When a traveler in Chicago discovers they can fly business class to Tokyo for 75,000 points instead of paying $6,000 cash, they often ask the same question: which credit card points actually transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan? The answer matters because transferring points is irreversible—send them to the wrong program, and those points are gone forever.
Understanding Air Canada Aeroplan transfer partners is essential for anyone holding transferable points who wants access to Star Alliance award flights, competitive pricing on premium cabins, and flexible routing rules. Aeroplan has emerged as one of the most valuable airline loyalty programs for U.S.-based travelers, but only specific credit card programs allow direct transfers. This guide clarifies exactly which banks transfer to Aeroplan, what transfer ratios and timing to expect, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Key Takeaways
- Only four U.S. credit card programs transfer directly to Aeroplan: Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Bilt Rewards—all at 1:1 ratios.
- Citi ThankYou, Wells Fargo, and other programs do not transfer to Aeroplan despite what outdated sources may claim; verify current transfer options before moving points.
- Aeroplan excels at Star Alliance awards with competitive pricing, generous stopover rules, and access to partner airlines like United, Lufthansa, ANA, and Singapore Airlines.
- Transfers are instant or near-instant from most partners, but they’re also irreversible—always confirm award availability before transferring.
- Fuel surcharges vary significantly by airline partner; booking United or Air Canada metal typically avoids high fees, while Lufthansa and Swiss can add $400+ per ticket.
What Makes Aeroplan Worth Your Transferable Points
Air Canada Aeroplan operates as a distance-based award program with dynamic pricing elements, offering access to the entire Star Alliance network plus additional partner airlines. For U.S.-based travelers holding transferable points, Aeroplan provides several advantages over competing programs.
Access to 40+ airline partners. Aeroplan members can book award flights on Air Canada, United, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, ANA, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and dozens of other carriers. This breadth creates more award availability than relying on a single airline’s program.
Competitive premium cabin pricing. Aeroplan’s award chart often prices business and first class awards lower than competitors. For example, a one-way business class ticket from North America to Europe starts at 60,000 points, while comparable redemptions on other programs may require 70,000-88,000 points.
Generous stopover and routing rules. Aeroplan allows one free stopover on round-trip international awards and permits creative routing that can add value to redemptions. Travelers can build multi-city itineraries without the restrictive rules found in programs like United MileagePlus.
No award change fees. As of 2026, Aeroplan does not charge fees to change award tickets—only the difference in points if the new flight costs more. This flexibility matters when travel plans shift or better availability appears.
Family sharing and pooling. Aeroplan permits points transfers between family members registered in the same household, making it easier to consolidate points for large redemptions.
The program works best for travelers who value Star Alliance access, plan international premium cabin trips, and want flexibility in routing and changes. It’s less ideal for those seeking domestic U.S. economy awards (where United miles often provide better value) or travelers who primarily fly Oneworld or SkyTeam carriers.
Direct Credit Card Transfer Partners for Air Canada Aeroplan
Understanding which credit card programs transfer directly to Aeroplan prevents irreversible mistakes. Based on current transfer partner relationships, only four U.S. programs offer direct transfers to Air Canada Aeroplan.
Confirmed Direct Transfer Partners
| Credit Card Program | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | 1:1 | Instant | Requires Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Ink Business Preferred, or Ink Business Unlimited |
| American Express Membership Rewards | 1:1 | Instant to 24 hours | Requires points-earning card; occasionally offers transfer bonuses |
| Capital One Miles | 1:1 | Instant | Available with Venture, Venture X, and other Capital One cards |
| Bilt Rewards | 1:1 | Instant to 48 hours | Rent-payment rewards program; limited earning opportunities |
All four programs transfer at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 60,000 credit card points become 60,000 Aeroplan points. Transfer times are generally instant or complete within 24-48 hours, though American Express transfers occasionally take longer during high-volume periods.
Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers require a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family. Cardholders with Chase Freedom or Freedom Flex can transfer points to a Sapphire or Ink card within the same household, then transfer to Aeroplan from that account.
