PaySmarter

Strategy · Last updated: October 2026

Aeroplan vs cash back: which gives more value on rent?

Points or cash? On a bill as large as rent, the choice is worth hundreds of dollars a year. Here's the math, with the platform fee included.

The short answer

Cash back is predictable: what you earn is what you get. Aeroplan points can be worth more — often 1.5–2 cents each for good flight redemptions — but only if you actually travel. On rent, cash back wins for certainty; Aeroplan wins if you redeem points well.

The assumptions

  • Platform fee of ~1.75%.
  • Cash back card earning 1% on rent (platform payments rarely earn bonus categories).
  • Aeroplan card earning 1 point per dollar, plus any platform Aeroplan earn, valued at 1.5 cents per point.

Yearly results

  • $1,800/month ($21,600/yr): cash back ≈ $216 earned vs ≈ $378 fees. Aeroplan ≈ 21,600+ points (≈ $324+).
  • $2,400/month ($28,800/yr): cash back ≈ $288 vs ≈ $504 fees. Aeroplan ≈ 28,800+ points (≈ $432+).
  • $3,200/month ($38,400/yr): cash back ≈ $384 vs ≈ $672 fees. Aeroplan ≈ 38,400+ points (≈ $576+).

The honest takeaway

On base earn alone, rent rewards usually don't fully cover a 1.75% fee. What tips it positive is welcome bonuses, reduced-fee promotions, platform rewards and strong point redemptions.

Strong options for each approach

CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite card art

CIBC · Visa

CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite

+$750 · First Year Free

Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite card art$200

Scotiabank · Visa

Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite

+$600 · First Year Free

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card art$25

TD · Visa

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite

+$925 · First Year Free

American Express Cobalt card art$40

American Express · Amex

American Express Cobalt

+$664 · $191.88/yr

How to choose

  • Choose cash back if you want certainty or don't travel often.
  • Choose Aeroplan if you fly Air Canada or Star Alliance at least once a year and redeem for flights.
  • Either way, time big rent spend around welcome bonuses to make the year clearly positive.

Compare

FAQ

Common questions

It depends on how you redeem. Good flight redemptions often land around 1.5–2 cents per point; merchandise and gift cards are usually much lower.

Rarely on base earn alone. It becomes profitable with welcome bonuses, fee promotions, platform rewards or high-value point redemptions.

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