Author: szussino

Introduction

Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program is a household name for Canadian travelers, promising valuable rewards for frequent flyers and point-savvy families alike. In August 2025, Air Canada announced a sweeping overhaul of Aeroplan, set to take effect January 1, 2026. With nine million Canadians signed up, these changes will redefine how points are earned, how elite status is achieved, and how the program works for frequent flyers, casual vacationers, and family travelers.

If you’re planning travel—whether for business or family holidays—understanding the new Aeroplan rules is crucial for maximizing your value and optimizing your travel budget. This in-depth, SEO-friendly guide breaks down all the changes and what you need to know for travel in 2026 and beyond.

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Key Aeroplan Changes for 2026

1. Points Earning Is Now Based on Dollars Spent, Not Distance Flown

• Old System: Points were awarded based on mileage; flying farther generally meant more points, with multipliers for higher fare classes.
• New System: Starting January 1, 2026, Aeroplan awards 1 point per $1 spent on the base fare and surcharges for Air Canada flights. Taxes and ancillary fees (checked bags, seat selection) don’t count for point earning.

Example Comparison Chart

Journey (round-trip)	Points Earned Now	Points Earned From Jan 2026
Toronto-Ottawa in Economy (Flex)	450 miles = 450 points	681 points (based on fare)
Montreal-Paris in Business	6,864 miles × 150% = 10,296 pts	8,559 (based on, typically high fare)
Vancouver-Singapore in Economy (Standard)	15,934 miles × 50% = 7,967 pts	1,012 (based on discount fare)

Result: Short-haul and flexible-fare flyers tend to earn more; long-haul, discount travelers may earn fewer points.

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2. Earning Points on Partner Airlines Gets More Complicated

• Flights on select partners—Copa, Lufthansa, SWISS, United, others—ticketed by Air Canada will now earn Aeroplan points based on the dollar value instead of distance.
• Most other partner airline flights remain on the old, distance-based earn model—for now.

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3. Achieving Aeroplan Elite Status: Introducing Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)

• Current System: Elite status required a mix of Status Qualifying Miles, Segments, and Dollars—often confusing and difficult to track.
• New System: Replaced with Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). Earn SQC from spending on flights, Aeroplan credit cards, travel/retail partners (e.g. Uber, Starbucks), and Air Canada Vacations.
  • Example: 25,000 SQC for Elite 25K; 35,000 SQC for Elite 35K; 50,000 SQC for Elite 50K.
  • Credit card spending: $5,000 on a premium Aeroplan card nets 1,000 SQC (up to 25,000/max per year).

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4. Big Impact for Different Traveler Types

• Frequent Domestic Flyers: Can rack up Elite status and points faster—especially if booking higher fare classes or using credit card multipliers.
• Business Travelers: Benefit the most, as expensive fares drive higher point earning and status.
• Family Vacationers & Casual Travelers: Points earnings may drop, especially on long-haul budget fares. Redeeming points for flights remains unchanged, but accruing them could take longer.

Winners & Losers Under the New Model

Traveler Type	Gains	Potential Losses
Frequent Business	Points multiplier, faster status, better upgrades	Pay more for tickets
Domestic Flyer	Higher fare, short-haul = more points	Must use Air Canada specifically
Credit Card User	Fast-track to Elite status, bonus earning	Caps on credits from card spending
Long-Haul Budget Family	May earn fewer points, slow elite progress	Fewer options for cheaper flights

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Deep Dive: Additional Changes & Benefits

eUpgrade Benefits Expand

• eUpgrade “Shareability” doubled: Elite members can upgrade up to four companions on the same booking, instead of two.
• eUpgrade validity extended (for premium cardholders): Up to 24 months.

Status Milestones Replace Select Benefits

• Select Benefits are out; new Milestone Benefits offer a menu of perks—including global Maple Leaf Lounge access.

Maple Leaf Lounge Access Expands

• Milestone lounge passes go worldwide—no longer just Canada, Los Angeles, and NYC.

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What About Award Pricing & Partner Rewards?

