The TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum serves as an introductory Aeroplan credit card. Its primary advantage lies in the ability to earn Aeroplan points for qualifying purchases. However, it’s important to note that, unlike other Aeroplan credit cards, it doesn’t offer any exclusive benefits from Air Canada.
On a positive note, this card features a generous welcome bonus, and the additional benefits may make the annual fee of $89 (which is often waived for the first year) worthwhile. Check out my detailed review of the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum for more insights.
TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card Overview
Full review
- $89 annual fee – First year complimentary
- Receive 10,000 Aeroplan points after your initial purchase
- Earn an additional 10,000 points with $1,000 spent in the first 90 days
- Accumulate 1 Aeroplan point for every $1 spent on gas, groceries, and Air Canada purchases
- Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every $1.50 spent on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus and Earning Potential
The welcome bonus with the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum is consistently 20,000 Aeroplan points. You earn 10,000 points after your first purchase and another 10,000 points when you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days of holding the card. This bonus can be equivalent to a value of up to $400.
In terms of earning rates, the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum allows you to earn 1 Aeroplan point for each dollar spent on purchases like gas, groceries, and Air Canada-related expenses. All other purchases yield 1 Aeroplan point per $1.50 spent. This earning potential is fairly competitive for a starter card.
Card Benefits and Features
Unlike other TD Aeroplan credit cards, this one does not provide specific Air Canada privileges. Nevertheless, it offers essential travel insurance (excluding medical and trip cancellation), purchase security, extended warranty protection, and mobile device insurance.
Boost Your Points at Starbucks
By linking your TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card to your Starbucks Rewards account, you will earn an additional 50% in Aeroplan points and Stars on your purchases. If you’re new to Starbucks Rewards, you’ll receive 200 Bonus Stars after making a qualifying purchase within seven days of signing up.
Discounts with Avis and Budget Rent a Car
Using your TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card at Avis Rent a Car and Budget Rent a Car locations in Canada and the U.S. grants you at least a 10% savings on base rates. International locations provide a minimum 5% discount.
Travel Insurance Coverage
- Trip delay – up to $500 / 4 hours
- Lost or delayed baggage – max of $1,000 / 6 hours
- Common carrier accident coverage – $500,000
- Burglary coverage for hotel/motel – $2,500
- Rental car damage coverage – 48 consecutive days / $65,000
Although the travel insurance provided with the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card is commendable, the absence of travel medical insurance can be a drawback. However, compared to many entry-level travel cards, the insurance package offered is quite substantial.
Mobile Device Coverage
If you pay for the full price of your mobile device (smartphone or tablet) using your TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum Card, you will receive mobile device insurance coverage up to $1,000, protecting against loss, theft, damage, or mechanical failure. If you acquire your device through a subsidized plan, ensure the total amount of your monthly bill is charged to your card for the insurance to be valid.
Purchase Protection
- Purchase security – covers up to 90 days
- Extended warranty – adds one additional year
Purchase security safeguards your items against theft, damage, or loss for up to 90 days. The extended warranty doubles the manufacturer’s warranty of any eligible purchases by up to one additional year.
How to Redeem Aeroplan Points
Earning Aeroplan points with the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum allows for a multitude of redemption options. Points can be used towards flights, hotel stays, car rentals, vacation packages, and even cruises.
Aeroplan also lets you book any available seat on Air Canada without any blackout restrictions. With over 1,300 destinations and more than 45 airline partners, you can use your points to reach just about anywhere globally. However, keep in mind that Aeroplan employs dynamic pricing, meaning the number of points needed for flights fluctuates based on demand. Consequently, popular flights may require higher point balances or cash.
On average, 1 Aeroplan point is valued at about 1.5 – 2 cents. If you find redemption options within that range, it’s advisable to use your points. For values below that, paying cash and conserving your points may be the better approach.
Eligibility Requirements for the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum
- You must be a resident of Canada
- You must be of legal age in your province or territory
There’s no minimum income prerequisite for this card. While no specific credit score is mandated, a score of 660 or higher is generally recommended prior to applying.
Comparative Analysis of the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum
The TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum competes with several entry-level Aeroplan/travel credit cards. It’s beneficial to compare it with three specific alternatives.
Comparing TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum with CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card
The closest alternative to the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum is the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card. Both cards offer identical earning rates, but the CIBC card does not have an annual fee. Conversely, the TD card provides a higher welcome bonus and includes certain travel insurance features (not including medical).
Comparing TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum with WestJet RBC Mastercard
While a direct comparison may not fully apply, the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum can also be evaluated alongside the WestJet RBC Mastercard. The WestJet card has a 1.5% cashback in WestJet dollars for WestJet flights and vacation packages, alongside 1% on other purchases. Additional value is found in a complimentary annual companion voucher, starting at $199. For frequent WestJet flyers, this option may be more suitable.
Comparing TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum with American Express Green Card
The no-fee American Express Green Card is another strong competitor in the landscape of travel credit cards. With this card, you can earn 1 American Express Membership Rewards point for every dollar spent on all transactions, often providing a more attractive earning potential than the TD card. Moreover, you have the flexibility to redeem 1,000 points for a $10 statement credit or transfer points to Aeroplan on a 1:1 basis, allowing greater versatility in booking travel or getting the best redemption opportunity.
Concluding Thoughts
In summary, my assessment of the TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum is favorable. This card may suit individuals in the following situations:
- You wish to accumulate Aeroplan points – This card allows point accumulation on most purchases.
- You are a TD Bank customer – If you hold an All-Inclusive Banking Plan, you can benefit from an annual fee waiver each year.
- You have a limited income – There are no minimum income requirements for this card.
While the absence of specific Air Canada benefits might be noted, the ability to earn Aeroplan points on all eligible purchases is a significant advantage. Aeroplan is considered one of Canada’s premier travel rewards loyalty programs, making a credit card that generates Aeroplan points a valuable asset for future travel savings.