Soaring to New Heights with Aeroplan: Your RewardSmart Guide

Air Canada's Aeroplan program offers a fantastic gateway to free flights and travel perks. While flying is the most obvious way to accumulate points, there's a whole world of opportunities beyond the boarding pass. At RewardSmart, we're dedicated to helping you maximize your rewards, so let's explore the best strategies for building your Aeroplan balance.

Credit Card Power: Your Aeroplan Accelerator

The fastest way to rack up Aeroplan points is undoubtedly through credit card spending. Several credit cards partner directly with Aeroplan, offering generous welcome bonuses and earning rates on everyday purchases.

  • Welcome Bonuses: Keep an eye out for limited-time offers. For example, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card frequently offers a welcome bonus of up to 50,000 points, often distributed in installments after meeting minimum spending requirements within the first few months. This could be enough for a round-trip flight within North America!
  • Earning Rates: Choose a card that aligns with your spending habits. Some cards offer accelerated earning on specific categories like dining, gas, or travel. If you spend a lot on groceries, a card that offers 2x or 3x points at grocery stores can significantly boost your earnings.
  • Leverage Category Bonuses: Plan your purchases around bonus categories. For instance, if your card offers bonus points on dining in June, make sure to use it for all your restaurant meals that month.

Beyond Flights: Unexpected Aeroplan Earning Opportunities

Don't limit your Aeroplan earning to flights alone! Here are some often-overlooked strategies:

  • Online Shopping Portals: Aeroplan has its own eStore portal, similar to other airline and credit card reward programs. By clicking through the eStore before making online purchases at participating retailers (like Sephora, Apple, or Hudson's Bay), you can earn bonus Aeroplan points on top of what you earn with your credit card. The earning rate varies by retailer, but it's essentially free points for purchases you were already planning to make.
  • Hotel Stays: Many hotel chains partner with Aeroplan, allowing you to earn points on your stays. Check the Aeroplan website for a list of participating hotels and their earning rates. Sometimes, you can even transfer hotel points to Aeroplan.
  • Car Rentals: Similar to hotels, car rental companies also offer Aeroplan earning opportunities. Book your rental through Aeroplan's partners to earn points on your rental fees.
  • Everyday Spending: Even without specific category bonuses, using your Aeroplan credit card for all your everyday spending ensures you're constantly accumulating points. Small purchases add up over time!

Strategic Redemption: Maximizing Your Aeroplan Value

Earning points is only half the battle; redeeming them strategically is crucial. Consider these tips:

  • Fixed-Point Redemption: Aeroplan offers fixed-point redemption for flights within specific zones, providing predictable pricing. This can be a great value, especially for shorter flights.
  • Avoid Last-Minute Bookings: Booking flights closer to your travel date often requires more points. Plan ahead and book in advance to secure the best redemption rates.
  • Consider Partner Airlines: Aeroplan partners with numerous airlines around the world, opening up a vast network of destinations. Explore flights with partner airlines to find better availability or lower point requirements.

RewardSmart Takeaway

Earning Air Canada Aeroplan points is easier than you think, especially with the right credit card strategy and awareness of alternative earning opportunities. Start maximizing your everyday spending and watch your Aeroplan balance take flight! Download RewardSmart today to track your points, discover new earning opportunities, and make the most of your Aeroplan rewards.