American Express Membership Rewards occasionally offers transfer bonuses to Aeroplan—typically 10-30% extra points when transferring during promotional periods. These bonuses appear 2-4 times per year and can significantly increase redemption value. Always check for active bonuses before transferring.
Capital One Miles provide the simplest transfer experience, as all Capital One cards earning miles can transfer directly without requiring a specific premium card. The Capital One Venture X offers the best earning rate at 2x miles per dollar on all purchases.
Bilt Rewards represents the newest transfer option, allowing renters to earn points on monthly rent payments (without fees) and transfer to Aeroplan. Earning rates are limited compared to traditional credit cards, but the ability to earn points on rent creates unique value for some users.
Programs That Do NOT Transfer to Aeroplan
Several major credit card programs do not offer direct transfers to Air Canada Aeroplan, despite claims found in outdated articles or unofficial sources:
- Citi ThankYou Rewards: No direct transfer (per ATH table)
- Wells Fargo Rewards: No direct transfer (per ATH table)
- Rove Miles: No direct transfer (per ATH table)
If you hold points in these programs and want to book Aeroplan awards, consider these alternatives:
- Book the same Star Alliance flights through a different program. Citi ThankYou transfers to Singapore KrisFlyer, which also accesses Star Alliance inventory. Compare pricing between programs before transferring.
- Use points for other redemptions. Citi ThankYou transfers to multiple airline partners, including JetBlue and Turkish Airlines. Evaluate whether those programs offer better value for your specific travel goals.
- Convert to cash or statement credits. Some programs allow points redemption for travel purchases at fixed values (typically 1-1.25 cents per point). This may provide better value than transferring to a suboptimal airline program.
Always verify current transfer partners using the official credit card transfer partners comparison before moving points. Transfer partner relationships change periodically, and relying on outdated information can result in lost opportunities or wasted points.
Aeroplan Sweet Spots: Best Uses for Your Transferred Points
Aeroplan offers several redemption opportunities that deliver outsized value compared to cash prices or competing award programs. These “sweet spots” represent the best uses for transferred points.
North America to Europe Business Class
Pricing: 60,000-70,000 points one-way
Best partners: Air Canada, United, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines
Why it works: Business class tickets to Europe typically cost $3,000-$6,000 one-way. At 60,000 points, this represents 5-10 cents per point value—far exceeding the 1.5-2 cents per point baseline for good redemptions.
Example routing: New York (JFK) to Munich (MUC) on Lufthansa business class for 60,000 points + $120 in taxes and fees. The same ticket costs $4,800 cash, delivering 7.8 cents per point value.
Common mistake: Booking Lufthansa or Swiss adds $300-$500 in fuel surcharges. Choosing United or Air Canada metal for the same route reduces fees to $50-$150 while maintaining excellent business class products.
North America to Asia Business Class
Pricing: 75,000-90,000 points one-way
Best partners: ANA, EVA Air, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada
Why it works: Transpacific business class tickets range from $5,000-$8,000 one-way. Redeeming 75,000-90,000 points delivers 5.5-9 cents per point value.
Example routing: San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo (NRT) on ANA business class for 75,000 points + $80 in taxes and fees. The cash price of $6,200 delivers 8.2 cents per point value.
Availability tip: ANA releases business class award space 355 days before departure. Search on the exact day availability opens for the best selection on popular routes.
Short-Haul Business Class Within North America
Pricing: 12,500-20,000 points one-way
Best partners: Air Canada, United
Why it works: Domestic business class rarely justifies cash prices ($400-$800 for 2-4 hours of flight time), but redeeming 12,500-17,500 points provides comfort at reasonable cost.
Example routing: Toronto (YYZ) to Vancouver (YVR) on Air Canada business class for 15,000 points + $25 in taxes. The cash price of $650 delivers 4.2 cents per point value—not spectacular, but worthwhile for a comfortable 5-hour transcontinental flight.
Best for: Travelers with points to spare who value comfort on longer domestic routes. Not recommended for short flights under 2 hours where economy provides similar experience.
