offers a ton of promotions on everyday purchases from brands like Adidas, Sephora, and more. Make sure to check https://aeroplan.rewardops.com/en-CA/home/promotions for opportunities to rack up even more bonus points on your everyday spending.
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