To the point
Here are all the new Aeroplan credit card offers from the three issuers for the launch of Air Canada's new program.
Air Canada Buddy Pass
Entry Aeroplan Credit Cards
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card
Our opinion on entry-level credit card offers
Core Aeroplan Credit Cards
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Our opinion on Core Aeroplan Credit Cards offers
Premium Aeroplan Credit Cards
American Express®* Aeroplan® Reserve Card
CIBC® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
TD®Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Our opinion on Premium Aeroplan Credit Card Offers
Small Business Aeroplan Credit Cards
American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card
TD Aeroplan® Visa Business Card
Our opinion on small business Aeroplan Credit Card offers
Earning points
American Express Aeroplan credit cards
CIBC Aeroplan Credit cards
TD Aeroplan credit cards
Starbucks Offer for TD cardholders
Conclusion
American Express, CIBC and TD today unveil their new Aeroplan credit card offers. As you’ll see, some offers include the new Air Canada Buddy Pass: we detail what it’s all about right after.
If you know what Air Canada’s Buddy Pass is, go directly to the offers for the three Aeroplan credit card ranges and small business cards:
Air Canada Buddy Pass
The main new feature accompanying some welcome offers is the Air Canada Buddy Pass. You book a flight and pay the fare, then enjoy a $0 fare for a companion – only paying the taxes and third-party charges on the second ticket.
The one-time Buddy Pass will be deposited into your Aeroplan dashboard (aircanada.com/myaeroplan). Once deposited, the pass will be available for one year before it expires, though travel can be booked for a date beyond that year.
The Air Canada Buddy Pass valid for Economy Class bookings anywhere Air Canada flies in North America, including Mexico and Hawaii. The Buddy Pass is valid for travel any time for any economy fare, including fares on sale.
It is even possible to get an upgrade, depending on status level, and if the fare purchased allows for it.
We estimate that this Air Canada Buddy Pass is worth between $200 and $1,000 depending on the flight’s price. So it’s an exciting advantage if you’re looking to travel on Air Canada in North America.
Entry Aeroplan Credit Cards
Entry-Level Aeroplan credit cards are offered by two issuers:
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| Name | CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card | TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card |
| Welcome offer |
10,000 Aeroplan points (1st purchase) |
10,000 Aeroplan points (1st purchase) |
| First-Year Annual fee rebate (see conditions) |
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| Annual fee | $0 | $89 |
| Additional Card (with privileges) | $0 | $39 |
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card
Welcome offer
Here is the welcome offer for this new Aeroplan credit card:
- Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card.
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card
Welcome offer
Welcome offer
Here is the welcome offer for this new Aeroplan Credit Card:
For Quebec residents only:
- Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points when you keep your Account open, active and in good standing for 90 days after Account opening, up to total of 20,000 points.
- Plus, get an annual fee rebate for the first year.
For residents outside ofQuebec:
- Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan Points when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of opening your account, for a maximum of 20,000 points.
- Plus, get an annual fee rebate for the first year.
Our opinion on entry-level credit card offers
The welcome bonus is equivalent to both cards: 10,000 Aeroplan points after the first purchase.
With the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card, CIBC has decided to issue an Aeroplan credit card with no annual fee. It is the only Aeroplan credit card with no annual fee on the market.
The earning rate is the same for the two cards. The difference is mainly on the insurance side: unlike CIBC, the TD Credit Card includes insurance for flight or baggage delays, lost luggage, hotel burglary or mobile insurance. However, once the first year is over, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card will have an annual fee.
If you don’t need insurance, CIBC’s card will be a better choice.
Core Aeroplan Credit Cards
Core Aeroplan credit cards are the most popular cards. Here are the names of the credit cards offered by the three issuers:
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| Name | American Express® Aeroplan®* Card | CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card | TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card |
| Welcome offer |
Up to 15,000 Aeroplan points (see conditions) |
10,000 Aeroplan points (1st purchase) |
10,000 Aeroplan points (1st purchase) |
| + Air Canada Buddy Pass (see conditions) |
Air Canada Buddy Pass (see conditions) |
+ Air Canada Buddy Pass (see conditions) |
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| First-Year Annual Fee Rebate (see conditions) |
First-Year Annual Fee Rebate (see conditions) |
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| Annual fee | $120 | $139 | $139 |
| Additional Card (with privileges) | $50 | $50 | $75 |
| Additional Card (without privileges) | $0 | – | – |
| Income required (indiv./household) | $0 | $60,000 – $100,000 | $60,000 – $100,000 |
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
Welcome offer
Here is the welcome offer for this new Aeroplan credit card:
- Earn up to 15,000 Aeroplan points
- 9,000 Aeroplan points Welcome Bonus ($1,500 spend in first 3 months)
- 1,000 Aeroplan points per month with $500 spend, per month for first 6 months
- Air Canada Buddy Pass ($1,500 spend in first 3 months)
For people who signed up prior to Nov 8th, they will get the waitlist offer with an additional 5,000 Aeroplan points for a total of up to 20,000 points.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Welcome offer
Here is the welcome offer for this new Aeroplan credit card:
- Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card.
