Core Insights - Air Canada's Aeroplan program is shifting to a revenue-based system for elite status starting January 1, 2026, moving away from traditional metrics like Status Qualifying Miles and Segments [1][3] Summary by Sections Aeroplan Program Changes - The new system will only utilize Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) as the metric for earning elite status, simplifying the process for cardholders [2][3] - Cardholders of the Aeroplan Credit Card issued by Chase can earn up to 25,000 SQCs annually, starting with a 5,000 SQC boost at the beginning of the year [4][5] Earning SQCs - SQCs are earned based on spending on Air Canada flights rather than distance traveled or class of service, with elite status holders receiving bonus multipliers that can increase earnings up to 6 times [3][4] - To achieve 25K status, cardholders need to spend $15,000 annually after an introductory period where they receive complimentary status [5][6] Spending Thresholds and Benefits - Additional SQCs can be earned through spending thresholds: 10,000 SQCs for $25,000 spent and another 10,000 for $50,000 spent in a calendar year [4][6] - Higher status levels, such as 35K, require $75,000 in annual spending, with further rewards unlocked at higher spending thresholds [6] Future Changes - The Elite Status Level Up benefit will be discontinued starting in 2027, although the introductory status perk remains a significant advantage for new cardholders [7][8]

Core Insights - The Aeroplan Credit Card offers a limited-time welcome bonus of up to 120,000 bonus points, significantly higher than the regular offer of 100,000 points [1][2][6] Bonus Offer Details - Eligible applicants can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months and an additional 25,000 points after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months [1][3] - An extra 20,000 bonus points can be earned by receiving 50% more bonus points per $1 spent on purchases that typically earn 1 point, available between November 24, 2025, and January 15, 2026 [2][3] Value Proposition - The total welcome offer is valued at approximately $1,800, making it a lucrative option for potential cardholders [2] Eligibility Criteria - The 75,000 and 25,000-point bonuses are available only to new applicants who have not held the Aeroplan card or received a new cardmember bonus in the past 24 months [3] - The 50% bonus is available to any applicant who has never held any type of Aeroplan credit card in the U.S. or Canada [3] Card Benefits - The Aeroplan card provides various benefits including 3x points on Air Canada purchases, grocery stores, and dining, as well as a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to 8 companions [7] - Additional perks include Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee credit, preferred pricing on award tickets, and no foreign transaction fees, with an annual fee of $95 [7]

Changes to Aeroplan Credit Card - Chase announced changes to the Aeroplan® Credit Card effective January 1, 2026, impacting how cardholders earn elite status [1][2] - Cardholders will still need to spend $15,000 annually to retain Aeroplan Elite 25K status, but the requirement to qualify for Elite 35K status will increase to $75,000 [2][9] - The previous Level Up benefit, which allowed cardholders to boost their elite status by spending $50,000, will be discontinued starting in 2026, although it can still be utilized until the end of 2025 [3][9] Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) - Starting January 1, 2026, cardholders can earn up to 25,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) annually by spending up to $50,000 [4][9] - The breakdown of SQC earnings includes 5,000 SQC as a bonus each year, an additional 10,000 SQC for spending $25,000, and another 10,000 SQC for spending $50,000 [6][7] Benefits Retained - Aside from the changes in elite status earning, all other benefits of the Aeroplan card will remain unchanged, including earning 3x points on specific purchases and various travel protections [8][10]