Key takeaways
- Aeroplan 25K elite status is automatically granted to cardholders, normally requiring 25,000 SQCs earned through flying.
- Two complimentary checked bags per trip plus waived fees for sports equipment provide substantial savings on family travel.
- You earn 5 points per dollar on Air Canada flights when combining the card's 3-point bonus with elite earning rates of 2 points per dollar.
- The $100 annual statement credits and 15 percent discount on award redemptions help offset the $195 annual fee.
The Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card has been strengthened with changes that merit a fresh look, even for occasional Air Canada fliers.
The Automatic Status Advantage
The card’s most significant improvement is the automatic grant of Aeroplan 25K elite status to all cardholders. Normally, earning this first elite tier requires accumulating 25,000 Segment Quality Credits through flying. The card grants it immediately upon opening, which reshapes the value calculation entirely.
This status delivers immediate, practical benefits across Air Canada’s network and broader Star Alliance operations. The shift in annual fee from $95 to $195 might seem steep, but the elite perks alone justify the expense for anyone who takes even a handful of flights annually.
What 25K Elite Status Provides
As an Aeroplan 25K member, you’ll access several categories of benefits:
Priority check-in and boarding
You board in Zone 2—ahead of standard economy passengers—and receive priority check-in services. On full flights or rebookings, you rank above nonelite passengers on waitlists, materially increasing your odds of securing a seat when flights become overbooked.
Priority access to Air Canada’s contact center lets you resolve issues without standard queue delays, which proves valuable during schedule disruptions or itinerary changes.
Baggage allowances and special handling
The status includes one complimentary checked bag, stacking with the free checked bag that comes with card membership itself. This means two free checked bags per trip, which adds meaningful value on family travel. Air Canada charges $45 per checked bag for standard fares, so a family of four flying round-trip saves $360 by avoiding first-bag fees alone.
Beyond checked baggage, Air Canada waives special handling fees for sports equipment. Bicycles normally incur $50 to $60 in handling charges, while surfboards, paddleboards and similar oversize gear run $100 to $120 each way. For travelers who regularly move equipment, these waivers accumulate into genuine savings.
Seat selection and upgrade credits
Aeroplan 25K members receive complimentary preferred seat selection at check-in on Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge—but only on Standard and Flex fares. Basic economy tickets don’t qualify for this perk.
You also earn five eUpgrade credits annually, which you can apply to confirmed cabin upgrades. The cost per upgrade varies based on your starting fare type, destination distance and target cabin. Some upgrades require as few as two eUpgrade credits when combined with premium economy or top-tier economy fares, while longer-haul business-class upgrades may consume more credits. You can earn additional eUpgrade credits through Aeroplan’s Milestone Benefits as you accumulate more SQCs through actual flying.
Earning Points on Every Flight
The card’s earning structure helps points accumulate even when flying short routes or paying relatively low fares.
All Aeroplan 25K fliers earn a guaranteed minimum of 250 points per flight, which matters on regional or budget-conscious bookings. Air Canada’s points formula is now revenue-based, deriving from the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges (excluding taxes, fees and third-party charges), so you earn proportionally more the higher your ticket cost.
When flying Air Canada or any Star Alliance partner booked through Air Canada, you earn 2 points per dollar spent—one base point plus one elite bonus. If you’re using the Aeroplan Credit Card for the Air Canada purchase, you add 3 more points per dollar, creating a combined rate of 5 points per dollar on Air Canada flights themselves. This stacking effect accelerates points growth without requiring manufactured spend or category manipulation.
Card Benefits Beyond Elite Status
The Aeroplan Credit Card now offers up to $100 annually in Air Canada statement credits, delivered as two $50 credits over six-month periods. This functions as a modest fee offset, especially valuable if you time it against incidental purchases like seat selections, baggage fees or other ancillary charges.
Cardholders also receive 15 percent off Aeroplan award redemptions booked with accumulated points, a discount that compounds when redeeming for premium cabins or peak-season flights where award prices run high.
The fourth-night-free benefit continues on hotel stays booked through Aeroplan’s hotel collection, providing another avenue to extend point value beyond airfare.
Star Alliance Silver Status
Holding Aeroplan 25K automatically grants you Star Alliance Silver status, which extends perks to Air Canada’s partner airlines. On United Airlines, for example, you’ll receive Premier Access check-in, Group 2 priority boarding and an extra complimentary checked bag. Lufthansa, ANA and other Star Alliance carriers offer comparable benefits to Silver members, making the status useful beyond Air Canada flights alone.
Welcome Bonus and Earning Potential
New cardholders receive 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, plus an additional 40,000 points after $20,000 total spend within the first 12 months—a combined 115,000-point welcome offer. This bonus front-loads your account and can cover a meaningful redemption or accelerate progress toward premium earning status.
If you hold the card actively, the combination of category bonuses, flight bonuses and statement credits creates a realistic path to recouping the $195 annual fee within the first year, particularly if you’re booking Air Canada flights regularly.
Maximizing the Card’s Value
The automatic elite status removes the friction of earning through SQCs, which favors occasional fliers who nonetheless value priority treatment and baggage flexibility. Even cardholders who don’t rely on Air Canada as their primary airline will find the baggage allowances and Star Alliance Silver status valuable when they do fly Air Canada or its partners.
One important note: the automatic status doesn’t unlock Aeroplan’s Milestone Benefits, which require earning SQCs through actual flying. Those additional perks—lounge access, additional baggage or seat selection bonuses—come only as you accumulate elite miles organically. For travelers banking points without frequent flying, this distinction matters.
The Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Credit Card has become a stronger offering with its improved benefits and automatic elite positioning. The $195 annual fee is substantial, but the status alone, combined with earning rates and statement credits, creates value that extends well beyond Air Canada-exclusive redemptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee and has it changed?
The annual fee increased from $95 to $195. The automatic Aeroplan 25K elite status, improved baggage perks and statement credits justify the increase.
How many free checked bags do I get?
Aeroplan 25K members receive one complimentary checked bag, and cardholders receive a second free checked bag, totaling two free bags per trip.
What Star Alliance benefits come with this card?
Aeroplan 25K automatically grants Star Alliance Silver status, which provides benefits like Premier Access check-in, priority boarding and free checked bags on partner airlines such as United and Lufthansa.
