Aeroplan has announced a series of enhancements to its credit card offerings, effective January 12, 2027, which include new benefits alongside increased annual fees for most cards. The changes affect both core and premium Aeroplan credit cardholders, with all existing benefits retained but at higher costs.
One of the most notable updates is the introduction of a permanent 15 percent discount on Aeroplan point redemptions for Air Canada flights. Previously available as a temporary promotion, this discount reduces the number of points required for bookings, potentially delivering significant savings for cardholders. Additional permanent travel perks include a promotion for car rentals, where booking three days with points grants a fourth day free, as well as a similar hotel offer providing a fourth night free when booking three nights using points.
Core Aeroplan cardholders, such as those with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite and the American Express Aeroplan Card, will receive a new semi-annual Air Canada Wallet credit of $25 twice per year, totaling $50 annually. These credits, valid for six months, aim to offset the increased annual fees, which will rise by up to $30 for these cards.
Premium cardholders will see a broader range of benefit enhancements. Access to Maple Leaf Lounges will now include worldwide Air Canada lounges, adding locations in London, Paris, and Frankfurt. Priority security lane access will also be extended to cardholders and up to eight travel companions at selected airports. Additionally, premium cardholders will receive a semi-annual $50 Air Canada credit, totaling $100 per year, similarly valid for six months. However, the annual fee for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card will increase by $100, reaching $699.
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, also classified as premium, receives the most extensive upgrades alongside a $200 fee increase, bringing its annual cost to $799. New benefits for this card include six Priority Pass lounge passes annually for use when Maple Leaf Lounges are unavailable, and eight complimentary visits per year to Amex Aspire lounges in Canada, including newly opened locations in Calgary and Montreal. Cardholders will also gain a $200 annual dining credit valid at a curated list of Canadian restaurants designated by Air Canada, and a tiered points bonus scheme offering an additional 10 percent points on annual spending thresholds starting at $125,000, up to a maximum at $400,000.
While the additional credits and discounts may provide enough value to justify the increased fees for some, the higher cost has raised questions about the cards’ overall appeal. The core cards’ modest fee increase may be easily balanced by the new semi-annual credits, but for premium cardholders, especially those holding the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, the $100 fee hike may prompt reconsideration, particularly for those who do not frequently utilize Air Canada travel benefits.
Similarly, the Aeroplan Reserve card’s elevated fee and limited dining credit options could present challenges. With only 30 restaurants participating in the designated program, some cardholders may find the dining credit difficult to redeem fully. While the additional lounge access and point bonuses enhance the card’s benefits for frequent travelers and big spenders, the value proposition for casual users remains less clear.
CIBC has confirmed forthcoming changes to its core and premium Aeroplan credit cards but has not provided specific details at this time. Overall, these updates reflect Aeroplan’s strategy to enhance rewards and travel benefits while adjusting pricing to align with expanded offerings. Cardholders are encouraged to assess their usage patterns and benefits to determine whether the new fees align with the value they expect to receive.