Free Stopover on International Round-Trips
Pricing: Same points as direct routing
Best partners: Any Star Alliance carrier
Why it works: Aeroplan allows one free stopover (up to 45 days) on round-trip international awards. This effectively provides two trips for the price of one.
Example routing: Los Angeles to Bangkok with a 5-day stopover in Tokyo, returning via Seoul with a 3-day stopover. Total cost: 85,000 points + taxes for four flights and two destinations. Booking these as separate tickets would require 150,000+ points.
Planning tip: Build stopovers in cities with strong Star Alliance hubs (Frankfurt, Zurich, Singapore, Tokyo) to maximize flight options and availability.
Partner First Class Awards
Pricing: 110,000-180,000 points one-way
Best partners: ANA, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss
Why it works: First class tickets cost $10,000-$20,000 cash. While point requirements are high, the value per point (8-15 cents) exceeds nearly all other redemption options.
Example routing: New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA) to Singapore (SIN) on Lufthansa First and Singapore Suites for 180,000 points + $250 in taxes. The cash price exceeds $18,000, delivering 10 cents per point value.
Reality check: First class award availability is extremely limited. This redemption works best for flexible travelers who can monitor availability over several months and adjust dates to match open space.
Fees, Surcharges, and Aeroplan Pitfalls to Avoid
Aeroplan’s flexibility comes with specific fees and policies that affect redemption value. Understanding these factors prevents unexpected costs and disappointment.
Fuel Surcharges by Partner Airline
Aeroplan passes through carrier-imposed surcharges (often called “fuel surcharges” or “YQ fees”) on many partner airlines. These fees vary dramatically by carrier:
Low or no surcharges:
- United Airlines: $5-$50 per ticket
- Air Canada (within North America): $50-$120 per ticket
- Turkish Airlines: $50-$100 per ticket
- ANA: $80-$150 per ticket
High surcharges:
- Lufthansa: $300-$500 per ticket
- Swiss: $300-$500 per ticket
- Austrian: $300-$500 per ticket
- Brussels Airlines: $200-$400 per ticket
- Air Canada (transatlantic/transpacific): $200-$400 per ticket
Decision framework: When multiple partner airlines serve your route, calculate total out-of-pocket cost (points + cash) before booking. A Lufthansa business class award at 60,000 points + $450 in fees may cost more overall than a United award at 70,000 points + $50 in fees, depending on your points balance and earning rate.
Use the Award Travel Hub calculator to compare cents per point value across options:
Example calculation:
- Option A: Lufthansa business class, 60,000 points + $450 fees, cash price $4,800
- Out-of-pocket: $450
- Points value: ($4,800 – $450) / 60,000 = 7.25 cents per point
- Option B: United business class, 70,000 points + $50 fees, cash price $4,500
- Out-of-pocket: $50
- Points value: ($4,500 – $50) / 70,000 = 6.36 cents per point
Despite lower cents per point value, Option B costs $400 less in cash—a better choice for most travelers unless points are extremely abundant.
Change and Cancellation Policies
Changes: Aeroplan does not charge fees to change award tickets. If the new flight costs more points, pay the difference. If it costs fewer points, Aeroplan refunds the difference (minus any points already redeposited from previous changes on the same ticket).
Cancellations: Canceling an award ticket costs $0 if done more than 24 hours before departure. Aeroplan redeposits points to your account immediately. Taxes and fees are refunded to the original payment method within 6-8 weeks.
Within 24 hours of departure: Cancellations within 24 hours of departure forfeit the points and fees. Plan accordingly and cancel early if travel plans change.
Partially flown tickets: If you cancel a round-trip award after flying the outbound segment, Aeroplan redeposits points for the unused return flight minus a $100 fee.
Points Expiration Rules
Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of account inactivity. Activity includes earning or redeeming points, transferring points to/from family members, or making purchases through the Aeroplan eStore.
