If you've got Chase Ultimate Rewards points sitting around and you've been dreaming of a trip on Air Canada or one of its Star Alliance partners, this one's for you. Chase just flipped the switch on a 20% transfer bonus to Aeroplan, and it's got a nice little twist for cardholders. Let's break down what's on offer, how to maximize it, and what to watch out for.
The Deal at a Glance
Chase has launched a 20% transfer bonus for moving Ultimate Rewards points to Air Canada Aeroplan. That means for every 100,000 points you transfer, you'll get 120,000 Aeroplan miles in return. It's a solid bump, especially if you've been eyeing a premium cabin redemption.
What makes this even better? If you hold the Chase Aeroplan® credit card, you can stack an extra 10% bonus on top. That's a combined 30% boost when you transfer at least 50,000 points. So 100,000 points becomes 130,000 Aeroplan miles. Not too shabby.
How the Stacking Works
The 10% cardholder bonus is a standing perk of the Chase Aeroplan card, but it only kicks in when you transfer at least 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points in a single transaction. And there's a yearly cap: you can earn up to 25,000 bonus points from this perk, which means it maxes out once you've transferred 250,000 points in a calendar year.
So if you're planning a big transfer, you'll want to make sure you hit that 50,000-point threshold to trigger the extra 10%. If you're below that, you'll only get the 20% promo bonus.
Why This Timing Matters
Chase usually runs Aeroplan transfer bonuses a couple of times a year, typically in June and December, and they've ranged from 20% to 30%. This one lands in August, which is a bit earlier than usual. That could mean they're testing the waters, or it could just be a one-off. Either way, if you've been waiting for a good moment to move your points, this is a solid opportunity.
The 20% rate is on the lower end of what we've seen historically, but the ability to stack with the cardholder bonus makes it more attractive for those who have the card. If you don't have the card, you might consider whether it's worth waiting for a 30% bonus later in the year. But there's no guarantee that'll happen, and award availability can disappear quickly.
What to Watch Out For
Before you hit that transfer button, a few things to keep in mind. First, transfers are final — once you move points to Aeroplan, you can't move them back to Chase. So make sure you have a specific redemption in mind.
Second, Aeroplan's award pricing can be dynamic, so the value you get depends on the routes and dates you choose. You might find great deals on short-haul flights, but long-haul business class can be pricey. Do a quick search on Aeroplan's site before you commit.
Third, the 10% cardholder bonus only applies to transfers of 50,000 or more points. If you're planning to transfer less than that, you won't trigger the extra bonus. And remember the annual cap — if you've already transferred a lot this year, you might not get the full 10% on this transaction.
Bottom Line
- Transfer now to lock in a 20% bonus, or stack with the Aeroplan card's 10% for a total 30% boost.
- The bonus expires September 30, 2026, so you have a couple of months to decide.
- Always check award availability before transferring, since transfers are irreversible.
Common Questions
Can I combine the 20% bonus with the 10% cardholder bonus?
Yes, if you have the Chase Aeroplan® credit card and transfer at least 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points, you'll get both bonuses. That's a total 30% bonus on your transfer.
Is there a limit to how many bonus points I can earn?
The 10% cardholder bonus is capped at 25,000 bonus points per year, which means it maxes out after transferring 250,000 points. The 20% promo bonus doesn't have a stated cap, but it's always wise to check the terms.
What if I don't have the Chase Aeroplan card?
You'll still get the 20% bonus, but not the extra 10%. If you're considering the card, weigh the annual fee against the potential bonus you'd earn on this transfer.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Leave a Comment