How to Earn Aeroplan Points Fast

Aeroplan is the loyalty program of Air Canada, the largest airline in Canada and a major player in global travel. Whether you’re a Canadian traveler or an international frequent flyer, Aeroplan offers a flexible and valuable points system that appeals to a wide range of travelers.

With Aeroplan, members can redeem points for flights across a vast network of global destinations, upgrade to premium cabins, access airport lounges, and even book hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.

What makes Aeroplan especially attractive is its strong network of airline partners through Star Alliance, along with frequent promotions and transfer opportunities with major loyalty programs. Whether you travel often or occasionally, learning how to earn Aeroplan points efficiently can unlock significant travel value — helping you save money while enhancing your experience.

In this guide, we’ll explore the smartest ways to grow your balance and reach your travel goals faster.

Key Takeaways

• Earn Aeroplan points quickly with co-branded credit cards.
• Maximize welcome bonuses and category earning rates.
• Use the Aeroplan eStore for additional points.
• Leverage promotional offers to boost your points balance.
• Combine multiple earning strategies for optimal results.

Why Earning Aeroplan Points Quickly Matters

The faster you earn Aeroplan points, the sooner you can unlock valuable travel experiences. Accumulating points efficiently not only brings you closer to free or discounted flights but also opens access to premium travel opportunities like booking business class seats outright, hotel stays, and airport lounge access.

Aeroplan points are highly versatile, offering redemption options across Air Canada, Star Alliance partners, and a wide network of airline and travel services. You can redeem points for flights to destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond. For example, you might book a round-trip flight to New York for around 20,000 points, a one-way economy flight to Europe starting at around 35,000 points, or even a business class seat to Asia for 75,000 points or more, depending on demand and distance.

While Aeroplan does not allow you to directly upgrade a paid economy ticket to business class using points (upgrades typically require cash bids through the “AC Bid Upgrade” program), you can use points to book business class tickets outright, offering excellent value for premium travel experiences.

Earning points quickly maximizes the flexibility and opportunities available to you, allowing you to act on limited-time promotions, secure award seats during peak periods, and enjoy a more rewarding travel lifestyle.

Join Aeroplan Program

Before you can start using Aeroplan points — including for upgrades to business class — you’ll need to join the Aeroplan program. Enrollment is free and only takes a few minutes. You can sign up directly through the official Aeroplan enrollment page.

Creating an Aeroplan account is the essential first step toward accessing travel rewards and making the most of your points throughout your journey.

Credit Cards Welcome Bonuses and Everyday Spending

One of the fastest and most effective ways to earn Aeroplan points is through credit card welcome bonuses and consistent everyday spending. By choosing the right Aeroplan-affiliated credit cards and using them strategically, you can quickly build a strong points balance.

These cards often come with generous sign-up offers when you meet specific spending thresholds. Plus, by using your card for regular purchases like groceries, gas, travel, and dining, you continue earning points on transactions you’d make anyway—turning everyday expenses into future travel rewards.

Aeroplan Co-branded Cards

Aeroplan co-branded credit cards from TD, CIBC, and American Express are some of the fastest ways to earn points. These cards offer generous welcome bonuses, bonus earn rates in key spending categories, and travel perks tailored to Air Canada flyers.

For example, the American Express® Aeroplan® Card currently offers a welcome bonus of up to 40,000 Aeroplan points when you meet minimum spend requirements. In addition to earning points, cardholders enjoy:

• Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights for you and up to 8 companions
• Preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight redemptions
• Earn rates of 2x points on Air Canada purchases and 1.5x on dining and food delivery

These benefits can add substantial value for both occasional and frequent travelers—especially when paired with other earning strategies.

🛠 Want a full breakdown of all the Aeroplan credit cards and which one is best for your travel goals?
👉 Read: Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada – Full Comparison & Review

American Express Membership Rewards (MR) Cards in Canada

American Express Membership Rewards (MR) is one of the most flexible and powerful points programs in Canada. MR points can be transferred 1:1 to Aeroplan, making these cards an excellent alternative—or complement—to Aeroplan co-branded cards.

