How to maximize AC/Aeroplan benefits with new Aeroplan- co-branded credit cards?
Nov 15, 2020, 8:06 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan SE AND 1MM, HHonors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum , L'Accor Platinum
Posts: 9,580
How to maximize AC/Aeroplan benefits with new Aeroplan- co-branded credit cards?
I am AMEX Aeroplus Platinum (now AMEX Reserve) cardholder, plus AMEX Gold Rewards cardholder, plus TD VISA Infinite cardholder.
Annual fees are $599 for AMEX Reserve card (with $100 credit if $3000 spent in first month - I do not know if that is fo new cardholders only, or also for existing cardholders), plus $150 for AMEX Gold rewards card plus $139 for TD infinite privilege card.
Pre-Nov 8 - to maximize Aeroplan miles/points: : I would use my AMEX Gold card for supermarkets/gas stations/pharmacies in Canada and all travel related bookings (Canada or otherwise) at 2 MR/dollar spent - with transfer to Aeroplan at 1 to 1 basis. I would use AMEX Aeroplus Platinum card for everywhere else where it was accepted, and TD VISA where AMEX was not accepted
Now, my goal it is first priority to maximize SQM/SQSs and eupgrade credits - esp if both can be banked for the following year; and secondly to maximize Aeroplan miles.
1. So with new AMEX reserve card - most of my AC bookings will earn 3 Aeroplan miles/dollar spent. No brainer.
2. But what do I do about other travel related bookings - AMEX reserve only gives 1 Aeroplan mile/dollar spent. Do I now I stay with AMEX Gold reserve card, or stay with one or both of AMEX reserve or TD VISA infinite card - which may lead me to the SQM/SQS benefit and eupgrade benefit, but I only get 1 Aeroplan mile per dollar spent- or do I go to the Gold Rewards card for 2 MR=Aeroplan miles per dollar spent but no SQM/SQS and eupgrade benefits?
3. With Canadian supermarkets/gas stations/pharmacies - do I stick with AMEX Gold reward cards, or do I go to AMEX Reserve or TD VISA Infinite card.
4. All other charges - no brainer- I use the AMEX reserve or TD VISA Infinite.
Alternatively - I cancel the AMEX Gold Rewards AMEX card and TD VISA infinite card - and I get the TD VISA Infinite privilege card. Yes, somewhat more annual card fees (but ameliorated by fact that AMEX Aeroplus Platinum cardholders who now have the AMEX reserve card will have the first year's annual fee of $599 credited - I got that confimed in writing by AMEX customer service when I was asking in writing about some of the benefits of the new AMEX reserve card)
But I think I get a one time buddy pass by gettting the TD VISA infinite privilege card (which I think is considered slightly superior to the CIBC version of that card?). I get .1.25 Aeroplan miles per dollar spent for at least the basic charges. I get the SQM/SQS and eupgrade benefits.
For now, I do not think that the discount to Aeroplan award bookings that I get as a SE is increased by any Aeroplan co-branded credit card or credit cards I have - so I do not think that getting a TD VISA infinite privilege card by replacing the TD Infinite card will be beneficial (at least for now) in that respect.
Your thoughts?
Annual fees are $599 for AMEX Reserve card (with $100 credit if $3000 spent in first month - I do not know if that is fo new cardholders only, or also for existing cardholders), plus $150 for AMEX Gold rewards card plus $139 for TD infinite privilege card.
Pre-Nov 8 - to maximize Aeroplan miles/points: : I would use my AMEX Gold card for supermarkets/gas stations/pharmacies in Canada and all travel related bookings (Canada or otherwise) at 2 MR/dollar spent - with transfer to Aeroplan at 1 to 1 basis. I would use AMEX Aeroplus Platinum card for everywhere else where it was accepted, and TD VISA where AMEX was not accepted
Now, my goal it is first priority to maximize SQM/SQSs and eupgrade credits - esp if both can be banked for the following year; and secondly to maximize Aeroplan miles.
1. So with new AMEX reserve card - most of my AC bookings will earn 3 Aeroplan miles/dollar spent. No brainer.
2. But what do I do about other travel related bookings - AMEX reserve only gives 1 Aeroplan mile/dollar spent. Do I now I stay with AMEX Gold reserve card, or stay with one or both of AMEX reserve or TD VISA infinite card - which may lead me to the SQM/SQS benefit and eupgrade benefit, but I only get 1 Aeroplan mile per dollar spent- or do I go to the Gold Rewards card for 2 MR=Aeroplan miles per dollar spent but no SQM/SQS and eupgrade benefits?
3. With Canadian supermarkets/gas stations/pharmacies - do I stick with AMEX Gold reward cards, or do I go to AMEX Reserve or TD VISA Infinite card.
