The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Reviews
Chase Aeroplan Credit Card review: A compelling and valuable airline card
Matt Moffitt is a contributing editor and expert in getting the most out of credit cards and points (he carries at least 25 cards in his wallet at any given time). Originally from Sydney, Australia, he won the Green Card Lottery and lived in Austin, Texas for 10 years before relocating to Spain in 2025.
Olivia Mittak is a credit cards editor at TPG. She specializes in maximizing earn for points and miles, finding the best welcome bonuses and choosing the right credit cards for your wallet.
also contributed to this story
April 17, 2026 • 9 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Quick summary
A popular airline card offers award flexibility, automatic elite status for new cardholders and the ability to redeem points with over 50 partner airlines worldwide.
Benefits include a complimentary checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions, travel protections and statement credits for expedited security programs.
Cardholders can earn bonus points at select merchants and receive additional rewards for high annual spending, which can accelerate elite status progression.
Redemption options include using points for flights, offsetting travel purchases or select everyday expenses, with varying point values depending on the category.
What to consider
Approval may require a good credit score and is subject to certain application restrictions, including recent account openings.
Maintaining or advancing elite status after the introductory period requires significant spending or program activity.
Redemption rates and bonus categories for statement credits may change annually, and some purchases are excluded from higher redemption values.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of similar travel cards and guidance on maximizing elite status and redemption strategies.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Related stories
Aeroplan® Credit Card
TPG Editor's Rating4 / 5
at Chase's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
3X
Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly
1X
Earn 1x points for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
Chase’s (see rates and fees) is one of our favorite cobranded airline credit cards, offering award flexibility and valuable airline benefits. With its strong earning rate and incentives to spend on the card beyond earning the welcome bonus, the Aeroplan Credit Card is worth considering for many points and miles enthusiasts — even those who don’t live in Canada. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
The offers unique benefits we’ve rarely seen on other cobranded airline cards, all for a reasonable annual fee of $95.
You’ll most likely need a good credit score of at least 670 to get approved for this card.
If the ability to use points on more than 50 partner airlines worldwide and automatic elite status appeal to you, keep reading.
One of the standout features of the is automatic elite status.
Status-linked benefits
New cardholders receive Aeroplan 25K status for the remainder of the calendar year in which they’re approved, plus the entire following calendar year. We recommend applying early in the year to maximize this benefit.
Aeroplan 25K status includes perks such as:
Star Alliance Silver status (priority waitlisting and standby)
Priority check-in and boarding
Complimentary checked baggage (two bags, 23kg each) on Air Canada flights
Five eUpgrade credits for cabin upgrades
Complimentary Avis Preferred Plus elite status
After the introductory period, you can retain or build on your Aeroplan elite status through a combination of spending and overall program activity.
AIR CANADA
The card helps by contributing Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) — the primary metric used to earn and maintain status — as follows:
5,000 SQC headstart each calendar year
10,000 additional SQCs when cardholders spend $25,000 in a calendar year
10,000 additional SQCs when cardholders spend $50,000 in a calendar year
This means you can earn up to 25,000 SQC per year from the card.
For context, higher tiers of Aeroplan status require increasing amounts of SQC. With significant spending, the card can meaningfully accelerate your progress.
For example, spending $75,000 in a calendar year can help you reach Aeroplan 35K status.
In addition, Aeroplan offers Milestone Benefits — extra perks unlocked as you earn SQC throughout the year, typically in increments of 10,000 SQC.
While the Aeroplan Credit Card can give you a strong head start and boost, it works best alongside flying and partner activity rather than as a stand-alone path to elite status.
Non-status-linked benefits
Even if you don’t maintain your elite status beyond the first year, here are all of the other benefits you’ll get from the Aeroplan Credit Card:
First free checked bag on Air Canada flights for primary cardholders and up to eight companions on the same reservation
Travel protections, such as auto rental insurance, baggage delay insurance, roadside assistance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance and trip delay reimbursement
3 points per dollar spent at grocery stores, purchases made directly with Air Canada and restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
For every $2,000 you spend on the card each month, you can receive up to a 500-point bonus (up to 1,500 points per month; maximum 18,000 points annually). These bonus points can add up if you’re a heavy spender.
This benefit will come in handy if you plan on spending heavily on the Aeroplan Credit Card to maintain 25K status or elevate your status to another tier.
For those who prefer a simple redemption option, the offers Chase’s Pay Yourself Back feature, allowing you to redeem points for statement credits toward recent purchases.
Cardholders can currently redeem points at the following rates:
Travel purchases† and the card’s annual fee: 1.25 cents per point
Dining, gas stations and grocery stores‡: 0.8 cents per point
†Up to 200,000 points (or $2,500) per year
‡Excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs
Eligible purchases must typically be made within 90 days before the redemption request.
This provides a straightforward way to offset everyday expenses, especially if you’re not looking to maximize award travel.
This card's Pay Yourself Back categories may change annually.
You can redeem your points for flights to over 1,300 destinations through Air Canada’s more than 50 airline partners, including Star Alliance airlines and for generally fewer points than you’d need with other loyalty programs.
Even better, Air Canada publishes distance-based award charts with tons of sweet spots to look out for. For example, you can fly from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) on Lufthansa business class for just 70,000 points.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Alongside the Aeroplan Credit Card, if you also have a Chase Ultimate Rewards earning card like the (see rates and fees), you'll receive a 10% bonus on every 50,000 or more Chase Ultimate Rewards points you transfer to Aeroplan (maximum 25,000 bonus points per calendar year).
Which cards compete with the Aeroplan Credit Card?
The has a $95 annual fee, which is comparable to the price of other popular travel credit cards that earn transferable rewards. Let’s compare some same-caliber credit cards and determine if the Aeroplan Credit Card is the best option for you.
If you want more general rewards: Try the (see rates and fees), one of our all-time favorite travel credit cards. While the Aeroplan card is great for fans of Air Canada and its partners, the Sapphire Preferred is a more flexible travel card. To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
If you value simplicity: Go for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card with its $95 annual fee. It offers a simple earning rate of at least 2 miles per dollar spent on everything, taking away the stress of remembering bonus categories and strategies to maximize your spending. You can also earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. To learn more, read our full review of the Venture Rewards.
If you enjoy flying with United: The (see rates and fees) has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then a $150 fee thereafter). The card earns bonus miles on United purchases and offers a plethora of statement credits. Plus, you'll get perks like two United Club one-time passes per calendar year. To learn more, read our full review of the United Explorer card.
For additional options, check out our full list of the best travel cards.
With solid perks for just a $95 annual fee, the can be well worth it for the average consumer, especially if you can capitalize on the complimentary 25K status offered to new cardholders.
Even if you’re not a regular flyer of Air Canada — or perhaps have never flown the airline at all — chances are that you’ve flown its Star Alliance partners. We recommend the Aeroplan card as a strong option for many frequent travelers so they can maximize the loyalty program's lucrative award chart.
Complimentary elite status is a meaningful perk, no matter the airline. And with Aeroplan points being one of the most valuable airline currencies out there, this credit card is an excellent way to help you book your dream vacation using points to save money on flights — no matter where you may be going.
