TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card Assessment

Are you looking for an in-depth analysis of the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card? While the $599 annual fee might deter some individuals, this card offers an impressive welcome bonus, generous earning potential, and travel benefits that are quite appealing. In short, if you’re an Air Canada frequent flyer, this card is highly advantageous, as it provides free checked baggage and access to Maple Leaf Lounges. However, is this card also suitable for occasional travelers? Read on for my comprehensive review of the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege.

Welcome Bonus and Earning Potential

Given its $599 annual fee, it’s reasonable to expect a substantial welcome bonus from this card. Fortunately, it delivers on this front, with bonuses typically ranging from 75,000 to 115,000 points. This is comparable to other premium Aeroplan cards, though they usually include multiple spending criteria to unlock the full bonus.

To put that into perspective, one Aeroplan point is around two cents in value, meaning the welcome bonus could range from $1,800 to $2,300—significantly more than the annual fee.

Regarding the earn rate, cardholders earn 2 Aeroplan points for each dollar spent on Air Canada transactions. You’ll receive 1.5 points per dollar on groceries, gas, travel, and dining, while all other purchases earn 1.25 points per dollar. Additionally, you can accrue Aeroplan points through over 150 retailers via the Aeroplan eStore.

Benefits and Features

Let’s delve into the advantages offered by the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. This card is frequently regarded as one of the top Aeroplan credit options and is often considered one of the premier travel cards in Canada. It’s particularly beneficial for those who fly with Air Canada regularly, as it provides numerous valuable rewards.

Air Canada Advantages

• Free first checked bag – The primary cardholder and up to eight companions can check their first bag at no cost.
• Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling on Air Canada flights – All members traveling together on the same reservation receive priority service.
• Increased priority – Cardholders gain higher placement on standby and upgrade lists.
• Accelerated Aeroplan status – Spend $5,000 on your card to earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one Status Qualifying Segment. You can also carry over unused Status Qualifying Miles up to 200,000 to the next year.

Lounge Access

Cardholders and one guest gain access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés throughout North America, provided you are flying with Air Canada or a Star Alliance partner.

Moreover, a complimentary Visa Airport Companion membership and six annual lounge passes are included, allowing access to any DragonPass lounge regardless of the airline. This membership typically costs $99 USD annually, plus $32 USD per visit.

Airport Benefits

Those traveling from major Canadian airports, including Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Montreal-Trudeau, enjoy priority security lines for both domestic and international flights. Furthermore, cardholders can save up to 20% on parking fees at select airports.

eUpgrade Credits

Cardholders may roll over up to 50 eUpgrade Credits annually, benefiting those with status and unutilized credits, as these can be used to enhance seating to premium economy or business class.

NEXUS Fee Reimbursement

Another great travel feature is the NEXUS fee refund of up to $100 every four years for new applications or renewals, provided the fee is charged to the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. This benefit extends to any NEXUS fee billed to your card, not just the primary cardholder’s.

Annual Companion Pass

After $25,000 in charges to your card, you’ll receive a worldwide companion pass, allowing another person to book a ticket for just $99 (plus taxes) alongside you. This companion pass can be used on any Air Canada route and can be earned each year.

Hotel Status

If enrolled in the no-cost Visa RSVP Reward program, cardholders receive complimentary Diamond status with Sandman, Sandman Signature, and Sutton Place Hotels. This status includes perks such as free room upgrades and breakfast boxes at participating hotels.

Rental Car Discounts

When renting from Avis or Budget, cardholders benefit from a minimum 10% discount off base rates in Canada and the U.S., and at least 5% off international rentals. Additional perks include an upgrade to Avis President’s Club status.

Mobile Device Coverage

The card includes $1,500 in mobile device protection for phones and tablets purchased with the card. Many Canadian cards offer only up to $1,000 in coverage, so this card provides an edge in that regard.

Travel Insurance

• Travel medical – $5,000,000 for 31 days / 4 days for those aged 65 or older.
• Trip cancellation – Up to $2,500 per person / $5,000 total.
• Trip interruption – Up to $5,000 per person / $25,000 total.
• Flight/trip delay – Up to $1,000 / 4 hours.
• Delayed and lost luggage – Coverage of up to $1,000 / $2,500.
• Common carrier travel accident insurance – $500,000.
• Hotel/motel theft – Up to $2,500.
• Auto rental collision/loss damage – 48 consecutive days / $85,000.