One of the standout options is the American Express Cobalt® Card, widely regarded as Canada’s best everyday rewards card. It offers:

• 5x points on dining, groceries, and food delivery
• Welcome bonus of up to 15,000–30,000 points, depending on your monthly spend
• 1:1 transfers to Aeroplan, British Airways, and other airline programs

The 5x earn rate on food purchases makes this card a points powerhouse—even if you don’t fly often. By transferring MR points to Aeroplan, you can quickly build your balance for future travel.

U.S. Credit Cards That Earn Aeroplan Points

If you have access to U.S. credit cards, there are several powerful options for earning points that can be transferred to Aeroplan. These cards often come with generous welcome bonuses, strong category earn rates, and valuable travel benefits.

Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card

This is the only U.S.-issued Aeroplan co-branded card, and it offers:

• Welcome bonus: Often 70,000+ Aeroplan points (varies by promotion)
• Automatic Aeroplan 25K status in your first year (with benefits like priority check-in, free checked bags, and eUpgrade credits)
• 3x points on dining, groceries, and Air Canada purchases
  This is an ideal option if you travel to or from Canada regularly and want direct Aeroplan perks from a U.S. card.

U.S. Amex Membership Rewards Cards

Many American Express cards in the U.S. earn MR points that transfer to Aeroplan 1:1, just like their Canadian counterparts:

• Amex® Green Card – 3x on travel and dining
• Amex® Gold Card – 4x on dining and U.S. supermarkets
• Amex® Platinum Card – 5x on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel

These cards are especially valuable for high spenders who want to earn transferable points across multiple airline and hotel programs—including Aeroplan.

Capital One® Miles Cards

Capital One’s flexible “Miles” program also allows transfers to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. Top options include:

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
  These cards offer 2x miles on every purchase (or more in bonus categories), and frequent transfer bonuses to Aeroplan can further boost your value.

Note: Canadians with U.S. credit access (via a U.S. address or ITIN) can apply for these cards. Just be sure to account for foreign transaction fees and ensure your setup aligns with your travel and spending patterns.

By combining Canadian Aeroplan co-branded cards, Amex MR cards, and U.S.-issued points cards, you can significantly accelerate your Aeroplan earnings and unlock more premium redemptions.

Want to get U.S. credit cards as a Canadian?
Check out this excellent step-by-step guide from Frugal Flyer:
How to Get U.S. Credit Cards as a Canadian – FrugalFlyer.ca

Travel: How to Earn Aeroplan Points While You Fly

Travel is one of the core ways to earn Aeroplan points—especially when booking flights with Air Canada, Star Alliance partners, or Air Canada Vacations. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning an occasional trip, your travel activity can translate directly into valuable points.

From booking eligible flights to bundling your trips with vacation packages, there are multiple ways to grow your Aeroplan balance through travel-related purchases. Plus, elite status and fare class can boost your earnings even further.

Earn Aeroplan Points by Flying with Air Canada

Flying with Air Canada is one of the most reliable ways to earn Aeroplan points. Points are earned based on the base fare plus carrier surcharges (excluding taxes and fees), and your earnings depend on your fare type and Aeroplan Elite Status.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of Aeroplan base earning rates by fare type:

Example: Toronto (YYZ) to Vancouver (YVR)

Suppose you book a one-way Economy Standard fare from Toronto to Vancouver with a base fare of $300 CAD:

• Economy Standard earns 50% of the base fare in points.
• Points earned: $300 x 0.50 = 150 Aeroplan points.

If you booked the same flight in Business Class, you would earn:

• $300 x 1.5 = 450 Aeroplan points.

Aeroplan Elite Status members earn additional bonus points, ranging from +25% to +100% on top of the base points.

For full details on Aeroplan points earning by fare type, visit the official page here:
View Air Canada Aeroplan Earning Rates

Earn Aeroplan Points by Flying Star Alliance Partners

Beyond Air Canada, you can also earn Aeroplan points when flying with Star Alliance member airlines. As part of the world’s largest airline network, Star Alliance gives you access to over 25 partner airlines and thousands of routes across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Earning rates with Star Alliance partners vary based on:

• The partner airline
• The fare class you book
• The distance flown (measured in miles)

Generally, premium fare classes earn more points, while discounted economy fares may earn fewer points—or sometimes no points, depending on the fare rules.