Prevention strategies:
- Set a calendar reminder for every 17 months to complete a small transaction
- Transfer 1,000 points from a credit card partner (counts as activity)
- Book a small award redemption or make an eStore purchase
- Link an Aeroplan-earning credit card and make one purchase per year
If points expire: Aeroplan allows one-time reinstatement of expired points within 12 months of expiration for a fee ($30 + $0.01 per point reinstated). For large balances, this fee can exceed $500-$1,000.
Transfer Irreversibility
All point transfers to Aeroplan are permanent and irreversible. Once transferred, points cannot move back to Chase, Amex, Capital One, or Bilt. This policy applies across nearly all airline loyalty programs.
Protection strategy:
- Search for award availability using Aeroplan’s search tool or United.com
- Confirm the exact flights, dates, and point cost
- Verify the flights remain available immediately before transferring
- Transfer only the exact number of points needed
- Complete the award booking within minutes of transfer completion
Common mistake: Transferring points before confirming availability. Award space can disappear in minutes, especially on popular routes and dates. Always search first, transfer second, book immediately.
Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Points to Aeroplan
The transfer process varies slightly by credit card program but follows the same general sequence. This walkthrough uses Chase Ultimate Rewards as the example; other programs use similar steps.
Before You Transfer: Confirm Award Availability
Step 1: Create an Aeroplan account at aircanada.com if you don’t already have one. Account creation is free and takes 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Log into your Aeroplan account and use the award search tool:
- Click “Book” → “Flights”
- Select “Use Points”
- Enter origin, destination, dates, and cabin class
- Search for available award flights
Step 3: Review search results and note:
- Exact point cost for your desired flight
- Operating carrier (affects fuel surcharges)
- Total taxes and fees
- Connection times and routing
Step 4: Verify the flight shows “Available” status. If it shows “Waitlist” or “Request,” do not transfer points yet—waitlisted awards may not clear.
Step 5: Keep the Aeroplan search window open while you transfer points.
Transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards
Step 1: Log into your Chase account at chase.com
Step 2: Navigate to Ultimate Rewards:
- Click “Ultimate Rewards” in the main menu
- Select “Transfer to Travel Partners”
Step 3: Find Air Canada Aeroplan:
- Scroll to “Airlines” section
- Click “Air Canada Aeroplan”
Step 4: Enter transfer details:
- Input your Aeroplan member number (exactly as it appears in your Aeroplan account)
- Enter the number of points to transfer
- Review the confirmation screen showing 1:1 transfer ratio
Step 5: Confirm the transfer:
- Click “Transfer Points”
- Chase will display a confirmation number
- Points typically appear in Aeroplan within 1-2 minutes
Step 6: Verify points arrival:
- Refresh your Aeroplan account
- Check your points balance
- Proceed immediately to book the award flight
Transfer from American Express Membership Rewards
Step 1: Log into your Amex account at americanexpress.com
Step 2: Navigate to Membership Rewards:
- Click “Membership Rewards” → “Use Points”
- Select “Transfer Points”
Step 3: Find Air Canada Aeroplan:
- Scroll through airline partners
- Click “Air Canada Aeroplan”
- Check for any active transfer bonuses (displayed prominently if available)
Step 4: Enter transfer details:
- Input your Aeroplan member number
- Enter the number of points to transfer (minimum 1,000 points)
- Review transfer ratio (1:1 or bonus ratio if promotion active)
Step 5: Confirm the transfer:
- Accept terms and conditions
- Click “Submit”
- Amex will display a confirmation screen
Step 6: Wait for transfer completion:
- Most transfers complete within 1-2 hours
- Some transfers take up to 24 hours during peak periods
- Check Aeroplan account periodically for points arrival
Transfer from Capital One Miles
Step 1: Log into your Capital One account at capitalone.com
Step 2: Navigate to rewards:
- Click “View Rewards”
- Select “Transfer Miles”
Step 3: Find Air Canada Aeroplan:
- Scroll through transfer partners
- Click “Air Canada Aeroplan”
Step 4: Enter transfer details:
- Input your Aeroplan member number
- Enter the number of miles to transfer
- Review 1:1 transfer ratio
Step 5: Confirm the transfer:
- Click “Transfer Miles”
- Capital One displays confirmation
- Points typically arrive within minutes
Transfer from Bilt Rewards
Step 1: Log into your Bilt account at biltrewards.com
Step 2: Navigate to transfer partners:
- Click “Rewards” → “Transfer Points”
Step 3: Select Air Canada Aeroplan:
- Find Aeroplan in the airlines list
- Click to begin transfer
Step 4: Enter transfer details:
- Input your Aeroplan member number
- Enter the number of points to transfer (minimum varies)
- Review 1:1 transfer ratio
Step 5: Confirm the transfer:
- Submit transfer request
- Bilt displays confirmation
- Points typically arrive within 24-48 hours
Step 6: Monitor transfer status:
- Check Bilt account for transfer status updates
- Verify arrival in Aeroplan account before booking
Comparing Transfer Partners: Which Bank Should You Use?
