Dreaming of flying business class to Europe without paying thousands of dollars? It’s more achievable than you think. On my last trip, I booked 7 business class flights worth over $35,000 using Aeroplan points instead of cash — just 50,000 points per ticket.
The key is knowing which credit cards to get, how to take advantage of welcome bonuses, and how to redeem Aeroplan points for maximum value. Even beginners in Canada can quickly build enough points for 2–3 round-trip business class flights to Europe just through everyday spending and the right sign-ups.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The best credit cards in Canada for earning Aeroplan points
- How to use welcome bonuses to fast-track your balance
- Transfer partners and tips for maximizing your points
- Real examples of booking business class to Europe on points
By the end, you’ll see how everyday expenses can turn into lie-flat seats, Polaris lounge access (yes, with a full-service restaurant), and unforgettable trips abroad — all for a fraction of the price.
What Are Aeroplan Points and Why They’re So Valuable
Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program, and it’s one of the best for Canadians who want to travel in style. With Aeroplan, you can book flights on Air Canada plus dozens of partner airlines like Lufthansa, United, and Swiss.
The sweet spot? Business class to Europe. While cash fares can easily run $4,000–$6,000 per ticket, you can often book the same flights for just 50,000–70,000 Aeroplan points each way. That means two round-trip business class tickets can cost as little as 200,000 points instead of $10,000+ out of pocket.
On my own trip, I booked 7 business class flights for 50,000 points each — flights that would have cost over $35,000 if paid in cash. That’s the kind of value Aeroplan offers when you use points strategically.
How to Earn Aeroplan Points Quickly in Canada
The fastest way to build a large Aeroplan balance isn’t flying — it’s through credit card welcome bonuses. These one-time offers often give you 30,000–75,000 points after meeting a minimum spend, which is enough for a one-way business class flight to Europe.
Here are the best options for beginners (and yes, you can combine more than one):
American Express Gold Rewards Card
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 75,000 points after minimum spend.
- Why it’s good: Points transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan. Flexible for other programs too.
- Earn 5,000 points each month when you spend $1,000 for 12 months → 60,000 points
- Earn 10,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months (inclusive of the above spend requirement)
- Since you will spend $13,000 in the above spend requirements, you will also get at least 13,000 points
- Total of 83,000 points earned!
- Points transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan
- Net cost to earn the signup bonus:
- $250 annual fee for 1st year
- $100 in total perks value (annual travel credit)
- Net cost = $150
- Can cancel after the 12-month fee posts within 30 days if you find you don’t get ongoing value for the card (transfer your points first!)
- Apply Here
American Express Platinum Card
- Welcome Bonus: Often 100,000+ Membership Rewards points after meeting the spend requirement.
- Perks that offset the $799 fee:
- $200 Annual Dining Credit (usable at select restaurants).
- $200 Annual Travel Credit (book through Amex Travel).
- That’s $400 back right away — making the net fee much more reasonable.
- Luxury travel perks:
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (room upgrades, late checkout).
- Complimentary Avis Preferred status (better car rental upgrades).
- Access to Amex Centurion Lounges + Priority Pass lounges worldwide.
- Why it’s good: If you travel even once a year, the lounge access, credits, and premium perks more than justify the fee. Plus, the massive welcome bonus can cover multiple business class flights.
- Best offer is usually available through referral links—apply when the elevated offer is live (look for 140,000–145,000 point offers) and when you have a major upcoming expense.
- Spend $10,000 in 3 months → Earn 100,000 points (when elevated)
- Make a purchase between months 14–17 → Earn another 10,000–30,000 points
- Total bonus: Up to 155,000 points
- Annual fees: $799 (Year 1) + $799 (Year 2) = $1,598
- Perks each year:
- $200 dining credit
- $200 travel credit
- Amex Offers (~$100+)
- Priority security at major Canadian airports
- Access to Centurion, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium lounges
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- Net cost after perks: ~$598
- Cancel before the third year if the card no longer adds value
- Worth it? If you maximize the perks and sign up during an elevated offer window, the points alone can be worth over $2,200 in economy flights or ~$8,000 in business class flights—making this a top-tier card for luxury travel and serious point collectors.
- Note: You may be ineligible for the Amex Gold Personal signup bonus if you get the Amex Platinum first. So, if you plan on getting both cards, start with the Gold, then get the Platinum afterwards.
- Apply Here
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite
Welcome Bonus: Often 30,000–50,000 Aeroplan points.
- Perks: First checked bag free on Air Canada, preferred pricing on Aeroplan redemptions.
- Why it’s good: A direct way to earn Aeroplan points on everyday spend.
- Spend $12,000 total in 12 months → Earn 52,000 points (40,000 bonus + 12,000 from spending)
- You cannot earn the bonus from this card if you have earned the bonus from the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card or the Amex Aeroplan card
- Breakdown: $7,500 in first 6 months + $4,500 total in the next 6 months (total of $12,000 in 12 months)
- Annual fee: $139 (often waived Year 1)
- Includes free checked bags for up to 8 passengers on Air Canada flights
- If you don’t see long-term value in the card, consider cancelling before the 24-month mark to avoid paying a second annual fee
- Apply Here
TD Aeroplan Platinum Visa (Entry-Level Card)
Welcome Bonus: 10,000–20,000 Aeroplan points (varies by offer).