Dynamic Pricing on More Partners

• United, Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, Calm Air, Canadian North, and PAL Airlines join Air Canada under the same dynamic award pricing (March 25, 2025).
• Fixed-price redemptions are vanishing for these airlines, so expect prices to fluctuate with demand.

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Why Is Air Canada Making These Changes?

The move follows global airline trends emphasizing revenue-based loyalty over pure mileage. Air Canada says it’s about rewarding those who spend the most—thereby driving more loyalty and higher profit. Elite benefits are more exclusive, and frequent flyers paying premium fares get a bump in status and rewards.

• “Our most engaged members do more than just fly with us—they earn with our partners, choose flexible fares, and carry Aeroplan credit cards. These changes help us better recognize their loyalty and keep improving the experience.” – Scott O’Leary, VP Loyalty & Product, Air Canada.

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How Do You Maximize Aeroplan Value in 2026?

1. Opt for Flexible or Higher Fares When Possible

• Premium and flex fares will earn much more—especially if chasing status.

2. Leverage Credit Card & Partner Spending

• Premium Aeroplan cards offer accelerated SQC earning.
• Everyday partners (Uber, Starbucks) can help you build both points and SQC.

3. Family Travel Strategy

• Plan group trips to maximize eUpgrade benefits (up to 4 companions).
• Use new Milestone Benefits to access lounges globally.

4. Budget-Conscious Travelers

• Compare cash fares vs. points—especially on long-hauls.
• Consider alternative rewards cards allowing Aeroplan point transfers with good earning potential.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Basic Economy Flights Count for Status or Points?
A: No—basic economy fares are excluded from earning Status Qualifying Credits (SQC).

Q: Are Points Worth More or Less Now?
A: Point value remains the same for redemption—but many will find it harder to earn large numbers on cheap, long flights.

Q: Can I Still Earn with Partners or Credit Cards?
A: Yes—with new credit card SQC caps, but partner spending is more valuable.

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The Bottom Line: Is Aeroplan Still Worth It?

For families and budget travelers, Aeroplan is still Canada’s leading loyalty program—especially for redemptions on Air Canada and partners worldwide. The 2026 overhaul means you’ll need to be a smarter shopper, know your fare types, and maximize partner/credit card opportunities to get the most value. For frequent flyers and those willing to spend, there are more rewards and perks than ever before.

But if you’re a deal-hunter who always books the cheapest long-haul fares, you may need to rethink your strategy or consider supplementing Aeroplan with a credit card that allows flexible point transfers.

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Final Takeaways for Canadian Travelers

• Maximize your credit card, partner, and travel spending.
• Compare key routes for points earning before booking.
• Families should target group upgrades and lounge benefits through Milestone awards.
• Monitor Aeroplan for further updates: 2026 is just the start.

Stay tuned for more expert tips and breakdowns as Aeroplan rolls out these changes—and happy travels to you and your family!

The Best-Ever Offer in Canadian History

For a limited time (until August 18, 2025), new cardholders can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points—the highest welcome bonus ever offered on this card in over six years. Here’s how it breaks down:

• 65,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
• 30,000 points after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months
• 15,000 points for a purchase between months 15 and 17

Why does this matter? Historically, the typical welcome bonus hovered around 50,000 points, with only brief spikes to 75,000 or 80,000. This 110,000-point offer is a 120% increase over last year’s standard, making now the best time to apply if you want to turbocharge your points balance.

What Can 110,000 Points Get You?

• Up to 15 free nights at lower-category Marriott properties in Canada or worldwide.
• 3-5 nights at mid-tier hotels in major Canadian cities—think Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Banff.
• 1-2 nights at luxury properties, including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, or W Hotels.
• Transfer to airlines: 110,000 points = 36,666 airline miles (plus bonuses) for programs like Aeroplan.

Annual Free Night Award: The Secret Weapon

Every year after your card anniversary, you receive a Free Night Award valid at any Marriott property costing up to 35,000 points per night. This benefit alone can easily offset the annual fee.

How to Maximize the Free Night

• Luxury Stays: Redeem at high-end properties during peak travel periods for maximum value. Many Canadian travel hackers report getting $400–$500+ in value from a single free night.
• Family Travel: Use the free night for staycations, ski trips, or family getaways in Canada’s top destinations.
• No Expiry Pressure: The free night certificate is valid for 12 months, giving you time to plan the perfect redemption.

