What is the best Aeroplan credit card for you?

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Alexandrine Bertrand
Alexandrine Bertrand Alexandrine Bertrand
An avid solo traveller, Alexandrine is an expert on loyalty programmes such as Aeroplan, Avios, AIR MILES, Flying Blue and Marriott Bonvoy. With a budget-conscious approach, she helps travellers make the most of their points and miles to experience affordable, off-the-beaten-path getaways. She also shares a love of gastronomy and enjoys exploring local flavours and culinary traditions.
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Aeroplan Cartes de crédit
To the point Looking for the best Aeroplan credit card for you? Here are some suggestions and alternative credit cards as well.

With all the Aeroplan credit card offers, it’s easy to get lost. We have written a comparison of all these credit cards here.

This article will try to find the best Aeroplan credit card for each kind of traveller. And also, what the alternative credit cards are! Before choosing your card, be sure to read the changes to the terms and conditions of the Aeroplan program, since the conditions governing welcome bonuses on Aeroplan credit cards have changed in recent years.

Best credit cards Aeroplan - For traveling families

Aeroplan credit cards are particularly attractive in several ways:

  • Free baggage check-in for up to 8 travel companions: 2 adults and 2 children, that’s 4 free 23 kg bags!
  • Preferred Pricing for flight rewards: according to our calculations, you can save between 5 to 15% in points depending on the flights

They often offer a welcome bonus to help you build up your points balance faster, and have the annual fee refunded in the first year.

Best credit cards Aeroplan - For business travellers

For business travelers, a single Aeroplan credit card stands out: the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card.

If you’re able to meet the various minimum spending criteria, you’ll receive advantageous travel privileges:

  • Many Aeroplan points as a welcome bonus
  • Unlimited access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges
  • First checked bag for free for you and up to 8 people on your reservation
  • and many other travel benefits such as priority boarding in zone 2, priority baggage, etc.
air-canada-a330-signature-09

Priced at $599, this small-business card is aimed primarily at professionals who travel regularly.

And if your company spends a lot during the year (at least $25,000 before your account anniversary date), you’ll earn a World Companion Pass at a fixed prime rate of between $99 and $599. It could be interesting in your situation.

Best credit cards Aeroplan - For individual travellers

Aeroplan credit card offers focus on couples and families. This includes free baggage check-in for up to 8 travel companions.

For individual travellers looking for maximum Aeroplan points, the best offers are :

Knowing that $150,000 is a really high demand, that leaves only the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card which requires no minimum income. If you can meet the various minimum spending criteria, you’ll get:

  • Many Aeroplan points
  • Unlimited access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges
  • First checked bag for free
  • Promotions to earn more Aeroplan points during special events on the eStore Aeroplan
  • and many other travel benefits such as priority boarding in zone 2, priority baggage and services, 6 free accesses to DragonPass airport lounges via Visa Airport Companion, etc.
Air Canada 787 Signature Maple Leaf Cabin
Air Canada 787 Signature Maple Leaf Cabin

With an annual fee of $599, this card may raise doubts, but given the Aeroplan points earned and its other benefits that make a difference when traveling, it’s a good deal if you travel a lot. Otherwise, you’ll have to look at other credit cards that earn Aeroplan points.

Best credit cards Aeroplan - To earn Aeroplan points

Best credit cards Aeroplan - Membership Rewards

It’s worth remembering that other credit cards in Canada allow you to earn indirectly Aeroplan points!

This is the case for all American Express Membership Rewards cards, which can be transferred into points at Aeroplan:

The best choice, in my opinion, is the American Express® Gold Rewards Card. You can get a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points, or 60,000 points Aeroplan.

It earns 2 points for every dollar spent on:

  • Grocery stores
  • Gas stations
  • Drugstores
  • Travel

Besides, it provides premium insurance.

Otherwise, the best credit card for accumulating points with current expenses is Aeroplan. American Express Cobalt® Card. With this card, you earn 5 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on :

  • Groceries
  • Convenience stores
  • Restaurants

And many other businesses, thanks to gift cards purchased in grocery or convenience stores.

Here are some articles to help you earn Aeroplan points by spending on these credit cards:

Best credit cards Aeroplan - Marriott Bonvoy

Another way to earn indirectly Aeroplan points is via Marriott Bonvoy credit cards:

Another favourite is the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card. You can get a welcome bonus of up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

It won’t take you long to reach 60,000 points via your spending, the ideal level for transferring Marriott Bonvoy points into Aeroplan points. In fact, for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer, you earn 5,000 additional Aeroplan points.

So 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points = 25,000 Aeroplan points! And if you wait for a conversion promotion that comes along once or twice a year, you could even get more Aeroplan points.

Bottom Line

As you can see, there’s no shortage of options for earning Aeroplan points and/or benefits for travel with Air Canada. Whether it’s a credit card Aeroplan, or a card that allows you to transfer points to Aeroplan, there’s sure to be a card for you.

Or you could opt for a credit card with travel points, which will give you even more flexibility. So here are the best offers at the moment!

Is it worth taking out a Aeroplan card?

Yes! Whether it’s just to get the first bag free for yourself and 8 other travel companions on the same reservation, a Aeroplan credit card is well worth the savings. I particularly like the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card and the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card.

How to maximize your Aeroplan points

The best use of Aeroplan points is when buying airline tickets. Book almost a year in advance, or at the last minute (2 to 3 weeks before your planned date). Seats on planes operated by Aeroplan partners (SWISS, TAP Portugal, etc.) are often cheaper in points, but less available than on Air Canada flights.

Which Aeroplan card gives access to airport lounges?

Does TD offer a credit card Aeroplan?

TD offers these Visa credit cards associated with the Aeroplan program, such as the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Credit Card among others.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine is the President and Founder of Milesopedia and a leading expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel across Canada, France, and the U.S.A. Now 40 years old and a father of two, he has explored more than 100 countries—many of them alongside his wife Audrey and their children. Specializing in loyalty programs such as Aeroplan, Flying Blue, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, Jean-Maximilien helps travellers unlock the full potential of their points and benefits. His mission: empower others to travel better and smarter across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine
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