Aeroplan is Canada's most widely used travel loyalty program, and the Aeroplan credit card ecosystem is one of the most competitive in the country. Air Canada's loyalty program currently offers co-branded credit cards from three financial institutions: TD Bank, CIBC, and American Express. Each issuer offers multiple tiers, from no-fee entry cards to premium cards costing $599 annually.
This guide breaks down every Aeroplan credit card available to Canadians, compares earn rates and benefits, and helps you decide which card — or combination of cards — makes the most sense for your travel goals.
Aeroplan points can be redeemed for flights on Air Canada and 40+ Star Alliance partner airlines, including United Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International, and more. The program uses a distance-based pricing model with Flight Reward Charts that offer fixed prices for popular routes in economy, premium economy, business, and first class.
Points are worth approximately one to two cents each for economy redemptions, and potentially three to five cents each for business class redemptions on long-haul routes. The highest-value use of Aeroplan points is business class travel to Asia, Europe, or South America, where cash prices for equivalent seats can reach $5,000 to $15,000.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite is the most popular Aeroplan card in Canada, largely because of TD's massive banking footprint and the card's balance of strong earn rates and reasonable fee. The card costs $139 annually and earns 1.5 Aeroplan points per dollar on Air Canada purchases, 1.5 on groceries and gas, and 1 point everywhere else.
The welcome bonus is often 20,000 to 50,000 points for new cardholders who meet a minimum spending threshold in the first three to six months. Combined with the first year annual fee waiver that is sometimes offered, the first-year value can be substantial.
The card includes comprehensive travel insurance: emergency travel medical up to $2 million for trips up to 21 days, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, flight delay, baggage delay, and auto rental collision damage waiver. These benefits alone would cost $200 to $300 if purchased separately for a family taking one international trip annually.
CIBC's Aeroplan Visa Infinite has essentially the same fee and earn rates as the TD version — $139 annually, 1.5 points on Air Canada, groceries, and gas, 1 point elsewhere. The differentiation comes in the benefits and banking partnerships. CIBC cardholders can earn bonus Aeroplan points on purchases at ecopass and certain CIBC-specific promotions.
For existing CIBC banking customers, keeping their credit card at their primary bank is convenient and can unlock relationship benefits like preferential mortgage rates or bundled banking packages. The travel insurance package is comparable to the TD version.
American Express offers two tiers: the Aeroplan Card (no annual fee) and the Aeroplan Reserve Card ($599 annually). The Reserve Card is the most premium Aeroplan product available in Canada.
The Amex Aeroplan Reserve earns 3 Aeroplan points per dollar on Air Canada purchases, 2 points at restaurants and food delivery, 2 points at grocery stores, and 1.25 points everywhere else. The elevated earn rates on food and restaurants make this card particularly strong for high-spending households. It also includes Maple Leaf Lounge access when flying Air Canada — the Air Canada equivalent of Priority Pass — plus comprehensive insurance and concierge services.
The no-fee Amex Aeroplan Card earns 1 point per dollar everywhere and includes Amex's purchase protection. For someone who wants to earn Aeroplan without paying a fee and already has American Express acceptance covered, this card provides a simple accumulation vehicle.
TD also offers the Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege at $599 annually. It earns 2 points per dollar on Air Canada, 1.5 on groceries, gas, and travel, and 1.25 everywhere else. The higher earn rates accelerate point accumulation significantly for heavy spenders. The card also includes Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority check-in, and first checked bag free — perks that frequent Air Canada travellers value highly.
A powerful approach used by Aeroplan enthusiasts: hold an Amex Aeroplan card (for the 3x earn on Air Canada and 2x on dining) alongside a Visa or Mastercard Aeroplan card for merchants that do not accept American Express. This stacking approach can significantly accelerate accumulation without paying fees twice if you choose one free card and one paid card.
Amex Membership Rewards points from non-Aeroplan Amex cards can also be transferred to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio — this makes the Amex Cobalt (which earns 5x on food) a powerful Aeroplan feeder card even though it is not branded as an Aeroplan product.
A round-trip flight within Canada typically requires 15,000 to 25,000 Aeroplan points in economy. A transatlantic economy redemption might require 35,000 to 55,000 points. Business class to Europe typically starts around 65,000 to 100,000 points.
On the TD Aeroplan Infinite with 1 to 1.5 points per dollar on most spending, a household spending $3,000 monthly earns approximately 40,000 to 50,000 points annually — enough for a free transatlantic economy ticket plus taxes and fees each year.
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