- Air Canada Buddy Pass ($3,000 spend in first 4 months)
- Annual fee rebate for Primary/Rewards Officer and up to 3 Authorized Users
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Welcome offer
Here is the welcome offer for this new Aeroplan credit card:
For Quebec residents only:
- Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card.
- Bring along a friend! As a new Cardholder, your Air Canada Buddy Pass can score you a second ticket when you book an economy ticket. On the second ticket, you only pay the taxes and third-party charges. You’ll receive the one-time use pass when you keep your Account open, active and in good standing for 90 days after Account opening, and you have a whole year to use it.
- Plus, get an annual fee rebate for the primary and first additional cardholder for the first year.
For Residents outside of Quebec
- Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card.
- Bring along a friend! As a new Cardholder, your Air Canada Buddy Pass can score you a second ticket when you book an economy ticket. On the second ticket, you only pay the taxes and third-party charges. You’ll receive the one-time use pass when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of Account opening, and you have a whole year to use it.
- Plus, get an annual fee rebate for the primary and first additional cardholder for the first year.
Our opinion on Core Aeroplan Credit Cards offers
The three issuers have chosen different options for these cards, which are expected to be the most popular.
American Express chose to maintain the first-year annual fee and add spending requirements for the first six months. To get the full welcome bonus of 15,000 Aeroplan points and the Air Canada Buddy Pass, you will need to spend a total of $3,000 in 6 months.
CIBC has chosen to offer an Annual fee rebate for Primary and up to 3 Authorized Users. If the 10,000 Aeroplan Welcome Bonus Points are available on the first purchase, you’ll need to spend $3,000 in 4 months to get the Air Canada Buddy Pass.
According to us, TD seems to have the best offer of the three, especially for Quebec (no minimum spend required). Like CIBC, a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points is available, as well as an Air Canada Buddy Pass. The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card stands out with a $100 NEXUS credit, something American Express and CIBC don’t offer.
So, if you are two users, we recommend the offer from TD. On the other hand, if you think you need more cards, CIBC’s offer will be more attractive! As things stand, American Express’s offer does not seem interesting to us: actually, American Express seems to be interested in frequent flyers, as you will see later.
Premium Aeroplan Credit Cards
Premium Aeroplan credit cards are designed for Air Canada’s frequent flyers. Here are the names of the credit cards offered by the three issuers:
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| Name | American Express®* Aeroplan® Reserve Card | CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | TD®Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card |
| Welcome offer |
Up to 65,000 Aeroplan points (see conditions) |
20,000 Aeroplan points (1st purchase) |
20,000 Aeroplan points (1st purchase) |
| + $100 Statement Credit (see conditions) |
– | + 30,000 Aeroplan points (see conditions) |
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| + Air Canada Buddy Pass (see conditions) |
+ Air Canada Buddy Pass (see conditions) |
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| Annual fee | $599 | $599 | $599 |
| Additional Card (with privileges) | $199 | $149 | $199 |
| Additional Card (without privileges) | $0 | – | – |
| Income required (household) | $0 | $200,000 | $200,000 |
American Express®* Aeroplan® Reserve Card
Welcome offer
Here is the welcome offer for this new Aeroplan credit card:
- Earn up to 65,000 Aeroplan points:
- 35,000 Aeroplan points Welcome Bonus ($3,000 spend in first 3 months)
- 5,000 Aeroplan points per month with $1,000 spend, per month for first 6 months
- $100 Statement credit ($3,000 spend in first 3 months)
For people who signed up prior to Nov 8th, they will get the waitlist offer with an additional 10,000 Aeroplan points for a total of up to 75,000 points.
CIBC® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Welcome offer
Here is the welcome offer for this new Aeroplan credit card:
- 20,000 Aeroplan points Welcome Bonus (1st purchase)
- Air Canada Buddy Pass ($3,000 spend in first 4 months)
TD®Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Welcome offer
Here is the welcome offer for this new Aeroplan credit card:
For Quebec residents only:
- Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points Welcome Bonus:
- 20,000 Aeroplan points Welcome Bonus (1st purchase)
- 30,000 Aeroplan Points when you keep your Account open, active and in good standing for 90 days after Account opening
- Bring along a friend! As a new Cardholder, your Air Canada Buddy Pass can score you a second ticket when you book an economy ticket. On the second ticket, you only pay the taxes and third-party charges. You’ll receive the one-time use pass when you keep your Account open, active and in good standing for 90 days after Account opening, and you have a whole year to use it.
