How To Earn Aeroplan Points Faster Than Ever

Here are some strategies to earn Aeroplan points faster.

1. Capitalize on Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses:

• Premium Aeroplan Co-Branded Cards: Start with an Aeroplan-affiliated credit card (e.g., from TD, CIBC, or American Express) that regularly offers substantial sign-up bonuses—often tens of thousands of points.
• Look for Promo Periods: Card issuers often run limited-time promotions with boosted sign-up incentives and first-year annual fee waivers. Try to apply during these periods.
• Authorized Users: Adding a family member as an authorized user can sometimes yield extra bonus points for hitting certain spending thresholds.

2. Leverage Everyday Spending Categories:

• Groceries & Gas: Identify which Aeroplan credit cards offer accelerated earn rates (e.g., 2x or 3x points) at supermarkets, gas stations, or dining.
• Recurring Bills & Subscriptions: Put recurring payments, such as phone bills or streaming services, on a card that earns Aeroplan points.
• Gift Card Purchases: Many major retailers that sell gift cards also earn accelerated points on your Aeroplan-linked card, allowing you to effectively “pre-pay” for non-bonus categories at a better rate.

3. Maximize Aeroplan eStore and Partner Offers:

• Aeroplan eStore: Always start your online shopping through the Aeroplan eStore portal. Popular retailers like Apple, The Bay, Indigo, or Sephora often offer bonus points multipliers, sometimes doubling or tripling your normal earn rate.
• Seasonal Promotions: The eStore frequently runs special events, like “10x the points” days during Black Friday or holiday sales.
• In-Store Partners: Look for Aeroplan signage at select retail and dining partners. Transacting with these merchants can earn additional bonus points.

4. Optimize Air Canada and Star Alliance Flights:

• Choosing Fares: Higher fare classes (Flex, Latitude, or Business) on Air Canada flights generally yield more points. If it’s cost-effective, consider a fare that gives you more points per dollar spent.
• Star Alliance Partners: Credit flights booked through Aeroplan or Star Alliance carriers to your Aeroplan account. Even if you’re flying Lufthansa, United, or Swiss, make sure your Aeroplan number is on the reservation.
• Aeroplan Family Sharing: With Aeroplan’s Family Sharing feature, you can pool points with up to 8 family members. This accelerates point accumulation, making it easier to reach flight redemption goals.

5. Take Advantage of Promotions and Miles Accelerators:

• Targeted Offers: Keep an eye on your email inbox for targeted promotions that offer bonus points if you meet certain spending or flying criteria.
• Aeroplan Elite Status Accelerators: If you have Elite Status with Aeroplan, you sometimes gain access to “Status Passes” and bonus point multipliers on certain flights or from certain spend thresholds.
• Credit Card Accelerators: Some Aeroplan cards let you buy points at a discount or offer temporary accelerators for specific categories.

6. Redeem Strategically to Keep the Momentum:

• Strategic Redemptions: Using points for premium cabin flights or otherwise expensive fares can free up cash that you might funnel into more spending on Aeroplan credit cards, accelerating further accumulation.
• Avoid Points Expiry: Aeroplan points don’t expire as long as you earn or use at least one point every 18 months. A single small purchase through the eStore is enough to keep your balance active.

7. Keep Up-to-Date with Program Changes:

• Subscribe to Newsletters and Blogs: Aeroplan occasionally adjusts earn rates, introduces new partners, or offers promotional codes. Following reputable frequent flyer blogs and Aeroplan’s official communications helps you stay ahead.
• Check the Aeroplan Website Frequently: Before any big purchase or trip, see if there’s a current promotion that might boost your haul.

In Summary

By combining a strong Aeroplan-affiliated credit card, tapping into recurring bonuses (eStore, retail partners), strategically choosing when and how you fly, and staying informed about promotions, you can supercharge your Aeroplan points earnings and unlock valuable travel rewards faster.