Chase's Aeroplan Card Adds New Perks and a Higher Annual Fee

Chase's Aeroplan credit card just got some big new perks, but they come with a higher annual fee.

Chase and Air Canada rolled out a refresh of the renamed Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Card today, and the annual fee is jumping to $195. In exchange, primary cardmembers now get Aeroplan 25K status every year with no spending requirement (previously, you needed $15,000 in annual spend to keep it after your first full year), 15% off eligible award flights, and up to $100 in Air Canada statement credits each year, paid out as two $50 credits.

These new perks are live now for new and existing cardmembers, and current cardholders will see the higher fee at renewals starting Dec. 1.

The card's earning categories are being updated, too. It now earns 3x on a broad travel category (airlines, hotels, rental cars, cruises, rideshare, and more) and still earns 3x on Air Canada purchases. Meanwhile, dining and grocery stores drop from earning 3x to 2x, gas climbs from 1x to 2x, and everything else earns 1x.

Unfortunately, a few perks are on the way out. The monthly bonus of 500 points for every $2,000 spent is gone, and the card's 10% bonus on Ultimate Rewards transfers to Aeroplan ends Dec. 31. The new 15% award discount also requires at least one Air Canada flight on the itinerary, so partner-only awards don't qualify.

Pay Yourself Back, the free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions, the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS credit, and Aeroplan 35K status at $75,000 in spend per calendar year all stick around.

Andrew's Take

If you fly Air Canada even a couple of times a year, this is a better card than it was yesterday — and if you use both $50 credits, you're effectively still paying $95. That said, it's unfortunate to see the 10% bonus on Ultimate Rewards transfers removed, which was one of my favorite perks of the card.