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Aeroplan Credit Card Review: Soar to New Heights with Air Canada's Rewards Program
What Is the Aeroplan Credit Card?
The Aeroplan® Credit Card is a travel rewards credit card linked to Air Canada's Aeroplan loyalty program. This card allows users to earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for flight rewards on Air Canada and its partner airlines. As a co-branded card, it offers exclusive Air Canada benefits and helps cardholders accelerate their progress towards Aeroplan Elite Status.
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Aeroplan Credit Card Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus
- Earn 3x points on Air Canada purchases
- Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights
- Automatic Aeroplan 25K Status for the first year
- $100 statement credit for NEXUS application
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Annual fee of $95 (not waived for the first year)
- Lower earn rate on non-Air Canada travel purchases
- Best value when redeeming for Air Canada and partner flights
Who Is the Aeroplan Credit Card For?
The Aeroplan Credit Card is ideal for:
- Frequent Air Canada flyers: Those who regularly fly with Air Canada or its Star Alliance partners will benefit most from this card's perks and points-earning potential.
- Canadian travelers: While available to U.S. residents, the card's benefits are particularly attractive to those who often travel to, from, or within Canada.
- Points enthusiasts: If you enjoy maximizing travel rewards and don't mind strategizing to get the best value from your points, this card could be a great fit.
- Aspiring elite status holders: The card offers a fast track to Aeroplan Elite Status, making it attractive for those aiming for premium travel perks.
Comparing the Aeroplan Credit Card With Other Credit Cards
When considering the Aeroplan Credit Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the mid-tier travel card category:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X points on travel and dining, 1X on other purchases
- Standout feature: 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $95
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 2X miles on all purchases
- Standout feature: Miles transferable to travel partners
American Express® Gold Card [rates & fees]:
- Annual fee: $325
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 4X points at restaurants (up to $50,000 per year, then 1X) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X) and 3X on booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
- Standout feature: Up to $120 dining credit and up to $120 Uber Cash annually. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Aeroplan Credit Card excels in allows users to earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® offers versatile travel rewards
- Capital One Venture provides simple, flat-rate miles earning
- American Express® Gold Card features strong dining and groceries rewards
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Consider Using Kudos
While the Aeroplan Credit Card offers excellent benefits for Air Canada loyalists, it's essential to maximize your rewards across all your credit cards. This is where Kudos comes in handy. Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you get the most out of your credit cards whenever you shop online.
With Kudos, you can:
- Receive personalized credit card recommendations for each purchase
- Earn rewards from over 15,000 stores
- Multiply your rewards up to 5X during exclusive "Flash Boost" events
- Discover new cards that align with your spending habits
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The Aeroplan Credit Card is a solid choice for those deeply invested in the Air Canada ecosystem or frequently traveling to and within Canada. Its generous welcome bonus, Air Canada-specific perks, and pathway to elite status make it particularly attractive for loyal Air Canada customers.
However, for those seeking more flexible travel rewards or who don't frequently fly with Air Canada, other travel cards might offer better value. It's crucial to assess your travel patterns and preferences before committing to this card.
Remember, to truly maximize your credit card rewards across all your cards, consider using a tool like Kudos. It can help ensure you're always using the right card for each purchase, potentially boosting your overall rewards earning.
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Aeroplan Credit Card FAQ
How many Aeroplan points do I need for a flight?
The number of Aeroplan points required for a flight varies based on destination, class of service, and demand. Short-haul flights within North America can start from 6,000 points, while long-haul business class flights can require 100,000+ points.
Can I transfer points from other programs to Aeroplan?
Yes, Aeroplan partners with several transferable points programs, including American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Does the Aeroplan Credit Card offer travel insurance?
Yes, the card provides travel insurance benefits including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver.
How do I redeem Aeroplan points?
You can redeem Aeroplan points through the Air Canada website or app for flights, upgrades, and other travel experiences.
Is there a fee for redeeming Aeroplan points?
There are no redemption fees for Aeroplan members when booking flight rewards online. However, phone bookings may incur a fee.
By leveraging the Aeroplan Credit Card wisely and potentially combining it with tools like Kudos, you can elevate your travel experiences and maximize your rewards. Always remember to compare card options and consider your personal travel goals before applying for any new credit card.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
