Craving Wanderlust? How to Earn Aeroplan Points at Costco (Without Bulk Buying Toothpaste)
Let's face it, Costco is a magical land. A wonderland of oversized teddy bears, free samples that could feed a small village, and enough toilet paper to last a lifetime (or at least until the next apocalypse). But what if I told you this treasure trove could also be your ticket to far-flung adventures? That's right, we're talking about earning Aeroplan points at Costco!
But Wait, There's a Catch (There Usually Is at Costco)
Okay, hold on to your jumbo tubs of mayonnaise. As of today, April 21st, 2024, Costco itself doesn't directly offer Aeroplan points on in-store purchases. Yes, I said directly. This means you can't just shove a pallet of diapers through checkout and emerge Indiana Jones-style with enough miles for a round-the-world trip.
But fear not, intrepid explorer! There are still ways to leverage your Costco membership into sweet, sweet Aeroplan points. Buckle up, because we're about to raid the bargain bin of travel rewards.
Hack #1: The Aeroplan EStore - Costco's Secret Teleporter
Here's the magic trick: The Aeroplan eStore. Think of it as a virtual mall where you can shop at your favorite stores (including Costco!) and earn Aeroplan points for your purchases. It's basically a Costco shopping trip with a travel rewards bonus. Just head to the Aeroplan website, find Costco in the eStore, and click through before you shop online at Costco.ca. Every swipe of your virtual credit card becomes a mile closer to that dream vacation.
Warning: This method might involve a slight detour from your usual "fill the cart until you can't see over it" Costco strategy. But hey, isn't that beach vacation worth a little extra effort?
Hack #2: Credit Card Conundrum - Marrying Costco and Aeroplan
This one's a bit more strategic. While you can't use a co-branded Aeroplan credit card directly at Costco (they have their own credit card situation going on), there are credit cards out there that play nicely with both programs. Do your research, my friend! Find a card that rewards your bulk-buying habits and earns points that transfer to Aeroplan. This way, you can rack up points on your Costco hauls and watch your travel dreams inflate faster than a giant Costco pool float.
Remember: Not all credit cards are created equal. Be sure to compare fees, rewards rates, and any special Costco perks before you dive in.
Hack #3: The Art of the Humble Receipt (This One's a Maybe)
There have been whispers (and some internet sleuthing) about past promotions where Costco offered bonus Aeroplan points for shopping sprees. These promotions are rare, but they do exist. Keep an eye out for special offers or ask a friendly Costco employee if there are any current point-earning opportunities.
Who knows? Maybe you'll stumble upon a golden ticket hidden amongst the mountains of paper towels.