Points Miles and Bling (blog) contains referral or affiliate links. The blog receives a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your continued support. Credit Card issuers are not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details, current product information, and Terms and Conditions, click the link included.
Air Canada has announced significant changes to the eUpgrade credits system, effective July 1, 2024, to enhance the benefits for Aeroplan Elite members and Aeroplan Premium credit card holders. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the upcoming adjustments;
For All Status Members
From July 1, 2024, all eUpgrade credits earned by status members now have a streamlined expiry policy. Credits will be valid for 12 months from the date they are issued, irrespective of when during the year they are earned. This change eliminates the previous policy that might penalize members who earned credits later in the benefit year with a shorter validity period.
Enhanced Benefits for Premium Credit Card Holders
Primary holders of Aeroplan Premium credit cards will see even more significant improvements:
- Extended Validity: eUpgrade credits earned as part of status benefits will now be valid for 24 months—a full year longer than for other status members. This effectively doubles the duration from the previous 12-month Validity.
- Removal of the Credit Cap: There will no longer be a maximum cap of 50 credits; members can accumulate more credits without this limitation.
- Change in Rollover Policy: The eUpgrade rollover benefit will be discontinued and replaced with extended Validity. However, there’s a one-time rollover for credits earned up to June 30, 2024. These will be rolled over in 2025 (up to 50 credits) and are valid until January 15, 2026. This one-time rollover will be processed by March 31, 2025.
Removing the July cutover date means that all credits will expire 12 months after they are issued, streamlining the process and making it fairer for all members. To benefit from the extended Validity, the premium credit card must be linked to the member’s Aeroplan account at the time of eUpgrade credit issuance.
Earning eUpgrade Credits
Elite members can continue to earn eUpgrade credits throughout the benefit year by:
- Reaching a higher status.
- Selecting eUpgrades as a Select Benefit.
- Completing eligible Flight Pass activities.
- Crossing eUpgrade thresholds.
Current eUpgrade Credits
Credits currently in members’ accounts are not affected by these changes and will expire as per the date shown in their eUpgrade account.
Impact on Cardholders with Existing Premium Credit Cards
Members who already hold a primary premium credit card and have earned eUpgrade credits between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, will be eligible for the one-time rollover into the 2025 benefit year, assuming they maintain their Elite Status and credit card in good standing. These rolled-over credits will not enjoy the new 24-month Validity but will expire on January 15, 2026.
Eligible premium credit cards include:
- American Express® Air Canada®* Card
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Corporate Reserve Card
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
- TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
- CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Future Rollover of eUpgrade credits
There will be no rollover of eUpgrade credits after the March 31, 2025 deposit. Any new eUpgrade credits earned will adhere to the new 24-month Validity for premium credit cardholders from the date of issuance.
If a Premium Card is Cancelled
If a member cancels their premium credit card, any eUpgrade credits earned afterward will revert to the standard 12-month Validity, per the general eUpgrade policy.
Changes to eUpgrade Credits – Takeaway
As part of Aeroplan’s 40th anniversary, this change is a positive announcement: members will no longer have to worry about only 50 credits rolling over. There will be predictability with the 24-month expiry policy, allowing members plenty of time to plan and execute their eUpgrade strategy.
I will advise taking screenshots of eUpgrade balances on June 30th to ensure the one-time rollover goes through without any IT issues. I will also closely monitor my account at the end of the year and into early 2025, again to ensure that balances are brought forward as expected.
