Aeroplan Introduces Revenue-Based Earning for Avis Car Rentals

Aeroplan and Avis have announced changes to the way members earn Aeroplan points on car rentals. Whereas members would previously earn a fixed amount of points per car rental, there is now a revenue-based earning model.

Whether or not this is a positive change will depend on the dollar amount of your typical car rental, as well as if you have Aeroplan Elite Status.

Aeroplan Introduces Revenue-Based Earning Model on Avis Car Rentals

Aeroplan and Avis have announced changes to the way members earn Aeroplan points on car rentals.

Previously, Aeroplan members would earn a fixed amount of points per rental depending on the location from which the car was picked up.

At on-airport locations, members would previously earn 500 Aeroplan points per car rental with Avis, and 250 Aeroplan points per car rental at off-airport Avis locations and for all Budget locations.

Now, the earning structure will be based on how much is spent on base time and mileage for rentals, as well as whether or not a member has Aeroplan Elite Status:

• Aeroplan members now earn 1 point per dollar spent on base time and mileage for all Avis, Budget, and Payless rentals
• Aeroplan Elite Status members now earn 2 points per dollar spent on base time and mileage for all Avis, Budget, and Payless rentals

It’s important to note that the earning rate is based on Canadian dollars, and that points won’t be earned on surcharges, taxes, and fees that are a part of the total cost of the rental.

Who Benefits from Revenue-Based Car Rentals?

With the switch to a revenue-based earning structure, it’s worth exploring who stands to benefit and who might lose out because of the change.

For members without Aeroplan Elite Status, you’d now have to spend at least $500 (CAD) at an Avis on-airport location to earn as many points as you used to. This number drops down to $250 (CAD) if you have elite status with Air Canada.

For off-airport car rentals, you’d now have to spend at least $250 (CAD) as a member without status or $125 (CAD) as a member with status to earn the same amount of points per rental as you used to. 

For example, let’s consider a car rental worth $100 (CAD) in base time and mileage at an Avis on-airport location. Previously, you’d earn a flat rate of 500 Aeroplan points for this rental, whereas now, you’d earn 100 Aeroplan…