3 Reasons United Flyers Should Consider the Aeroplan Credit Card in 2025

3 Reasons United Flyers Should Consider the Aeroplan Credit Card in 2025

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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• The Aeroplan® Credit Card is a solid alternative for travelers loyal to United Airlines, especially those who often book award flights.
• You can use Aeroplan points to book United Airlines flights with no surcharges—sometimes at lower redemption rates than United MileagePlus.
• Cardholders benefit from perks like free checked bags, preferred pricing, and elite status credits—ideal for frequent flyers.
• The annual fee is reasonable when compared to premium travel cards, making it a compelling option.
• Explore why these 3 reasons United flyers should consider the Aeroplan credit card could change the way you book travel in 2025.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Can United Flyers Really Use the Aeroplan Credit Card?
3. What Are the 3 Best Reasons United Flyers Should Consider the Aeroplan Credit Card?
4. How to Plan This Card into Your 2025 Travel Strategy
5. HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for Booking with Aeroplan
6. FAQ: 3 Reasons United Flyers Should Consider the Aeroplan Credit Card
7. Final Thoughts: Should You Get the Aeroplan Credit Card?

Introduction

If you’ve ever hunted for flights using your United MileagePlus miles only to stare in disbelief at the steep redemption rates—or worse, fuel surcharges—you’re not alone. Booking award travel can feel like solving a puzzle, and savvy flyers know that having the right tools makes all the difference.

One of those tools? The Aeroplan® Credit Card from Chase. While Aeroplan is the loyalty program for Air Canada, it gives U.S.-based travelers access to competitive award pricing on United-operated flights. That’s right—United flyers aren’t limited to just the MileagePlus program. With a few points and clicks, the Aeroplan card could open a whole new runway.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how and why United loyalists should consider this surprising card option. From better award pricing to travel perks found in high-end credit cards, you’ll see why these 3 reasons United flyers should consider the Aeroplan credit card might shake up your travel game in 2025.

Can United Flyers Really Use the Aeroplan Credit Card?

Short answer: Yes, and often to great advantage.

Aeroplan belongs to the Star Alliance—the same network as United Airlines. That means you can book United-operated flights using Aeroplan points, often without fuel surcharges that crop up in other programs. Better yet, Chase’s Aeroplan Credit Card lets you earn those points quickly through everyday spend and welcome bonuses.

Here’s where it benefits United flyers specifically:

• United flights booked with Aeroplan points don’t carry massive surcharges.
• Aeroplan often requires fewer miles (or “points”) than United’s MileagePlus for the same routes.
• You still fly on United—same aircraft, same route—just booked through another program.

For travelers looking to stretch their points or escape frustrating peak pricing, this card unlocks more flexibility and value.

💡 Travel tip: Combine the Aeroplan card’s points with those earned through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program, which can also be transferred 1:1 to Aeroplan. This is a powerful combo for smart jet-setters.

What Are the 3 Best Reasons United Flyers Should Consider the Aeroplan Credit Card?

Let’s get into the core details. These three key benefits explain why this card belongs in your wallet—especially if United is your go-to airline.

1. Easier Access to Lower-Cost United Award Flights

If you’ve ever priced a domestic United flight with MileagePlus miles only to see rates jump to 30,000+ miles one-way, booking through Aeroplan can be a smart workaround.

Why? Aeroplan uses a more transparent award chart with distance-based pricing. That means many short- and medium-haul United routes—especially within North America—require fewer points, especially during off-peak periods.

Example Itinerary:

• New York (EWR) to Chicago (ORD):
  • United MileagePlus: 15,000–25,000 miles one-way
  • Aeroplan: Often 6,000–12,500 points one-way

If you travel frequently within the U.S. or to nearby destinations like Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, the Aeroplan card can yield noticeable savings versus sticking only with MileagePlus.

2. Travel Perks That Compete with Premium Cards

The Aeroplan Credit Card comes with serious travel-friendly benefits, including:

• First checked bag free for cardholder + up to 8 companions (when flying Air Canada, and sometimes honored on United)
• Lounge access options via Priority Pass (available on select tiers)
• No foreign transaction fees
• Instant 25K Aeroplan elite status for the remainder of the year you get the card + the following calendar year
• Elite status level can be extended annually with basic spend thresholds

Many of these perks mirror what’s offered by more expensive premium cards, but Aeroplan’s fee is a moderate $95, giving it excellent value.