When multiple credit card programs hold sufficient points for an Aeroplan redemption, choosing the optimal transfer source maximizes long-term value. This decision framework helps prioritize which points to transfer.
Decision Framework
Priority 1: Check for active transfer bonuses
If American Express offers a 25% transfer bonus to Aeroplan, transferring 48,000 Amex points yields 60,000 Aeroplan points—effectively reducing the cost by 20%. Transfer bonuses override most other considerations.
Priority 2: Consider earning rates and opportunity cost
Chase Ultimate Rewards earn at 3-5x on travel and dining with Sapphire cards, while Capital One miles earn at 2x on all purchases with Venture X. Transferring points with lower earning potential preserves harder-to-earn points for future use.
Example: You hold 100,000 Chase points and 100,000 Capital One miles. You need 75,000 points for an Aeroplan award. Transfer from Capital One (easier to re-earn at 2x everywhere) and preserve Chase points for categories where you earn 3-5x.
Priority 3: Evaluate alternative redemption options
Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer to Hyatt at 1:1, often delivering 2-3 cents per point value for hotel stays. If you plan hotel redemptions, preserve Chase points and transfer from a program with fewer high-value partners.
Priority 4: Account for transfer timing
Chase and Capital One transfers complete instantly, while Amex and Bilt can take 24-48 hours. If you need to book immediately (award space is disappearing), prioritize instant transfer partners.
Priority 5: Consider points balance and future earning
Transfer from the program where you hold the largest balance relative to earning rate. If you earn 10,000 Chase points monthly but only 2,000 Capital One miles, preserve the slower-earning currency.
Real-World Example: Comparing Transfer Options
Scenario: You need 60,000 Aeroplan points for a business class award to Europe. You hold:
- 80,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points
- 90,000 Amex Membership Rewards points
- 70,000 Capital One miles
Analysis:
Option 1: Transfer from Chase
- Transfer 60,000 Chase points → 60,000 Aeroplan points
- Remaining balance: 20,000 Chase points
- Opportunity cost: Lose potential Hyatt transfer at 2+ cpp value
- Transfer time: Instant
Option 2: Transfer from Amex
- Transfer 60,000 Amex points → 60,000 Aeroplan points
- Remaining balance: 30,000 Amex points
- Opportunity cost: Moderate (Amex transfers to 20+ partners)
- Transfer time: Instant to 24 hours
- Bonus potential: Check for active 20-30% transfer promotions
Option 3: Transfer from Capital One
- Transfer 60,000 Capital One miles → 60,000 Aeroplan points
- Remaining balance: 10,000 Capital One miles
- Opportunity cost: Lower (fewer high-value transfer partners)
- Transfer time: Instant
Recommendation: Transfer from Capital One unless Amex offers an active transfer bonus. Capital One has fewer ultra-high-value transfer partners compared to Chase (Hyatt) or Amex (ANA, Singapore). The 2x earning rate on all purchases makes these miles easier to replenish than Chase points earned at 3-5x in specific categories.
Use the Award Travel Hub calculator to model these scenarios with your specific points balances and earning rates.