Here are some examples of popular partners:

• United Airlines: Earn Aeroplan points on flights to major U.S. cities, Europe, and South America.
• Lufthansa: Accumulate points on flights within Europe, to North America, and to Asia.
• Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, ANA, and more: Access a wide range of international routes while continuing to build your Aeroplan balance.

Always check the Aeroplan earning chart for the specific Star Alliance partner before booking, as not all fare classes earn at the same rate.

You can review full earning details for each partner airline here:
View Star Alliance Partner Earning Rates

Earn Aeroplan Points with Air Canada Vacation Packages

Booking an Air Canada Vacation Package is another easy way to earn Aeroplan points while simplifying your travel planning. These packages typically bundle your flights, hotel stays, and car rentals into a single purchase—allowing you to earn points on the entire trip, not just the airfare.

Aeroplan points are awarded based on the value of your package and the specific promotions available at the time of booking. Occasionally, Air Canada Vacations also offers bonus Aeroplan points promotions, giving you an opportunity to earn even faster.

Bundling your travel through Air Canada Vacations offers several benefits:

• Earn points on flights, hotels, and transportation in one booking
• Access exclusive deals not available when booking separately
• Simplify trip planning while maximizing your rewards

By strategically booking vacation packages—along with flights on Air Canada or Star Alliance partners—you can significantly accelerate your Aeroplan points accumulation and unlock more rewarding travel experiences.

Tip: Always enter your Aeroplan number when booking and watch for bonus point promotions on the Air Canada Vacations website to maximize your earnings.

Earn Aeroplan Points by Transferring Hotel Loyalty Points

If you regularly stay at hotels, you can turn your loyalty points into Aeroplan miles—even if you’re not flying. Aeroplan partners with several major hotel rewards programs, allowing you to transfer your hotel points into Aeroplan at set conversion rates. This is a great way to top up your balance or consolidate rewards into one travel ecosystem.

Hotel Loyalty Programs That Transfer to Aeroplan:

Marriott Bonvoy
Transfer at a 3:1 ratio
➤ Plus, get a 5,000-point Aeroplan bonus when you transfer 60,000 Bonvoy points at once (60,000 = 25,000 Aeroplan)

Best Western Rewards
Transfer at a 5:1 ratio
➤ For every 5,000 Best Western points, you receive 1,000 Aeroplan points

Hilton Honors
Transfer at a 10:1 ratio
➤ 10,000 Hilton points = 1,000 Aeroplan points
(Note: this is a relatively poor value—best used when topping up your account)

Choice Privileges
Transfer at a 5:1 ratio

Accor Live Limitless (ALL)
Transfer at a 2:1 ratio

Full details, transfer links, and minimums available here:
Aeroplan Conversion Programs – AirCanada.com

Earn Aeroplan Points with Car Rental Partners

Aeroplan members can earn points when renting vehicles through Avis and Budget, two of Aeroplan’s official car rental partners. Points are awarded based on the total rental cost in Canadian dollars before taxes and fees.

The current earning structure is:

• Base members earn 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent
• Aeroplan Elite Status members earn 2 Aeroplan points per $1 spent

These rates apply to qualifying rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations in Canada and the U.S. Points are calculated on the base time and mileage charges only—excluding insurance, fuel, taxes, and surcharges.

To earn points:

• Include your Aeroplan number when booking or at checkout
• Book directly with Avis or Budget, or through Air Canada’s travel portal
• Be sure the rental is under your name and linked to your Aeroplan account

Elite Status members may also receive discounted rates or additional partner perks, depending on their tier.

Shop Through the Aeroplan eStore

The Aeroplan eStore is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to earn points on your everyday online purchases. By simply starting your shopping journey through the eStore, you can earn Aeroplan points at hundreds of popular retailers—including Amazon, Lululemon, and Sephora.

After logging into your Aeroplan account, click through the eStore to your retailer of choice and complete your purchase as usual. You’ll earn points based on the store’s offer, which often ranges from 1 to 10 points per dollar spent.

When bonus offers reach 10 points per dollar, and you value Aeroplan points at 1.5 cents each, that’s effectively 15% back in travel rewards—a return that beats most cashback credit cards.

