Maximizing Aeroplan Points

Aeroplan is Canada's leading airline loyalty program, allowing travellers to earn and redeem points for flights, upgrades, and travel perks. With a vast network of airline partners and unique redemption options, savvy travellers can extract maximum value from their Aeroplan points by choosing the right credit cards and applying smart travel hacks.

Best Credit Cards for Earning Aeroplan Points

American Express Aeroplan Reserve — Best Premium Travel Credit Card

Note: You can also use the American Express Cobalt Card for 5x points on dining and groceries, which can be transferred 1:1 to Aeroplan, making it an excellent supplement to these Aeroplan co-branded cards.

• 3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases
• 2x Aeroplan points on dining and food delivery
• 1.25x Aeroplan points on all other purchases

Why Get It?

• Preferred pricing on Aeroplan redemptions (book flights for fewer points)
• Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Priority benefits
• Comprehensive travel insurance

Note: The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege also offer a 1.25x base earn rate, but with lower multipliers for Air Canada and dining. However, since these are Visa cards, they are accepted at more locations compared to Amex, which could be a deciding factor for some users.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite — Best Visa Aeroplan Credit Card

• 1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, EV charging, groceries, and Air Canada purchases (up to $80,000 in combined annual spend, then 1x)
• 1x Aeroplan point on everything else

Why Get It?

• First checked bag free on Air Canada flights (for cardholder + 8 companions)
• Preferred pricing on Aeroplan redemptions
• Extensive travel insurance

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card — Best No-Fee Aeroplan Credit Card

• 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent on gas, EV charging, groceries, and Air Canada
• 1 Aeroplan point per $1.50 spent on all other purchases

Why Get It?

• No annual fee
• Preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight redemptions
• Great entry-level Aeroplan card

How to Maximise Earning

• Use the Right Card for the Right Purchase: Book Air Canada flights with the Amex Aeroplan Reserve for 3x points — note that only the two Amex Reserve cards earn 3x; the CIBC and TD Infinite Privilege cards and the Amex Aeroplan earn 2x on Air Canada, and the mid-tier Infinite cards earn 1.5x. Use the Amex Aeroplan Reserve for dining & food delivery (2x points). Stack grocery purchases with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite for 1.5x points (capped at $80,000 combined annual accelerated spend).
• Shop via the Aeroplan eStore: Earn bonus Aeroplan points by shopping online through the Aeroplan eStore (Apple, Amazon, Sephora, etc.)
• Take Advantage of Promotions & Special Offers: Transfer bonuses, hotel & car rental multipliers, and Marriott Bonvoy transfers

Best Ways to Redeem Aeroplan Points

• Aeroplan Sweet Spots: Long-haul Star Alliance premium cabin is where the per-point value lives — under the chart effective June 1, 2026, Canada to Europe in business class runs 60,000–110,000 points one-way by distance band, with Toronto or Montreal to much of Western Europe pricing at the 60,000-point floor. Canada to Asia in business is still worthwhile, though the same chart revision raised transpacific partner business class to 102,500 points. Aeroplan uses a dynamic, distance-based pricing model since November 2020, and Air Canada metal plus select partners (United, Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, and a handful of regional Canadian carriers) price awards dynamically. Check aircanada.com/aeroplan for live pricing on your dates.
• Use Stopovers for Just 5,000 Points: Add a stopover (24+ hours) outside Canada, the United States, and China to a one-way international itinerary for 5,000 extra Aeroplan points per passenger.
• Know the Real Fees: Aeroplan doesn't pass on carrier fuel surcharges for any airline — its own or partners. What you'll pay is government taxes, airport fees, and a $39 CAD partner booking fee per ticket when your itinerary includes a non-Air-Canada-operated flight. Always compare the all-in cost before booking.

Advanced Travel Hacks

• Leverage the Aeroplan Family Sharing Program: Pool points with up to 8 family members to unlock faster redemptions.
• Book Long-Haul Business Class Flights for Strong Value: Premium cabin redemptions are where Aeroplan points stretch furthest — around 2 cents per point on Prince of Travel's current valuation, and sometimes more on aspirational long-haul routes, versus roughly 1–1.5 cents for typical economy or cash-equivalent redemptions.
• Use Aeroplan Status Perks: Select Priority Rewards as a Milestone Benefit once you reach qualifying Status Qualifying Credit (SQC) thresholds — each one cuts the points required on an eligible redemption's base fare by 50%. Note the eligible cabins and regions scale with your tier (economy within Canada and the US at 25K, up to worldwide business class for Super Elite), and vouchers expire after one year.

Conclusion & Next Steps

By using Aeroplan credit cards strategically, leveraging partner deals, and booking smart redemptions, you can maximise your Aeroplan points for the best possible travel experience.

Next Steps:

• Apply for an Aeroplan credit card that fits your travel style.
• Check the Aeroplan eStore for upcoming promotions.
• Check aircanada.com/aeroplan for live award pricing before booking — costs vary by date, distance, and carrier.

This guide provides practical strategies to make the most of your Aeroplan points. Whether you're a frequent flyer or just getting started, these tips will help you travel more for less!