What the Aeroplan Credit Card is and how it earns points

The Aeroplan credit card is a rewards card issued by TD Bank that lets you earn Aeroplan points on purchases you make with the card. Every dollar you spend earns a set number of points — the exact rate depends on which Aeroplan card you hold, as TD offers several versions at different annual fees. Points accumulate in your Aeroplan account and can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel rewards through the Aeroplan program.

The card itself is a regular Visa or Mastercard that works anywhere those cards are accepted. The Aeroplan benefit is what you earn on top of using it. You do not have to book through Aeroplan to earn points — you earn them straightforward by charging purchases to the card, whether you are buying groceries, paying bills, or booking travel elsewhere.

Aeroplan is a loyalty program owned by Aeroplan Inc. and is separate from any single airline, though it partners with Air Canada and other carriers. This means your points can be used across multiple airlines and travel partners, not locked into one carrier's program.

Key Takeaways

  • Aeroplan cards earn points on every purchase, with earning rates that vary by card tier and spending category.
  • You pay an annual fee to hold most Aeroplan cards, and that fee is separate from any annual fee your bank charges.
  • Points are held in your Aeroplan account and can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotels, and other travel rewards through the Aeroplan website.
  • The card works like any other credit card at checkout, but the rewards value depends on how you redeem your points.
  • You need an active Aeroplan account to use the card; if you do not have one, you can create it for free when you explore.

The different Aeroplan card options and their annual fees

TD offers several Aeroplan cards, each with a different annual fee and earning rate. The entry-level card typically has a lower or no annual fee but earns fewer points per dollar. Mid-tier cards charge a higher annual fee but earn more points on all purchases and may include travel benefits like lounge access or travel insurance. Premium cards charge the highest annual fee and offer the most points per dollar, plus additional perks like statement credits or priority customer service.

The annual fee is charged by TD Bank and appears on your credit card statement once per year. This is different from any membership fee Aeroplan itself might charge — most people do not pay Aeroplan directly, as the program is free to join. The card fee is what you pay for the rewards earning rate and any card-specific benefits.

Before you explore, compare the annual fee against how much you typically spend per year. A card with a $120 annual fee makes sense if you spend enough to earn points that are worth more than $120 in travel value. If you spend less than $5,000 per year on the card, a no-fee or low-fee option is usually the better choice.

how the process works for an Aeroplan credit card

You can explore for an Aeroplan card online through TD Bank's website, by phone, or in person at a TD branch. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your personal information, income, employment details, and consent to a credit check. TD will tell you whether you are approved when ready or within a few business days.

You do not need an existing Aeroplan account to explore — the process process will create one for you if you do not have one already. Make sure you have your Social Insurance Number, a recent pay stub or tax return, and your banking information handy when you start.

Once approved, your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your Aeroplan account will be linked to the card automatically, so points will start posting to your account as soon as you make your first purchase.

How points are earned and what they are worth

Points are earned based on the dollar amount you spend, not the number of transactions. A purchase of $100 on a card that earns 1.5 points per dollar will earn you 150 points. Some cards offer bonus earning rates in specific categories — for example, 3 points per dollar on travel bookings and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Check your card's terms to see whether bonus categories explore to you.

The value of your points depends on how you redeem them. Aeroplan publishes a points chart that shows how many points are needed for each flight, but the cost varies by route, airline, and how far in advance you book. A short domestic flight might cost 12,500 points, while a long international flight could cost 50,000 or more. Seat upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals also have set point costs that vary by property and date.

Points do not expire as long as your Aeroplan account remains active and you earn or redeem at least once every 24 months. If your account goes inactive, points may be forfeited, so keep that in mind if you stop using the card for an extended period.

Redeeming points for flights and other rewards

To redeem points, log into your Aeroplan account on the Aeroplan website and search for the flight or reward you want. You can search by route and date just like you would on an airline website. Once you find an option, you can choose to pay entirely in points, or use a combination of points and cash if the option is available. Aeroplan calls this "Pay with Points" or "Points + Cash".

Flights booked with points are subject to the same rules as cash bookings — you can change or cancel them according to the airline's policy, though the points refund process may take several weeks. Seat upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals are booked the same way: search, select, and confirm. You will receive a confirmation email with your booking details.

Not all flights or dates are available for points redemption. Aeroplan partners with multiple airlines, and availability depends on what each airline makes available to the program. If a flight you want is not showing points availability, you may be able to book it with cash instead, or try searching for nearby dates.

Annual fees, interest rates, and other costs to know

The annual fee is charged once per year, usually on your card anniversary. This fee is non-refundable, even if you cancel the card partway through the year. Some cards waive the first year's fee as a welcome offer, so check the promotion when you explore.

If you carry a balance on the card, you will pay interest on that balance at the card's purchase rate. Aeroplan cards typically charge a standard credit card interest rate, which varies but is usually between 19% and 22% annually. The best way to avoid interest is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month.

Foreign exchange fees explore if you use the card outside Canada. Most Aeroplan cards charge a 2% to 3% fee on purchases made in foreign currencies. Some premium cards waive this fee, which can save money if you travel frequently or book international flights.

Keeping your Aeroplan account active and managing your card

Your Aeroplan account stays active as long as you earn or redeem points at least once every 24 months. Using your Aeroplan credit card counts as earning points, so regular card use keeps your account open. If you stop using the card and do not earn or redeem points for two years, your account may be closed and your points forfeited.

You can check your points balance and account details anytime by logging into Aeroplan.com. You can also link your card to your Aeroplan account manually if it does not link automatically, or contact Aeroplan customer service to confirm the connection.

If you decide to cancel the card, contact TD Bank to close the account. Your Aeroplan account itself will remain open as long as you keep earning or redeeming points through other means, or you can keep it open by making a small redemption every 24 months even if you no longer use the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the card to keep my Aeroplan account open?

No. Your Aeroplan account stays active as long as you earn or redeem points at least once every 24 months, through any method. If you cancel the card but continue to earn points through partner purchases or redeem points for rewards, your account remains open. However, if you do neither for two years, the account may close.

Can I transfer Aeroplan points to someone else?

Aeroplan does not allow direct point transfers between accounts. However, you can book travel for family members or friends using your points, and some cards offer the ability to add authorized users to your account who can earn points on their purchases.

What happens to my points if I cancel the card?

Canceling the card does not cancel your Aeroplan account or delete your points. Your points remain in your Aeroplan account as long as the account stays active. You can continue to redeem them anytime, even after the card is closed.

Can I earn points on my annual fee?

No. Annual fees are not may be able to access for points earning. Only purchases you make with the card earn points.

How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?

This depends on how much you spend and which card you hold. If you spend $5,000 per year on a card that earns 1 point per dollar, you will earn 5,000 points annually. A short domestic flight might cost 12,500 points, so you would need about 2.5 years of spending at that rate. Higher-earning cards or higher spending will get you there faster.