The Aeroplan Card sign-up bonus gives you points toward flights, hotel stays, and other travel purchases, but the value depends on how you redeem them

The TD Aeroplan Card and the RBC Aeroplan Card both offer sign-up bonuses in the form of Aeroplan points. These points are the currency of the Aeroplan loyalty program, which is owned by Air Canada but also partners with hotels, car rentals, and other travel merchants. The bonus points arrive in your account after you meet a spending requirement — typically spending a set amount within the first few months of opening the card.

The actual value of those points is not fixed. A point might be worth 1 cent when you redeem it for a flight, or it might be worth less than half a cent if you use it for a lower-demand redemption. This is why the headline number — "earn 50,000 points" — tells you less than you need to know. What matters is what you plan to do with the points and whether that redemption path is open to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign-up bonuses range from 30,000 to 50,000 Aeroplan points depending on the card and the current promotion, but the value per point varies between 0.5 and 1.5 cents depending on how you redeem.
  • You must spend a minimum amount within a set timeframe (usually $1,500 to $3,000 in the first three months) to unlock the bonus — if you don't hit that target, you receive no bonus at all.
  • Aeroplan points can be redeemed for Air Canada flights, partner airline flights, hotel nights, car rentals, and merchandise, but flight redemptions typically offer the best value.
  • The bonus points are subject to the same expiry rules as points you earn through spending: they expire if your account is inactive for 12 consecutive months.

How the spending requirement works

To receive the sign-up bonus, you must spend a minimum amount on the card within a defined window. The TD Aeroplan Card typically requires $1,500 in purchases within the first three months; the RBC Aeroplan Card often requires $3,000 within the same timeframe. Only purchases that count toward the card's regular earning rate count toward this minimum — balance transfers, cash advances, and fees do not.

If you hit the target, the bonus posts to your Aeroplan account automatically. If you fall short, you receive nothing. There is no partial credit — it is a threshold you either cross or you do not. This means you should only pursue this bonus if you have planned spending that will naturally get you there, not spending you are creating just to unlock the offer.

What the bonus points are actually worth

A 50,000-point bonus sounds substantial until you understand that Aeroplan points are not worth a fixed amount. The redemption value depends on what you buy and when you buy it. A flight from Toronto to Vancouver during off-peak travel might cost 12,500 points; the same flight during peak season might cost 25,000 points or more. A hotel night might be worth 0.5 cents per point, while a flight redemption might be worth 1.2 cents per point.

The most reliable way to estimate value is to look at what you actually want to book. Log into your Aeroplan account, search for a flight or hotel you would genuinely take, and note the point cost. Divide that cost by the dollar value of the booking to find your cents-per-point rate. If you see rates consistently above 1 cent per point, the bonus is worth pursuing. If most redemptions you find are below 0.75 cents per point, the bonus is less compelling.

Annual fees and whether the bonus offsets them

Both the TD Aeroplan Card and the RBC Aeroplan Card carry annual fees — typically $120 to $150, though some versions waive the first year. A 50,000-point bonus is worth roughly $500 to $750 at typical redemption rates, which means the bonus alone covers the annual fee for the first year and leaves you with value. However, this calculation only works if you actually redeem the points at a reasonable rate.

If you earn the bonus but then let the points sit unused, or if you redeem them at poor rates (like merchandise redemptions at 0.3 cents per point), the bonus value shrinks. You should factor in whether you travel frequently enough to use the points before they expire, and whether you will keep the card open long enough for the ongoing earning rate to justify the annual fee.

How bonus points interact with expiry rules

Aeroplan points, including bonus points, expire if your account shows no activity for 12 consecutive months. Activity includes earning points through card spending, redeeming points, or even logging into your account. If you earn a 50,000-point bonus but do not use it or earn any other points within a year, those points vanish.

This is a real constraint if you are a light traveler or if you earn the bonus but then change your travel plans. Before you commit to the card, think about whether you will realistically use the points within a year. If you travel once or twice annually, you should be fine. If you travel less frequently, you may need to redeem the bonus points strategically to avoid losing them to expiry.

Comparing the TD and RBC versions

The two main Aeroplan cards differ in their sign-up bonuses, annual fees, and earning rates. The TD Aeroplan Card typically offers a higher sign-up bonus (often 50,000 points) but may have a higher annual fee. The RBC Aeroplan Card sometimes offers a lower bonus (30,000 to 40,000 points) but may have a lower annual fee or waive it for the first year. Both earn the same base rate on most purchases — usually 1 point per dollar spent.

The best choice depends on your spending patterns and travel plans. If you spend heavily in the first three months and plan to redeem points for premium cabin flights, the higher bonus on the TD card may justify the higher fee. If you want to minimize annual costs and earn points gradually over time, the RBC card might be the better fit. Check the current offers directly with TD and RBC, as promotions change frequently.

What happens after the first year

The sign-up bonus is a one-time offer. After you receive it, your value from the card comes from the regular earning rate on your spending. Most Aeroplan cards earn 1 point per dollar on most purchases, with bonus categories (like 2 points per dollar on Air Canada flights or dining) depending on the specific card. You also pay the annual fee every year, which means you need to earn enough points through regular spending to justify keeping the card open.

If you spend $10,000 per year on the card and earn 1 point per dollar, you earn 10,000 points annually. At 1 cent per point, that is $100 in value — less than the annual fee. This is why many people use these cards strategically: they open the card to capture the bonus, redeem it for a specific trip, and then close the card or downgrade to a no-fee version. There is no penalty for closing the card after the first year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to spend the full amount on the card, or can I meet the requirement with multiple cards?

You must meet the spending requirement on the specific card you are explore for. You cannot combine spending across multiple Aeroplan cards or other cards to unlock a bonus. However, if you are approved for both the TD and RBC Aeroplan Cards at different times, each card has its own separate spending requirement and bonus.

What if I don't travel much — is the bonus still worth it?

The bonus is worth it only if you will redeem the points within 12 months. If you travel once a year or less, you should search for a specific flight or hotel you plan to book, calculate the point cost, and confirm the value is worth the annual fee. If you cannot find a redemption you will use within a year, the bonus loses value as points expire.

Can I transfer Aeroplan points to someone else?

Aeroplan points cannot be transferred between accounts. Bonus points belong to the cardholder and expire if the account is inactive for 12 months. You can use your points to book travel for family members, but the points themselves stay in your account.

How long does it take for the bonus to show up in my account?

Bonus points typically post within 4 to 8 weeks after you meet the spending requirement, though the exact timeline varies by card issuer. Check your Aeroplan account online to confirm the bonus has arrived before you plan a redemption.

What if I close the card before the annual fee hits — do I keep the bonus?

Yes. Once the bonus points post to your Aeroplan account, they are yours regardless of whether you keep the card open. However, if you close the card before the annual fee date, you avoid paying it. If you close the card after the fee posts, you have already paid it.