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The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card is a no-annual-fee travel card earning 1 Aeroplan point per dollar on gas, EV charging, groceries, and direct Air Canada purchases, plus 1 point per $1.50 everywhere else. It’s built for Air Canada flyers who want to start earning Aeroplan points without paying a fee to carry the card.
New cardholders can earn up to $200 in value, including up to 10,000 Aeroplan points, through a combination of a first-purchase bonus, a spending milestone in the first four months, and an anniversary bonus tied to first-year spending. Aeroplan points don’t expire as long as you remain the active primary cardholder.
This card works well as an entry point into the Aeroplan ecosystem, with perks like double points at partner retailers and no blackout dates on Air Canada seat redemptions.
Who This Card Makes Sense For
This card is a good fit if you:
- Fly Air Canada occasionally and want to start earning Aeroplan points without an annual fee
- Meet the $15,000 minimum household income requirement
- Spend regularly on gas, groceries, or EV charging, where the bonused rate applies
- Shop at Aeroplan partner retailers or through the Aeroplan eStore and want to double up on points
It’s a weaker fit if you:
- Don’t meet the income requirement
- Rarely fly Air Canada and wouldn’t use the Aeroplan-specific perks
- Want airport lounge access or elevated travel insurance, since those are reserved for CIBC’s higher-tier Aeroplan Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Privilege cards
Eligibility and Documents Needed
You’ll need a minimum annual household income of $15,000 to qualify. The card also carries a minimum credit limit requirement, so approved applicants are extended at least that amount from the start.
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Beyond the income threshold, expect standard identification and employment details during the application.
How to Apply
Applying online takes about 5 minutes, with a response in as little as 60 seconds. You can also call 1-866-525-8622, visit a banking centre, or book a meeting with a CIBC advisor.
Fees and Conditions
The numbers that matter most:
- Annual fee: $0
- Additional cardholder fee: $0, for up to 3 additional cards
- Purchase and cash advance interest rates: not specified on CIBC’s public product page — these rates render dynamically and vary by province (Quebec residents see a different cash advance rate than other residents)
CIBC’s page doesn’t disclose a specific foreign transaction fee for this card — check your cardholder agreement for the exact currency conversion terms if you shop internationally often, or confirm the current purchase and cash advance rates directly with CIBC before applying.
Aeroplan points earn at different rates depending on category:
- 1 Aeroplan point per $1 on gas, EV charging, groceries, and direct Air Canada purchases (including Air Canada Vacations)
- 1 Aeroplan point per $1.50 on all other purchases
- Double points at more than 150 Aeroplan partners and 170+ retailers through the Aeroplan eStore
A household spending $500 a month on gas and groceries earns 6,000 points a year from that category alone, without factoring in other purchases or eStore bonuses. Gas purchases also qualify for up to 10 cents off per litre at participating stations through Journie Rewards, stacking savings on top of the points earned.
The welcome offer breaks down into three parts for new cardholders:
- 2,500 Aeroplan points on your first purchase
- 2,500 points after spending $1,500 or more within the first 4 months
- 5,000 anniversary bonus points if you spend $10,000 or more in net purchases during your first year
Together that’s up to 10,000 points, worth roughly $200 in travel value. Because the offer changes periodically, confirm the exact structure on CIBC’s page before applying. Reaching the full bonus requires sustained spending through the year rather than a single transaction, so it rewards cardholders who plan to make this their primary card.
Travel and purchase protections round out the card:
- No additional airline surcharges on Air Canada flight rewards
- Purchase Security and Extended Protection Insurance
- Car rental collision and loss damage insurance
- Common carrier accident insurance
- 4th night free on hotel bookings redeemed with Aeroplan points, for every 3 nights redeemed
Every Air Canada seat available for purchase is also available as an Aeroplan redemption, with no blackout dates or seat restrictions, and points can be combined with cash to cover a booking. Aeroplan Family Sharing also lets you pool points with other household members, which can speed up saving for a flight reward considerably compared to earning alone.
Cardholders also get access to a free Skip+ membership with $0 delivery fees and a $10 monthly voucher, plus 50% off a Disney+ Standard with Ads subscription for 6 months. These aren’t travel-related, but they add ongoing value for a card that already carries no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What income do I need to qualify?
A minimum annual household income of $15,000.
Do Aeroplan points expire?
No, as long as you remain an active primary cardholder.
Are there blackout dates on Air Canada flight redemptions?
No, every seat available for purchase is also available for points, with no restrictions.
Does this card include airport lounge access?
No, lounge access is reserved for CIBC’s higher-tier Aeroplan Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Privilege cards.
Is there a fee for additional cardholders?
No, up to 3 additional cards can be added at no cost.
