Daniela Hanna
The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card is a no-fee entry point into Aeroplan. Earn points on gas, groceries, EV charging and Air Canada purchases, with solid everyday coverage and a simple path to free flights if you play it smart.
Quick highlights
- 💸 $0 annual fee, issued by CIBC.
- 🛍️ Earn Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, EV charging and Air Canada purchases.
- ✈️ Redeem for Air Canada & Star Alliance flights; points don’t expire while you hold the card.
- 🛡️ Includes purchase security, extended warranty; rental car CDW on eligible rentals.
Why we like the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card
It’s a genuinely useful no-fee travel card for Canadians. You earn Aeroplan points on everyday necessities (gas, groceries, EV charging) plus Air Canada purchases — perfect if you’re building a points balance without paying for a premium card. The card keeps your Aeroplan account active, and redemption flexibility via Air Canada and Star Alliance makes the points valuable.
Stand-out features
- ✅ $0 annual fee with access to the Aeroplan ecosystem.
- ✅ Everyday earn on gas, groceries, EV charging and Air Canada.
- ✅ Points stay active while you hold the card in good standing.
- ✅ Includes useful protections for a no-fee product tier.
Good to know
- ⚠️ “Other purchases” typically earn at a reduced rate vs. premium cards.
- ⚠️ No lounge access or premium travel perks at this tier.
- ⚠️ Welcome bonus varies by promotion; sometimes modest.
Pros
- No annual fee; easy way to start collecting Aeroplan points.
- Elevated earn on common categories (gas, groceries, EV charging, Air Canada).
- Solid baseline protections for purchases and rentals.
- Aeroplan redemptions on Air Canada & Star Alliance partners.
Cons
- Lower earn rate on “other purchases.”
- Lacks premium perks like lounge access or free checked bags.
- Welcome offers can be smaller than higher-tier Aeroplan cards.
Rewards program
- 💳 Gas, groceries, EV charging & Air Canada: Up to 1 Aeroplan point per $1 (issuer wording; promotional multipliers may apply).
- 🧾 Other purchases: 1 Aeroplan point per $1.50 (typical for this card tier).
- 🧩 Earn Aeroplan points twice by adding your Aeroplan number at eligible partners/eStore (when applicable).
How to maximize rewards
- Put gas, groceries, EV charging and Air Canada purchases on this card to capture the full earn rate.
- Shop via the Aeroplan eStore and scan your Aeroplan number at partners to “earn twice.”
- Redeem for Air Canada / Star Alliance flights where Aeroplan value can be strongest.
- Pair with a premium Aeroplan card later if you need lounge access or free checked bags.
Insurance & benefits
Included
- 🚗 Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance (CDW) on eligible rentals when conditions are met.
- 🛍️ Purchase Security & Extended Warranty (typical 90 days/1 extra year; confirm in certificate).
- 🧳 Common Carrier Accident insurance (entry-level coverage).
Not included / limited
- ❌ No lounge access or premium travel credits.
- ❌ No comprehensive trip cancellation/interruption at this tier.
- ❌ Medical/travel coverages may be limited or not included (verify benefits guide).
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Authorized users | $0 (if offered; confirm during application) |
| Purchase APR | ~20.99% (typical; verify current rate) |
| Cash advance APR | ~22.99% (21.99% QC typical; verify) |
| Foreign transaction fee | ~2.5% (typical for this tier) |
| Minimum household income | ~$15,000 (issuer stated historically; confirm) |
| Grace period | ~21 days on new purchases |
All rates/fees are Canadian and may change. Always confirm on the CIBC application page before applying.
Best uses & who it’s for
- 🛫 New or casual Aeroplan collectors who want a no-fee starter card.
- 🛒 Households with recurring gas & grocery spend.
- 🔌 Drivers using EV charging networks.
- 🎓 Students or newcomers who want credit building + travel rewards.
Where it falls short
- Lower earn rate on “everywhere else” purchases compared to premium cards.
- No free checked bag or lounge access (available on higher-tier Aeroplan cards).
- Foreign transaction fees apply; not ideal for frequent cross-border spenders.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“Solid no-fee way to keep Aeroplan points active and growing.”
“Great starter card for groceries and gas — points add up.”
Critiques
“Would like better ‘everywhere else’ earn rate.”
“Missing travel perks, but fair for a $0 card.”
Community insights
Points enthusiasts often recommend this card as a baseline Aeroplan builder. Many pair it with a premium Aeroplan Visa Infinite later for perks like first checked bag and enhanced earn rates, keeping this no-fee card for credit history and category backups.
AI review (straight talk)
For a $0 fee, this card punches above its weight: everyday category earn, broad redemption options via Aeroplan, and decent protections. If you want lounges, free bags, or faster earn everywhere, step up to a premium Aeroplan card — but as a starter or keeper card, this is an easy “yes.”
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Key Categories | Everywhere Else | FX Fee | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* (this card) | $0 | Gas, Groceries, EV, Air Canada | ~1 pt / $1.50 | ~2.5% | No-fee Aeroplan entry | New Aeroplan users |
| CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* | $139 (often waived) | Enhanced Aeroplan earn | 1 pt / $1 | ~2.5% | 1st checked bag, premium perks | Frequent AC flyers |
| TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* | $89 | Intro Aeroplan earn | Varies | ~2.5% | Entry travel benefits | Balance of fee vs. perks |
FAQ
Is there an annual fee?
No — the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card has a $0 annual fee.
What are the earn rates?
Typically up to 1 point per $1 on gas, groceries, EV charging and Air Canada purchases; 1 point per $1.50 elsewhere (verify current issuer wording).
Do Aeroplan points expire?
While you hold the card in good standing, your Aeroplan points remain active.
Does it include lounge access or free bags?
No — those perks are available on higher-tier Aeroplan cards like Visa Infinite.
What’s the minimum income to qualify?
Historically around $15,000 household income; always check the application page.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card is a smart, no-fee gateway into Aeroplan. Use it for gas, groceries, EV charging and Air Canada spend, then redeem for flights. If you later want lounge access or bigger bonuses, upgrade — but keep this in your wallet for its $0 cost and steady value.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.1 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 4.2 / 5 — strong in everyday categories |
| Benefits & protections | 3.6 / 5 — solid for no-fee tier |
| Fees & costs | 4.9 / 5 — $0 annual fee (FX applies) |
| Ease of approval | 4.4 / 5 — broad eligibility |