Real-World Example

A single night at the AC Hotel Ottawa Downtown can cost $539 after taxes and fees, but requires just 18,500 points. That’s a return of nearly 3 cents per point—far above the average value for hotel points in Canada.

Earning Points: Everyday Spending, Big Rewards

Earning Rates

• 5 points per $1 at Marriott Bonvoy hotels (including all eligible on-property charges—dining, spa, etc.)
• 2 points per $1 on all other purchases, making this card a solid everyday earner

Maximizing Your Points

• Use for all Marriott stays: No other Canadian card offers a better return at Marriott hotels.
• Everyday purchases: While other cards may offer higher rates for groceries or gas, the 2x base rate is competitive for non-bonused spend, especially if you value Marriott points highly

Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy Points: Outsized Value

Hotel Stays

• Over 8,000 properties worldwide—from budget to ultra-luxury, Marriott’s footprint is unmatched
• Dynamic pricing: Points required for a free night vary by property and date, but savvy hackers can find outsized value by booking during off-peak times or at newly opened hotels

Fifth Night Free

Book four consecutive award nights and get the fifth night free—a unique perk that stretches your points even further for longer stays

Private Homes & Experiences

Marriott Bonvoy points can also be redeemed for private home rentals and exclusive experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, adding flexibility for non-traditional travel

Elite Status Perks and Fast-Track to Gold

Automatic Silver Elite Status

Just for holding the card, you get Silver Elite status, which includes:

• 10% bonus points on stays
• Priority late checkout
• Member rates at participating hotels

15 Elite Night Credits

Each year, you receive 15 elite night credits, helping you fast-track to higher status tiers. Spend $30,000 on the card in a calendar year to unlock Gold Elite status, which adds:

• Room upgrades (when available)
• 2pm late checkout
• Enhanced earning on stays

Why Status Matters

Elite status unlocks perks like upgrades, welcome gifts, and bonus points—making every Marriott stay more rewarding and enjoyable.

Airline Transfer Partners: Beyond Hotels

Marriott Bonvoy points are the most flexible hotel points in Canada because they transfer to nearly 40 airline frequent flyer programs, including Air Canada Aeroplan.

Transfer Ratio

• 3:1 ratio: 60,000 Marriott points = 20,000 airline miles.
• Bonus: For every 60,000 points transferred, you get an extra 5,000 miles (25,000 total)

Why This Matters for Canadian Travel Hackers

• Aeroplan Sweet Spots: Top up your Aeroplan balance for domestic or international flights.
• Global Flexibility: Transfer to programs like British Airways Avios, Alaska Mileage Plan, and United MileagePlus for unique redemption opportunities.

Insurance and Cardholder Protections

The Marriott Bonvoy Amex Canada includes a suite of travel insurance benefits:

• Flight delay insurance
• Travel accident insurance
• Lost or stolen baggage insurance
• Car rental theft and damage insurance (when booking with the card)

These protections can save you hundreds of dollars and provide peace of mind on every trip.

Supplementary Cards and Family Strategy

• No fee for supplementary cards: Add up to nine additional cards for free, letting family members help earn points faster
• Pooling Points: Combine points within a household for bigger redemptions or group travel.

Marriott Bonvoy Amex vs. Other Canadian Travel Cards

Feature	Marriott Bonvoy Amex Canada	Amex Cobalt	TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite
Annual Fee	$120	$156	$139
Welcome Bonus	Up to 110,000 points	Up to 15,000 MR/month	Up to 50,000 Aeroplan
Hotel Free Night	Yes (35,000 pts/year)	No	No
Airline Transfer	Yes (3:1, 5K bonus)	Yes	N/A
Elite Status	Silver Elite + 15 nights	No	Aeroplan 25K
Supplementary Card Fee	$0	$0	$50

Key takeaway: The Marriott Bonvoy Amex is the only Canadian card offering a free hotel night, meaningful elite status, and robust airline transfer options—all for a modest annual fee.

Who Should Get This Card?

