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Side-by-side

Chase Aeroplan Credit Card vs Citi Simplicity Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Chase Aeroplan Credit Card comes from Chase at $95/yr; the Citi Simplicity Card from Citi at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,125 more in estimated value) than the Citi Simplicity Card's. Get the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card first; revisit the Citi Simplicity Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureChase Aeroplan Credit CardCiti Simplicity Card
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonus75,000 bonus pointsNo welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no late fees, no penalty APR, and no rewards program
Bonus value (est.)$1,125-
Min spend to unlock bonus$4,000 in 3 mo-
IssuerChaseCiti
Card categorytravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x1x
Transfer partnersaeroplanNone
Headline benefits
  • 3x on Air Canada + dining + grocery
  • Free checked bag
  • Companion pass
  • UR transfer
    Read the full review
    Chase Aeroplan Credit Card
    $95/yr · 75,000 bonus points
    Read the full review
    Citi Simplicity Card
    $0/yr · No welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no late fees, no penalty APR, and no rewards program

    Editorial take: Chase Aeroplan Credit Card

    Aeroplan is one of the best Star Alliance programs for sweet-spot redemptions. This card is a great way to earn Aeroplan miles directly, plus the UR transfer option gives flexibility.

    Editorial take: Citi Simplicity Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Chase Aeroplan Credit Card or Citi Simplicity Card?
    The Chase Aeroplan Credit Card has a public bonus (75,000 bonus points, worth roughly $1,125), while the Citi Simplicity Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Simplicity Card?
    At $95/yr, the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Citi Simplicity Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card and Citi Simplicity Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase and Citi) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card or the Citi Simplicity Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Chase Aeroplan Credit Card: $4,000 spend in 3 months. Citi Simplicity Card: no published min spend. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.