Aventura vs Aeroplan

Aventura and Aeroplan are two popular options for frequent flyer programs in Canada. Both offer a decent mix of travel rewards and benefits, but there are also a number of differences between them.

To help you decide whether Aventura or Aeroplan is the best fit for you, we’ve compared some of the key features on offer with both programs. We’ve also compiled a list of program-affiliated credit cards to give you an idea of where you can earn the most points for every dollar you spend.

Summary of Aventura vs Aeroplan program differences

The main difference between how Aeroplan works vs Aventura is that Aeroplan is a standalone frequent flyer program owned by Air Canada while Aventura is associated with a specific bank (CIBC).

• Aeroplan. Aeroplan has a wide network of partners it works with to help you earn Aeroplan points (formerly called Aeroplan Miles) when you shop at specific stores. You don’t need to have a program-affiliated credit card to earn points with partners, but you will need one to earn points everywhere else. You’ll get extra points when you shop with partners if you have both a membership card and a credit card.
• Aventura. Aventura doesn’t have a network of partners, so you can only earn Aventura Points when you spend money on your Aventura credit card. You can redeem these points for rewards from CIBC’s online catalogue. Aventura is also renowned for having good customer service since it’s directly affiliated with CIBC.

How to compare Aventura vs Aeroplan

There are several features you should keep in mind when you’re trying to figure out whether you should buy into either frequent flyer program. These include the following:

• How many points you’ll earn. Look at how many points you’ll get when you spend money with each program.
• How much those points are worth. Calculate the value of your Aventura or Aeroplan points in relation to how many points you’ll earn for each dollar you spend.
• What types of rewards you’ll get. Check out the rewards on offer from each program to find out what you can use your points to purchase.
• What’s the customer service like. Keep an eye on customer reviews to find out which program offers the highest level of customer service.

Compare Aeroplan credit cards

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Product CACCF	Welcome Offer	Rewards	Purchase Interest Rate	Annual Fee	Min. Credit Score	Description
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card	85,000 points	Up to 3x points	21.99%	$599	Min. recommended credit score: 700	Earn up to 85,000 welcome bonus Aeroplan points. That's a value of up to $2,600 or more when you combine your welcome bonus points and card benefits.	Go to siteMore Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express Aeroplan Card	40,000 points	Up to 2x points	N/A	$120	Min. recommended credit score: 700	Earn up to 40,000 welcome bonus Aeroplan points. That’s up to $900 or more in value when you combine your welcome bonus points and card benefits.	Go to siteMore Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card	90,000 points	Up to 3x points	21.99%	$599	Min. recommended credit score: 700	Earn up to 90,000 welcome bonus Aeroplan points.	Go to siteMore Info Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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How many points can I earn with each program?

The number of points you can earn with each program depends on what kind of credit card you have and how frequently you shop at partner stores.

• Aeroplan. Aeroplan typically offers a base rate of one point for every dollar you spend with partners. You’ll also earn extra points when you spend money on your Aeroplan credit card. Depending on which card you pick, you’ll typically earn 0.5 to 1.5 points per dollar. Read our guide on how to earn Aeroplan points faster here.
• Aventura. The number of points you’ll earn with Aventura depends on which credit card you have. Some cards let you earn more points for daily purchases (like gas and groceries) while other cards offer a flat rate for all purchases. Depending on the card you choose, you’ll usually earn between 1-2 points for every dollar you spend.

What’s the value of my Aventura Points vs Aeroplan points?

The value of Aventura Points vs Aeroplan points will vary based on what rewards you redeem them for. For example, you might get a lower return on points when you redeem them for merchandise than you would if you used them to purchase flights. This can make it difficult to determine the exact value of each point for each program.

That said, many sites agree that the value of an Aeroplan Point sits between 0.5 and 2.5 cents. The value of each individual Aventura Point, on the other hand, is said to be around 1 cent. This means that your Aeroplan points value will be higher than your Aventura Points value in general terms.

What types of rewards will I get with each program?

Most Aventura and Aeroplan cardholders tend to redeem their points for flights and other travel-related rewards. You’ll typically get less value for your points when you redeem them for other categories of rewards.