To get the most out of the eStore, always check the portal before placing any online order. It takes just seconds and could mean hundreds or even thousands of extra points. Seasonal events like Black Friday, Boxing Day, and Aeroplan-specific bonus days often feature elevated earn rates, making them prime opportunities to accelerate your points.

Want to check today’s earning rates?
Visit the Aeroplan eStore

Earn Aeroplan Points Through Everyday Shopping Partners

In addition to flights and hotel stays, Aeroplan has expanded its network to include everyday shopping and lifestyle partners, making it easier to earn points as part of your regular routine. From liquor store purchases to rideshares, coffee runs, and gas station visits, you can steadily grow your Aeroplan balance without changing your habits.

LCBO (Ontario Only)

At Ontario’s provincial liquor store, you can earn 1 Aeroplan point for every $4 spent. While the base earn rate is modest, LCBO regularly runs bonus point promotions on specific products—sometimes offering hundreds of points per bottle. Be sure to scan your Aeroplan card or app at checkout.

Uber & Uber Eats

Link your Aeroplan account to your Uber profile to earn points on eligible rides and food orders. You’ll earn:

• 1 point per $1 spent on premium rides (e.g., UberXL, Comfort, and Black)
• 1 point per $1 spent on Uber Eats orders over $40
  Plus, occasional Aeroplan bonus offers are available during special campaigns.

Journie Rewards

Earn Aeroplan points at eligible Pioneer, Ultramar, and Chevron gas stations when you link your Aeroplan and Journie Rewards accounts. You’ll earn points on fuel and in-store purchases, with occasional targeted promotions.

Starbucks

Aeroplan and Starbucks Rewards members can link accounts to earn Aeroplan points on eligible Starbucks transactions. You’ll often earn 75 Aeroplan points after loading $50 or more to your Starbucks app, along with seasonal offers.

Chexy

Chexy is a newer fintech partner that allows renters to earn Aeroplan points on their rent payments—an expense that typically wouldn’t earn rewards. Terms and earning structures vary, but this can be a valuable way to turn your largest monthly payment into travel rewards.

Buy Aeroplan Points (Cautiously and Strategically)

While it’s usually more cost-effective to earn Aeroplan points through flights, credit card spending, and retail partners, there are times when buying points can be a smart move—especially during one of Aeroplan’s frequent bonus promotions.

Throughout the year, Aeroplan offers limited-time deals that provide 30% to 100% more points, and occasionally even up to 125%. These promotions can dramatically lower your effective cost per point, turning a cash purchase into great value when paired with a high-value redemption.

Buying points may make sense if you’re just short of a dream redemption, like a business class flight or a family vacation. Rather than waiting to accumulate points slowly, a bonus offer can help you reach your goal faster and at a lower cost than paying for the flight outright.

That said, it’s important to consider the math. Aeroplan points are typically sold at around 3.5 cents CAD per point before bonuses. Instead of focusing on the purchase price alone, keep in mind the value you expect to get when you redeem. Many frequent flyers aim for 1.5 to 2 cents per point in redemption value, but if you’re booking a flight that offers even greater value—or you’re topping up a small gap in your balance—buying points can be worth it.

Bonus point offers are especially common around:

• New Year travel sales (January–February)
• Summer and back-to-school promotions (June–August)
• Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday offers (November–December)

These bonuses are often tiered, with larger purchases yielding higher rewards. For example, a 100% bonus could turn a purchase of 100,000 points into 200,000—essentially cutting the cost of your redemption in half.

Tip: Always wait for a bonus promotion. Buying points at full price rarely offers good value unless you’re filling a small gap for an immediate redemption.

To check current promotions or initiate a points purchase, visit the official Aeroplan Buy Points page or keep an eye on your email for exclusive offers.

Where to Buy Aeroplan Points:
You can buy points directly through Aeroplan’s official provider here.

Note that point purchases are processed by Points.com, a third-party partner authorized by Aeroplan. If you’re using a Canadian credit card, applicable GST/HST may be added to your transaction depending on your province of residence. These taxes can increase the overall cost, so be sure to factor them in when calculating whether the purchase offers good value.

