Air Transat 2026 Loyalty Program: Our Opinion on the Alliance with Desjardins-Visa
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On January 19, 2026, Air Transat officially announced the launch of its loyalty program for the second half of 2026, in partnership with Desjardins and powered by the Visa network. This announcement marks the entry of a major new player into the Canadian travel rewards landscape, with the potential to significantly transform the competitive market. As of September 2026, a closed test phase of the program is already under way, by invitation from Air Transat only, even before the credit cards launch.
This initiative involves the creation of a comprehensive ecosystem that brings together an airline (Air Transat), a Quebec-based financial institution (Desjardins), and a global payment network (Visa).
Why Is This Launch a Major Turning Point – Especially in Quebec?
Until now, Air Transat remained one of the few major Canadian airlines without a structured proprietary loyalty program. This gap created a unique opportunity in a market where leisure travellers are looking for simple and accessible solutions.
Key Features of This Partnership
- Integrated Loyalty Program: Not just a credit card, but a complete ecosystem
- Range of Desjardins Credit Cards: Broad Distribution in Quebec and Nationwide Expansion
- Visa Network: Universal acceptance and rapid expansion capability
- Leisure Travel Focus: Positioning in a growing segment
How Does This Partnership Shift the Competitive Landscape?
Air Transat’s entry fundamentally changes the dynamics of the Canadian loyalty program market, creating new competitive relationships among established players.
Impact on Desjardins
This alliance allows Desjardins to:
- Strengthen its dominance in Quebec with an attractive travel offering
- Expand its presence in the rest of Canada via the Air Transat brand
- Complement its BONUSDOLLARS portfolio with a specialized travel proposition
- Directly compete with TD, CIBC, RBC, and National Bank in the travel segment
Positioning Against Competition
| Program | Main Strength | Relative Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan | Global network, depth, frequent flyer benefits | Perceived as complex, learning curve |
| WestJet Rewards | Simplicity, transparency | Limited network |
| VIPorter | Quick accessibility | Newness of the Program |
| Air Transat (future) | Leisure focus, potential simplicity | To be demonstrated |
Comparative Analysis with Existing Programs
Comparison with Aeroplan: Simplicity vs. Power Showdown
Aeroplan dominates the Canadian market thanks to its extended ecosystem (Aeroplan credit cards issued by TD, CIBC, American Express), but this power comes with a certain complexity that can deter occasional travellers.
Opportunity for Air Transat: Offer a more accessible alternative – especially for Quebec residents and leisure travellers – with a value proposition that is immediately easy to understand.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $120 |
Comparison with WestJet Rewards: The Benchmark Model
With WestJet Rewards, WestJet has succeeded in creating a transparent program with its « 1 WestJet dollar = 100 points » logic and the ability to cover taxes and fees depending on the products. This « monetary » approach reassures consumers.
Lesson for Air Transat: Value readability can take precedence over program sophistication.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $39 | |||
| $139 | |||
| $175 |
VIPorter: The Example of Accessibility
With VIPorter, Porter has differentiated itself by promising faster rewards with fewer flights required, supported by BMO.
Strategic Inspiration: Accessibility can be a decisive competitive advantage to quickly convert new members.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $0 |
Competition from Flexible Bank Programs
The real challenge for Air Transat will not only come from airline loyalty programs, but also from flexible bank rewards currencies that attract customers with their simplicity:
Desjardins BONUSDOLLARS
With its promise « 1 BONUSDOLLAR = $1 », Desjardins has created a benchmark for simplicity in Quebec with the BONUSDOLLARS loyalty program. Integration with the future Air Transat program will be crucial to avoid cannibalization.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $130 | |||
| $395 |
Scene+ and Other Flexible Programs
- Scene+: 100 points = $1 via Scene+ Travel
- RBC Avion: Option to convert to Avios, Asia Miles, AAdvantage
- Amex Membership Rewards: Transfers to Aeroplan, Avios, Flying Blue
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150 | |||
| $120 | |||
| $191.88 |
International Programs in Canada: A Specialized Niche
Flying Blue (Air France-KLM)
Accessible via the Brim Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard and the American Express Membership Rewards program, Flying Blue primarily targets travellers going to Europe, requiring expertise for optimization.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $250 |
Avios and Asia Miles: Power but Complexity
The British Airways Club (via RBC) and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (via Neo Financial) programs offer excellent opportunities but require in-depth knowledge to be effectively optimized.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $165 | |||
| $180 |
The 7 Success Criteria for the Air Transat Program
To make its mark and become a go-to choice in the portfolio of Quebecers/Canadians, the Air Transat loyalty program will need to excel in these critical areas:
1. Value Transparency
Points must have a clear and predictable value, ideally with a « monetary » logic similar to WestJet or BONUSDOLLARS.
Upon the launch of Air Transat Visa credit cards issued by Desjardins in the second half of 2026, you will be able to compare them directly in our credit card comparator, which converts each point into monetary value.
2. Seamless Redemption
Redeeming points or miles should be straightforward on Air Transat flights, without complicated conditions or frustratingly limited availability. It will be interesting to see if points or miles can also be used with Air Transat’s partners. For example, VIPorter recently made it possible to use points for flights with Air Transat.
3. Coverage of Actual Fees
Ability to use points to cover taxes and fees, not just the base fare (WestJet’s lesson).
Travellers appreciate this way of using their points and miles.