• Travel. You’ll usually get more value for your miles when you redeem them with Aeroplan. This is because it has a wider network of partners that can offer you special discounts and extra Aeroplan points when making travel redemptions.
• Merchandise. Aeroplan and Aventura offer similar product catalogues and rewards. If you want to cash in on a specific product, you might want to do a bit of in-depth research into which program offers the reward you want for the lowest number of points.
• Gift cards. Both Aeroplan and Aventura offer gift cards that you can use to shop with several stores. Just be aware that you’ll typically get a much lower points value if you cash them in for these rewards.
• Entertainment. You can exchange your points for a range of events and activities with both Aventura and Aeroplan. These rewards can range from movie and concert tickets to city tours and other must-do experiences.
• Charitable donations. If you’re feeling particularly generous, both programs will let you turn your points into cash for your favourite charities. The only difference between Aventura and Aeroplan for this type of redemption is which charities you can choose.

What is the quality of customer service for each program?

Both Aventura and Aeroplan claim to offer a high level of customer service to help you troubleshoot issues with your account. That said, many Aeroplan customers have indicated that it’s difficult to get in touch with an agent through phone and email. That said, this could change now that Aeroplan is under new management with Air Canada.

Since Aventura’s customer service program is linked to CIBC, many customers indicate that it can be easier to get the answers you need from the bank. This is because the program is smaller, which allows for shorter wait times and more dedicated customer support.

How to compare credit cards for both programs

Getting an Aeroplan credit card is one of the best ways to earn more points for every dollar you spend. With Aventura credit cards, it’s essential to have a program-affiliated card if you want to earn points. Once you pick the program you’re interested in, you should look for the following features to help you get the best credit card for your needs.

• Return on rewards. Look at how many points you’ll earn with each card and weigh that against the cost of the annual fee.
• Welcome offers. Compare cards to find the one that offers the biggest bonus with the best return on rewards and benefits for the lowest fee.
• Benefits. Choose the card that gives the best spread of benefits most applicable to your lifestyle. For example, you might want lounge access if you fly regularly but you might prefer roadside assistance if you’re a long-haul driver.
• Annual fee. Make sure that if you pay a fee over $100 for your card, you get a top return on rewards and benefits to compensate.
• Interest rates. Most credit cards come with an interest rate of 19.99% but you might like to shop around for a card that gives you a lower interest rate.
• Other fees. Double-check the details of your contract before you sign onto a credit card so that you’re not caught off guard by any unexpected charges.

Bottom line

Given the sheer size of its program and network of partners, Aeroplan is a top contender for frequent flyer programs in Canada. Aventura, however, may be seen as a safer bet for CIBC customers and those wanting more flexibility with their rewards. That said, it doesn’t have a network of partners and you can only earn points on your program-affiliated credit card.

Aeroplan vs Aventura FAQs

• Can my Aventura or Aeroplan points expire?

  Your Aventura Points will never expire, so there's nothing to worry about there. Your Aeroplan points, on the other hand, will expire if you haven't earned, redeemed, donated or transferred any miles in 18 consecutive months.

• What is the main difference between Aventura vs Aeroplan?

  Aeroplan is a standalone frequent flyer program that lets you earn Aeroplan points (formerly called Aeroplan Miles) using either your membership card (with partners) or your program-affiliated credit card. Aventura is a bank-owned program that lets you earn Aventura Points everywhere you shop using only your credit card.

• Is it possible to buy Aventura or Aeroplan points?

  Yes. You can buy points with both programs if you don't have quite enough to get the reward you want. Aeroplan charges a little over 3 cents for every point you buy plus applicable taxes. Aventura lets you buy 100 Points for $1 for some categories of rewards.

• Can I transfer my Aventura Points to Aeroplan?

  You won't be able to transfer your Aventura Points to Aeroplan, or vice-versa. This is because the two programs are completely separate and don't have a system for bridging points.

• Can I apply for a frequent flyer credit card online?

  Yes. You can apply online for an Aeroplan or Aventura credit card. You can apply for an Aeroplan card by going to the comparison table above and clicking "Go to Site" next to the card you're interested in using.