Chase, Air Canada, Mastercard Team Up For US Aeroplan Credit Card

Chase Bank and Mastercard have partnered with Air Canada to introduce the airline’s Aeroplan credit card in the U.S.

“Chase’s many strengths, including digital innovation, customer service excellence, and a world-class brand, will help us deliver a best-in-class product for U.S.-based Aeroplan members,” Mark Nasr, vice president of loyalty and eCommerce at Air Canada, said in a press release on Monday (Dec. 14).

He added that the partnership and new program will “drive significant growth and engagement” and extend the new offering to some two million people with ties to both Canada and the U.S.

Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline and a Star Alliance founding member, said Chase will be the exclusive issuer of the card and Mastercard will be the exclusive payments network.

The Aeroplan loyalty program was recently revamped by Air Canada to offer more value and flexibility, including the expansion of flight rewards to more than 35 partner airlines.

“Mastercard, Air Canada, and Chase share the same commitment to putting the cardholder at the center – providing meaningful experiences that support everyday spending and passion points,” said Linda Kirkpatrick, president of U.S. issuers at Mastercard.

The new Aeroplan card is expected to launch in late 2021. Aeroplan will also become a transfer partner in Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program late next year.

Chase serves nearly half of the households in the U.S., and is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., with more than 4,900 branches in 38 states and the District of Columbia.

Ed Olebe, president of Chase Co-Brand Cards, said customers will get additional perks and flexible rewards in addition to the newly-overhauled Aeroplan rewards programs.

Numerous card networks have made changes to rewards and loyalty programs amid the coronavirus pandemic. With business travel down 97 percent year over year in July’s final week, cards offering airline points and miles have had to rethink their strategy.