Question 1

What changed with Aeroplan in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 Aeroplan overhaul replaced distance-based earning with spend-based points (1 point per $1 CAD base fare), introduced Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) that can be earned from both flights and credit card spending, and expanded dynamic pricing on Air Canada, United, Emirates, and other routes.

Question 2

What is the best credit card for Aeroplan points in Canada?

Accepted Answer

The best Aeroplan card depends on your spending profile. For groceries and dining, the Amex Cobalt earns 5x points that transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan. For travel and dining, the Amex Aeroplan Reserve earns 3x. For broad everyday spending, the TD or CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite earns 1.5x on groceries, gas, and Air Canada at a $139 annual fee.

Question 3

How many Aeroplan points am I losing by using the wrong credit card?

Accepted Answer

Most Canadians lose $1,000-2,800 per year in missed credit card rewards by not matching their spending to optimal earning rates. For example, earning 1x on groceries instead of 5x with the Amex Cobalt costs roughly $540/year for a household spending $700/month on groceries.

Question 4

Can I earn Aeroplan elite status without flying?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the 2026 Aeroplan rules, earning 100,000 Aeroplan points in a calendar year qualifies you for 25K elite status with no flights required. Premium co-branded cards also earn Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) from card spending — 1,000 SQC per $5,000 spent on premium cards, up to 25,000 SQC per year.

Question 5

How does MaxPoints work?

Accepted Answer

MaxPoints analyzes your current credit cards and monthly spending across categories like groceries, gas, dining, and travel. It cross-references your setup against 27+ Canadian credit cards and the 2026 Aeroplan rules to calculate a portfolio optimization score and provide personalized card-per-category recommendations. The free analysis takes under 3 minutes.

Canadian Credit Cards Compared

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

The Platinum Card from American Express

American Express Gold Rewards Card

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege

BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card

American Express Aeroplan Card

American Express SimplyCash Preferred Card

Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite Card

BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card

BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard

RBC Avion Visa Infinite

CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite

Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card

American Express Cobalt Card

CIBC Aeroplan Visa

RBC ION Visa

Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card

SimplyCash Card from American Express

Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard

PC Financial World Elite Mastercard

CIBC Costco Mastercard

TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum

Not Sure Which Card Is Right for You?