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Air Canada recently announced that it is joining several U.S. airlines in moving to a revenue-based earnings model. With the announcement comes changes to how you earn miles and elite status, as well as adjustments to co-branded credit cardholder benefits. If you are a cardholder of the Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card, you'll want to pay attention, as these changes impact a major benefit that you likely don't want to lose. Here's what to know. 

Aeroplan Card: What's Changing? 

Starting in 2026, you will no longer be able to earn the Aeroplan Elite Status Level Up benefit (which gave you a one-tier status upgrade after spending $50,000 in a calendar year).

In its place, cardholders will get a Status Qualifying Credits (SQCs) boost plus the ability to earn even more based on card spending — up to an annual maximum of 25,000 bonus SQCs per member across all Aeroplan credit cards.

A screenshot showing the Air Canada elite status tiers
Credit: Air Canada

As a cardholder, you'll receive 5,000 SQCs annually. Then, you'll earn the following based on your spending:

  • Spend $15,000, earn Aeroplan 25K Status
  • Spend $25,000, earn 10,000 SQCs
  • Spend $50,000, earn 10,000 SQCs
  • Spend $75,000, earn Aeroplan 35K Status

If you are currently a cardholder and you've spent (or will spend) $50,000 this year, don't worry. You'll still receive your Level Up benefit in 2026. But this will be the last time. The Level Up will be based on the highest status you earned for 2026 and will stay valid through January 31, 2027.

Related: A Complete Guide to the Air Canada Aeroplan Loyalty Program

Aeroplan Card: What's Staying the Same? 

As of now, other cardholder benefits and earning rates remain the same. You'll still receive your new cardmember Aeroplan 25K status through the end of the following calendar year after approval, a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit, preferred pricing on award redemptions, and bonuses on Ultimate Rewards point transfers.

You'll still earn as a cardholder. This is good news in light of the new spending-based earnings model — travelers without elite status or an Aeroplan credit card earn a measly 1 point per CA$1 spent on base fares on Air Canada flights. 

As a member of the Star Alliance, points you earn with the Aeroplan Card can be utilized to book a number of partner airlines. For a card with an annual fee of just $195, it still packs a punch.

Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card
Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card
Learn More
Rates & Fees
Welcome Bonus Our Best Offer Ever: Earn up to 115,000 bonus points. Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 40,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months your account is open.
Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card
Welcome Bonus Our Best Offer Ever: Earn up to 115,000 bonus points. Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 40,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months your account is open.
Annual Fee:$195
Show moreWhy We Like ItHighlightsEarning Rates
The Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card earns up to 5x points on Air Canada direct purchases. Cardholders receive 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month (up to 1,500 points per month), and earn a 10% bonus on Chase Ultimate Rewards point transfers to Aeroplan, both through December 31, 2026, enhancing point value. The card includes a free first checked bag for up to eight people on the same reservation, no foreign transaction fees, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®/NEXUS fee credit.
  • Earn up to 115,000 bonus points
  • Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 40,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months.
  • $195 Annual Fee
  • Enjoy automatic 25K Aeroplan Status with benefits such as Priority Check-In, Priority Boarding (Zone 2), Additional Baggage Allowance, Star Alliance Recognition and eUpgrade Credits.
  • Earn up to 5X total points for each dollar spent on Air Canada. Earn 3X points on travel purchases.
  • Earn 2X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and at gas stations. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Up to $100 in Air Canada statement credits (delivered as up to two $50 credits semi-annually).
  • Save 15% on eligible Air Canada flight redemptions as a cardmember.
  • Member FDIC
  • Up to 5x points directly with Air Canada*
  • 3x points on travel purchases
  • 2x points on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services
  • 2x points at grocery stores
  • 2x points at gas stations
  • 1x point on all other purchases
*3x points on Air Canada purchases plus an additional 2x points from Air Canada on eligible flights when traveling as an Aeroplan 25K member

Final Thoughts

The Aeroplan Card is changing in 2026. Since the Level Up benefit is leaving, it's more difficult to reach a higher tier of elite status. However, the card still provides a lot of value for Air Canada frequent flyers. 

For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Chase Air Canada Aeroplan® Credit Card (Rates & Fees)

Tip of The Day
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Composite image shows how to refer friends to AwardWallet, how to track referrals, and how you'll earn AwardWallet Bonus points for referrals

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