✈️ CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card for Students – Earn Miles While Building Credit

7.7

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Highlights:

• Annual Fee: $0
• Second Card: $0
• Purchase Rate: 21.99%
• Cash Advance Rate: 22.99%

The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa for Students* is one of the only no-annual-fee student cards in Canada that earns Aeroplan points—Air Canada’s versatile loyalty currency. For students dreaming of travel (or just wanting to build a strong credit profile early), this card offers a rare combination of value, simplicity, and reward flexibility.

But how good is it for everyday use? Can you actually rack up meaningful points without spending thousands? Let’s break down the features and what students on CreditAssess.ca have to say.

🧾 At a Glance

Opinion: For a no-fee card, the ability to earn Aeroplan points is a huge plus. And since there’s no income requirement, it’s very accessible for full-time students.

🎁 Welcome Bonus – Great for a Free Card

Students can earn up to 10,000 Aeroplan points by:

1. Making their first purchase (worth 5,000 points)
2. Spending $1,000 in the first 4 months (another 5,000 points)

That’s enough for:

• One short-haul one-way flight within Canada (under the fixed mileage chart)
• $100+ worth of gift cards or Apple products via the Aeroplan eStore

CreditAssess.ca user review:
“I used the welcome bonus to book my first flight to Montreal — didn’t even pay taxes. This was the first time I ever flew using points!”
— Carmen, Western University

Our take: CIBC is generous with this bonus considering it’s a free card. And it’s relatively easy to achieve, even for part-time job holders.

✈️ Points Earning Breakdown

💡 Points can be redeemed for:

• Flights (domestic and international)
• Hotel stays and car rentals
• Apple products and other merchandise
• Gift cards, events, and even carbon offsets

CreditAssess.ca user review:
“I mostly use this for groceries and coffee shops. The point rate is decent, and I’ve started to understand how valuable Aeroplan can be if you’re smart with redemptions.”
— Ryan, McGill University

Opinion: This card earns real travel currency—not just cash back. While it won’t rack up points fast unless you spend a lot, it’s a fantastic low-barrier entry to the Aeroplan ecosystem.

✈️ Air Canada Travel Perks

Even as a student, you get access to Air Canada travel benefits just by holding the card:

• Preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight redemptions
• Access to travel tools and Aeroplan promotions
• Link your Aeroplan number for auto-redemption boosts

Opinion: This benefit is quietly valuable. If you ever redeem Aeroplan points, you’ll likely use fewer points per flight than someone without a co-branded card — which adds up fast.

🔐 Purchase Protection & Security

Despite being a no-fee card, it includes:

• Purchase Security: Covers items from theft/damage for 90 days
• Extended Warranty: Adds 1 year to eligible manufacturer warranties
• Zero Liability Protection: You’re not responsible for unauthorized use
• Fraud alerts and real-time lock features via the CIBC app

Our take: This is a standout inclusion. Most starter cards don’t come with this much protection. Students buying a laptop, headphones, or phone with this card can sleep easier.

🧾 Student-Focused Application Process

To qualify:

• You must be a full-time post-secondary student
• No income required
• No credit history needed
• Must have valid Canadian ID + proof of enrollment

CreditAssess.ca user review:
“I got approved the same day. Didn’t have any credit before. Super smooth experience — way easier than I expected.”
— Mira, University of Alberta

✅ Pros & ❌ Cons

✅ Pros

• No annual fee — ever
• One of the few student cards that earns Aeroplan points
• Valuable welcome bonus
• Strong purchase protection for a student card
• Great travel reward ecosystem if you plan to fly
• Simple app, easy approval for students

❌ Cons

• Lower earn rate on non-category spend (1 pt per $1.50)
• Points mostly useful for travel — not ideal if you want straight cashback
• No mobile device insurance
• No trip cancellation/interruption or travel medical insurance

Opinion: If your goal is to eventually fly on points or explore travel hacking, this card is an ideal first step. If you’re never going to use Aeroplan, then a cashback card might suit you better.

💡 Who Is This Card Best For?

You’ll love this card if:

• You’re a student with zero or limited credit history
• You’re interested in travel rewards or flying with Air Canada
• You want to start earning Aeroplan points early
• You want purchase protections on your laptop, phone, or other purchases
• You don’t want to pay annual fees

Skip this card if:

• You prefer cashback simplicity
• You don’t plan to travel or fly with Aeroplan partners
• You spend most of your money at merchants that don’t fall into bonus categories

📊 Sample Earning Potential

That’s ~8,400 points/year, plus your 10,000-point welcome bonus = ~18,400 points in year one. That’s enough for a one-way short-haul flight in Canada (or even a round-trip flight on sale).

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓Is this card good for international students?

Yes — international students with proper documentation (study permit, Canadian bank account, and proof of enrollment) can apply. Approval may depend on credit history or in-person verification at a branch.

❓Does the CIBC Aeroplan Student Visa have travel insurance?

No, it does not include travel insurance like medical or trip cancellation. For that, consider a higher-tier card once you’ve built credit.

❓How do I redeem Aeroplan points?

You can redeem points for:

• Flights on Air Canada or Star Alliance
• Hotels & car rentals
• Apple & Best Buy products
• Gift cards or events (via Aeroplan online portal)

❓Do Aeroplan points expire?

Yes — points expire after 18 months of inactivity, but any activity (earning or redeeming) resets the clock.

❓Can I upgrade this card later?

Yes — once you have stable income and credit, you can request to upgrade to the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite for better earn rates and travel insurance.

🧭 CreditAssess.ca Verdict

The CIBC Aeroplan Visa for Students is one of the best student travel cards on the market. It’s one of the few no-fee cards in Canada that earns real, transferable travel rewards—which makes it ideal for students who want to dream big while spending small.

Even if you’re just using it for groceries and streaming subscriptions now, you’ll thank yourself later when those points translate into a free flight to Europe (or a weekend escape).

Final Score: 7.7 / 10

Disclaimer: Refer to the credit card official web page for the latest up to date rates, terms, and conditions. Nothing in the Site constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information on the Site constitute professional and/or financial advice.