• Frequent Canadian travelers: Unlock free nights, upgrades, and elite perks at hotels coast-to-coast.
• International explorers: Use points for global stays or transfer to airlines for flights.
• Families and couples: Pool points and enjoy free supplementary cards.
• Travel hackers: Stack with other cards for maximum points-earning and redemption flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Canada worth the annual fee?
Absolutely. The annual free night award alone can be worth 2–4x the $120 fee, not to mention the welcome bonus, elite status, and insurance coverage.

Can I get the card if I’m self-employed or a student?
Yes! No minimum income is required, and sole proprietors are eligible.

How do I maximize the welcome bonus?
Plan your spending to hit the $3,000 threshold in 3 months and $20,000 in 12 months for the full 110,000 points.

What’s the best use of Marriott Bonvoy points?
Free hotel nights at high-value properties, especially during peak periods, or transferring to Aeroplan for flight redemptions.

Can I combine points with my spouse or family?
Yes, Marriott allows point transfers between members, making it easy to pool for big redemptions.

Final Thoughts: Why Every Canadian Travel Hacker Needs This Card

For Canadians serious about travel hacking, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is a must-have. Its historic welcome bonus, annual free night, elite status perks, flexible redemption options, and low annual fee make it the most valuable hotel credit card in Canada—period. Whether you’re looking to unlock luxury stays, stretch your points for family travel, or top up your airline miles, this card delivers consistent, repeatable value year after year. Don’t miss out on the best-everoffer—add the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Canada to your travel hacking toolkit and watch your adventures multiply.

Ready to level up your Canadian travel hacking game?
Apply before August 18, 2025, to secure the 110,000-point bonus and start unlocking free nights, elite perks, and unforgettable experiences across Canada and beyond.

Get 30% Back on Cash or Dream Miles Redemption from Nov 14-21, 2024.

AIR MILES Collectors who redeem 95 or more Cash Miles for any AIR MILES Cash Reward will receive 30% back in bonus miles. This works out to 28 miles per single 95 miles redemption but the total rebate will be based on all your Cash Miles redemptions during the period up to 380 miles for maximum of 114 bonus miles that can be earned via the Cash Miles rebate.

Terms & Conditions

This offer is valid for collectors who opt-in and redeem 95 or more Cash Miles for any AIR MILES Cash reward (subject to the terms below) or 250 or more Dream Miles for any AIR MILES Dream reward (subject to the terms below) from 00:00:01 a.m. ET November 14, 2024, to 23:59:59 p.m. ET November 21, 2024.

To qualify, eligible collectors must click the “opt in” button in the offer invitation, the AIR MILES® app, or on airmiles.ca between November 8, 2024, and November 21, 2024, and prior to redeeming. For each eligible redemption during the offer period, collectors will earn Bonus Miles equal to 30% of the Miles that they redeemed on an eligible reward, rounded down to the nearest Mile.

Maximum of 114 Bonus Miles can be earned in connection with Cash Miles redeemed during the offer period.

Maximum of 1500 Bonus Miles can be earned in connection with Dream Miles redeemed during the offer period.

One free 6-month membership trial per customer. $0 delivery fee available with participating restaurants only and may be subject to a minimum order value. You’ll see this before ordering. Savings based on cost to non-Skip+ members. Full terms at http://skipthedishes.com/rewards/skip-plus-conditions

Saving claim based on average savings over 6 months combined with 6 months’ free trial. See T&Cs for more details.

Sign up to Skip+ then allow up to 7 days for Points to appear in your account. Offer is tied to this account. Limit 1 bonus offer per customer. No cash or pre-scheduled orders. Voidable without notice. Limited time only. While supplies last. Check Skip Rewards terms for additional restrictions.

Register for your Skip+ Extended Membership with your CIBC credit or debit card and receive a 12-month free trial, then pay just $6.99/month plus taxes. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not accepted. At the end of your free 12-month membership, you agree to pay a monthly fee of $6.99 plus taxes and these charges will continue until you cancel. You can cancel any time by visiting the Skip+ Membership page in your account.

