CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card

The CIBC Aeroplan^® Visa^* Card is CIBC’s base-level Aeroplan card, with a lower welcome bonus than higher-tiered cards and no annual fee.

Its’ a great option for students or newcomers to Canada to boost their credit file while earning a valuable points currency.

Bonuses & Fees

As CIBC’s entry-level Aeroplan co-branded credit card, the CIBC Aeroplan^® Visa^* Card currently offers 10,000 Aeroplan points as a signup bonus upon making your first purchase on the card.^† The card has no annual fee.^†

10,000 Aeroplan points is actually one of the higher welcome bonuses we’ve seen on this card in the past – so if you’re looking for a no-fee “keeper card” to boost your credit history in the long run, this may be an attractive offer.^†

Supplementary cards are free.^†

Earning Rewards

In terms of the returns on everyday spending, the CIBC Aeroplan^® Visa^* Card offers cardholders 1 Aeroplan point per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada, and Air Canada Vacations, gas, electric vehicle charging, and grocery purchases.^†

Otherwise, the card offers 1 Aeroplan point for every $1.50 spent on all other eligible purchases.^†

It’s worth noting that the earning rates on this card are less competitive than those on CIBC’s other Aeroplan co-branded credit cards.

However, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card is best-suited for those who are interested in collecting Aeroplan points while building up a relatively new credit file, or restricting themselves to lower annual fees and credit limits.

Redeeming Rewards

Aeroplan remains the program of choice for the vast majority of Canadians aiming to redeem their points for high-value international business and First Class redemptions.

Redeeming Aeroplan points follows the Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart, and can cost as little as 55,000 points one-way from Vancouver to Tokyo in business class.

From the East Coast, 60,000 Aeroplan points (or often fewer, thanks to Air Canada’s preferred pricing if you hold Elite Status or a credit card) would unlock a transatlantic flight to most parts of Western Europe.

Closer to home: short-haul flights within North America that are under 500 miles only cost 6,000 Aeroplan points one-way.

Indeed, that’s the best attractive option with the signup offer on this card, although you can also use it to boost your Aeroplan balance towards a larger redemption.

Perks & Benefits

As an entry-level Aeroplan co-branded offering, the CIBC Aeroplan^® Visa^* Card offers a limited set of Aeroplan-related benefits, including:

• Preferred pricing when redeeming Aeroplan points for Air Canada flights

^†

• Your Aeroplan points won’t expire for as long as you’re a cardholder

^†

The CIBC Aeroplan^® Visa^* Card could be a good choice to hold onto as a no-annual-fee card due to the preferred pricing benefit. Even if you aren’t holding any other Aeroplan cards, simply having the no-fee CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card could still fetch you a meaningful discount on the number of Aeroplan points required for Air Canada flights.^†

Insurance Coverage

As a basic card, the CIBC Aeroplan^® Visa^* Card’s insurance proposition isn’t as comprehensive as what’s offered on higher-level cards.

One of its provisions is auto rental collision/loss damage insurance, which includes coverage on cars with a MSRP of up to $65,000 for up to 48 consecutive days; this can help you save on the insurance fees that the car rental company would otherwise charge.^†

It also has Common Carrier Accident insurance, which reimburses you up to $100,000 in the case of an unforeseen accident onboard scheduled transportation that results in bodily harm.^†

Lastly, the card also offers Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Protection, covering most eligible items you’ve purchased with your card should they be stolen or damaged within 90 days of purchase, as well as a doubled warranty period compared to the manufacturer’s warranty.^†

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