Head-to-Head: Amex Green Card vs. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card

In this edition of Head-to-Head, we compare two no-fee credit cards that give you access to the Aeroplan ecosystem, albeit through different channels: the American Express Green Card and the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card.

If you’re just getting started with credit cards, or are on a limited budget but would still like to benefit from the many upsides of Aeroplan, which no-fee credit card is your best option for doing so?

1. Annual Fee

Both cards have no annual fee, and are noteworthy for that exact reason, so it’s a clear tie in this department. Neither card requires a fee for supplementary cards either. 

As no-fee products, both the Amex Green Card and CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card are solid choices for an early credit card to pick up, helping you build credit history over the long run as a product that you’ll keep open forever.

2. Points Currency

While the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card strictly earns Aeroplan points, the Amex Green Card’s Membership Rewards (MR) points can be transferred to six eligible airline programs, including Aeroplan, and two hotel programs as well.

MR points are considered one of Canada’s most valuable points currencies for this reason. For example, points can be transferred 1:1 to British Airways or converted to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1.2 ratio, making MR points more flexible than the Aeroplan points earned on the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card.

3. Welcome Bonus

Currently, the Amex Green Card is offering a slightly elevated welcome bonus of 12,500 MR points, while the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card has its standard welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points. However, the means of actually acquiring each welcome bonus differs.

The American Express Green Card offers 12,500 MR points upon meeting a minimum spending requirement of $1,200 within the first three months. 

On the other hand, when you sign up with the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card, you’ll earn 10,000 Aeroplan points after your first purchase – which could be as low as $0.01. The points are deposited directly into your Aeroplan account after your credit card statement date.

4. Earning Rates

The Amex Green Card has an earning structure of 1 MR point for every dollar spent on all eligible spending.

Meanwhile, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Card earns 1 Aeroplan…