4. All other charges - no brainer- I use the AMEX reserve or TD VISA Infinite.
Alternatively - I cancel the AMEX Gold Rewards AMEX card and TD VISA infinite card - and I get the TD VISA Infinite privilege card. Yes, somewhat more annual card fees (but ameliorated by fact that AMEX Aeroplus Platinum cardholders who now have the AMEX reserve card will have the first year's annual fee of $599 credited - I got that confimed in writing by AMEX customer service when I was asking in writing about some of the benefits of the new AMEX reserve card)
But I think I get a one time buddy pass by gettting the TD VISA infinite privilege card (which I think is considered slightly superior to the CIBC version of that card?). I get .1.25 Aeroplan miles per dollar spent for at least the basic charges. I get the SQM/SQS and eupgrade benefits.
For now, I do not think that the discount to Aeroplan award bookings that I get as a SE is increased by any Aeroplan co-branded credit card or credit cards I have - so I do not think that getting a TD VISA infinite privilege card by replacing the TD Infinite card will be beneficial (at least for now) in that respect.
Your thoughts?
Nov 16, 2020, 1:44 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: OZ Diamond, Jiffypark Manhattan Gold
Posts: 4,485
I just looked at these, they're unfortunate. Looks like no bonuses at all from CIBC? ... is that? Personally I don't like the methods to earn the miles from AMEX, it's always harder to use AMEX, and I don't love having to keep $1000 a month with them, that said I understand it from their side. The TD cards seem ok, but to get 50,000 points you gotta have an income of $200,000? What's up there? Is this COVID related? Like they don't wanna give out big miles as they're already kinda hurting? If anything I would've thought they'd have massive bonuses with a new program and people having more disposable income in many cases as they're working but not going anywhere and not going out as much.
Nov 16, 2020, 2:15 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: SFO/YYZ
Programs: AC 25K, AS MVP Gold, BA Bronze, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,467
I just looked at these, they're unfortunate. Looks like no bonuses at all from CIBC? ... is that? Personally I don't like the methods to earn the miles from AMEX, it's always harder to use AMEX, and I don't love having to keep $1000 a month with them, that said I understand it from their side. The TD cards seem ok, but to get 50,000 points you gotta have an income of $200,000? What's up there? Is this COVID related? Like they don't wanna give out big miles as they're already kinda hurting? If anything I would've thought they'd have massive bonuses with a new program and people having more disposable income in many cases as they're working but not going anywhere and not going out as much.
Nov 16, 2020, 12:40 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 35
On my part i still kept the Amex Platinum still debating cancelling this one
I have the Aeroplan Platinum that became Reserve Aeroplan ( i called Amex two time they seem confused , all their web site says that the new Reserve Amex Aeroplan is a Credit Card. so i was questioning how they will manage the change from a Charge Card to Credit ?
The Agent says hum confusion indeed ! after they verify they says that the new Amex Reserve Aeroplan will stay charge! But new applicant it will be a Credit Card ! But i refereed on their site nothing is says about Reserve Amex Aeroplan as a Charge card. The answer was it's been not annonce yet ! ) So anyone heard about Amex having two type of Reserve Aeroplan Card ?
Still keeping for now the Visa infinite Aeroplan for all those place Amex not accepted
Cheers
I have the Aeroplan Platinum that became Reserve Aeroplan ( i called Amex two time they seem confused , all their web site says that the new Reserve Amex Aeroplan is a Credit Card. so i was questioning how they will manage the change from a Charge Card to Credit ?
The Agent says hum confusion indeed ! after they verify they says that the new Amex Reserve Aeroplan will stay charge! But new applicant it will be a Credit Card ! But i refereed on their site nothing is says about Reserve Amex Aeroplan as a Charge card. The answer was it's been not annonce yet ! ) So anyone heard about Amex having two type of Reserve Aeroplan Card ?
Still keeping for now the Visa infinite Aeroplan for all those place Amex not accepted
Cheers
Nov 16, 2020, 5:38 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YLW
Programs: AC- SE100 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, National Executive, Nexus/GE
Posts: 4,307
The AMEX Gold I still believe is the best value because of the 2 points for $1 at so many places and the 1:1 ratio to Aeroplan, Avios, etc for only $150 per annum
The TD VISA Infinite card is the Aeroplan card so I am covered with benefits for the new AP program and that is free because of my account at TD
Last night I applied and was approved for the AMEX Core card as I wanted the Buddy pass and the extra 20,000 AP points, the first-year fee waived. This card I may toss after the first year as I have the AMEX Gold and the AMEX Hilton US card
CIBC Basic VISA card has no annual fee and gives you a 10,000 AP Bonus so I may apply for this and keep the card for six months and then toss
Why not cash in on the point offerings? Most of the card benefits we already get as Elites or Super Elites.
