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Fantastic news coming south from our neighbors to the north! Air Canada Aeroplan has announced a new partnership with Chase and Mastercard set to debut in late 2021. This includes a new Chase/Aeroplan co-branded credit card for U.S. customers.
But the best part is that Chase customers will soon be able to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Aeroplan! As other programs have added new partners, the relative value of Ultimate Rewards has waned over the last few years. So, this represents a big addition for Chase customers.
Can you tell we're excited?
Ultimate Rewards Will Add Aeroplan as a Transfer Partner
Aeroplan will soon become the 14th transfer partner (and 11th airline partner) of Chase Ultimate Rewards. Details are scarce at this stage, but here's what we know so far:
- The ability to convert Ultimate Rewards points to Aeroplan points won't officially start until “late 2021”.
- The transfer ratio between these two partners will be 1:1.
- Air Canada Aeroplan also partners with Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Marriott Bonvoy
It's exciting to see a new transfer partner for Chase Ultimate Rewards. Over the last few years, the currency's value has diminished somewhat, particularly with the loss of its partnership with Korean Air. The only addition to Chase's lineup since has been Emirates Skywards in August 2019.
Air Canada will be the third Star Alliance airline to partner with Ultimate Rewards (the currency already transfers 1:1 with United MileagePlus and Singapore KrisFlyer). Air Canada recently launched its refreshed Aeroplan program to generally positive response. So, it will be great to have another source of Aeroplan points.
Chase to Launch a U.S. Aeroplan Credit Card
Together with Chase and Mastercard, Air Canada will debut a new co-branded credit card for Aeroplan members.
- The card will (obviously) be issued by Mastercard.
- It will not be available to new applicants until “late 2021”.
- No details are currently available pertaining to the card's earning structure or benefits.
This is obviously not much to go on, but there are a few interesting tidbits to think about.
It's interesting to see that the card will be a Mastercard. This is relatively unique for Chase, which primarily issues Visa cards. Interestingly, Chase's newest card—Chase Freedom Flex℠—is also a Mastercard. So, it will be interesting to see if Chase's shift to Mastercard continues.
As a Mastercard, this card could come with additional travel benefits only available to Mastercard holders. But, we will have to wait to see.
While we don't have any details about earning structure or benefits, we can get some ideas from Chase's other foreign airline co-branded products. These include:
Overall, we might expect a few airline-specific benefits, the ability to earn between 1–3 Aeroplan points per dollar, and some kind of generous signup bonus. Moreover, the card will likely be subject to Chase's infamous 5/24 rule. So, if you intend to get it, you'll need to plan your card application strategy accordingly.
Bottom Line
Air Canada's Aeroplan, Chase, and Mastercard have announced a new partnership set to debut in late 2021. In addition to promising a new Chase/Aeroplan credit card, this partnership also means Chase customers will soon be able to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Aeroplan points.
Aeroplan is a fantastic program with several lucrative sweet spots. Soon, award travelers will have the ability to convert Amex, Capital One, Marriott, and Chase points to the program, making it all the easier to earn enough points for your next redemption. Translation: it might be time to familiarize yourself with the Aeroplan program if you haven't already.
Are you excited about the ability to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Air Canada Aeroplan? What benefits would you like to see on an Aeroplan co-branded credit card?
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