Passenger Airlines
How do you earn Aeroplan points?
5 min read
Aeroplan points are earned through a mix of travel, credit card spending, and partner offers. The fastest way to build a balance is to combine several methods: fly eligible Air Canada or partner flights, use an Aeroplan credit card for everyday purchases, and shop through Aeroplan partners when bonus offers are available.
The main ways to earn Aeroplan points
| Earning method | How it works | Why it’s useful |
|---|---|---|
| Flying | Earn points on eligible Air Canada and partner flights | Best for frequent travelers |
| Credit cards | Earn on everyday spending and welcome bonuses | Often the fastest way to accumulate points |
| Shopping partners | Earn through the Aeroplan eStore and retail partners | Easy way to collect points on regular purchases |
| Travel partners | Earn on hotels, car rentals, and vacation bookings | Great for trips you were already planning |
| Promotions | Limited-time bonus offers | Helps you earn faster |
| Point transfers / conversions | Move points from partner programs when available | Can boost your balance quickly |
| Buying points | Purchase points directly | Useful for topping up an award booking |
1) Earn Aeroplan points when you fly
You can earn Aeroplan points on eligible flights with:
- Air Canada
- Star Alliance airlines
- Select airline partners
How many points you earn depends on the airline, fare type, and booking class. In general:
- Higher fares and premium cabins usually earn more
- Eligible flights must be linked to your Aeroplan number
- Partner airline earning rules can differ from Air Canada’s rules
Tip: Always add your Aeroplan number when booking, or after booking if you forgot.
2) Use an Aeroplan credit card
For many people, this is the easiest way to earn Aeroplan points quickly.
Aeroplan credit cards typically let you earn points on:
- Groceries
- Gas
- Dining
- Travel
- Everyday purchases
- Bonus categories, depending on the card
They also often come with:
- Welcome bonuses
- Accelerated earn rates
- Extra travel perks
- Priority services or insurance benefits
If you use your card for regular spending and pay it off monthly, you can build a large balance without changing your routine much.
3) Shop through Aeroplan partners
Aeroplan has shopping partnerships that let you earn points on purchases you were already planning to make.
Common ways to earn include:
- Aeroplan eStore shopping
- Retail partner offers
- Special online promotions
- Gift card offers, when available
This is one of the easiest “passive” ways to earn points because it doesn’t require travel. Before you buy online, check whether the retailer is listed through Aeroplan and whether a bonus offer is active.
4) Book travel through partner channels
You can also earn Aeroplan points on other parts of travel, such as:
- Hotels
- Car rentals
- Vacation packages
- Selected travel booking partners
This can be especially valuable if you’re booking a family trip or a longer vacation. Even if you’re not flying often, hotel and car rental spending can still help grow your Aeroplan balance.
5) Watch for bonus offers and promotions
Aeroplan regularly runs promotions that can help you earn more points, such as:
- Bonus points on eligible flights
- Extra points for shopping through partners
- Limited-time credit card welcome offers
- Seasonal travel promotions
- Targeted offers in your Aeroplan account
These promos can make a big difference. If you want to earn points faster, check your email, your Aeroplan account, and partner sites before booking or shopping.
6) Transfer points from partner programs
Depending on the program, you may be able to convert points or rewards into Aeroplan points. This is common with some:
- Bank rewards programs
- Credit card rewards programs
- Hotel loyalty programs
Transfers are not always the best value, so compare the conversion rate before moving points. But if you need a top-up for a redemption, a transfer can be very useful.
7) Buy Aeroplan points if you need a top-up
Aeroplan sometimes lets you purchase points directly. This is usually not the cheapest way to earn points, but it can make sense if:
- You’re close to an award booking
- You want to unlock a redemption
- A sale or bonus purchase offer is available
As a rule, buying points is best used strategically, not as your main earning method.
Best ways to earn Aeroplan points faster
If you want to grow your balance quickly, focus on these high-impact moves:
- Get an Aeroplan credit card
- Use it for everyday spending
- Book eligible flights with your Aeroplan number attached
- Shop through Aeroplan partners
- Take advantage of welcome bonuses and promotions
- Save points for high-value redemptions
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Aeroplan points can be affected by inactivity rules, so it’s smart to keep your account active. Any earn or redeem activity usually helps maintain your balance. Since program terms can change, it’s worth checking Aeroplan’s current policy occasionally.
Simple example of how points can add up
A traveler might earn Aeroplan points from:
- A round-trip Air Canada flight
- Weekly grocery and gas purchases on an Aeroplan card
- A hotel booking through a partner
- One or two bonus shopping offers
- A welcome bonus from a new credit card
That combination can add up much faster than relying on flights alone.
The bottom line
You earn Aeroplan points by flying eligible Air Canada or partner flights, using an Aeroplan credit card, shopping with Aeroplan partners, booking travel through partner channels, and taking advantage of bonus promotions. If you want to earn points efficiently, the best strategy is to combine several methods rather than relying on just one.
If you’d like, I can also turn this into a shorter FAQ version or add a “best Aeroplan credit cards” section.