Common Mistakes When Transferring to Aeroplan
Understanding frequent errors prevents wasted points and frustration. These mistakes appear repeatedly among travelers new to Aeroplan transfers.
Mistake 1: Transferring Before Confirming Availability
The error: Transferring 80,000 points to Aeroplan, then discovering the desired award flight is no longer available.
Why it happens: Award space changes constantly. The flight available during your search may book before you complete the transfer, especially on popular routes and dates.
Prevention: Search for awards, verify availability, keep the search window open, transfer points, and book immediately. Complete the entire process within 10-15 minutes.
If it happens: Aeroplan points don’t expire with activity, so the transferred points remain available for future bookings. Search for alternative dates, routes, or destinations that provide similar value.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Fuel Surcharges
The error: Booking a Lufthansa business class award for 60,000 points, then paying $480 in unexpected fuel surcharges at checkout.
Why it happens: Aeroplan’s search tool shows points cost prominently but displays taxes and fees in smaller text. Travelers focus on point costs without reviewing total out-of-pocket expenses.
Prevention: Always review the complete cost breakdown before booking. Compare multiple partner airlines on the same route to find options with lower fees.
Example: New York to Frankfurt shows these options:
- Lufthansa: 60,000 points + $480 fees = $480 cash + points
- United: 70,000 points + $50 fees = $50 cash + points
The United option costs 10,000 more points but saves $430 cash—often the better choice unless points are extremely abundant.
Mistake 3: Transferring from Ineligible Programs
The error: Attempting to transfer Citi ThankYou points to Aeroplan, then discovering no transfer option exists.
Why it happens: Outdated blog posts and unofficial sources list incorrect transfer partners. Some articles haven’t updated since program relationships changed.
Prevention: Verify current transfer partners using official sources: credit card transfer partners comparison and each bank’s official transfer partner list.
If it happens: Citi ThankYou points transfer to Singapore KrisFlyer, which also books Star Alliance awards. Compare Aeroplan and Singapore pricing for your desired route—Singapore may offer similar or better value.
Mistake 4: Incorrect Member Number Entry
The error: Transferring points to an Aeroplan account with a typo in the member number, sending points to a stranger’s account or creating a failed transfer.
Why it happens: Aeroplan member numbers contain 9-10 digits. Transposing two digits or missing one character sends points to the wrong destination.
Prevention: Copy and paste your Aeroplan member number directly from your Aeroplan account into the transfer form. Double-check the number before confirming the transfer.
If it happens: Contact the credit card issuer’s transfer partner support immediately. Some issuers can recall transfers completed within 24 hours if points haven’t been used. After 24 hours, recovery becomes difficult or impossible.
Mistake 5: Booking Without Understanding Routing Rules
The error: Booking a “direct” flight that actually involves a connection, adding 4-6 hours to travel time.
Why it happens: Aeroplan’s search tool sometimes displays connecting flights prominently, and travelers click “book” without reviewing the complete itinerary.
Prevention: Expand each flight segment in search results to view:
- Number of connections
- Connection cities and times
- Operating carriers for each segment
- Total travel time
Example: Searching Los Angeles to Paris may show:
- Option A: LAX → CDG direct on Air Canada (11 hours)
- Option B: LAX → YYZ → CDG on Air Canada (15 hours with 2-hour connection)
Both options may cost the same points, but Option A saves 4 hours and reduces misconnection risk.
Mistake 6: Letting Points Expire
The error: Accumulating 100,000+ Aeroplan points, then losing them to expiration after 18 months of inactivity.
Why it happens: Travelers transfer points from credit cards, plan to book “eventually,” then forget about the points until they expire.
Prevention: Set a recurring calendar reminder every 17 months to complete any Aeroplan activity (earn, redeem, or transfer points). Even transferring 1,000 points from a credit card partner resets the expiration clock.
If it happens: Aeroplan allows one-time reinstatement within 12 months of expiration for $30 + $0.01 per point. For 100,000 points, reinstatement costs $1,030—nearly negating the value of the points.
