Get the most from Aeroplan 25K status with the upgraded credit card
The Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card now grants automatic Aeroplan 25K elite status to cardholders, along with a best-ever welcome bonus of up to 115,000 points. The annual fee rose to $195, but the status benefits—including priority check-in and a free checked bag—can outweigh the cost. The article details strategies for maximizing these perks on Air Canada and partner airlines.
The card's elevated $195 annual fee is offset by several layered benefits beyond the headline status perk. Cardholders earn 5 points per dollar on Air Canada purchases, with bonus categories for travel, groceries, and dining, plus 500 bonus points for every $2,000 in monthly spending. The path to Aeroplan 35K status requires $75,000 in annual card spending, while up to 25,000 Status Qualifying Credits can be accumulated through card use alone.
The welcome bonus structure rewards both initial and sustained spending, with 75,000 points after a $4,000 threshold and an additional 40,000 points after reaching $20,000 in annual purchases. For frequent Air Canada travelers, the automatic 25K status delivers practical value through priority check-in, preferred seating, and free checked bags for up to eight companions on the same itinerary.
This card's shift toward bundling elite status with a consumer credit card could reshape how casual travelers approach airline loyalty programs. Frequent flyers may find the $195 fee justified by status perks alone, potentially reducing their reliance on traditional mileage-based qualification. However, the higher spending thresholds for elevated status may disproportionately benefit business travelers or high-income earners, while occasional flyers could find the annual fee harder to justify. The trend toward credit-card-linked status could also influence how airlines structure future loyalty offerings.