How To Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to Air Canada Aeroplan
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Written by
David McMillin
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Edited by
Jasmin Baron, CCC™
If you’re carrying a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, you’ve probably studied up on earning rates to make sure you’re racking up more rewards on your purchases. Now, it’s time to figure out how to maximize their value by understanding potential transfer options.
If you’re an Air Canada or Star Alliance flyer, read on to learn everything you need to know about how to transfer Chase points to Air Canada Aeroplan, how much they’re worth and where you’ll be able to book a flight.
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Can You Transfer Chase Points to Air Canada Aeroplan?
Before you research options for how to transfer Chase points to Air Canada Aeroplan to book a dream vacation, you might be wondering a simpler question: Can you actually transfer those points? The answer depends on which Chase travel credit card is in your wallet.
While there are plenty of perks attached to all of the best Chase credit cards, only select premium cards — the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card — come with the ability to use Chase transfer partners.
Important note: If you have one of these cards and also a no-annual-fee Chase card that earns Ultimate Rewards, such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited® or Chase Freedom Flex®, you can combine points in your premium card account and move them to your Aeroplan account from there.
Chase Ultimate Rewards to Air Canada Aeroplan Transfer Ratio
The transfer ratio between Chase and Aeroplan is 1:1. For example, if you transfer 40,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to your Aeroplan account, you’ll receive 40,000 Aeroplan points.
Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer times to Air Canada Aeroplan aren’t long; typically, you’ll see the points in your Aeroplan account instantly or within a few hours, although Chase says it can take up to seven business days.
Step-by-Step: How To Transfer Chase Points to Air Canada Aeroplan
Step 1: Log in to Your Chase Account
If you’re on a desktop device, open the Chase online banking portal and sign in. Select your eligible Chase Ultimate Rewards card account, navigate to the Ultimate Rewards section and click on “Redeem.”
Step 2: Navigate to the Points Transfer Page
Click on “Travel” in the menu bar and select “Transfer points to partners.”
Step 3: Select Air Canada Aeroplan
Find Air Canada Aeroplan on the transfer partner list and click it.
On the next screen, click “Transfer Points.”
If it’s your first time transferring, you’ll need to enter your nine-digit Aeroplan member number. Make sure the name on your Chase account matches the name on your Aeroplan account to avoid any issues.
Step 4: Enter the Number of Points You Want To Transfer
You can only transfer amounts in increments of 1,000. Enter the number of Ultimate Rewards points you want to transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan.
Step 5: Double-Check the Details
Review the transfer to make sure everything looks correct (transfers are irreversible), and click “Submit.”
Monitor your Aeroplan account to see when the points arrive. Mine landed in the account within a few seconds.
When Does It Make Sense To Transfer Chase Points to Aeroplan?
Converting Chase Ultimate Rewards to Air Canada Aeroplan points can be a smart move in certain circumstances. Here’s when it makes the most sense:
- When you have the Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card: The Aeroplan Card is a no-brainer addition if you’re a loyal Air Canada customer. In addition to earning 3x points on direct Air Canada purchases, there’s a 10% bonus for transferring a minimum of 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points. So, if you transfer 75,000 Ultimate Rewards points to your Aeroplan account, you’ll automatically get an extra 7,500 points. Be mindful of a 25,000-bonus-point cap each year, though.
- When you’re hoping to add a destination to your itinerary: Air Canada has a program that lets you book a stopover in another destination for 5,000 points. The length of the stopover can be as long as 45 days, so it’s a good way to turn a small amount of Chase Ultimate Rewards points into another adventure. One important caveat: The program has historically excluded cities in the U.S. and Canada. However, Air Canada now operates a dedicated Toronto (YYZ) stopover program.
- When you’re looking for options that aren’t showing up on United: Air Canada and United are partners (and both transfer partners of Chase Ultimate Rewards), but it doesn’t mean that award options are identical. For example, when I looked for redemption options from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Vancouver (YVR) via my United MileagePlus account, there were no business class award seats available on Air Canada. With Aeroplan, there was a seat up for grabs. This can be on a case-by-case basis, as airline prices and award redemptions are dynamic. However, it’s an important reminder to compare all your options. You may find one that is well worth transferring your points to Aeroplan.
When Does It Not Make Sense to Transfer Chase Points to Aeroplan?
In some situations, other options are more favorable than transferring points to Aeroplan, including:
- When you’re getting a point value lower than the Chase Travel redemption rate: One of the key perks of holding a premium Chase card is the ability to score a higher points value when booking trips through the Chase Travel℠ portal. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, for example, can receive a value of up to 2 cents per points with Points Boost. Do the math before you transfer: If an Aeroplan redemption works out to a subpar 1-cent-per-point value, you’re better off booking your trip via Chase.
- When you might be able to score a points bonus with a different transfer partner: Chase regularly offers transfer bonus opportunities with its partners. At the time of this writing, transfers to Aer Lingus AerClub, British Airways Club and Iberia Club all came with a 20% bump. Depending on where you’re going — and if you’re willing to test out a different loyalty program — you may maximize your points elsewhere.
- When you’re booking other parts of your trip: While Aeroplan will let you redeem points for hotels and car rentals, these redemptions typically don’t offer the best return. In many cases, those pieces of the trip are better off booked through Chase Travel.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to Air Canada Aeroplan
Be aware of these common pitfalls when transferring Chase points to Aeroplan (or any other partner).
- Failing to account for delays: While my transfer was instant, Chase’s fine print states that it can take up to seven business days to process. If you wind up having to wait, the redemption opportunity could slip away.
- Rethinking your plans: Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards to Aeroplan is not a two-way street. Once you confirm your transfer, the points will be available for use only in your Aeroplan account. While you may be able to cancel a flight and get the points reinstated, you’re not going to be able to transfer them back to Chase.
- Not doing enough research: Aeroplan has one of the most impressive lists of partner airlines, including names most frequent travelers will recognize, such as Lufthansa, Emirates and United. There are also plenty of lesser-known airline partners, too, such as Oman Air, Ethiopian Airlines and Bearskin Airlines. However, just because an airline is listed doesn’t mean a flight will be available. When I searched for a range of global options that should theoretically fit within Aeroplan’s network — Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) to London Heathrow (LHR), for example — I struck out. It’s an important reminder to do your research and compare a wide range of options.
The information related to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ and Aeroplan® Credit Card was collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardCritics™ does not receive a commission for this product.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transferring Chase Points to Air Canada Aeroplan
How long does it take to transfer points from Chase to Aeroplan?
Most point transfers process within one business day, but it can take up to seven business days for the points to display in your Aeroplan account. It’s wise to note the transfer request number in case you need to follow up on a delay.
Is there a fee to transfer Chase points to Aeroplan?
No, transfers are free. However, you will want to budget for additional taxes and fees when redeeming your points for a flight, as they vary by route and partner airline.
Where can I fly when I turn Chase points into Aeroplan points?
Air Canada offers service to more than 180 destinations on six continents. However, you aren’t solely limited to Air Canada’s routes when you convert your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Aeroplan. The loyalty program includes access to more than 50 partners — including the Star Alliance — that cover nearly every corner of the world. Depending on award availability, you may be able to book a flight to an expansive collection of destinations well beyond Air Canada’s route map.
