Travelers who rely on Air Canada for routes across North America and beyond now face a recalibrated credit card option. The Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card has been updated with several new benefits that directly affect how points convert to flights and how status is earned. These adjustments arrive alongside a higher annual fee, prompting many cardholders to weigh the practical trade-offs for their upcoming itineraries.
Automatic Status Becomes a Standout Feature
One of the most noticeable updates centers on Aeroplan 25K status. Cardmembers now receive this entry-level elite tier automatically each year without any spending threshold to meet. Previously, new cardholders gained status only through the end of the calendar year plus the following one, and maintaining it required $15,000 in annual spend. The change simplifies planning for those who fly Air Canada regularly. 25K status includes priority check-in, zone 2 boarding, and two complimentary checked bags on Air Canada flights. Cardmembers can still reach 35K status after $75,000 in card spend during a calendar year, preserving a path to higher benefits for heavier users.
Statement Credits Help Address the Fee Increase
The annual fee has risen from $95 to $195. To help offset that change, the card now provides up to $100 in annual statement credits for eligible Air Canada purchases, delivered as two $50 credits each year. For the remainder of 2026, cardmembers receive one $50 credit, with the full biannual structure beginning in 2027. Existing cardholders receive a short grace period, with the new fee taking effect on December 1 based on individual renewal dates. When the credits are fully used, the net cost returns to the prior $95 level for those who regularly book Air Canada services.
Earning Rates Shift Toward Travel and Fuel
Earning categories have been adjusted in ways that favor certain spending patterns. General travel purchases now earn 3 points per dollar, up from 1 point. Gas station purchases rise to 2 points per dollar. Air Canada purchases continue to earn 3 points per dollar, with Aeroplan 25K members able to reach an effective 5 points per dollar on eligible flights through additional airline bonuses. Dining and grocery purchases remain at 3 points per dollar through December 31, 2026, then drop to 2 points per dollar starting January 1, 2027. All other purchases stay at 1 point per dollar. These adjustments reward travelers who direct more spending toward flights and road trips while reducing returns on everyday restaurant and supermarket purchases.
| Category | Previous Rate | New Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada purchases | 3x | Up to 5x |
| Travel purchases | 1x | 3x |
| Dining | 3x | 2x (from 2027) |
| Grocery stores | 3x | 2x (from 2027) |
| Gas stations | 1x | 2x |
New Redemption Discount and Car Rental Benefit
A 15 percent discount now applies to eligible one-way Air Canada flight redemptions booked with Aeroplan points. The savings extend to itineraries that include at least one Air Canada-operated segment, even when a partner flight appears in the routing. This discount can combine with Priority Rewards for additional value on qualifying bookings. Beginning in January 2027, cardmembers also gain a fourth day free on car rentals when booking four consecutive days in one reservation at more than 11,000 participating locations worldwide using Aeroplan points. The existing fourth-night-free hotel benefit remains unchanged.
Evaluating the Card for Future Travel
The refreshed card aligns most closely with travelers who frequently book Air Canada flights, value automatic 25K status, and can apply the new statement credits. Those who redeem points regularly for Air Canada awards may find the 15 percent discount particularly useful over time. For cardholders whose spending leans heavily toward dining and groceries, the upcoming reduction in earning rates may offset some of the new advantages. The overall value ultimately depends on how well the automatic status, award savings, and credits match an individual’s travel patterns in the coming year.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.