Aeroplan® Credit Card – 2025 Review

Quick Stats at a Glance

Card Overview & Positioning

The Chase Aeroplan® Card aligns with Air Canada’s globally recognized Star Alliance footprint. Aeroplan points can book flights on United, Lufthansa, Swiss, and other partners, making it an excellent choice if you want to travel internationally. With a modest $95 annual fee, it’s not as premium as some top-tier airline cards, but it offers a strong everyday earning structure (like 3x on groceries or dining + Air Canada purchases). There’s also a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit, typically found in premium cards, giving more bang for your buck. For 2025, if you’re eyeing Air Canada or Star Alliance flights, it’s worth considering over other mid-tier airline products.

Earning Points & Everyday Spending

Typically, you get:

• 3x points on Air Canada purchases (including ancillaries) and possibly certain everyday categories like groceries/dining.
• 1x point on everything else.

Because the exact categories can shift or expand—some versions also give 2x on travel— always confirm the current T&Cs for 2025. If you frequently buy groceries or dine out, you can accumulate Aeroplan points quickly for future flights. For better daily multipliers (like 4x or 5x on groceries), you might pair this with a general card. But 3x on groceries/dining plus 3x on Air Canada is quite solid for a modest annual fee card.

Redeeming Aeroplan Points

Aeroplan is known for its flexibility and wide partner network (all Star Alliance plus some non-alliance partners). You can redeem for economy, business, or first class seats globally. Air Canada uses a more dynamic pricing approach for its own flights, but partner awards often have a zone/distance-based chart leading to sweet spots (like certain flights on Lufthansa or Swiss). You might also see the “Stopovers for 5k points” policy allowing creative routings. If you want to explore Europe or Asia with a multi-city itinerary, Aeroplan can be extremely valuable. Factor in no or reduced surcharges on certain carriers to maximize your points’ worth.

Travel & Airline Perks

• 1st Checked Bag Free:Typically covers the cardholder on Air Canada flights (some disclaimers apply if you have multiple travelers).
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®: Up to $100 statement credit every 4 years—uncommon in a mid-range card.
• Preferred Pricing & Priority Perks: If you have or aim for certain Aeroplan Elite Tiers, having this card might unlock extra seat selection or priority check-in. Always confirm your specific tier.
• Points Transfer Partnerships:If you hold Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, etc., you might combine to top up your Aeroplan balance. The card synergy can help if you funnel multiple sources into one pot.

A big highlight is the synergy with Aeroplan Elite Status, where card spend can contribute or accelerate your progress, making your travels even more rewarding globally across Star Alliance.

No Foreign Transaction Fee & Global Coverage

Because it’s a Visa from Chase, you get no FTF and widespread global acceptance. This is crucial if you’re traveling internationally (like to Canada, Europe, or Asia) to book Star Alliance flights or pay for local expenses. If you pair it with the Global Entry credit, your international airport arrivals are smoother. Also, if you route on Air Canada to destinations in Europe or Asia, you’ll appreciate no extra fees for overseas spend.

Annual Fee & Welcome Bonus

The annual fee stands at $95. The sign-up bonus can be 60k–100k points after a certain spend, often $2,000–$4,000 in 3 months. That’s quite appealing if you value Aeroplan points at ~1.5–2.0 cents each (especially for premium cabins or partner flights). Sometimes, promotions also include a statement credit or additional flight perks. For many, the welcome bonus + 3x categories can quickly net enough points for a transatlantic or transpacific flight if you strategize well.

2025 Updates & Potential Changes

1. Elite Status Earning Shifts:Air Canada might update how card spend translates to Elite Status (say, 1 point for each $5k). Keep an eye on official announcements.
2. Expanded or Rotated 3x Categories:Chase might tweak them. Possibly adding streaming or transit, or might remove a less-used category.
3. Partner Award Chart Adjustments:Aeroplan could change award rates for Star Alliance partners, affecting redemption sweet spots in 2025. Keep updated on official Aeroplan communications.
4. Potential Extra Perks:Some rumors about a Maple Leaf Lounge pass or partial lounge discount for cardholders, but nothing is guaranteed. Watch for official releases if that becomes a perk.

Always confirm the official terms from Chase/Air Canada if any updates occur that might reshape your usage or redemption approach.

Real-Life Example: Annual Value

Suppose you spend $3,000 on Air Canada flights annually and $5,000 on groceries and dining (both at 3x), plus $7,000 on everything else. Let’s see your approximate yearly haul:

31,000 Aeroplan points a year from normal spend can be quite valuable—worth easily $400+ in economy flights or even more in partner business class. If you also add a 60k sign-up bonus, you’re close to 91k total in year one, enough for a round-trip to Europe in economy or a one-way in business if you find a good partner redemption. That can overshadow the $95 annual fee, especially if you also use the bag perk or the Global Entry credit.

Competitor Analysis

The Aeroplan card stands out if you specifically want direct synergy with Air Canada, especially for Star Alliance flights. If your main hub is Chicago or Newark (heavy United presence) and you prefer United, that might overshadow the Aeroplan approach. However, for those wanting to explore global partner awards with a strong everyday earner at $95, the Aeroplan card is quite compelling.