Final Thoughts: How to Keep Your Aeroplan Points Growing

Growing your Aeroplan balance isn’t just about flying — it’s about being intentional with how you spend, shop, and take advantage of promotions.

The fastest way to earn a large number of points is through credit card signup bonuses. Co-branded Aeroplan cards and American Express Membership Rewards cards often offer 20,000 to 100,000+ points, giving you a major head start toward your next trip.

Once you’ve earned the bonus, shift your focus to everyday spending. Use your Aeroplan card for groceries, gas, dining, and travel to build points steadily. Amex MR cards like the Cobalt offer strong bonus categories and can transfer points 1:1 to Aeroplan.

One of the most underrated strategies is using the Aeroplan eStore. Routinely route your online shopping through it — especially during promos offering 5x or 10x points per dollar. You can also earn with programs like LCBO, Uber, Starbucks, Journie, and Chexy on regular expenses.

The key is consistency. Stack signup bonuses, daily spending, eStore promos, and partner offers to create a system that keeps your points growing in the background. Stay alert for limited-time offers, and that next flight or business class seat will come faster than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the fastest way to earn Aeroplan points?

The fastest way to earn Aeroplan points is through credit card signup bonuses. Co-branded Aeroplan credit cards and American Express Membership Rewards cards often offer welcome bonuses worth tens of thousands of points. Everyday spending in bonus categories like dining, groceries, and travel helps you keep earning consistently.

How can I earn Aeroplan points without flying?

You can earn Aeroplan points without stepping on a plane by using Aeroplan credit cards, shopping through the Aeroplan eStore, dining with linked payment cards at participating restaurants, and transferring points from programs like Amex Membership Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy.

What are the benefits of joining the Aeroplan program?

Joining Aeroplan is free and gives you access to a wide network of ways to earn and redeem points—from flights and upgrades to hotel stays, car rentals, and everyday shopping. Members can also take advantage of exclusive promotions, preferred pricing, and elite status benefits.

How do Aeroplan co-branded credit cards work?

These cards, issued by TD, CIBC, and American Express, allow you to earn Aeroplan points on every dollar you spend. They offer welcome bonuses, accelerated earn rates on Air Canada and other categories, and travel benefits like free checked bags and preferred pricing on flight redemptions.

Can I transfer points from other loyalty programs to Aeroplan?

Yes. Programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and others allow you to transfer points to Aeroplan. Some partners even offer transfer bonuses during limited-time promotions, making your points go further.

Is buying Aeroplan points a good strategy?

Buying points can be useful when you’re just short of a reward or when Aeroplan runs a bonus promotion (often between 30% and 100%). Without a bonus, it’s usually not worth it unless you’re unlocking a high-value redemption like business class flights.

How can I maximize my Aeroplan points earnings?

Layer your strategies: sign up for credit cards with strong welcome bonuses, use those cards for everyday spending, route purchases through the Aeroplan eStore, and take advantage of shopping, dining, and travel partners. Stay informed about seasonal promotions to boost your earnings even more.

What is the Aeroplan eStore and how does it work?

The eStore is Aeroplan’s online shopping portal, where you earn points for purchases made at hundreds of retailers like Amazon, Lululemon, and Sephora. Simply log in to Aeroplan, click through to the store, and shop as usual. During bonus events, earn rates can climb as high as 10 points per dollar.

Can I earn Aeroplan points through hotel stays?

Yes. You can either transfer points from hotel programs like Marriott Bonvoy and Best Western Rewards, or earn directly by booking through Aeroplan-linked platforms. Some promotions may offer bonus points for hotel bookings or stays.

How do I redeem Aeroplan points effectively?

To get the most value, redeem your points for flights—especially in premium cabins or on long-haul routes where redemption value can exceed 2 cents per point. Booking during low-demand periods and being flexible with dates can help stretch your points further.

Ready to supercharge your Aeroplan balance?

Discover the best Aeroplan and Amex credit cards in Canada, and learn how to maximize signup bonuses and everyday spending.
→ Explore the Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada

Ready to put your Aeroplan points to work? Check out my guide to the Best North American Aeroplan redemptions in 2025 — including hidden gems and real booking tips that actually save you money.