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Optimal Redemption Value 2¢ / point | Optimal Redemption Value 2¢ / point | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 point | $0.02 | 60,000 points | $1,200 |
10 points | $0.2 | 65,000 points | $1,300 |
100 points | $2 | 70,000 points | $1,400 |
1,000 points | $20 | 75,000 points | $1,500 |
2,500 points | $50 | 80,000 points | $1,600 |
5,000 points | $100 | 85,000 points | $1,700 |
10,000 points | $200 | 90,000 points | $1,800 |
15,000 points | $300 | 95,000 points | $1,900 |
20,000 points | $400 | 100,000 points | $2,000 |
25,000 points | $500 | 125,000 points | $2,500 |
30,000 points | $600 | 150,000 points | $3,000 |
35,000 points | $700 | 200,000 points | $4,000 |
40,000 points | $800 | 250,000 points | $5,000 |
45,000 points | $900 | 500,000 points | $10,000 |
50,000 points | $1,000 | 750,000 points | $15,000 |
55,000 points | $1,100 | 1,000,000 points | $20,000 |
Tired of guessing what the value of 1 Aeroplan® point is? FinlyWealth's point calculator tool can estimate the value of your points when redeemed through various options in Canada.
Loyalty Program
Number of Points
Points
Redemption Options
Aeroplan® Flights
Every Aeroplan® point is worth 2¢ on average using the most optimal redemption
2¢
2¢/point
2 cpp (cents per point) is an averaged out value that includes business class routes as well, however most economy trips may yield 1.3 cpp - 1.6 cpp depending on the award availability and booking timeframe.
Car Rentals
Every Aeroplan® point is worth 0.9¢ on average if redeemed for Car Rentals
0.9¢
0.9¢/point
Travel
Every Aeroplan® point is worth 0.83¢ on average if redeemed for Travel
0.825¢
0.83¢/point
Merchandise
Every Aeroplan® point is worth 0.75¢ on average if redeemed for Merchandise
0.75¢
0.75¢/point
Gift Cards
Every Aeroplan® point is worth 0.72¢ on average if redeemed for Gift Cards
0.72¢
0.72¢/point
Air Canada Aeroplan® Points Value Chart
Air Canada Aeroplan® Points Value Table
Redemption Option | Average Value |
---|---|
Aeroplan® Flights | 2¢ / point |
Car Rentals | 0.9¢ / point |
Travel | 0.83¢ / point |
Merchandise | 0.75¢ / point |
Gift Cards | 0.72¢ / point |
Earn up to 15,000 points and 5x the points on dining and groceries with the best travel points earning credit card in Canada!
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American Express Membership Rewards
Optimizing your next vacation is simple with Air Canada and Aeroplan. This rewards program was literally designed to accommodate travel – from take off to check-in, all the way to exciting activities abroad.
Below, we’ll break down all there is to know about Aeroplan, starting with point-potential and ending with redemption opportunities.
The best way to collect Aeroplan points is by applying for an Aeroplan-affiliated or Aeroplan-point-transferable credit card.
To help you find the best option for you, we’ve put together an overview of some of the best Aeroplan cards on the Canadian market, depending on your unique spending habits.
American Express Cobalt® Card | American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card | TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card | TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Bonus | Up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points | Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points | Up to $1,450 in value† including up to 45,000 Aeroplan points† | Up to $400 in value†, including up to 15,000 Aeroplan points† |
Earn Rates |
|
|
|
|
Insurance Included | 10 types
| 11 types
| 13 types
| 7 types
|
Benefits | 2 benefits
| 14 benefits
| 10 benefits
| 3 benefits
|
Annual Fee | $155.88 | $599 | $139 (First Year Rebated) | $89 (First Year Rebated) |
Income Requirements | N/A | N/A | $60,000 personal or $100,000 household | N/A |
Apply Now | APPLY NOW | APPLY NOW | Learn More | Learn More |
For more details, review each card below:
Our choice for: Best travel points earning credit card in Canada
on American Express' website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points
Annual Fee
See Rates
Interest Rates
21.99%* / 21.99%*
This card was voted one of the Best Credit Card in Canada by FinlyWealth. The rewards earned on this card for a person with average spending exceed those of other credit cards in Canada by a huge margin! In addition, this card has a good benefits coverage, a flexible amex cobalt bonus points redemption program (1:1 transfer to Aeroplan® or Avios), making it the best candidate to become the main credit card for the majority of people.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Medical Term
Flight Delay
Baggage Delay
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Travel Accident
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Mobile Device Insurance
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
Amex Experiences™
Travel Credit
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Aside from the actual Aeroplan-branded credit cards on the Canadian market, there are also some American Express credit cards that offer a seamless way to transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Aeroplan points at a 1:1 ratio.
The best credit card for this type of transfer is none other than the American Express Cobalt Card.
Why? Because this card has one of the best rewards programs for collecting points on popular earn categories like food and drinks, groceries, streaming, gas, and transit. So, even though it will initially appear as though you’re collecting American Express Membership Rewards points, if you choose to ultimately make the transfer, you’re technically earning these high-point rates in Aeroplan points – there’s just a small extra step of actually making the conversion.
The focus of this card is definitely the rewards program, especially if you’re using it solely for the Aeroplan point transfer option. Still, this contender comes with decent coverage, Amex Experiences and a travel credit – although this travel credit is only applied to hotel bookings made through The Hotel Collection with American Express Travel.
Thus, if you want a loophole strategy to collect the most Aeroplan points, consider applying for the Cobalt Card to transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points to Aeroplan. Sure, you won’t get the same benefits as the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, but you will save on annual fees and luck out if overall point-potential is your top priority.
Our choice for: Best premium card for Air Canada frequent travellers
on American Express' website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points
Annual Fee
$599
Interest Rates
21.99%* / 21.99%*
If you are a frequent Air Canada traveler, having an Aeroplan card for perks like free checked bags and priority service can be very beneficial. Many financial institutions offer Aeroplan cards, but I don't believe the American Express version is the best one. Opting for another option might be better. However, the Amex card does have a very large sign-up bonus, making it a great choice for those specifically seeking that.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Medical Term
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Flight Delay
Baggage Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Travel Accident
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
Free first checked bag
Nexus Program Rebate
Amex Experiences™
Extra points
Status lift
Status lift
Status lift
Status lift
Priority Travel
Priority Travel
Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes
Companion Voucher
Free Extra Night at Hotels
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
For a hefty annual fee, you can get your hands on one of the most premium Aeroplan credit cards out there.
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card earns cardholders strong Aeroplan points per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases, plus decent Aeroplan points per dollar spent on eligible dining and food delivery purchases.
The travel insurance on this card is also pretty notable, with valuable inclusions like trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, not to mention hotel burglary insurance and flight and baggage delay insurance.
Perhaps the most luxurious aspects of this card, however, are the perks. Enjoy top-tier benefits like free first checked bags, unlimited access to Maple Leaf airport lounges and AirCanada Cafes, an annual companion voucher (unlocked when certain spending requirements are met), plus tons of Aeroplan status lifts and Air Canada priority travel perks.
Overall, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is best suited to those who want to spend a lot to receive a lot – particularly in terms of perks as well as the rewards program.
on TD's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to $1,450 in value† including up to 45,000 Aeroplan points†
Annual Fee
$139 $0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%□
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card* is an excellent choice for frequent Air Canada travelers looking to maximize their rewards with Aeroplan points. With perks like free checked bags, Preferred Pricing, and a first-year fee rebate, it’s ideal for users who value Air Canada-specific benefits. However, the card’s high income requirement and limited non-Air Canada redemption options may not appeal to everyone.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Emergency Medical Term
Emergency Medical (65+)
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Flight Delay
Baggage Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Travel Accident
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Mobile Device Insurance
Benefits
Details
Free first checked bag
Nexus Program Rebate
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Concierge Services
Golf Benefit
Extra points
Extra points
Status lift
Car Rental Discount
Trip and legal Assistance
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card expands your point-earning opportunities by adding specialized reward categories like gas, electric vehicle charging, and groceries on top of Air Canada purchases. While you earn fewer points on specialized categories compared to the Aeroplan Reserve Card, your earning potential is doubled when you pay with your TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at more than 200 online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore.
