Is the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card worth it? A comprehensive guide
As perhaps the most compelling cobranded airline credit card at its price point, the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card offers travelers a unique opportunity to earn and redeem Aeroplan points with Air Canada and its extensive network of 53 airline partners.
Launched in December 2021, this $95 annual fee card offers an attractive blend of travel benefits and everyday earning potential, appealing to both Air Canada flyers and those with United status or who value Aeroplan points, regardless of their frequent flying with Air Canada.
Aeroplan Credit Card welcome offer
Aeroplan Credit Card earning rates
As a cardholder, you earn:
- 3 points per dollar on grocery stores, dining and Air Canada purchases.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent in a calendar month (up to 1,500 points per month).
If you’re using your Aeroplan Credit Card for Aeroplan status (more about this in the next section), you’ll likely unlock the full 1,500 per month bonus. That effectively becomes 18,000 extra points every year, which can be a nice perk.
Aeroplan Credit Card benefits
The Chase Aeroplan Credit Card stands out by offering benefits that go far beyond those typically provided by other cobranded airline credit cards in the same annual fee range. This is especially true for airline status seekers.
Aeroplan Credit Card elite status benefit
Cardholders receive automatic Aeroplan 25K Elite Status for the first two calendar years, which includes perks like priority check-in, security and boarding, two Maple Leaf Lounge passes, 20 eUpgrade credits and Star Alliance Silver status. Since your status is valid for the first two calendar years, it might be worth opening the card in January or February.
After the first two calendar years, you can extend your 25K Elite Status by charging $15,000 to your card within a calendar year.
If you spend $50,000 in a calendar year, you’ll unlock a one-tier upgrade. So, if you have Aeroplan Elite 25K status, your status tier would be upgraded to Elite 35K.
But where this one-tier upgrade benefit really shines is for loyal Air Canada travelers who have higher tiers of Aeroplan status. For instance, if you earn Elite 75K through flying, the Aeroplan one-tier upgrade could unlock the highly coveted Super Elite tier.
Aeroplan Super Elite status is regarded as one of the best elite statuses in the industry. The key perks include:
- Free changes and cancellations: Unlimited flexibility for Aeroplan bookings.
- Concierge service: Dedicated support for rebookings, tight connections, lost luggage and more, with personalized touches like gate greetings and relationship building.
- eUpgrade Enhancements: Longer upgrade clearance windows, waived add-on fees and the ability to nominate one person to use upgrades independently.
- Priority rewards: Earn up to five vouchers annually to cut Aeroplan points needed for business class flights in half, including partner airlines.
- Select benefits: Choose two perks like 50 eUpgrade credits, 100% bonus Aeroplan points or gifting Aeroplan 50K status to a friend.
10% transfer bonus from Chase Ultimate Rewards
Do you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card?
The benefit is specifically designed for travelers who have transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points and the Aeroplan Credit Card.
If you transfer 50,000 or more points at once, you’ll get a 10% bonus on that transfer, up to 25,000 bonus points per year (after transferring 250,000 points). The bonus points will appear separately within 72 hours.
This can be a nice perk even if you don’t spend much on the Aeroplan Credit Card.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $95 | |||
| $795 | |||
| $95 |
Other benefits of the Aeroplan Credit Card
The Aeroplan Credit Card provides a free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on Air Canada flights, a $120 statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS every four years and comprehensive travel protections including trip cancellation insurance and auto rental coverage.
Additional benefits include 24/7 concierge service, no foreign transaction fees and preferred pricing on Air Canada award flights.
Aeroplan Credit Card Ultimate one million dollar companion award certificate
We realize this is almost laughable, but it’s worth mentioning. The Aeroplan Credit Card offers an extraordinary perk for those spending $1 million annually: a global designated award companion voucher.
This allows unlimited companion award travel for a single, designated companion on Air Canada or partner airlines in any class with 100% of the companion’s points reimbursed. Of course, you still need to find two award seats, but this benefit means that you could even get a 2 for 1 on Emirates first class, which you can book with Aeroplan points.
