Question 1

How does the Aeroplan 25K status work for new cardholders?

Accepted Answer

When you're approved for the Aeroplan Credit Card, you receive Aeroplan 25K status for the remainder of the calendar year plus the entire following calendar year. For example, if you open the card in March 2026, your status is valid through December 31, 2027. To keep it after that, spend $15,000 on the card per calendar year.

Question 2

How does the 10% Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer bonus work?

Accepted Answer

As a cardholder, you get a 10% bonus when transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Aeroplan. The bonus applies to transfers of 50,000 or more points in a single transaction. For example, transferring 100,000 Chase points gives you 110,000 Aeroplan points. The cap is 25,000 bonus points per year, and the bonus posts within 72 hours.

Question 3

What is Pay Yourself Back on the Aeroplan Credit Card?

Accepted Answer

Pay Yourself Back lets you redeem Aeroplan points toward travel purchases (flights, hotels, rental cars) at a rate of 1.25 cents per point. You can redeem up to 50,000 points per year this way. The purchase must have been made within the last 90 days. This sets a floor value for your points even when award availability is limited.

Question 4

Do I need to pay with the Aeroplan card to get free checked bags?

Accepted Answer

No. You don't need to buy your ticket with the Aeroplan Credit Card. As long as you're the primary cardholder and your Aeroplan number is linked to the reservation, you and up to 8 companions on the same booking get a free first checked bag on Air Canada flights. This benefit can save $35+ per person per flight.

Question 5

What is Chase's 5/24 rule and does it apply to the Aeroplan card?

Accepted Answer

Chase's 5/24 rule means you'll typically be denied for a new Chase card if you've opened 5 or more credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months. The Aeroplan Credit Card is subject to this rule, although recent data points suggest Chase may not enforce it consistently on this particular card. Count your recent approvals before applying.

Question 6

What are the best ways to redeem Aeroplan points?

Accepted Answer

The highest-value redemptions are premium cabin flights on Star Alliance airlines. Business class to Europe costs 60,000–70,000 points one-way, and you can add a stopover for 5,000 extra points. Emirates awards with no fuel surcharges are another strong option. For everyday use, Pay Yourself Back gives 1.25 cents per point toward travel purchases.

Question 7

How does the Aeroplan card compare to the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

Accepted Answer

Both cards cost $95 per year. The Aeroplan card earns 3x on dining, groceries, and Air Canada, plus automatic elite status. The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns points in Chase Ultimate Rewards, which transfer to 14+ airline and hotel partners. If you fly Air Canada often, the Aeroplan card is the better fit. If you want maximum transfer flexibility, the Sapphire Preferred wins.

Question 8

What changed with Aeroplan's SQC status system in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Since January 2026, Aeroplan uses Status Qualifying Credits (SQCs) instead of the old spend-threshold system for elite status. Aeroplan Credit Card holders receive 5,000 SQCs annually and can earn more through card spending: $15,000 for 25K status, $75,000 for 35K status. SQCs can also be earned through flights, giving cardholders multiple paths to higher tiers.

Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine