Unlock Travel Rewards with the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card

Chase’s Aeroplan® Credit Card stands out as one of the premier cobranded airline credit cards available, offering travelers both flexibility and a host of valuable benefits. With a competitive earning rate and enticing incentives for continued use beyond the initial welcome bonus, this card is an excellent option for points and miles enthusiasts, even if you don’t reside in Canada. The card carries a modest annual fee of $95, making it accessible for many travelers.

To qualify for the Aeroplan card, applicants typically need a credit score of at least 670. If you’re drawn to the idea of using points across over 45 partner airlines globally, along with automatic elite status, this card may be the right fit for you.

New cardholders can earn a generous 75,000 bonus Aeroplan points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. Additionally, an extra 25,000 points can be earned by spending $20,000 in the first year. This current offer can yield up to 100,000 Aeroplan points, valued at approximately $1,400 according to recent evaluations. However, it’s essential to consider the significant spending requirement to maximize this offer.

For those who rent their homes, putting rent payments on the Aeroplan card can help meet the spending threshold, although a small transaction fee may apply. It’s also important to note that because Chase issues the Aeroplan card, it adheres to the 5/24 rule; if you’ve opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months, you may not be eligible for this card.

One of the standout features of the Aeroplan card is the automatic Aeroplan 25K elite status granted to cardholders for the year they open the card and the following calendar year. This elite status comes with a variety of perks, including the ability to access exclusive lounge passes starting January 1, 2026, through Milestone Benefits. To maintain this elite status in subsequent years, cardholders must spend $15,000 annually on the card.

Starting in 2026, Aeroplan will transition to a spend-based system for earning and maintaining elite status. Cardholders can achieve Aeroplan 35K status by spending $75,000 in a calendar year. However, there is a limited time frame until December 31, 2025, for cardholders to spend $50,000 to secure the 35K status until January 2027.

In terms of elite status accumulation, cardholders earn Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) with their spending, unlocking additional perks for every 10,000 SQC earned throughout the year. It’s worth noting that Aeroplan members can only earn a maximum of 25,000 SQC per calendar year using the Aeroplan card.

Even if you don’t maintain your elite status beyond the first year, the Aeroplan card offers a wealth of benefits. For every $2,000 spent monthly, cardholders can earn up to 1,500 bonus points annually, making this a valuable card for those who frequently use it.

The Aeroplan card also features the Pay Yourself Back tool, allowing cardholders to redeem points for travel purchases at a rate of 1.25 cents per point, up to 200,000 points per year. Points can be redeemed for flights to over 1,300 destinations through Star Alliance and Air Canada’s extensive network of airline partners, often requiring fewer points than other loyalty programs.

Additionally, if you hold a Chase Ultimate Rewards earning card, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you’ll receive a 10% bonus on every 50,000 or more points transferred to Aeroplan, with a maximum of 25,000 bonus points per calendar year. This integration enhances the value of your rewards and offers greater flexibility in booking travel.

With a $95 annual fee, the Aeroplan card is competitive with other travel credit cards that offer transferable rewards. It’s advisable to compare it with similar cards to determine if it aligns with your travel goals and spending habits.

Overall, the Aeroplan card presents solid perks for a reasonable annual fee, making it an appealing choice for frequent travelers. Even if you don’t regularly fly with Air Canada, you may find yourself flying with its Star Alliance partners. The automatic elite status is a significant advantage, and with Aeroplan points being among the most valuable airline currencies available, this credit card can be a powerful tool in planning your dream vacation while saving money on flights.

If you’re looking to elevate your travel experience and maximize your rewards, the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card is worth considering. Apply today and start your journey towards unlocking travel rewards that can transform your future adventures.