Pairing with Other Cards

If you already have a Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Reserve®, you can transfer Ultimate Rewards → Aeroplan to top up your account. However, having the Aeroplan card itself can provide the free bag perk, possibly lounge or Maple Leaf lounge discounts for certain Elite Tiers, and direct advanced perks like Elite Status boost. Meanwhile, you might prefer using a different card for dining if you can get 4x or 5x, though 3x is still respectable. Because Aeroplan is also a partner of Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, etc., some travelers might skip the co-branded card. But the annual fee + Global Entry credit + free bag can easily pay for itself if you fly Air Canada even once or twice.

Aeroplan Elite Status & Card Benefits

Aeroplan’s Elite program (25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, Super Elite) can be accelerated by holding the Aeroplan card. For instance, you might earn “Status Qualifying Miles” or “Status Qualifying Segments” from certain spend thresholds. Re-check 2025 rules for how many $ or points you need for each tier. Some mid-tier statuses provide Maple Leaf Lounge access, free upgrades on Air Canada, or Star Alliance Silver/Gold privileges. Combining flight activity plus card spend might be your best route to achieving or sustaining mid-level or higher Aeroplan Elite Status.

Potential Downsides

• $95 Annual Fee:Not huge, but some airline co-brands do $0 intro or $69–$79 fees. The offset depends on your usage of bag perks, etc.
• Limited In-Canada Perks:Some might expect Maple Leaf lounge passes or major baggage benefits for companions. You only get 1st bag free for the cardholder typically (verify for 2025—some might extend to companions if same reservation).
• No Broad Lounge Access:You get a Global Entry credit but no Priority Pass or Maple Leaf lounge passes by default. Elite status or separate membership might still be needed for lounge usage.
• Dynamic Pricing on AC Metal:Aeroplan for Air Canada flights is subject to dynamic award costs that can be high during peak times, though partner flights might remain more consistent.

Advanced Usage Tips

1. Leverage 3x on Groceries/Dining (If Offered):Funnel big grocery/dining bills here if you want to pad your Aeroplan points quickly.
2. Combine with UR Transfers (If You Have Sapphire):Move UR → Aeroplan for large award bookings, then top up with card spend as needed. This synergy can yield huge redemption opportunities.
3. Aeroplan Family Sharing:If you have Family Sharing enabled, multiple members can pool points for bigger redemptions— ensures no small leftover accounts hamper your flight bookings.
4. Check Partner Sweet Spots:Airlines like Turkish, Lufthansa, or EVA often have valuable business class redemptions via Aeroplan. Plan around these for maximum cpm (cents per mile) value.
5. Track Elite Status Spend Thresholds:If the card offers a certain number of eUpgrade credits or SQM for each $5k or $10k in spend, plan to route big expenses here for a strong shot at 25K or 35K status each year.

Another Example: Earning & Redeeming for Europe

Suppose you put $2,000 in Air Canada flights, $4,000 in groceries/dining, and $4,000 in general spend yearly. That yields:

That’s 22,000 Aeroplan points purely from spend. Add a sign-up bonus (let’s say 60k). Now you’re at 82k total—often enough for a round-trip from North America to Europe in economy on Air Canada or a Star Alliance partner if you find decent availability. That one redemption can easily beat the $95 AF, especially if you factor in the free first checked bag (worth $60–$70 round trip to Europe).

Who Should Get the Aeroplan® Credit Card?

Disclaimers & Fine Print

All details (APR, sign-up bonus, earning categories) can change. Verify official info from Chase or Air Canada for the current T&Cs. The card might require good/excellent credit. The free bag typically only covers the cardholder on AC flights if the card is used to purchase the ticket, or if your Aeroplan number is attached— disclaimers can shift each year. Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit is typically up to $100 every 4 years— if you have it from another card, you may not need duplication. If you revolve a balance, interest charges overshadow flight savings. Also confirm if transfer partner points count or not towards AC Elite. Terms for redemption or surcharges differ among partner airlines.

Final Thoughts: Is the Aeroplan® Credit Card Worth It?

If you’re looking for a moderate annual fee airline card that unlocks worldwide Star Alliance flight possibilities, the Aeroplan® Credit Card is a top contender. Its 3x categories, synergy with Aeroplan Elite Status, and Global Entry credit outperform many $95-tier airline cards. Whether you occasionally fly Air Canada or frequently hop across continents, Aeroplan’s wide partner network can stretch your points for premium flight experiences. Just confirm your route priorities and redemption goals to ensure you use the card effectively. If you do, you’ll find the value easily surpasses the $95 AF via sign-up bonuses, free bag, or advanced redemptions that transform your travel in 2025 and beyond.

Disclaimer

Card terms, sign-up bonuses, and redemption rates can change. Always refer to official Chase/Aeroplan websites for up-to-date details. We may earn affiliate commissions from certain links, but editorial opinions remain our own. Example values or redemption options are illustrative; your actual usage depends on route availability, partner surcharges, etc. If you carry a balance, interest charges likely negate any flight savings or sign-up benefits from the card.