FAQ: Air Canada Aeroplan Transfer Partners
Which credit cards transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan?
Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Bilt Rewards transfer directly to Aeroplan at 1:1 ratios. Citi ThankYou, Wells Fargo Rewards, and other U.S. programs do not offer direct transfers.
How long do transfers to Aeroplan take?
Chase and Capital One transfers complete instantly (1-2 minutes). American Express transfers typically complete within 1-2 hours but can take up to 24 hours. Bilt transfers take 24-48 hours.
Can I transfer Aeroplan points back to my credit card?
No. All transfers from credit card programs to airline loyalty programs are permanent and irreversible. Always confirm award availability before transferring points.
Does Amex offer transfer bonuses to Aeroplan?
Yes. American Express periodically offers 10-30% transfer bonuses to Aeroplan, typically 2-4 times per year. These promotions last 2-4 weeks and provide significant value. Check the Amex transfer partner page before transferring to see if a bonus is active.
What are the best uses for Aeroplan points?
Business class awards to Europe (60,000-70,000 points) and Asia (75,000-90,000 points) deliver the highest cents per point value, typically 5-10 cents per point. Partner first class awards provide even higher value but require 110,000-180,000 points and have extremely limited availability.
How do I avoid fuel surcharges on Aeroplan awards?
Book awards on United, Turkish Airlines, or ANA instead of Lufthansa, Swiss, or Austrian. These carriers impose minimal surcharges ($50-$150) compared to Lufthansa Group carriers ($300-$500). Within North America, Air Canada charges moderate fees ($50-$120).
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Yes. Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of account inactivity. Earning, redeeming, or transferring points resets the expiration clock. Set a calendar reminder to complete any activity every 17 months to prevent expiration.
Can I transfer Aeroplan points to family members?
Yes. Aeroplan allows points transfers between family members registered in the same household. The fee is $0.015 per point transferred (minimum $30). This feature helps consolidate points for large redemptions.
What happens if I cancel an Aeroplan award ticket?
Aeroplan redeposits points immediately with no cancellation fee if you cancel more than 24 hours before departure. Taxes and fees refund to your original payment method within 6-8 weeks. Cancellations within 24 hours of departure forfeit points and fees.
Is Aeroplan better than United MileagePlus?
It depends on your travel patterns. Aeroplan offers better pricing on international premium cabins, generous stopover rules, and no change fees. United MileagePlus provides better value for domestic U.S. economy awards and doesn’t impose partner fuel surcharges. For U.S.-based travelers focused on international business class, Aeroplan typically delivers more value.
Conclusion: Making Smart Transfer Decisions with Aeroplan
Air Canada Aeroplan transfer partners provide U.S.-based travelers with powerful options for booking Star Alliance awards, especially international premium cabin flights. Understanding which credit card programs transfer directly—Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Bilt Rewards—prevents irreversible mistakes and ensures points reach the intended destination.
The key to maximizing value lies in confirming award availability before transferring, comparing fuel surcharges across partner airlines, and choosing the optimal credit card program based on earning rates and opportunity cost. Aeroplan’s competitive pricing on business class awards to Europe and Asia, combined with flexible routing and stopover rules, makes it one of the most valuable transfer partners for transferable points holders.
Next steps:
- Create an Aeroplan account at aircanada.com if you don’t already have one
- Search for award availability on your desired routes to understand point costs and partner options
- Review your credit card points balances across Chase, Amex, Capital One, and Bilt
- Check for active Amex transfer bonuses that could reduce point costs by 20-30%
- Calculate total costs (points + cash fees) using the Award Travel Hub calculator to compare options
- Transfer only after confirming availability and book immediately to secure the award
For travelers holding transferable points who value international premium cabin access, Aeroplan represents one of the most versatile and valuable airline transfer partners available in 2026. The program’s combination of competitive pricing, extensive partner network, and flexible policies creates opportunities to experience business and first class travel at a fraction of cash prices—when you transfer from the right credit card program and book strategically.
