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Home » AMEX Cards Canada » Aeroplan Credit Cards » Aeroplan Card Review: A Budget-Friendly Choice for Casual Travellers

Aeroplan Card Review: A Budget-Friendly Choice for Casual Travellers

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Britt Phoenix
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Apply for the Aeroplan Card

Instant decision available with no impact to your credit score.

Aeroplan Card At a Glance

Best choice for: Entry-Level Aeroplan Earning

Welcome Bonus
Up to 45,000 points
Top Earn Rate
2x on Air Canada purchases
Points Currency
Aeroplan miles
Annual Fee
$120/year
Target Market
Consumer
Card Style
Plastic
Card Type
Charge Card

Quick Verdict

The Aeroplan Card is a good entry point if you want to start earning Aeroplan points without jumping into premium-card territory. It is not the flashiest card in the lineup, but that is part of the appeal. If you fly Air Canada occasionally and want a simple way to build Aeroplan points, this is an easy card to understand.

Who It’s For

  • Entry-level Aeroplan points collectors
  • Occasional Air Canada travellers
  • Cardholders avoiding premium annual fees
  • Beginners building an Aeroplan strategy

How to Get Approved for the Aeroplan Card

Approval Difficulty

720+ (Good)

recommended credit score

Canada Credit Card Approval - Standard Approval, Recommended 720+ (Good) Credit Score

Standard Approval

Based on typical approval patterns in Canada.
Approval is not guaranteed.

How to get approved for an Amex card in Canada.

Requirements

  • Age of majority: Canadian resident, age 18 or 19+ depending on your province/territory
  • Credit history: 6+ months minimum credit history of low utilization and on-time payments
  • Income requirement: None publicly specified
  • Approval speed: Often instant with Amex Apply With Confidence
Apply Now

Instant decision available with no impact to your credit score.

Aeroplan Card Welcome Bonus Tracker

Track how today’s credit card welcome bonus compares against past offers, so you can apply with confidence.

PointsWise Welcome Bonus Tracker - Tracking Credit Card Welcome Bonuses in Canada

Current Welcome Bonus

45,000

Aeroplan miles

You can earn up to 45,000 Aeroplan points: 35,000 points after spending $7,500 in the first 3 months, plus 10,000 points after spending $1,000 in month 13 of Cardmembership.

Estimated Value

$900

at 2¢ per point

Aeroplan Card card image
Apply Now

Instant decision available with no impact to your credit score.

Typical Offer

This is a typical welcome bonus for this card.

The current Aeroplan Card welcome bonus sits within this card’s normal historical range. It is not close to the strongest offers we have tracked, including past highs around 70,000 to 75,000 Aeroplan points, but it is slightly better than the 40,000-point offer that appeared repeatedly in recent snapshots.

At this level, the card is worth considering if you want an entry-level Aeroplan card and can use the Air Canada and Aeroplan benefits. If you are mainly chasing the biggest possible welcome bonus, compare it against higher-tier Aeroplan cards before applying.

Current offer since Mar 2026
Historical high 75,000 miles
Last change Up 5,000 miles

Where The Aeroplan Card Welcome Bonus Sits Historically

This range compares the current public bonus against the lowest, typical, and highest offers PointsWise has tracked for the Aeroplan Card.

Historical Low 15,000 points
Typical Range 40,000 - 50,000 points
Historical High 75,000 points
45,000 points Current Offer

History available since 2019

Updated Jun 18, 2026

Aeroplan Card Welcome Bonus History

See how the Aeroplan Card welcome bonus has changed over time, including confirmed snapshots when the public offer stayed the same.

Welcome Bonus Events - Card Reviews v1

Offer snapshots indicate dates when the public welcome bonus was confirmed unchanged.

Why it matters

Credit card welcome bonuses change often. This tracker helps you compare today’s offer against past public offers before you apply.

Compare before you apply.

See whether today’s welcome bonus is low, typical, or unusually strong for this card.

Decide whether waiting to apply makes sense.

A past high offer is useful context, but it may not return soon.