3. Generous Earning Potential and Flexible Uses

You’ll earn:

• 3x Aeroplan points on restaurants, takeout, and delivery
• 3x on grocery purchases
• 3x on direct Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases
• 1x on everything else

Plus, Chase and Aeroplan occasionally offer limited-time bonuses or travel partner transfer deals, allowing you to maximize value.

Even better? Points are transferable among Aeroplan-using friends or family, and Aeroplan offers stopover-friendly itineraries for as little as 5,000 extra points—perfect for adding a side trip to your international journey.

TL;DR: Strategic earning, first-class redemptions, and everyday usefulness without a premium card fee.

How to Plan This Card into Your 2025 Travel Strategy

Smart travelers know that incorporating the right credit card into your trip-planning flow can unlock doors—literally and figuratively. Here’s how to strategically leverage the Aeroplan Credit Card in 2025.

1. Apply before a big trip to earn the welcome bonus and start earning points immediately.
2. Bookmark the Aeroplan redemption chart and start price-checking routes compared to MileagePlus.
3. Focus your spend on categories where the card earns 3x (like dining and groceries).
4. Combine points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to build up for larger redemptions.
5. Book United flights via Air Canada’s Aeroplan portal for better pricing.
6. Use your card perks like free checked bags and elite status to travel more comfortably.

HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for Booking with Aeroplan

Here’s how to think like a HopStrip traveler: plan smart, earn smarter, and always double-check for hidden wins.

• Compare both MileagePlus and Aeroplan redemption rates every time you book.
• If flying internationally, use Aeroplan’s stopover trick to add a bonus city to your itinerary. It only costs 5,000 more points—worth it for jet-setters.
• Stack this card with a good travel insurance plan from a provider like Ekta to make sure you’re covered.
• Use a fare comparison tool like Kiwi when looking for flights, then check Aeroplan for point-booking options.
• Consider pairing your trip with a local tour or activity to max out your points-per-dollar joy factor.

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FAQ: 3 Reasons United Flyers Should Consider the Aeroplan Credit Card

Q: Can I really book United Airlines flights using Aeroplan points?
A: Yes! Aeroplan is a Star Alliance partner, which includes United. You can redeem Aeroplan points directly on United-operated flights, often with better redemption rates.

Q: Is the Aeroplan Credit Card good for everyday spending?
A: Definitely—especially if you spend heavily on dining and groceries. You’ll earn 3x points in those categories, which adds up faster than many airline co-branded cards.

Q: Will I still get United status perks when booking through Aeroplan?
A: You’ll still earn miles/status with United if your Aeroplan booking includes your MileagePlus number, but elite upgrades may not apply. However, Aeroplan’s own elite perks (like free checked baggage) kick in on some itineraries.

Q: How does the Aeroplan card compare to United’s co-branded cards?
A: United cards may offer better perks if you fly United exclusively (like earlier boarding or guaranteed upgrades). But Aeroplan’s broader redemption options, lower award prices, and food/grocery points earning make it more versatile for many travelers.

Q: Is it worth switching cards if I already have United’s Explorer card?
A: Possibly! If you’re finding limited award seat availability or high redemption costs with MileagePlus, Aeroplan can be a great secondary (or primary) option depending on your travel routes.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get the Aeroplan Credit Card?

If you’re a United flyer looking to increase your points value, avoid fees, and collect niche perks without a luxury-card price tag, it’s time to consider your options. These 3 reasons United flyers should consider the Aeroplan credit card aren’t just hype—they’re practical, point-saving strategies for real-world travelers.

Whether you’re hopping from LA to Denver or planning a multi-stop trip through Europe and Asia, adding Aeroplan to your toolkit opens up a world of smarter travel. Just like we do here at HopStrip, it’s all about planning ahead, booking wisely, and always keeping your travel goals in focus.

Ready to rethink how you book your next flight? Then the Aeroplan Credit Card might just earn a spot in your carry-on.