The TD VISA Infinite card is the Aeroplan card so I am covered with benefits for the new AP program and that is free because of my account at TD
Last night I applied and was approved for the AMEX Core card as I wanted the Buddy pass and the extra 20,000 AP points, the first-year fee waived. This card I may toss after the first year as I have the AMEX Gold and the AMEX Hilton US card
CIBC Basic VISA card has no annual fee and gives you a 10,000 AP Bonus so I may apply for this and keep the card for six months and then toss
Why not cash in on the point offerings? Most of the card benefits we already get as Elites or Super Elites.
Nov 16, 2020, 6:33 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: YOW
Programs: AC SE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 395
Unless I missed something the Amex is not FYF?
Nov 16, 2020, 9:12 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YLW
Programs: AC- SE100 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, National Executive, Nexus/GE
Posts: 4,307
Yes, you are right there is no waiver of fee for the first year. I had mine waived as I spoke with them this morning when I called for another matter.
I got a little too excited about the FYF as I had done so much research to maximize the best bang for my buck and it's a blur!
Thanks for pointing that out
P.S. Love your website
Nov 16, 2020, 9:42 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: YSC (and all its regularly scheduled flights)
Posts: 2,519
Dr. PITUK
Nov 16, 2020, 9:55 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2020
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 182
I'm not sure if this info is correct. Under the compare cards page, this is what I see.
From my understanding, the SQM roll over is only applicable for the premium cards and not the core card. On the AMEX Aeroplan Card Page, there is no mention of roll over SQM.
From my understanding, the SQM roll over is only applicable for the premium cards and not the core card. On the AMEX Aeroplan Card Page, there is no mention of roll over SQM.
Nov 16, 2020, 10:14 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: YSC (and all its regularly scheduled flights)
Posts: 2,519
Dr. PITUK
Nov 16, 2020, 11:53 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2020
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 182
Reach Aeroplan Elite Status More Easily
Earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card.10 You can also roll over up to 200,000 unused Status Qualifying Miles (SQMs) from the prior qualification year to qualify for status the following year.5
Earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card.10 You can also roll over up to 200,000 unused Status Qualifying Miles (SQMs) from the prior qualification year to qualify for status the following year.5
Reach Aeroplan EliteTM* Status Faster
Earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card.5
Earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card.5
Nov 17, 2020, 8:26 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: YOW
Programs: AC-SE100K, AC-3MM, Marriott- LT Titanium, SPG RIP
Posts: 2,958
Got an email from CIBC about the features of my current Visa Infinite Privilege card. There is no mention of rollover eUpgrade credits. Can anyone here confirm whether that is a thing with this credit card or not?
If not, I will apply for one that has this feature and drop this CIBC card at next annual fee payment time.
Thanks
If not, I will apply for one that has this feature and drop this CIBC card at next annual fee payment time.
Thanks
Nov 17, 2020, 9:25 am
#13
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
Programs: AC*SE100K, wood level status in various other programs
Posts: 6,226
Got an email from CIBC about the features of my current Visa Infinite Privilege card. There is no mention of rollover eUpgrade credits. Can anyone here confirm whether that is a thing with this credit card or not?
If not, I will apply for one that has this feature and drop this CIBC card at next annual fee payment time.
Thanks
If not, I will apply for one that has this feature and drop this CIBC card at next annual fee payment time.
Thanks
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card primary cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will be able to roll over up to a maximum of 50 eUpgrade Credits received in the prior status year to the next benefit year. eUpgrade Credits issued on a promotional basis, as well as those already rolled over from a previous benefit year, are not eligible for this benefit. Rollover eUpgrade Credits will be deposited directly into the member’s Aeroplan account no later than March 30 of any given year, provided the member holds Aeroplan Elite Status at that time, and held Aeroplan Elite Status in the previous benefit year. If your CIBC Aeroplan credit card account is not in Good Standing, or if it is closed, regardless of reason for closure, or if the CIBC Aeroplan credit card product is changed to a different product, any unused, rolled-over eUpgrade Credits will be forfeited and removed from the member’s eUpgrade account. Benefit is only available to primary cardholders and does not apply to authorized users. Where a primary cardholder is eligible to roll over eUpgrade Credits under another Aeroplan credit card, the total cumulative rollover of all eUpgrade Credits cannot exceed the maximum of 50 eUpgrade Credits. All eUpgrade conditions apply and can be reviewed at aircanada.com/eupgrade-termsandconditions.
Nov 17, 2020, 11:04 am
#14
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE-MM, BA Bronze, Marriott Titanium & lifetime Plat
Posts: 1,820
On the branded credit cards / family integration of Aeroplan. My wife has an Aeroplan-branded credit card. I don't. Our Aeroplan accounts are linked. Do I automatically get the "benefits" of her card when booking award tickets or does it only apply if I get a "secondary" credit card on her account?