Understand offer snapshots

Snapshot bars show when a public bonus was confirmed unchanged, not when a new offer launched.

Ready to Apply or Compare Offers?

Apply with confidence.

Aeroplan Card card image
Apply for the Aeroplan Card

Instant decision available with no impact to your credit score.

Amex Welcome Bonus History Tracker in Canada Since 2019
Compare welcome bonuses

View and compare offers across all cards.

Amex Cobalt Card Earn Rates

2x
Air Canada purchases

Earn 2 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada. Exclusions include purchases made via third-party websites, travel agents, vacation packages from other merchants, Air Canada gift cards, Maple Leaf Club memberships, and transactions through other merchants on the Air Canada website (e.g., hotels or car rentals).

1.5x
food & drinks

Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 spent at restaurants, quick service restaurants, coffee shops, and drinking establishments in Canada, as well as food delivery services whose primary business is food delivery (excluding groceries).

1x
everything else

Earn 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Aeroplan Points

The value of your points depends on how you use them. Here’s what you can realistically expect.

How to Redeem Aeroplan Points

Search for Flights
Go to Air Canada and search for flights. Select “Book with Aeroplan points” to see where your points can take you.
Pick the Right Redemption
For the best value, choose flights where the cash value is high. You’ll get better value on first and business class cabins, and long-haul flights.
Add a Stopover
Add a stopover for 5,000 points and turn a one-way flight into a multi-city trip.
Pay Taxes & Fees
You’ll still pay applicable taxes and fees, even when you redeem with points.

Aeroplan Points Value

Typical Value (When Used Well)

1.2¢ - 2.5¢ per point

Best Use

Long-haul and premium cabin flights.

Example

70,000 Aeroplan points> $1,400 flight (cash price)= 2¢ per point

High-Value Potential

4¢+ per point For premium cabin redemptions on long-haul international flights.

Quick Insight

Aeroplan points give you the most value when cash prices are high. Value drops on shorter flights and when seats are limited.

Aeroplan Card Benefits

A closer look at the benefits, travel rewards, and everyday extras that come with the Aeroplan Card.

10 total benefits

Featured Benefits

First Checked Bag Free

Enjoy your eligible first checked bag free for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada flights.

Preferred Flight Pricing

Unlock exclusive savings with Preferred Cardmember Pricing and enjoy lower Aeroplan flight reward prices.

Unlock More with Aeroplan Points

Redeem your points for Air Canada flights, cabin upgrades, in-flight Wi-Fi, and more. Enjoy flexibility with options like hotels, car rentals, and exclusive experiences.

Get Extra Hotel Nights with Aeroplan

Aeroplan Cardmembers can get an extra hotel night free for every 3 consecutive hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points in one reservation, including 1 extra night free when redeeming 3 nights or 2 extra nights free when redeeming 6 nights.

Reach Aeroplan Elite Status Faster

Get 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $20,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card, up to a combined maximum of 25,000 SQC per Aeroplan Member per calendar year across eligible Aeroplan credit cards.

Explore All Benefits

Travel Benefits5 benefits

First Checked Bag Free

Enjoy your eligible first checked bag free for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada flights.

Preferred Flight Pricing

Unlock exclusive savings with Preferred Cardmember Pricing and enjoy lower Aeroplan flight reward prices.

Explore the World with Aeroplan

Enjoy priority boarding, preferred seating, and access to Air Canada's global network of 1,300+ destinations through its 45+ airline partners.

Reach Aeroplan Elite Status Faster

Get 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $20,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card, up to a combined maximum of 25,000 SQC per Aeroplan Member per calendar year across eligible Aeroplan credit cards.

Get Extra Hotel Nights with Aeroplan

Aeroplan Cardmembers can get an extra hotel night free for every 3 consecutive hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points in one reservation, including 1 extra night free when redeeming 3 nights or 2 extra nights free when redeeming 6 nights.

Important note: Must redeem consecutive hotel nights with Aeroplan points in one reservation.

