Ep 049 - Chase Aeroplan Card Refresh

In episode 49 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca review and discuss the newly refreshed Chase Air Canada Aeroplan Card. Key changes include a $100 USD annual fee increase (now $195 USD), new card design, automatic Aeroplan 25K status without the prior $15,000 spend requirement, updated earn rates (including 3x on Air Canada and general travel, reduced grocery earn), two semi-annual $50 Air Canada statement credits, and a 15% discount on Aeroplan redemptions for Air Canada-operated flights. The team discusses the limited value of statement credits, who benefits from 25K status (especially if not already earned via Marriott), concerns about Aeroplan devaluation, and the Chase Pay Yourself Back option at 1.25 cents USD per point (capped at 200k Aeroplan points/year). They also cover welcome bonus details (up to 115k points), SQC earning thresholds, and conclude the card is situational, with the old version preferred mainly due to the lower fee.