On linking your CIBC and Skip+ account, you will receive a welcome offer including a voucher entitling you to $15 off orders of $30 or more (excluding fees) for use on up to three orders. They will send this voucher within 48 hours of linking accounts. Voucher is valid for 30 days from receipt. To use this voucher, you will need to use a CIBC card to pay for each order. Code must be entered with each order to redeem. Additional bonus offers exclusively available to customers who have linked their CIBC and Skip+ accounts may be made available on a monthly basis. 

I just heard about an incredible promotion I found out about from Wealthsimple Canada.

The Wealthsimple Canada 2024 Apple Promotion offers new customers the chance to receive a free Apple device, such as an iPhone or MacBook, by making qualifying net new deposits into their Wealthsimple Canada accounts.

New and existing customers can receive an iPhone or Mac depending on how much money they deposit (now with newly updated spec’ed MacBook Air/Pro):

$100,000–$299,999.99 : Apple iPhone 16 (128GB, MSRP C$1,129)
or Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M2 chip, 8-core GPU, 16GB memory, 256GB SSD, MSRP C$1,299)

$300,000–$499,999.99 : Apple iPhone 16 Pro (128GB, MSRP C$1,449) or Apple MacBook Pro (14-inch, M4 chip, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory, 512GB SSD, MSRP C$2,099)

$500,000+ Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB, MSRP C$2,349) or Apple MacBook Pro (14-inch, M4 Pro chip, 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB memory, 512GB SSD, MSRP C$2,699)

Register by December 13, and fund within 30 days of registration.

This minimum balance needs to be maintained for 365 days after the funding period ends.

You’ll be able to select your device starting January 15, 2025.  More specifically, when all of your transfers have landed in your accounts, you will be able to choose your device based on your net deposits. 

Wealthsimple will automatically reimburse the transfer-out fee per account from an institution if your qualifying funding is equal to or greater than $15,000 in a single account transfer. 

Transfer or deposit at least $100,000 of qualifying funds into your Self-directed Investing, Managed Investing, Crypto, Save, or Cash account within 30 days of registering.

The offer highlights several benefits:

1. High Value: The devices are valued significantly, making the promotion attractive for new users.
2. No Fees: Wealthsimple generally has no account fees, enhancing the overall value of the deal.
3. Investment Growth: The platform provides access to investment opportunities, potentially leading to long-term financial benefits.
4. User-Friendly: Wealthsimple is designed to be easy to use, appealing to both novice and experienced investors.

Overall, the promotion incentivizes users to start investing while receiving a valuable tech gift, making it an appealing deal.

How to get your RBC Apple Watch Offer

1. Open an eligible RBC bank account1 by April 1, 2024.

2. Set up and complete two of the following by July 9, 2024.

– Your payroll or pension as a direct deposit

– Two pre-authorized monthly payments (PAPs)

– Two bill payments to a service provider

To qualify for this promotion, customers need to open an eligible RBC bank account by April 1, 2024. The eligible accounts include RBC Signature No Limit Banking at $16.95 per month and RBC VIP Banking at $30 per month.

To receive the Apple Watch reward, account holders must set up and complete two of the following by July 9, 2024: a payroll or pension direct deposit, two pre-authorized monthly payments, or two bill payments to a service provider.

The minimum cost for participating in this offer, based on the RBC Signature No Limit Banking account, amounts to $220.35 over 13 months. So if you’re ready to switch over an account for 13 months you can get a free Apple Watch Series 9.

Qualified customers will receive an email from RBC shortly after February 6, 2024, or after completing the qualifying criteria, whichever is later. This email will contain a link to a secure website where they can select their Apple Watch and confirm shipment details. The website will also provide an estimated delivery time, which may vary based on the selected model.

To remain eligible for the reward, the new RBC account must stay open and in good standing, and the qualifying criteria (such as payroll/pension deposit, bill payment, or pre-authorized payment) must remain in effect until after April 30, 2025.

The offer includes several models of the Apple Watch Series 9, with options for GPS, Textile or Rubber bands, and 41mm or 45mm cases. Customers can choose from various colors, including Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Band, Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Band, Silver Aluminum Case with Winter Blue Band, and Pink Aluminum Case with Light Pink Band.

Here is a link to the promotion.