Best Aeroplan Credit Card in Canada (2025)

Aeroplan is Canada's dominant travel loyalty program, and there are now 8+ credit cards across three issuers that earn it directly. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want the biggest bonus, the best ongoing earn rate, lounge access, or a low fee.

Here's how they stack up.

The cards, ranked by first-year value

1. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite — Best overall starter

Welcome bonus: 45,000 Aeroplan points Annual fee: First year free (then $139) MSR: $3,000 in 90 days Best portal: GCR ($50 back) or Frugal Flyer ($50 back)

The TD Aeroplan VI is the go-to first Aeroplan card for most Canadians. The FYF offer means you collect a 45,000-point bonus with essentially no downside in year one. At ~1.5¢/pt, that's $675 in Aeroplan value.

You also get a free first checked bag on Air Canada for you and up to 8 travelling companions — a perk that pays for the annual fee on its own if you fly Air Canada a few times a year.

2. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite — Near-identical, worth having both

Welcome bonus: 45,000 Aeroplan points Annual fee: First year free (then $139) MSR: Tiered over 12 months Best portal: Frugal Flyer ($50 back)

The CIBC version is nearly identical to TD's. The key difference: you can hold both. Since TD and CIBC are separate issuers, churners often get both cards to double their Aeroplan intake. Both give free checked bags and preferred Aeroplan pricing.

3. Amex Aeroplan Reserve — Best for Air Canada loyalists

Welcome bonus: 90,000 Aeroplan points Annual fee: $599 MSR: $7,500 in 3 months Best portal: GCR ($125 back)

If you fly Air Canada regularly, the Reserve is the premium tier. You get unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access across North America, 6 Centurion Lounge guest passes per year, and a NEXUS fee credit. The 90,000-point welcome bonus is worth ~$1,350 on its own.

The $7,500 MSR is steep — time it around a big purchase or expense.

4. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege — High income, high reward

Welcome bonus: 85,000 Aeroplan points Annual fee: $599 MSR: $12,000 in 180 days Best portal: GCR ($75 back)

The Privilege tier adds unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access and priority airport services. The income requirement ($150,000 personal) limits the audience, and the value proposition vs. the Reserve is similar enough that most people should pick based on which one they can qualify for.

5. Amex Aeroplan Core — Best low-fee Aeroplan card

Welcome bonus: 40,000 Aeroplan points Annual fee: $120 MSR: $3,000 in 3 months Best portal: GCR ($50 back)

If you want a lower annual fee but still want Amex's transfer partner optionality and travel insurance, the Core is solid. You lose the lounge perks but keep the free checked bag.

Which should you get?

Start here: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite + CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite (both FYF, can hold both, doubles your welcome bonus intake)

Upgrade to: Amex Aeroplan Reserve once you're flying Air Canada regularly and can justify the $599 fee with lounge and status benefits

If you're budget-conscious: Amex Aeroplan Core or CIBC Aeroplan No-Fee Visa to stay in the ecosystem without a heavy fee

What can you do with Aeroplan points?

Aeroplan redeems on Air Canada and the entire Star Alliance network (United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, ANA, etc.). The sweet spots:

Economy to the US: ~12,500 points one-way
Economy to Europe: ~40,000–55,000 points one-way
Business class to Europe: ~65,000–85,000 points one-way
Business class to Asia: ~75,000–95,000 points one-way

For short-haul flights, the fixed chart is competitive. For long-haul business class, Aeroplan is one of the best programs in the world — you can book Lufthansa First Class for 105,000 points one-way.

Welcome bonuses and portal rates change frequently. Always verify before applying.