6 Ways to Maximize Your Aeroplan Points

Thinking of travelling long term and not sure how to afford it? Read this to find out how to maximize your Aeroplan points for free flights.

One of the largest costs while travelling, especially if you need to fly anywhere is transportation. There are many budget airlines available now, but if you're going far, for a long time or to many places then it will still add up. Thanks to some savvy travel credit cards, we were able to save in this category. The loyalty program we chose to pursue after much research was the Aeroplan one through Air Canada. You can read my other post, How to Fly for *Free to learn more about getting points through travel credit cards. Keep reading this post if you want to gain points beyond credit cards.

It is very important to note that you should only consider travel credit cards if you are responsible with your money. You do not want to carry a balance on these cards, or spend beyond your needs.

Shop Aeroplan's eStore

If you often make purchases online you don't want to miss out on these bonus points! You'll need to log into your Aeroplan card on their website and select the eStore. You'll see options from Amazon to Best Buy and Old Navy. Typically they will offer you extra points per $ spent, and do promotions offering even more points. We found them really high around holidays, leading up to Black Friday, Christmas and even Valentine's Day. Make sure you go to the Aeroplan eStore first and not directly to the store's website. The eStore will link you to the original store to make your purchase.

Shop with Partners

This is different than shopping through the eStore, but you still need to log into your Aeroplan account to book. You can save up to 30% staying with their partner hotel chains (this includes big chains like Holiday Inn but also smaller boutique ones). You'll find exclusive deals with Avis and Budget rental car - you can also redeem your points for these. Aeroplan will also often give bonus points if you book an Air Canada Vacation. Make sure to log into your Aeroplan account often and see what deals are available!

Consumer Surveys

You can sign up to do consumer surveys by clicking this link (no, I don't get anything for referring you). You'll get emails when you meet the criteria for a survey, careful as the invite does time out. Points will range from 30-100 points on completed surveys and they will give you a time estimate on the survey length. This is not a fast way to accumulate points, but if you have some extra time on your hands you can bump up your points while giving opinions. You'll need to make sure you link the survey rewards to your Aeroplan card as they have other reward options available.

Transfer Your Points

If you are already part of a loyalty point program, you may be able to transfer your points to Aeroplan to get where you need to be. Personally, we look up the cost of our flights in points in advance so that we know a ballpark figure of points we'll need for flights. It's important to note that your points will most likely diminish in value when transferring to Aeroplan, for example 3 Marriott Bonvoy points will become 1 Aeroplan point. There is often a minimum amount needed to make a transfer, but if you won't be using the points with the original partner or need just a few more this could help you.

Link Your Cards

Many loyalty programs partner with other businesses to better incite you to make purchases and remain loyal. Here are the ones you need to link with your Aeroplan points card:

• Uber & Uber Eats: Even if you do not regularly order from them or take rides, you should do this. It's better to have it set up just in case, and they'll do special promotions with bonus points you may find worthwhile.

• Journie (Ultramar): Most gas stations will have a loyalty program that saves you cents per liter, Ultramar will also gift you Aeroplan points based on how many liters you purchase.

• Starbucks: If you need your morning fix, you cannot miss out on linking your rewards cards. They also offer lots of in app bonuses for loading the app or spending certain amounts.

• LCBO: This one is unfortunately not much use to anyone outside of Ontario, but if you're in that province (or travelling there) link it to gain your points.

• Bell Canada: If you're already a client with this telecommunications provider than don't miss out and link your card now! If you're not with them, then keep an eye on their deals to see if any are worthwhile for you. If you're looking to upgrade your phone, they'll often offer bonus points to do a trade-in.

Set Up Family Sharing

If you are not travelling alone then you need to consider setting up family sharing with your travel partners. And don't forget to get your children their own Aeroplan points cards either! You can add up to 7 members to family sharing and see an accumulated points balance. It's a great way to work as a team to get the points you need.

Bonus: Birthday Points

Many loyalty programs will give you something free for your birthday and Aeroplan is no different! Make sure to log in around your birthday to see what you're offered. Last year they gave me 100 points for my birthday, I did have to log in and claim them as they did not issue automatically. This doesn't sound like a lot, but if you're collecting points as a family it can add up over members!