Chase Aeroplan Expands Pay Yourself Back Categories — But Are They Worth It?
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Offer Ends: 12/31/2025
Aeroplan loyalty program fans, take note — Chase and Aeroplan are introducing new ways to use your points. But before you spend your points, let’s figure out what’s really worth doing and what might just be a marketing ploy disguised as loyalty.
If you have a Chase Aeroplan card in your wallet (or are planning to get one), here’s what’s new, what’s old, and what remains the best way to get the most out of your points.
What’s new with Pay Yourself Back?
Starting this month, Chase Aeroplan cardholders can use Pay Yourself Back to pay for purchases at:
- Select department stores
- Select utilities
You’ll earn 0.8 cents per point — that’s 80 cents per 100 points — as a statement credit when you redeem points in these categories.
Valid until: December 31, 2025
Sure, 0.8 cents per point isn’t impressive. But if you have points sitting around (or don’t plan on flying Aeroplan anytime soon), this opens up opportunities for more everyday use.
Coming soon: redeem points on Amazon.com
Starting in October 2025, you will also be able to use Aeroplan points for purchases on Amazon.com through Pay Yourself Back.
The redemption rate has not yet been announced, but we hope it will be higher than the 0.8 cents per point currently being discussed.
What Repayment Terms Does Chase Aeroplan Already Offer?
This isn’t the first time Chase has offered flexible redemptions. Here’s a quick reminder of what’s already available for Chase Aeroplan cardholders:
Home Improvement Stores & Gas Stations
- Redeem at 0.8 cents per point
- Same math: 12,500 points = $100 statement credit
- Valid through December 31, 2025
Dining & Grocery Stores
- Also 0.8 cents per point
Handy if you want to wipe your weekly shop, but again… not the best bang for your buck.
Travel (Flights, Hotels, Car Rentals, Rideshares)
- This is where the value jumps: 1.25 cents per point
- 8,000 points = $100 credit
This is arguably the best non-flight use of your Aeroplan points via Pay Yourself Back
Annual Fee Reimbursement
- Redeem points at 1.25 cents per point toward your $95 annual fee
That’s a solid value, especially if you’re not traveling frequently this year.
| Category | Value Per Point | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | 1.25¢ | Best use (if not booking awards) |
| Annual Fee | 1.25¢ | Easy and practical |
| Amazon (Coming Oct) | TBD | Wait and see |
| Gas, Grocery, Dining | 0.8¢ | Use only if needed |
| Home Improvement, Utilities, Dept. Stores | 0.8¢ | Use only if you’re not flying soon |
Still the Best Value? Transfer to Aeroplan for Flights
Let’s not forget: the main draw of the Chase Aeroplan Card is its direct 1:1 transfer to Air Canada’s Aeroplan program, where you can book:
- Over 45 partner airlines (including Star Alliance)
- Short-haul awards starting at 6,000 points
- Long-haul business and first class awards with incredible value (we’re talking 3–5 cents per point if you’re playing it right)
So while Pay Yourself Back gives flexibility, you’re still likely getting 2–4x more value when redeeming for flights, especially if you’re savvy with Aeroplan sweet spots.
Final Thoughts
The expanded cashback options show that Chase and Aeroplan want to make your points work, even if you don’t fly much. But don’t settle for low redemption values. If you’re earning 2 or 3 times as many points for every dollar spent on spending, redeeming for 0.8 cents per point isn’t a disaster… but it’s not a victory either.
If you can wait for airfare (or even a 1.25 cent travel credit) do it.
