Chase Ultimate Rewards Offers 20% Aeroplan Transfer Bonus; Cardholders Can Achieve 1.625 Cents Per Point Value

Chase Announces 20% Aeroplan Transfer Bonus

Chase Ultimate Rewards has initiated a 20% bonus for points transferred to Air Canada's Aeroplan programme, effective from August 12, 2026, until September 30, 2026.

This promotion allows account holders of eligible Chase cards, including Chase Sapphire Reserve, Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, Sapphire Preferred, Reserve Business, and J.P. Morgan Reserve, to convert their Ultimate Rewards points into a greater number of Aeroplan points than typically available.

The Aeroplan programme is recognised within the aviation industry for its transparent award chart, the absence of fuel surcharges on award tickets, and an extensive network of partner airlines, which enhances the utility of transferred points for flight redemptions globally. This recurring bonus structure provides a consistent opportunity for travellers to optimise their rewards.

Aeroplan Cardholders Can Stack Bonuses for 30% Total

A significant advantage applies to individuals who also hold an Aeroplan Credit Card. This new 20% Ultimate Rewards transfer bonus can be combined with a standard 10% transfer bonus that Aeroplan cardmembers already receive.

This additional 10% bonus is triggered when a single transaction involves transferring 50,000 or more Chase points to Aeroplan, with an annual cap of 25,000 bonus Aeroplan points per calendar year. Consequently, Aeroplan cardmembers can achieve a total 30% bonus on their transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards during the specified promotional window.

This combined bonus represents a substantial uplift in the value derived from their accumulated Chase points, particularly for those planning larger redemptions for premium travel.

Maximising Point Value to 1.625 Cents Through 'Pay Yourself Back'

The combined 30% bonus creates a compelling redemption scenario, particularly for Aeroplan cardmembers who utilise the 'Pay Yourself Back' feature. This mechanism permits points to be redeemed against travel and annual fee charges at a rate of 1.25 cents per point, up to an annual limit of 200,000 points.

With the 30% transfer bonus applied, Chase points can effectively be converted into 1.625 cents apiece in value when used for travel expenses through 'Pay Yourself Back,' subject to the aforementioned limits.

This effective redemption rate surpasses the 1.5 cents per point travel redemption value that was previously available with certain premium cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, offering an enhanced return for qualifying cardholders.

Historical Context and Award Flight Examples

Chase has consistently provided transfer bonuses to Air Canada Aeroplan since its integration as a transfer partner. Historical promotions include a 30% bonus offered from November 1 to November 30, 2022, and several 20% bonuses across various periods in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

The current 20% bonus, or 30% for Aeroplan cardholders, facilitates favourable award redemptions across Air Canada's network and its Star Alliance partners. For instance, a one-way business class flight across the Atlantic from the East Coast, covering up to 4,000 miles, typically costs 60,000 Aeroplan points.

Similarly, transpacific business class flights spanning up to 7,500 miles are available for 85,000 Aeroplan points. These examples illustrate the tangible benefits of the boosted transfer rates for long-haul premium cabin travel.

Implications for Travellers and the Industry

The regular occurrence of these transfer bonuses from Chase to Aeroplan establishes a predictable avenue for travellers to maximise the utility of their reward points.

For the travel industry, particularly airlines and loyalty programme managers, such promotions serve to bolster engagement with frequent flyer schemes and can influence booking behaviours, potentially shifting demand towards Air Canada and its partners.

Travellers contemplating international business class travel, especially for routes across the Atlantic or Pacific, should evaluate current award availability on Air Canada and its Star Alliance network before the September 30, 2026, deadline.

Capitalising on the enhanced transfer rates offers a direct financial advantage, particularly for Aeroplan cardholders who can leverage the 'Pay Yourself Back' option to offset travel expenditures at a higher effective rate.