🎁 Join and get over $1,100 in value in your first year
As a cardholder, you’ll enjoy the perks of the Aeroplan loyalty program, which is renowned for its ability to turn credit card points into free travel. The CIBC Aeroplan VISA Card stands out not just for its no annual fee, but also for its attractive sign-up bonus and straightforward earning structure.
Free to Own
One of the most appealing aspects of the CIBC Aeroplan VISA Card is that it is free to own. There are no annual fees, making it an excellent choice for those who want to keep their costs down. As long as you pay off your balance in full and on time, this card won’t cost you a dime.
Sign-Up Bonus
The sign-up bonus is a major draw. Upon making your first purchase with the card, you’ll receive a generous 1,100 Aeroplan points. According to NerdWallet, each Aeroplan point is worth about 2.23 cents when redeemed for travel. This means that your initial bonus could translate into over $200 in travel credit, which is impressive for a no-fee card.
Points on Purchases
When it comes to earning Aeroplan points, the CIBC Aeroplan VISA Card offers:
- 1 Aeroplan point for every dollar spent on gas, groceries, and Air Canada travel.
- 1 Aeroplan point for every $1.50 spent on all other purchases.
This translates to approximately 2.23% value back on gas, groceries, and Air Canada travel, while you’ll earn about 1.48% back on everything else. While these rates are decent for a no-fee credit card, they don’t compare favorably with premium cards that offer higher rewards.
Comparison with Other No Fee Credit Cards
When compared to other no-fee credit cards, such as the Simplii Financial VISA card, which offers 4% cash back on dining expenses, the CIBC Aeroplan VISA Card falls short in terms of everyday spending rewards. If you’re looking for high returns on specific categories, you may find better options elsewhere.
Premium Credit Cards: A Benchmark
Against premium credit cards like the AMEX Cobalt Card, which offers 5 points per dollar on groceries and 3 points on streaming services, the CIBC Aeroplan VISA Card doesn’t even come close. The Cobalt Card is ideal for those who spend significantly on these categories and wish to maximize their rewards.
Who Should Get the CIBC Aeroplan VISA Card?
The CIBC Aeroplan VISA Card is particularly beneficial for:
- Students or individuals who do not spend much on everyday purchases.
- People looking for a no-fee card that offers a solid sign-up bonus.
- Those who want to supplement their existing premium credit cards without incurring additional fees.
It’s crucial to note that for most Canadians, this card should primarily be used to snag the sign-up bonus and then kept for future use without regular spending.
Is It Worth Getting?
While the CIBC Aeroplan VISA Card may not be the best for everyday spending, it is a great option for those who want to earn points for travel without the burden of annual fees. If you’re not planning to apply for loans or other credit cards soon, you can easily get this card, enjoy the sign-up bonus, and keep it open without using it regularly.