- Why it’s good: This is TD’s entry-level Aeroplan card — easier approval requirements compared to the Visa Infinite.
- Pro Tip: You can qualify for the bonus on this and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite (or the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite), meaning you can double up on Aeroplan welcome bonuses.
- Spend $1,000 in 90 days → Earn 20,000 points
- You cannot earn this bonus if you have earned the bonus from the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card
- Annual fee: $89 (first year waived)
- If you don’t find ongoing value in the card, you can cancel it before the 24-month mark to avoid a second annual fee. You may be able to cancel the card shortly after the 12-month period and before the 13th month to get the $89 12-month waived, effectively not paying any annual fees.
- Apply Here
American Express Business Gold Rewards Card
- Welcome Bonus: ~75,000 Membership Rewards points (varies by promo).
- Why it’s good: Transfers 1:1 to Aeroplan. Flexible earning categories.
- “But I’m not a business owner…” Don’t worry — regular people can get business cards. If you have any kind of side income (freelance, consulting, tutoring, even selling on Facebook Marketplace), you can qualify. Many beginners are approved without an incorporated business.
- Spend $7,500 in 3 months → Earn 40,000 bonus points + 7,500 from spend = 47,500 total
- Annual fee: $199 (Year 1) – Application below will get you $125 rebate when GCR offers it
- Net cost: $74 after rebate
- You must let the second $199 fee post to receive full bonus
- Cancel within 30 days of second fee being charged to get the refunded, if you don’t find ongoing value in the card
- Apply Here (Receive a $125 rebate if you apply with GCR)
Maximize Everyday Spending with the Right Card
Welcome bonuses give you a huge head start, but your everyday purchases can also add up quickly — especially if you use a card with strong multipliers on the categories you already spend in.
The best option in Canada for ongoing points earning is the American Express Cobalt Card.
- 5x Points on Groceries and Dining: Every $1 spent at grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and food delivery earns 5 Membership Rewards Select points (transferable 1:1 to Aeroplan).
- 2x Points on Transit and Travel: Includes gas, public transit, taxis, rideshares, and flights/hotels.
- 1x on Everything Else.
If you spend $1,000 per month on groceries and dining, that’s 5,000 points monthly — or 60,000 points per year just from everyday shopping. That’s enough for another one-way business class ticket to Europe.
Double Your Points with a Partner (Player 2 Strategy)
One of the most powerful — and overlooked — ways to earn points faster is the Player 2 strategy. This simply means having your spouse, partner, or even a trusted family member apply for their own cards.
Here’s why this works so well:
- Each person can earn the full welcome bonus on a card. For example, if you earn 83,000 points on the Amex Gold and your partner does the same, that’s 166,000 points total!
- Aeroplan Family Sharing: Aeroplan allows you to pool points together in a shared account. This means both of your points balances combine automatically, so you can redeem from one larger pool instead of splitting bookings.
- Faster access to premium trips: Instead of waiting a year to collect enough points solo, a couple can earn enough for 2–3 round-trip business class tickets to Europe in just a few months of coordinated applications.
Redeeming Aeroplan Points for Business Class to Europe
Once you’ve built your points balance, it’s time for the fun part — using them. Aeroplan has some of the best redemption “sweet spots” for Canadians, especially when flying to Europe.
- Business Class to Europe for 50,000–70,000 Points (One-Way):
You can book flights on Air Canada or partners like Lufthansa, Swiss, or United for as little as 50,000 Aeroplan points each way in business class. - Round-Trip Example:
That means 100,000–140,000 points per person round-trip — compared to cash fares of $4,000–$6,000. - Family or Group Travel:
On my own trip, I booked 7 business class flights to Europe for just 50,000 points each. The cash price would have been over $35,000, but I paid 350,000 points total instead. That’s the true power of Aeroplan redemptions.
Pro Tip #1: Aeroplan doesn’t just cover Air Canada. You can also book on Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa or Swiss Air. We flew United to Europe.
Pro Tip #2: To find reward seats, I use Roame.travel — it’s a free tool that searches across airlines to show the best availability. It’s how I find my own business class flights. If you’re looking for multiple seats on the same international flight, you’ll usually need to search 8+ months in advance for the best results.
Final Thoughts
The easiest way to unlock business class flights isn’t by flying more — it’s by collecting the right credit card welcome bonuses and putting your everyday spending to work. That’s how I booked 7 business class seats to Europe worth over $35,000, for just points.
If you’re ready to start, the first step is simple: pick a card, earn the welcome bonus, and watch your Aeroplan balance grow. Each bonus can get you closer to your first business class flight.
Start collecting points today with one of the cards above — or message me on Instagram [@PointsWithMike] for a free consult to help you get started.
For a primer on how to use Aeroplan points check out my beginners guide to Aeroplan.