Frequent United Airlines travelers often focus solely on United’s loyalty programs, but overlooking Air Canada’s Aeroplan card could mean leaving significant value on the table. The Aeroplan card offers a compelling alternative for those seeking flexible rewards and strong redemption options on United flights, thanks to the Star Alliance partnership between the two airlines.
Unlocking Value with Aeroplan Points
Aeroplan points consistently rank among the most valuable airline currencies, currently valued at approximately 1.4 cents per point (as of December 2025). This means your rewards can stretch further than many traditional airline miles. The Aeroplan card provides a direct pathway to earning these points through everyday spending, with the added benefit of redeeming them for United flights.
The Welcome Bonus: A Quick Path to 100,000 Points
The card’s welcome offer is particularly attractive: earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, plus an additional 25,000 points after $20,000 in the first year. This totals up to 100,000 points, worth an estimated $1,400 according to current valuations. The spending requirement is higher than some cards, but the potential reward is substantial.
Earning Beyond Flights: Dining and Groceries
Unlike some airline cards that limit bonus categories, the Aeroplan card rewards everyday purchases. Earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining (including takeout and delivery) and groceries. Additionally, you’ll receive 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent monthly, up to 1,500 points per month—a significant perk for frequent spenders.
Combining with Your United Card for Maximum Benefit
The Aeroplan card doesn’t replace your existing United cards; it complements them. Holding both allows you to leverage the flexibility of Aeroplan’s award pricing while still enjoying United-specific benefits, such as free checked baggage (through cards like the United Quest℠ Card). This strategy unlocks potential savings and expanded redemption options.
The Bottom Line
For frequent United flyers, the Aeroplan card is a worthwhile consideration. Its generous welcome bonus, competitive annual fee ($95), and rewarding spending categories make it a strong contender in the airline credit card landscape. By diversifying your rewards strategy, you can maximize the value of your spending and unlock better redemption opportunities.
Ultimately, the Aeroplan card isn’t about abandoning United; it’s about smart loyalty program stacking to get the best possible value for your travel.
