The Chase Aeroplan Card's 85,000-Point Welcome Bonus Is Back — And It's a Steal

If you've been eyeing a travel card that partners with Air Canada's Aeroplan program, now might be your moment. Chase has quietly brought back a standout welcome bonus that makes this card incredibly compelling, especially compared to recent versions. Let's break down why this offer has people talking and whether it makes sense for your wallet.

Why This Bonus Stands Out

Historically, this card has seen different bonus tiers. There was a 75,000-point offer, and even a 100,000-point version, but that one came with a steep $20,000 spending requirement. This current offer hits a sweet spot: a very high points yield for a very achievable $4,000 spend over three months.

Earning 85,000 Aeroplan points upfront gives you serious travel firepower right out of the gate. It's enough for multiple short-haul flights or a significant chunk of a long-haul international ticket, especially when you factor in the card's other benefits.

More Than Just a Big Bonus

The value of this card extends well beyond the initial points haul. The earning structure is practical for everyday spending, with strong multipliers on groceries and dining—two common budget categories.

The monthly bonus of 500 points for every $2,000 spent (capped at 1,500 points) is a nice little accelerator for bigger spenders, effectively adding another 0.25x to your earnings on all purchases once you hit those thresholds.

• Aeroplan 25K Status: New cardmembers get this status for the rest of the current year and all of the next. To keep it for subsequent years, you'll need to spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS Credit: Get up to $120 back every four years for the application fee.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Essential for any card you plan to use abroad.
• Points That Don't Expire: As long as your card account is open, your Aeroplan points are safe.
• Preferred Pricing: You often get access to flight rewards requiring fewer points than the standard rates.

Points to Consider Before You Apply

While the offer is strong, it's not for everyone. The $95 annual fee is waived the first year, but it's a factor from year two onward. You need to be sure the card's ongoing benefits justify that cost for you.

The biggest value here is for people who can use the Air Canada and Aeroplan ecosystem. This includes flying Air Canada itself or its many Star Alliance partners like United, Lufthansa, and ANA. If you live near a major Air Canada hub or frequently travel to Canada, this card becomes much more attractive.

Also, remember the 24-month rule. Chase is clear: you are not eligible for this bonus if you currently have this card or if you've received a new cardmember bonus for it in the last two years.

Making the Most of Your Points

Aeroplan points are famously flexible. You can use them to book flights on Air Canada and over 45 other airline partners. Sweet spots often include flights within North America, to Europe, and across the Pacific.

A neat perk for existing Chase customers: if you transfer points from an eligible Chase Ultimate Rewards card (like the Sapphire Preferred or Reserve), you get a 10% bonus when transferring 50,000 points or more at once, up to 25,000 bonus points per year. This synergy can be a powerful points accelerator.

Bottom Line

• The 85,000-point bonus for $4,000 spend is arguably the best public offer ever for this card, balancing high reward with a reasonable requirement.
• The card's ongoing value hinges on your ability to use Air Canada and Star Alliance flights, making it geographically dependent.
• The combination of a strong welcome bonus, practical earning categories, and valuable travel perks makes this a top-tier offer for the right traveler.

Common Questions