Chase Aeroplan Credit Card Review: An Attractive and Rewarding Airline Card

Overview of the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card

The Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card is among our top picks for cobranded airline credit cards, providing excellent award flexibility and valuable perks. With a robust earning potential and incentives to use the card beyond the welcome bonus, it’s an appealing option for many enthusiasts of points and miles — even for those outside Canada. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating reflects the views of TPG's editors and is not swayed by the card issuer.

Introduced in late 2021, the Aeroplan Credit Card features distinctive benefits rarely found in other cobranded airline cards, all for an affordable annual fee of $95.

To successfully apply for this card, you’ll likely need a good credit score of at least 670.

If the prospect of redeeming points with over 50 partner airlines globally and receiving automatic elite status excites you, continue reading.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Aeroplan card

Welcome offer for the Aeroplan card

The current offer for the Aeroplan card is structured in tiers. Approved applicants can earn 75,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening their account, and an additional 25,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 within the first 12 months.

According to TPG's September 2024 valuations, Aeroplan points are valued at 1.5 cents each, translating to a potential worth of up to $1,500. This represents one of the most generous welcome bonuses we've seen on this card, although the spending requirements to unlock the full offer are considerable.

Be aware that as Chase is the issuer of the Aeroplan card, it adheres to Chase's 5/24 rule. If you've opened five or more credit cards in the last 24 months, you may not qualify for the Aeroplan card.

Benefits of the Aeroplan card

How often do you find a card with a $95 annual fee that provides automatic elite status? With the Aeroplan card, cardholders receive automatic Aeroplan 25K status for the rest of the calendar year in which they apply, plus the entire following year.

I suggest applying for the Aeroplan card at the start of a calendar year to maximize your enjoyment of the 25K status.

Members with Aeroplan 25K elite status enjoy the following benefits:

• Priority check-in, security screening, and boarding
• Two one-time passes to Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounges
• 20 eUpgrade credits to move from economy to business or premium cabins on Air Canada-operated flights
• Automatic Star Alliance Silver elite status, including priority wait-listing and standby privileges

After the introductory period, you can keep (or extend) your status, but cardholders are encouraged to spend significantly to do so. To maintain 25K status, cardholders must spend $15,000 on the card within a calendar year, valid through the end of the next calendar year.

By spending $50,000 in a calendar year, cardholders can receive a one-tier status upgrade to 35K elite status (or higher). This is an attractive option for high spenders who already achieve elite status through flights, as reaching the $50k mark can effectively elevate you to a superior tier.

Even if you don’t keep your elite status after the first year, you’ll still enjoy these benefits from the Aeroplan credit card:

• First free checked bag on Air Canada flights, plus up to eight companions on the same booking
• Up to $100 statement credit for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus application fee every four years
• Travel protections including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, auto rental insurance, and roadside assistance
• World Elite Mastercard perks, featuring 24/7 concierge service, access to Mastercard Priceless experiences, ongoing discounts, and more
• No foreign transaction fees

This card is among the first to reimburse Nexus application fees, enabling pre-screened travelers to expedite security when entering the U.S. and Canada.

Earning Points with the Aeroplan Card

With the Aeroplan card, you can earn:

• 3 points for every dollar spent at grocery stores, restaurants, and on purchases made directly with Air Canada
• 1 point for every dollar on all other purchases

For each $2,000 spent on the card monthly, you can earn up to a 500-point bonus — totaling up to 1,500 points per month. If you’re a frequent spender, these bonus points can accumulate significantly, potentially reaching up to 18,000 bonus points each year.

If you're planning to spend significantly on the Aeroplan card to keep your 25K status or upgrade to a higher tier, this benefit will be particularly useful.

Redeeming Points with the Aeroplan Card

For those who find it challenging to maximize their points and miles, Chase Aeroplan cardholders can use their Aeroplan points to offset the card's annual fee and for various travel purchases — including airline tickets, hotel stays, car rentals, and more — at a value of 1.25 cents per point.

With the Pay Yourself Back tool, there’s no cap on the number of points you can redeem until December 31, 2024.

Transferring Points with the Aeroplan Card

You can use your points to book flights to over 1,200 destinations via Star Alliance and more than 50 airline partners of Air Canada — typically requiring fewer points compared to other loyalty programs.

What’s even better is that Air Canada provides distance-based award charts with many appealing options (including Lufthansa first class). For instance, you can fly from Seattle-Tacoma to Tokyo on All Nippon Airways in business class for only 55,000 points.

TPG’s managing editor for credit cards, Matt Moffitt, considers Aeroplan Points to be his top choice for airline loyalty program currency. He maximizes his redemptions by flying business class on United Airlines to his hometown of Sydney, Australia, and EVA Air to Taiwan and various destinations across Asia.

What cards rival the Aeroplan card?

The Aeroplan card comes with a $95 annual fee, which is on par with other well-known travel credit cards that offer transferable rewards. Let’s compare this card with others of similar caliber to see if the Aeroplan credit card is the right choice for you.

• If you prefer broader rewards: Consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. This card has been around for over a decade and has consistently demonstrated its value, making it one of our favorite travel credit cards. While the Aeroplan card excels for fans of Air Canada and its partners, the Sapphire Preferred offers greater flexibility. For more details, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
• If you value ease of use: Opt for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Also with a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees), this card provides a straightforward earning rate of 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, eliminating the hassle of remembering bonus categories. Additionally, you can earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. For more information, check out our full review of the Venture Rewards.
• If you frequently fly with United: The United℠ Explorer Card is comparable to the Chase Aeroplan card. The introductory annual fee is $0 for the first year, and then it’s $95 annually. Since United is part of the Star Alliance, you can use the miles earned with this card for award flights on the same airlines that accept Aeroplan points. For further details, check out our full review of the United Explorer card.

For more options, check out our full list of the best travel cards.

Is the Aeroplan card a good investment?

With excellent perks for just a $95 annual fee, the Aeroplan card can be quite valuable for the average consumer, especially if you take advantage of the complimentary 25K status given to new cardholders. Even if you don’t often fly Air Canada — or haven’t flown with them at all — you’ve likely traveled with its Star Alliance partners. I recommend the Aeroplan card for almost any frequent traveler.

Final Thoughts

Automatic elite status is a significant advantage, regardless of the airline. With Aeroplan points being among the most valuable airline currencies available, this credit card serves as a fantastic tool for booking your dream getaway, allowing you to save on flights no matter your destination.