Helen Hatzis
Helen Hatzis
September 10, 2026 ·  3 min read

Automatic Aeroplan Elite Status Comes Standard with Chase’s Updated Air Canada Card

Travelers planning journeys to Canada now have a new option that bundles credit card rewards with yearly elite recognition. The refreshed Chase product carries a new name and delivers Aeroplan 25K status automatically each year, alongside a $195 annual fee and a welcome bonus reaching as high as 115,000 points. This development arrives as more people look toward Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners for transborder and international itineraries. ([1])

From Aeroplan to Air Canada Aeroplan

The card previously known simply as the Chase Aeroplan Card now carries the fuller designation Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Card. The name shift highlights the direct partnership between the issuer and Canada’s flag carrier. Cardholders continue to earn Aeroplan points, yet the updated branding underscores the airline’s role in the program’s day-to-day benefits and redemptions. The change reflects ongoing evolution in co-branded travel products. Issuers periodically refresh terms to align more closely with airline partners, and this instance brings clearer visibility to Air Canada within the card’s identity. For travelers who already route many trips through Canadian gateways or Star Alliance metal, the adjustment feels like a natural extension of existing loyalty ties.

Automatic 25K Status Each Year

The most notable feature is the automatic granting of Aeroplan 25K status on an annual basis. Most travelers earn elite tiers through a combination of flying and credit card spend; here the status arrives as part of card ownership. That removes one layer of planning for those who value priority boarding, extra baggage allowances, and occasional lounge access on qualifying itineraries. Because status resets yearly with the card, cardholders receive consistent recognition without needing to track minimum thresholds. The benefit applies as long as the account remains open and in good standing. For families or frequent visitors to Canada, this predictable perk can simplify annual travel budgeting and reward planning.

Annual Fee, Welcome Offer, and Earning Updates

The card carries a $195 annual fee in U.S. dollars. In exchange, new cardholders can receive a welcome offer of up to 115,000 Aeroplan points after meeting spending requirements. The issuer has also introduced revised earn rates that better match typical spending patterns for travel-focused consumers. These elements together create a straightforward value proposition: pay the fee once and receive both points and recurring status. Existing cardholders should review their accounts for transition details, as the product update applies across the portfolio. The combination of points and status gives travelers flexibility to book award flights or pay with points while still enjoying the recognition that comes with 25K membership.

Practical Considerations for Canada Travel

Anyone mapping out trips that involve Air Canada or Star Alliance flights can weigh this card against other rewards options. The automatic status provides a baseline level of service that many travelers otherwise pursue through repeated flying. Combined with the points earning and the substantial welcome bonus, the card offers a single product that addresses both accumulation and recognition. As with any financial product, individuals should compare the annual fee against their expected travel volume and redemption plans. Those who already fly Air Canada routes or connect through Canadian hubs may find the yearly status particularly useful for smoothing the logistics of international journeys. The card therefore sits as one practical tool among many for purposeful travel to Canada and beyond.

AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.