Overview
The TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card is the most accessible entry point to earning Aeroplan points with a TD credit card. At just $89/year (waived the first year), it delivers the core Aeroplan earning experience — points on every purchase, double-dipping at Aeroplan partners, and access to every Air Canada seat for points — without the higher fees of the Infinite and Infinite Privilege tiers.
This card is ideal for travellers who want to start building an Aeroplan balance but don't need the premium perks (lounge access, free checked bags, companion vouchers) that come with higher-tier cards. The current welcome offer delivers up to $400 in value, including up to 15,000 Aeroplan points and a first-year annual fee rebate.
Earning Aeroplan Points
The Platinum tier offers solid earning on everyday spending:
- 1 Aeroplan point per $1 on gas, EV charging, grocery, and direct Air Canada purchases (including Air Canada Vacations)
- 1 Aeroplan point per $1.50 on all other purchases
While the earn rates are lower than the Infinite card's 1.5x on bonus categories, the difference narrows when you factor in the significantly lower annual fee. On $1,500/month in spending with a typical grocery/gas split, you'd earn approximately 14,000 Aeroplan points per year — enough for a short-haul domestic flight.
Earn Points Twice
Like all TD Aeroplan cards, you can earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore. Show your Aeroplan number when you pay with your card and you'll earn both card points and partner points.
Points Never Expire
Your Aeroplan points never expire as long as you remain a TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum primary cardholder in good standing. No activity requirements, no expiry clocks.
What Are Aeroplan Points Worth?
Aeroplan points have variable value depending on how you redeem them:
| Redemption Method | Value per Point | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-point flight charts | 1.5–3.0¢+ | Best value, especially in premium cabins |
| Market fare flights | ~1.0–1.5¢ | Dynamic pricing based on cash fare |
| Upgrades | 1.5–2.5¢ | Bid or instant upgrades on Air Canada |
| Hotels, car rentals | ~1.0¢ | Through the Aeroplan travel portal |
| Merchandise, gift cards | ~0.5–0.8¢ | Poorest value — avoid if possible |
Aeroplan Family Sharing
Up to 8 family members can pool their Aeroplan points together through Aeroplan Family Sharing. This is especially valuable for Platinum cardholders — combine smaller individual balances to reach award thresholds faster.
Welcome Bonus Breakdown
The card's welcome offer is structured in two tiers:
| Tier | Requirement | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 1st purchase | Make any purchase with your new card | 10,000 Aeroplan points |
| $1,000 spend | Spend $1,000 within 90 days of account opening | 5,000 Aeroplan points |
| Total | 15,000 Aeroplan points |
Plus, the first-year annual fee is waived (you must activate your card and make a purchase within 3 months of account opening). The $1,000 spend requirement is very achievable — just $333/month over 3 months.
Insurance & Benefits
Despite the lower annual fee, the Platinum tier includes a solid travel insurance package:
- Travel emergency medical insurance — Coverage for medical emergencies while travelling
- Trip cancellation & interruption insurance — Reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable travel costs
- Flight delay & baggage insurance — Coverage for delays, lost, or damaged baggage
- Car rental collision/loss damage waiver — Decline the rental company's coverage
- Purchase protection & extended warranty — Protection on eligible purchases
Partner Perks
- Starbucks — Link your card to earn 50% more Stars at participating Starbucks stores
- Aeroplan eStore — Earn bonus points at 200+ online retailers
- TD Offers — Exclusive perks and offers from TD and participating merchants
What You Don't Get (vs. Higher Tiers)
It's worth knowing what the Platinum tier omits compared to the Infinite ($139/year) and Infinite Privilege ($599/year):
| Feature | Platinum ($89) | Infinite ($139) | Infinite Privilege ($599) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonus category earn rate | 1x | 1.5x | 1.5x |
| Base earn rate | 1 per $1.50 | 1x | 1.25x |
| Free checked bags | Up to 9 travellers | Up to 9 travellers | |
| Lounge access | Maple Leaf Lounges | ||
| Companion voucher | From $99 | ||
| NEXUS fee rebate | |||
| Mobile device insurance |
Drawbacks to Consider
Lower Earn Rates
The 1x earn rate on bonus categories (vs. 1.5x on the Infinite) means you earn 33% fewer points per dollar in those categories. On $500/month in grocery and gas spending, that's roughly 3,000 fewer points per year.
No Free Checked Bags
Unlike the Infinite and Infinite Privilege tiers, the Platinum card does not include free first checked bag on Air Canada flights. At $35–$75 per bag per flight, frequent travellers should factor this cost into the annual fee comparison.
Foreign Transaction Fee (2.5%)
Like most Canadian credit cards, this card charges a 2.5% foreign transaction fee on non-CAD purchases. For international travel, pair it with a no-FX-fee card.
Who Is This Card Best For?
This card is an excellent choice if you:
- Want to start earning Aeroplan points at a low annual fee
- Don't meet the $60,000 income requirement for the Infinite tier
- Fly occasionally rather than frequently with Air Canada
- Want solid travel insurance without a high annual fee
- Prefer points that never expire and the flexibility of Aeroplan Family Sharing
- Want to try the Aeroplan ecosystem risk-free with the first-year fee waiver
It's not the best choice if you:
- Spend heavily on groceries and gas and want the higher 1.5x earn rate
- Need free checked bags — upgrade to the Infinite
- Want lounge access — upgrade to the Infinite Privilege
- Spend frequently in foreign currencies
Bottom Line
The TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card is the smart starting point for Canadians who want into the Aeroplan ecosystem without committing to a premium annual fee. At $89/year (waived the first year), you get 1x points on groceries, gas, and Air Canada, the ability to earn points twice at Aeroplan partners, and a comprehensive travel insurance package.
It won't match the earning power or premium perks of the Infinite or Infinite Privilege cards, but for occasional travellers or those building their credit, it provides genuine value at a fraction of the cost. As your travel frequency and spending increase, you can always upgrade within the TD Aeroplan family.
