Choosing a travel credit card often feels like navigating a maze of points, perks, and annual fees. With so many options available, it’s easy to wonder if you’re making the right choice. The Chase Aeroplan Credit Card, a collaboration between Chase and Air Canada’s loyalty program, is a strong contender, particularly for travelers who want to maximize their rewards.
This guide will break down the features, benefits, and redemption options of the Chase Aeroplan card. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what this card offers and whether it’s the right fit for your travel goals, even if you don’t fly with Air Canada frequently.
Breaking Down the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card Key Features
The Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card is designed to help you accumulate points quickly through everyday spending and travel. It offers a rewards structure that is competitive, especially for a card with a $95 annual fee.
Earning Points on Everyday Purchases
The card’s earning structure is one of its most attractive features. You can accelerate your point accumulation through several spending categories:
- 3x points per dollar spent at grocery stores.
- 3x points per dollar on dining, including restaurants, takeout, and eligible delivery services.
- 3x points per dollar on purchases made directly with Air Canada.
- 1x point per dollar on all other purchases.
In addition to these multipliers, the card rewards consistent spending. You’ll earn 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month, up to a maximum of 1,500 bonus points per month. This unique feature adds an extra incentive for using the card for your regular expenses.
Valuable Travel Benefits
The Chase Aeroplan card comes packed with perks that can significantly enhance your travel experience. These benefits provide both convenience and cost savings.
- Automatic Aeroplan 25K Elite Status: As a new cardholder, you automatically receive Aeroplan 25K Elite Status for the calendar year you open your account and the following year. This status includes benefits like priority check-in, priority boarding, two one-time Maple Leaf Lounge passes, and eUpgrade credits.
- Free First Checked Bags: You and up to eight companions on the same booking get your first checked bag free on all Air Canada flights. While your 25K status already provides checked bag benefits, this perk is valuable when traveling with a group.
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS Fee Credit: The card offers a statement credit of up to $100 every four years to cover the application fee for one of these expedited security programs.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: You can use your card for international purchases without incurring the typical 3% fee, making it a great companion for overseas travel.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Aeroplan Points
Earning points is only half the battle; knowing how to redeem them effectively is what truly unlocks their value. The Aeroplan program offers flexible and valuable redemption options, especially for flights.
Air Canada Award Flights
One of the most straightforward ways to use your points is to book flights directly with Air Canada. One-way award flights start as low as 6,000 points, and there are no cash surcharges on these bookings.
A major advantage of the Aeroplan program is that if a seat is available for cash, you can book it with points. This “Every Seat, Every Flight” policy eliminates blackout dates and seat restrictions.
As a cardholder, you also get access to preferred pricing on award flights, which can lead to even greater savings.
Flights with Partner Airlines
The value of Aeroplan extends far beyond Air Canada itself. As a member of the Star Alliance, Aeroplan allows you to book flights with a vast network of partner airlines, including United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines.
This opens up a world of travel possibilities. For instance, short-haul economy flights within North America (under 500 miles) can be booked for just 6,000 points plus a $39 partner fee.
Longer flights within the continent, over 2,751 miles, cap out at 22,500 points for economy or 35,000 for business class.
Often, booking with a partner can be a more cost-effective use of your points than booking directly with Air Canada.
Additional Protections and Perks
Beyond rewards and travel benefits, the Chase Aeroplan card includes a suite of insurance and protection benefits that provide peace of mind while you’re on the move.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Provides coverage if your trip is cut short or canceled for a covered reason.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimburses you for essential purchases if your luggage is delayed.
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Offers secondary coverage for damage or theft to a rental car when you pay with your card.
- Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days, up to $500 per claim.
The card also features modern conveniences like Zero Liability Protection against fraudulent charges and contactless payment technology for quick and secure checkouts.
Is This the Right Card for You?
The Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card is a robust travel card that offers significant value, especially considering its reasonable annual fee.
Its strong earning rates on everyday categories like groceries and dining make it easy to rack up points quickly. The automatic 25K Elite Status, free checked bags, and flexible redemption options add layers of benefits that appeal to both frequent and occasional travelers.
If you are looking for a way to earn valuable travel rewards that can be used for flights across the globe without being limited to a single airline’s direct routes, this card is a compelling choice.
The ability to book with Star Alliance partners greatly expands your travel horizons. Take a closer look at your spending habits and travel goals to see if the Chase Aeroplan card aligns with your strategy!