Purchasing airline points outright is not usually a smart money move to be on the top of anyone's “smart money moves” list although every so often, a promotion comes along that truly makes the numbers work out. The upcoming sale by Air Canada could be one of those times.

Until 30 June 2026, eligible Aeroplan members can buy points at the Aeroplan Member Price, up to 30% less than the standard price. At the highest level, it drops the cost of the Aeroplan point to ~1.89 cents while still higher than many valuations, this does open up some interesting redemption possibilities as you know what you're purchasing towards. If you're thinking of taking advantage, here's what you should know before you make a decision. 

The Discount Structure explained

This does not mean that everything is 30% off, it means tiered, the more points you buy the more they take off! If your name has been called for the top offer, the pricing ladder is as follows:

• 2,000: 14,000 points: No discount applied
• 15,000: 24,000 points: 15% discount
• 25,000: 80,000 points: 20% discount
• 85,000: 100,000 points: 25% discount
• 110,000+ points: 30% discount (approximately 1.89 cents per point) 

Each transaction's maximum purchase is 250,000 points. If you purchase the max of 30% at this rate, you would pay approximately CA$6,562.50 (approximately USD$4,721) and receive 250,000 Aeroplan points. However, there is one important note to take: This is a targeted promotion and therefore, not all Aeroplan members will be eligible for the same levels of discount. Other members may be offered a lesser price, and some members may not be offered any at all. Before deciding to make any purchases, please check in your Aeroplan account or email inbox for the offer/offers available to you.

Does it make sense that the price should be per point?

Aeroplan points are currently valued at 1.5 cents each with the most expensive discount rate at 1.89 cents which is technically above the benchmark. When you look at the figure alone from the perspective of an overall valuation, that makes this a below par buy.

However, this is only part of the story. Valuations are averages; how much you get out of any point redemption depends on how you use them. That's where the promotion gets interesting, as in the right scenario, Aeroplan points can return much more than 1.5 cents in value.

The Redemption that Makes This Worth Considering

Let's take, for instance, the example of some travelers who might really benefit from this promotion. It would cost around $3,969 USD to buy 210,000 Aeroplan points at the 30% discount. Those 210,000 points also can be used for a round-trip first-class ticket with Lufthansa between the United States and Europe, where cash fares are typically $8,000 or more per person. This will save you over 50% off of paying out of pocket. Then 1.89 cents per point seems a much more attractive option when taken up against its alternative.

The basic premise in making a strategic purchase of points is not whether a per-point value is less than a simple valuation of the points, it's whether the cost of the purchase of points is less than the cost of the cash sale of the redemption you intend to use them to obtain.

In today's world, there are two situations in which making purchases has merit.There are two situations where buying points actually make sense. It's not always the right thing to buy points for, and should not be done regularly outside of certain situations. Gaining points with credit card welcome bonuses and earning points through daily spending is generally better per point.

However, there are two cases where the buying of this sort is really a fair trade

Almost close the race for redemption. With 185,000 Aeroplan points, and needing 210,000 for a Lufthansa first class booking, then it would be better to target a specific purchase at a discount time than let the redemption opportunity pass.

The attractive point-buy is more economical than the cash fare. If the number of points it takes to get to your destination is less expensive than the dollar cost, then you're teaming up with someone to help you get a discounted ticket to your destination and a simple win is that's what you're doing!

In all other circumstances, cutting back on your spending and earning your credit card are the better options. For a brief explanation of transferable points alternatives, see this Quick Note on Transferable Points Alternatives.

If you're considering a purchase, you should also research to see if you'll be able to add to your Aeroplan balance via a transfer. Several large point currency schemes that can be converted into Aeroplan (American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Chase Ultimate Rewards) all convert to Aeroplan at 1-to-1. Almost always transferring a balance in any of those programs is more beneficial than purchasing points directly, even at a 30% discount. It's not until all the transfer options are used up that a direct purchase becomes a worthwhile primary option.

Final Thought

There is the Aeroplan discount, which is 30% with Air Canada, and while this is a good point purchase offer right now, “better than usual” isn't necessarily “right for you.” The truth of the matter is that if you have a specific, high-value redemption already in mind, and a few points that you need to make up, then this sale is for you. 

But if, like us, you are looking for the luxury of a premium cabin redemption on your Lufthansa or Star Alliance partner airline, the calculations can be very sweet. The price of $1.89 per point is probably not going to please the buyer who wants to purchase speculatively with no idea of exactly what the points will be used for. Find out about the redemption, and make your decision. You have a few weeks until June 30 to do that homework and make the best of it.