4. Immediate Benefits
Travellers should be able to instantly understand the benefits of Air Transat’s new loyalty program:
- Free checked baggage
- Priority seat selection
- Change flexibility
- Airport priority services
Credit cards allow covering this type of fees (like the National Bank World Elite Mastercard – up to $150 per year). The loyalty program (and associated credit cards) will need to do the same.
5. Strong Non-Flight Earning Potential
Visa credit cards issued by Desjardins for Air Transat must offer competitive accumulation rates on everyday purchases to fuel the new loyalty program.
We can compare this to Aeroplan and TD (which also relies on the Visa network). Here are the 3 credit cards TD offers to the general public:
Here are the points earned per dollar spent:
| Spending category | Visa Platinum | Visa Infinite | Visa Infinite Privilege |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada / Air Canada Vacations | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Gas / EV charging | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Grocery | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Travel | 0.67 | 1 | 1.5 |
| Other purchases | 0.67 | 1 | 1.25 |
Note that American Express issues the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card which offers the most points for purchases with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations: 3 points per dollar spent.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $599 |
We could therefore expect that Desjardins issues between 2 and 3 credit cards at the level of Visa Platinum, Visa Infinite, and Visa Infinite Privilege. And, potentially, a credit card dedicated to SMEs.
These credit cards will need to match, at a minimum, the points earning rates offered by Aeroplan through CIBC and TD Visa credit cards.
6. Simplified Family Management
Family points sharing, a generous points expiry policy, and intuitive account management. These are features offered by Aeroplan, for example.
7. Clear Communication
Understandable rules without reading complex conditions, in the spirit of Desjardins’ philosophy.
Of course, Milesopedia experts will be there to help you fully understand this new loyalty program!
Recommended Strategy for Consumers
Before Launch
- Strategic Patience: Wait for full details before changing your current strategy
- Active Monitoring: Monitor the launch offer, which will likely be the most generous
- Appropriate Comparison: First evaluate against WestJet/VIPorter, then Aeroplan
Maintaining Flexibility
Flexible bank programs (Avion, Membership Rewards, Scene+) retain their relevance as « insurance » against rule changes and evolving travel habits.
Bottom Line: The Fundamental Strategic Question
The success of the Air Transat program will not be measured by its ability to “beat” Aeroplan – an unlikely goal. The real question is:
Will this program make leisure travel simpler, more affordable, and more rewarding for the Canadian public, while giving Desjardins a credible story of nationwide expansion?
If the answer is yes, we will see the rise of a significant player that could reshape market expectations. Otherwise, it will just be another card in an already crowded ecosystem.
The stakes go beyond Air Transat: it’s about determining whether the Canadian market has room for a new model focused on making leisure travel simple and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Will the Air Transat Loyalty Program Be Available?
Air Transat has confirmed a launch scheduled for the second half of 2026. No official launch date has been announced. As of September 2026, the Air Transat Rewards Program is in a closed test phase: access is by invitation from Air Transat only, and a waitlist is available for future waves. Desjardins has not yet published the terms of the associated Visa credit cards.
Which Credit Cards Will Accompany the Air Transat Program?
Desjardins will launch a full range of Visa credit cards in partnership with Air Transat. While details have yet to be announced, we can expect multiple card tiers (such as Basic, Gold, and Platinum) with varying earn rates and benefits, following the model of other Canadian airline programs.
How Will This Program Compare to Aeroplan?
Air Transat will probably not be able to compete with Aeroplan’s global scale in the short term. However, it could differentiate itself through:
- More ease of use
- A specialized focus on leisure travel
- More accessible immediate benefits
The positioning will likely be complementary rather than directly competitive.
Is WestJet Rewards a Good Benchmark Model for Air Transat?
Absolutely. WestJet has demonstrated that a transparency-focused program can succeed with:
- Clear equivalence (1 WestJet dollar = 100 points)
- The ability to cover taxes and fees
- Redemptions without availability restrictions
- Simple and direct communication
Air Transat could draw inspiration from this « monetary » approach, which is reassuring for consumers.
How Will BONUSDOLLARS and the Future Air Transat Program Coexist at Desjardins?
This question will be crucial for Desjardins. Several scenarios are possible:
- Distinct Programs: BONUSDOLLARS for general purchases, Air Transat for travel
- Partial Integration: Possibility to convert between the two programs
- Card Segmentation: Traditional BONUSDOLLARS cards vs. specialized co-branded Air Transat cards.
The chosen approach will largely determine the success of the integration.
Do Flexible Bank Programs Remain Relevant with This New Program?
Yes, programs like RBC Avion, American Express Membership Rewards, and Scene+ retain their relevance because they offer:
- Flexibility: Transfers to multiple partners
- Protection: Less risk associated with rule changes of a single program
- Diversification: Adaptation to changes in your travel habits
They constitute « insurance » in a diversified rewards portfolio.
Should I Wait for the Air Transat Launch or Continue My Current Strategy?
Continue your current strategy until full details are revealed. However:
- Monitor the launch offer: Initial bonuses are often the most generous
- Evaluate your habits: If you travel primarily with Air Transat, this program could be very advantageous
- Maintain flexibility: Do not prematurely close off other options
The prudent approach is to evaluate the program once all details are revealed.
What Impact Will This Program Have on Other Existing Programs?
Air Transat’s arrival could stimulate innovation among competitors:
- Aeroplan: Possible simplification or improvement of basic offers
- WestJet: Strengthening its simplicity positioning
- VIPorter: Acceleration of its development
- Bank Programs: Improvement of travel offers to remain competitive
This increased competition should ultimately benefit Canadian consumers.
