Aeroplan credit cards add 15% off flight rewards and worldwide Maple Leaf Lounge access

Aeroplan is giving its Canadian co-branded credit cards a major refresh. The changes start on January 12, 2027, and the biggest one is simple: cardholders will pay 15% fewer points for Air Canada flight rewards. Premium cardholders also get much wider lounge access.

Air Canada shared the details in its announcement on September 29, 2026. Here is what changes, who gets it, and what it means for lounge access.

15% off Air Canada flight rewards

Starting January 12, 2027, every primary Aeroplan credit cardholder will save 15% in points when booking Air Canada flight rewards. Air Canada says this applies to all Canadian Aeroplan cards, not just the premium ones.

You do not have to wait until January. Air Canada is running the same 15% savings now as a promotion through January 11, 2027. After that, it becomes a standing card benefit.

Two details matter here. First, the discount is only for the primary cardholder, not for people with an additional card on the same account. Second, it is for flights on Air Canada. Air Canada did not say the discount applies to its Star Alliance partners.

Credits toward Air Canada travel

Aeroplan is adding a travel credit paid into your AC Wallet twice a year. AC Wallet is Air Canada's account balance for paying toward flights.

• Premium cards: up to $100 a year, paid as $50 twice a year
• Core cards: up to $50 a year, paid as $25 twice a year

The first credit arrives on January 15, 2027. Air Canada did not say whether the credits roll over or expire.

Free fourth day and free fourth night

Cardholders will also get two benefits for using points on cars and hotels:

• 4th Day Free: book a car rental with Aeroplan points and get the fourth day free on eligible rentals. This one is new.
• 4th Night Free: book a hotel with points and get the fourth night free on eligible stays. This was a limited-time offer before. It becomes a standing benefit on January 12, 2027.

Air Canada says all existing card benefits stay in place. That includes the free first checked bag and priority boarding on eligible cards.

Maple Leaf Lounges worldwide for premium cards

This is the change that matters most to lounge users. Today, Aeroplan premium cards get you into Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges only in North America. From January 12, 2027, that access extends worldwide, and you can bring one travel companion.

That opens up lounges like the Maple Leaf Lounge at London Heathrow, which our users rate 4.6 out of 5, and the Maple Leaf Lounge in Frankfurt. Air Canada says normal access terms still apply. That usually means you need a same-day flight on Air Canada or a Star Alliance airline.

Premium cardholders also keep access to Air Canada Cafés across Canada. These are smaller spaces, like the Air Canada Café in Quebec City and the Aspire | Air Canada Café at Toronto's Billy Bishop airport.

Premium cards include the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege and the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege.

Priority security lanes

Premium cardholders will also get access to priority security lanes at select airports around the world. They can bring up to eight companions on the same booking. Air Canada has not listed which airports are included.

What we still don't know

Air Canada's release does not mention annual fees. Several travel sites report that fees on some Aeroplan cards will go up in 2027. Check with your card issuer before you decide whether the new benefits are worth it.

The release also covers only Canadian cards. The US Chase Aeroplan card got its own refresh in September, including the same 15% flight discount.

See every lounge you can reach with Aeroplan status or a card on our Maple Leaf Lounge program page.