For Residents outside of Quebec
- Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points Welcome Bonus:
- 20,000 Aeroplan points Welcome Bonus (1st purchase)
- 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 in first 3 months
- Bring along a friend! As a new Cardholder, your Air Canada Buddy Pass can score you a second ticket when you book an economy ticket. On the second ticket, you only pay the taxes and third-party charges. You’ll receive the one-time use pass when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of Account opening, and you have a whole year to use it.
Our opinion on Premium Aeroplan Credit Card Offers
Among the three Premium Aeroplan Credit Card Offers, American Express has the best welcome bonus: up to 65,000 points (or even 75,000 points if you’ve signed up on the waitlist in recent months) and a $100 Statement credit.
To get the full welcome offer, you will need to spend a total of $6,000 in the first six months. This remains accessible, given the target audience.
The second best offer is on TD’sside, especially for Quebec (no minimum spend required). You can get 50,000 Aeroplan points and an Air Canada Buddy Pass.
Finally, CIBC only offers 20,000 Aeroplan points and an Air Canada Buddy Pass.
Note: you need a $200,000 household income to apply for CIBC or TD cards. There is no minimum income required on the American Express side with the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card.
Small Business Aeroplan Credit Cards
Small Business Aeroplan credit cards are for Air Canada’s frequent flyers. Here are the names of the credit cards offered by the three issuers:
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card
- CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card
- TD Aeroplan® Visa Business Card
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| Name | American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card | CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card | TD Aeroplan® Visa Business Card |
| Welcome offer |
Up to 65,000 Aeroplan points (see conditions) |
10,000 Aeroplan points (1st purchase) |
10,000 Aeroplan points (1st purchase) |
| + $100 Statement Credit (see conditions) |
Air Canada Buddy Pass (see conditions) |
Air Canada Buddy Pass (see conditions) |
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| First-Year Annual Fee Rebate (see conditions) |
First-Year Annual Fee Rebate (see conditions) |
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| Annual fee | $599 | $180 | $149 |
| Additional Card (with privileges) | $199 | $50 | $49 |
| Additional Card (without privileges) | $0 | – | – |
American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card
Welcome offer
Here is the welcome offer for this new Aeroplan credit card:
- Earn up to 65,000 Aeroplan points:
- 35,000 Aeroplan points Welcome Bonus ($5,000 spend in first 3 months)
- 5,000 Aeroplan points per month with $2,000 spend, per month for first 6 months
- $100 Statement credit ($5,000 spend in first 3 months)
For people who signed up prior to Nov 8th, they will get the waitlist offer with an additional 10,000 Aeroplan points for a total of up to 75,000 points.
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card
Welcome offer
Here is the welcome offer for this new Aeroplan credit card:
- Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card.
- Air Canada Buddy Pass ($3,000 spend in first 4 months)
- Annual fee rebate for Primary/Rewards Officer and up to 3 Authorized Users
TD Aeroplan® Visa Business Card
Welcome offer
Here is the welcome offer for this new Aeroplan credit card:
- Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase with your new card.
- Air Canada Buddy Pass ($1,000 spend in first 3 months)
- Annual fee rebate for Primary and 2 Additional Cardholders
Our opinion on small business Aeroplan Credit Card offers
Not all three small business Aeroplan credit cards play in the same yard.
Indeed, on the American Expressside, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card stands out for its outstanding 65,000 Aeroplan points Welcome Bonus and many benefits (Maple Leaf lounge access, airport priority services, annual companion pass, etc.).
If you’re looking for a more accessible small business card, CIBC and TD credit cards both offer an Annual fee rebate for the first-year. The most interesting, in our opinion, is the card from TD: it has a lower annual fee and it comes with a $100 Nexus credit.
Earning points
American Express Aeroplan credit cards
CIBC Aeroplan Credit cards
TD Aeroplan credit cards
Benefits
American Express Aeroplan credit cards
CIBC Aeroplan Credit cards
TD Aeroplan credit cards
Starbucks Offer for TD cardholders
Unique to TD cardholders, Aeroplan members will earn 50% more Aeroplan points on Starbucks purchases charged to their TD Aeroplan credit card for one year effective November 8th.
All purchases made through the Starbucks app or in-store at participating Starbucks locations will be eligible for the exclusive credit card accelerator and, together with base earn, will receive:
| Card | Name | Aeroplan Point per dollar (Starbucks) |
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TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card | 1 point per dollar |
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TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card | 1.5 points per dollar |
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TD®Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | 2.25 points per dollar |
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TD Aeroplan® Visa Business Card | 2.25 points per dollar |
Conclusion
Many of us expected “amazing” welcome bonuses in Aeroplan points. Eventually, for most cards, the welcome bonus is finally elsewhere with the Air Canada Buddy Pass.
If you want to see each Aeroplan credit card feature (earning rates, benefits), read our article with many comparative tables. And subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss our next articles in which we will make comparisons between each credit card on every aspect:
- Earning
- Benefits
- Insurance
- Fees
- And more!
All this to help you choose the right Aeroplan credit card for you!
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