The benefit is valid for the year it’s earned and the following calendar year, but it’s limited to a single designated companion. While the spending requirement is steep, for frequent travelers planning extensive trips, it could be one of the most valuable travel benefits available.
Redeeming Aeroplan points
You can refer to our full guide on Air Canada Aeroplan, which includes a section about maximizing Aeroplan redemptions, but here are a few reasons why we love Air Canada Aeroplan points:
- Flexible redemptions: You can redeem points for flights on Air Canada and 53 partners worldwide.
- High value: There are plenty of opportunities to get well over 2 cents per Aeroplan point, especially for flights in business and first class.
- Great award chart options: Some flights, like short-haul United flights, cost only 6,000 points. You can book business class from the East Coast of the U.S. to most of Western Europe for just 60,000 points (or 70,000 points from the West Coast).
- Multiple earning methods: Earn points through flights, credit card spending and hotel/car rental partnerships.
- Transfer partners: Aeroplan works with major points programs, so you can transfer credit card points from major U.S. banks to Aeroplan.
Though we don’t recommend using your points this way, the Aeroplan Credit Card also offers a unique “Pay Yourself Back” feature. This allows redemptions for statement credits against any travel purchase at 1.25 cents per point (up to 50,000 points per year).
Comparable cards to the Aeroplan Credit Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers more flexible redemption options with 14 transfer partners and a similar annual fee, but lacks the Air Canada-specific perks.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Unlock Travel Rewards with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
- 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
- 5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases
- 2X points on all other travel
- 1X point on all other purchases
- $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost on prior year’s spend
- No foreign transaction fees
- $95 annual fee
Make every trip count with flexible redemption options—transfer points 1:1 to top airline and hotel partners or boost their value when booking through Chase. Enjoy built‑in travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car coverage and lost luggage reimbursement, plus seamless account management via the Chase mobile app. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your next getaway, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® delivers premium perks at an approachable price.
Terms apply. Bonus offer requires minimum spend. Annual fee applies. See Chase for full details.
- Annual fee
- $95
- Our valuation
- $1,538Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,538Total$1,538Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,538Total$1,538Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Welcome offer
- 75,000 points
on Chase's website
The United Explorer Card offers benefits to United flyers at the same annual fee.
The New United℠ Explorer Card
Unlock Premier United Perks with The New United℠ Explorer Card
- 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months
- 2X miles per $1 on United purchases, including airfare, baggage fees and seat upgrades
- 2X miles on dining and hotel stays; 1X mile on all other purchases
- $0 intro annual fee for your first year, then $150 thereafter
- First checked bag free for you and one companion on United flights
- Two United Club one‑time passes each year for lounge access
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit every four years
Whether you fly United frequently or just a few times a year, this card’s robust rewards and travel protections make every trip smoother. Enjoy trip cancellation/interruption insurance, 25% back on in‑flight purchases and a complimentary year of DashPass for DoorDash & Caviar. Manage your account seamlessly in the Chase app and watch your miles add up on every flight, meal and hotel stay.
Terms apply. Bonus miles and benefits require qualifying purchases and enrollment where applicable. See issuer for full details.
- Annual fee
- $150
- Our valuation
- $720Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$720Total$720Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$720Total$720Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Welcome offer
- 60,000 miles
on Chase's website
Is the Aeroplan Credit Card worth it?
For frequent Air Canada flyers or those who can maximize the earning structure and redemption options, the Aeroplan Credit Card offers significant value. The welcome bonus, automatic elite status and free checked bag benefit can quickly offset the annual fee for regular travelers.
Bottom line
The Chase Aeroplan Credit Card is an excellent choice for Aeroplan members. Even if you don’t frequently fly with Air Canada or have United Airlines status, this card’s generous welcome offer, automatic elite status and the ability to earn and redeem points with Air Canada and its 53 partners offer a strong value proposition.
Of course, you can decide if the card is right for you, but the benefits easily offset its $95 annual fee. It’s a top contender in the cobranded airline credit card space.
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