Redemption Options1 benefit

Unlock More with Aeroplan Points

Redeem your points for Air Canada flights, cabin upgrades, in-flight Wi-Fi, and more. Enjoy flexibility with options like hotels, car rentals, and exclusive experiences.

Amex Experiences3 benefits

Front of the Line Presale Access

Enjoy exclusive early access to presale tickets with Front of the Line access and get your seats to the hottest concerts, shows, and events before the general public.

Exclusive Access

Make every night out unforgettable and breeze through dedicated entrances at the Budweiser Stage, relax in premium lounges, and enjoy priority service at top venues like Massey Hall and Mirvish Theatres.

Amex Experiences

Cardmembers get access to a variety of special offers created just for American Express. From advance screenings of blockbuster movies, to weekend getaway packages and special online and in-store shopping deals, it's never been easier to have an experience you'll never forget.

Member Extras1 benefit

Amex Offers

Save on everyday purchases with Amex Offers and enjoy exclusive discounts and rewards at your favourite stores, restaurants, and online shops. New offers are always being added, so be sure to check your account regularly.

Aeroplan Card Insurance Coverage

Here’s a closer look at the insurance coverage included with the Aeroplan Card, including travel, purchase, rental car, mobile device, and other protections where applicable.

Coverage amounts, eligibility, and exclusions vary by card. Always review the certificate of insurance before relying on a benefit.

Travel Insurance

5 coverages

Purchase & Warranty Coverage

2 coverages

Rental Car Coverage

1 coverage

Explore Insurance Coverage

Travel Insurance5 coverages

Flight Delay Insurance

Receive up to $500 for essential expenses like hotels, meals, and personal items when your flight is delayed or boarding is denied for 4+ hours, with no alternate transport available (combined with Baggage Delay Insurance).

Up to $500

Baggage Delay Insurance

Get up to $500 for essential clothing and items when your checked baggage is delayed by 6+ hours on your outbound flight (combined with Flight Delay Insurance). Coverage applies to emergency purchases made within four days.

Up to $500

Hotel Burglary Insurance

Get up to $500 coverage for personal items lost due to hotel room burglary when you fully book and pay for your stay with your card (excludes cash).

Up to $500

Travel Accident Insurance

Provides up to $500,000 in Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance when you charge your fare on a common carrier to your card. Coverage extends to you, your spouse, dependent children under 23, and even supplementary cardholders and their families.

Up to $500,000

Travel Emergency Assistance

Get peace of mind with 24/7 access to emergency medical and legal referrals when you're out of town. Connect by phone anytime, day or night, for assistance wherever you are.

24/7 assistance
Purchase & Warranty Coverage2 coverages

Automatic Purchase Protection

Get 90 days of automatic protection, covering up to $1,000 per incident for eligible purchases with coverage for accidental damage or theft, even if other insurance doesn't apply.

Up to $1,000

Extended Warranty with Buyer's Assurance Protection Plan

Doubles the original manufacturer's warranty by up to two additional years on eligible purchases made with your card. Coverage is valid in Canada and the U.S., with protection up to $10,000 per item and $25,000 annually.

Up to $25,000 annually
Rental Car Coverage1 coverage

Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance

Provides automatic coverage for car rental theft and damage when you charge your rental to your card and decline the rental company's insurance. With protection for vehicles valued up to $85,000.

Up to $85,000

Aeroplan Card Fees & Rates

A quick look at the Aeroplan Card's annual fee, interest rates, and other common charges.

Annual Fee

$120 /year

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.50%

Applies to purchases in non-Canadian currencies.

Penalty APR

30%

May apply if the account is not kept in good standing.

Additional Card Fee

$50 per additional card

Cost for an additional card with full card benefits.

Detailed Fee Breakdown

Annual Fee
$120/year
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Purchase Interest
N/A
Cash Advance Rate
N/A
Full Benefits Additional Card Fee
$50 per additional card
Limited Benefits Additional Card Fee
$0 for No Fee Cards
Penalty APR
30%
Balance Transfer Rate
N/A
Intro Balance Transfer Rate
N/A

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