This contender also offers more insurance coverage, including mobile device insurance and emergency medical over 65 insurance.
Sure, this card has fewer perks overall, but the inclusion of free first checked bags, an expedited chance to earn Aeroplan Elite Status, and bonus points on Starbucks and Aeroplan brand purchases is still something to boast about.
The best part? This card has a much lower annual fee, one that's waived during the first year of membership.
The catch? Unfortunately, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card comes with some high annual income requirements, making it slightly less accessible to some.
Therefore, this option is ideal for those who want to save on annual costs and expand their specialized earn categories and coverage. However, the Aeroplan Reserve Card still has better overall value and benefits.
on TD's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to $400 in value†, including up to 15,000 Aeroplan points†
Annual Fee
$89 $0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%□
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum Card* is a solid option for individuals who frequently fly with Air Canada and want a low-fee entry into the Aeroplan rewards program. However, if you want broader reward options or higher earnings on non-Air Canada purchases, it may not be the best fit.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Flight Delay
Baggage Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Travel Accident
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
Extra points
Extra points
Car Rental Discount
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
For an even lower annual fee, one that's also waived during the first year of membership, you can opt for the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card.
Compared to the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, this contender earns you fewer points on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases. That said, you still get those bonus points on purchases made with your card and provided Aeroplan number at Aeroplan partner brands and Aeroplan eStore retailers.
Compared to the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card, the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card has less insurance coverage and fewer benefits. Luckily, however, it avoids annual income requirements.
In conclusion, the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card is an affordable Aeroplan-earning alternative. You just have to compromise with lower point-potential, coverage, and fewer perks.
Now that you’re aware of the best ways to earn Aeroplan points, it’s time to explore the best ways to redeem those rewards.
In the following table, we’ve included every redemption category offered by Air Canada Aeroplan. For convenience's sake, we’ve even listed these categories from most valuable to least valuable, so you can understand the most strategic ways to spend your Aeroplan points.
Redemption Category | Redemption Breakdown | Estimated Average Point Value |
---|---|---|
Aeroplan Flights | Redeeming your points for flights with Air Canada and other partner airlines. | 2 cpp *Note that lower cent-per-point values may appear depending on the flight route or class |
Car Rentals | Using points to make transportation arrangements at over 11,000 car rental locations across the globe. | 0.9 cpp |
Vacation Packages | Booking your entire trip with Aeroplan points and Air Canada Vacations, including activities and travel experiences. | 0.83 cpp |
Hotel Stays | Using points to check-in to partner hotels. | 0.82 cpp |
Merchandise | Redeeming points towards eligible products provided by partner brands. | 0.75 cpp |
Gift Cards | Using points to purchase eligible gift cards from participating brands. | 0.72 cpp |
Let's go ahead and cover each redemption category in a bit more depth:
As mentioned, Aeroplan cardholders can use their hard-earned points towards airfare.
There are plenty of factors that go into how much your Aeroplan points are worth when redeemed towards eligible flights:
Wish you could gain some foresight into how many points you’ll need? Check out the Air Canada Points Prediction Tool that allows you to choose your origin and desired destination in order to predict how many points your flight will cost.
To help you find the best deal, you can always make use of the Air Canada Points Finder Tool that allows you to input your desired itinerary and points budget to uncover the best deals. Other flight booking cross-search tools like point.me can also come in handy in these scenarios.
To book an eligible flight using Aeroplan points, cardholders will need to:
Use points to pay for a set of rented wheels at over 11,000 rental car locations around the world.
To initiate this type of redemption, you’ll want to sign in your Aeroplan account and book your rental car directly through the Air Canada booking platform.