While the payout amounts are quite generous, hopefully, you’ll never need to actually use this coverage. You receive travel medical insurance just for holding the card, but additional insurance benefits like trip interruption require travel purchases to be charged to the card.

Purchase Protection

• Purchase security – Active for 90 days.
• Extended warranty – Covers up to one additional year.

Purchase protection, also known as loss damage insurance, is a benefit that may not be frequently used, but when needed, it’s invaluable. It covers your purchases against loss, damage, or theft for 90 days post-purchase, while the extended warranty doubles the manufacturer’s warranty by one additional year.

Visa Infinite Benefits

• Concierge service – Enjoy 24/7 access to a Visa Infinite Concierge who can assist with reservations, tickets, or gift purchases.
• Luxury Hotel Collection – Book via the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection to access on-site credits and room upgrades.
• Dining Series – Special access to exclusive dining events such as tasting menus and chef’s tables.
• Wine Country Program – Discounts, complimentary tastings, and tours at 85+ wineries in British Columbia, Ontario, and Sonoma Valley.
• Entertainment Access – Priority access to advanced movie screenings and exclusive ticket sales.
• Troon Golf – Gain Troon Rewards Platinum Status along with a 20% discount on green fees, merchandise, and lessons.

How to Redeem Your Rewards

Aeroplan functions as Air Canada’s loyalty program, offering flexibility with points applicable to any available Air Canada seat. Additionally, Aeroplan has over 45 airline partners for further redemption opportunities, allowing travelers to reach nearly any destination worldwide.

The points necessary for redemption are contingent on your departure and arrival locations, distance traveled, and class of service. Naturally, longer distances and higher classes of service require more points. Aeroplan does provide a flight redemption chart for easy reference on points needing to be redeemed for various destinations.

A downside to Aeroplan is its use of dynamic pricing, where points costs can fluctuate based on availability and demand. Consequently, travelers may find prices exceeding those listed on the chart during high-demand periods, although lower fares may appear in off-peak times.

Besides flights, Aeroplan points can also be used for hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, and shopping. However, the redemption value for these options is typically less favorable compared to flight rewards.

It’s essential to know that Aeroplan points will expire only if there is no account activity for 18 months.

Eligibility for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card

• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• You need to be of legal age in your province or territory.
• A minimum gross personal income of $150,000 or household income of $200,000 is required.

While TD does not disclose specific credit score requirements for this card, a score of at least 725 is advisable to improve your chances of approval, as it’s classified as a premium credit product.

Comparing the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card

As a premium offering within the Aeroplan credit card category, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card faces limited competition, but other similar cards can offer comparable benefits worth considering.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card vs. American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card stands out as the closest alternative to the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege. Both cards share the same $599 annual fee, yet the Amex card offers an earning potential of 3 Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases, 2 points on dining, and 1 point on all other transactions.

If your spending leans heavily towards Air Canada services and dining out, the American Express card might be more beneficial. However, for those who frequently spend on groceries, gas, and other travel-related expenses, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card holds a clear advantage.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card vs. American Express Platinum Card

Another notable comparison is with the American Express Platinum Card. While this card lacks any specific Air Canada benefits, it does provide unlimited access to the American Express Global Lounge collection, which includes over 1,200 lounges worldwide. In contrast, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege only grants access to North American Maple Leaf Lounges. Additionally, with the Platinum Card, you can transfer points to Aeroplan for travel rewards.

Conclusion

In summary, my review of the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is overwhelmingly positive. Despite its $599 annual fee, this card is particularly appealing in several scenarios:

• You aim to accumulate Aeroplan points rapidly – The welcome bonus often exceeds 100,000 points, plus you’ll earn points on every expenditure.
• You frequently travel with Air Canada – Enjoy perks such as free checked luggage, Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority boarding, and check-in.
• You wish to maximize your eUpgrades – Cardholders can carry over unused eUpgrade credits each year.

This card is undoubtedly tailored for those who travel with Air Canada consistently, but it also presents great value for anyone seeking to minimize travel costs. The generous welcome bonus can often translate to three or four complimentary round-trip tickets within North America, vastly overshadowing the annual fee involved.