If you’re a frequent United Airlines flyer and you aren’t paying attention to Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program, you could be missing out on valuable perks and lucrative award flights.
Aeroplan points are among the most valuable airline award currencies. Right now, they’re valued at 1.4 cents per point, according to TPG’s December 2025 valuations. Thanks to United’s Star Alliance partnership with Air Canada, you can redeem your Aeroplan points for United flights.
An award-savvy traveler knows how much value the Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees) holds for United loyalists. Air Canada’s cobranded Chase card earns Aeroplan points on every purchase and provides United benefits.
There are several reasons the Aeroplan card would complement a United-focused strategy nicely. Here’s what you should know.
Earn 100,000 bonus Aeroplan points
If you’re looking for a high-value welcome offer, the Aeroplan credit card is worth considering.
New applicants can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, they can earn an additional 25,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months from account opening.
This offers new cardholders to earn up to 100,000 Aeroplan points, which TPG’s December 2025 valuations deem to be worth up to $1,400. In practice, however, you can get much more value from your points.
While the spending requirement is high, the potential value of this offer makes the card worth considering.
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Those 100,000 Aeroplan points can be used to book United flights, thanks to Air Canada’s Star Alliance partnership. Even though Aeroplan prices United award tickets dynamically, there are excellent redemption options available.
Plus, the card charges a modest $95 annual fee, which is lower than almost every United card on the market. The only two United cards that charge less or a similar amount currently have much less valuable welcome offers.
The no-annual-fee United Gateway℠ Card (see rates and fees) is offering 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Meanwhile, the United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) offers 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and charges a $0 annual fee for the first year, then $150 thereafter.
Related: Why Air Canada Aeroplan has become my favorite Star Alliance loyalty program
Earn points on groceries and at restaurants
The earning rates on United cobranded cards are pretty bland, unless you’re making a United purchase.
The Aeroplan credit card offers some decent earning rates for a cobranded card, especially on food-related purchases.
With the Aeroplan card, you can earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants (including eligible delivery services and takeout) and grocery stores.
Plus, the card also earns 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent in a calendar month, up to 1,500 bonus points each month. This is a solid perk if you plan on spending often with the card — especially in that first year, while earning the welcome bonus.
Related: PSA to international travelers: Here’s why you should consider Air Canada and the Chase Aeroplan Card
Pair with another United card
While there are reasons for United fans to hold the Aeroplan credit card even without a United card in their wallet, the Aeroplan card certainly can complement your existing strategy.
Flexibility is the secret here. If you already have a high balance of United miles and perks from your United card, you aren’t limited to United’s award rates on its own flights or flights on other Star Alliance partners, such as Lufthansa.
You can unlock different award space and potentially better value on the same flights when using Aeroplan’s program while maintaining cardholder benefits from your United card.
For example, you can find a solid redemption rate on a United flight with Aeroplan points, pay for taxes and fees with your United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees), and enjoy a free first and second checked bag free for yourself and your companion.
Related: Last-minute strategies for earning United Airlines Premier elite status
Bottom line
If you frequently fly United, you may default to a United credit card. However, there are reasons to consider the Aeroplan credit card instead. Some of these reasons include the card’s lucrative welcome offer and solid award rates on United flights.
Additionally, the Aeroplan card’s $95 annual fee is lower than that of most United cobranded options and it has more lucrative bonus categories, including earning 3 points per dollar spent on dining and groceries.
To learn more, read our full review of the Aeroplan credit card.
Apply here: Aeroplan Credit Card