From here, you’ll want to:
Aeroplan members can even earn extra points on rentals provided by Avis and Budget.
Looking for the whole package? You’ll be pleased to know that your Aeroplan points can be applied to entire trip bundles – from the departure flight to your day-to-day activities.
When booking with Air Canada Vacations, select the “Vacation Packages" tab. Through this tab, you can indicate the airport you’ll be flying out of, the destination you’d like to reach, the dates of your trip, how many travellers are expected, and your preferred flight class. Once you’ve input all of this information, hit search to see what packages are available for point redemption.
You can also bundle tours, activities, and experiences through Air Canada Vacations, so that no aspect of the trip goes untouched.
Were you hoping to explore beyond the shore? Then check out the Air Canada Vacations “Cruises” tab to use points to set sail.
To help you optimize your points on your next hotel stay, Aeroplan has implemented a HotelSavers program, saving members up to 30% on bookings made at select hotel partners – just keep an eye out for the red HotelSavers tag when making your booking!
Some notable hotel partners include:
The HotelSavers program is broken up into categories which indicate the estimated number of points per night for a standard room. Here’s a quick look at these estimates:
HotelSavers Category | Estimated Points Per Night |
---|---|
1 | 10,000 - 15,000 |
2 | 15,000 - 22,500 |
3 | 20,000 - 30,000 |
4 | 25,000 - 40,000 |
5 | 35,000 - 50,000 |
6 | 45,000 - 70,000 |
7 | 55,000 - 80,000 |
8 | 75,000 - 105,000 |
Of course, keep in mind that these values may vary based on seasonality, location, availability, and the number of guests on the booking.
As with other redemption opportunities, guests can choose to cover the entire cost of their stay with points or split the total cost between points and cash.
If you’d rather spend your Aeroplan points on a tangible product, you can always opt to redeem your points towards eligible merchandise.
Choose from thousands of products from partnered brands in categories like:
The exact cent-per-point value of each product will depend on the worth of the item, plus the amount of Aeroplan points required for the product’s redemption.
To calculate your cent-per-point value on a specific product, simply divide the value of the product by the amount of points required for the redemption, then multiply that result by 100.
For example, if you’re interested in an iPhone that costs 100,000 Aeroplan points and is worth $900 (CAD), the cent-per-point value of this redemption is 0.9 cpp.
Maybe you want something a little more abstract. In that case, you can alway redeem your Aeroplan points for gift cards.
There are literally hundreds of cards to choose from, with values ranging from $10 to $2000, from brands like:
Overall, you’ll find that gift cards from Air Canada yield the most overall cent-per-point value, up to 1 cpp.
Luckily, as with other categories, you can also choose to either pay for your gift cards using Aeroplan points alone, or opt to split the cost between points and cash – it’s completely up to you!
We touched upon this briefly in the merchandise section, but if you want to break away from estimated average cent-per-point values and understand exactly what your cent-per-point value is no matter the redemption category, there’s a simple calculation you can make:
As you can probably tell from the redemption table, the best way to redeem your Aeroplan points is through Aeroplan flights – a category that holds the highest average point-redemption-value potential.
Following flights, other travel redemption categories are typically the most lucrative, from car rentals to vacation bundles to hotel stays.
While it’s nice that Aeroplan also offers a couple of redemption categories outside of travel, both merchandise and gift cards are less valuable overall – except for a couple of instances where you might find a good cent-per-point value on certain products or Air Canada gift cards (which is still kind of like a travel redemption if you think about it).
To learn more about optimizing loyalty program points, check out our How to Optimally Redeem Your Credit Card Points blog post.
Truth be told, Aeroplan points are probably the most worthwhile for frequent Air Canada travellers – since you can both earn points on Air Canada purchases and redeem points towards Air Canada purchases for the best overall value.
There are also plenty of Aeroplan-branded or Aeroplan-transferable credit cards to choose from, providing every type of travel-oriented applicant with the opportunity to tap into this valuable rewards program.
Learn More: Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada, Credit Card Comparison Tool
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