Transferring Aeroplan points after death

A large points balance does not vanish when a member dies. Aeroplan has an estate process that lets an executor pass the points to a beneficiary or into an estate account.

The short answer

Aeroplan points form part of the member's estate and can be transferred. The executor makes the request, sends proof of death and entitlement, and chooses where the points land. Points that expired after the death can often be reinstated if you act in time.

Move quickly on expiry. The ordinary expiry rules keep running after a member dies. If points expired after the death, you can usually have them reinstated by asking within about six months of the expiry date. The sooner you call, the cleaner the process.

How to make the transfer, step by step

1
Identify who makes the request

The executor named in the will handles it. If there is no will, the person administering the estate does. Find the deceased member's Aeroplan number before you start.

2
Gather the documents

Prepare a copy of the death certificate and the portion of the will that names the beneficiaries. Aeroplan uses these to confirm who is entitled to the points.

3
Choose where the points go

Decide between a beneficiary's existing Aeroplan account or a newly created estate account that beneficiaries can use. With several beneficiaries, the points are usually split equally unless signed documentation says otherwise.

4
Call Aeroplan to initiate

Contact Aeroplan customer support to start the estate transfer. Confirm exactly which documents to send and where, and ask about any fee before you proceed.

What it costs

For a transfer to a beneficiary, the fee is often waived or minimal. Older guidance mentions a small administrative charge plus a per-point fee, but more recent reports suggest estate transfers can frequently be completed at little or no cost.

Treat the exact number as something to confirm on the call, not something to assume. Ask Aeroplan what, if anything, applies to your situation before you send documents.

What you will need on hand

The member's Aeroplan number
Locate the deceased member's account number so support can find the balance.
A death certificate
A copy is used to confirm the death and open the estate request.
The relevant part of the will
The section naming the beneficiaries, so Aeroplan can confirm who receives the points and in what shares.
A destination account
Either a beneficiary's existing Aeroplan account or a new estate account set up for the transfer.

Common questions

Can points be left to a beneficiary?

Yes. The executor can have them transferred to a beneficiary's account or to a newly created estate account, by contacting Aeroplan with supporting documents.

What documents do I need?

Generally a copy of the death certificate and the portion of the will naming the beneficiaries. With several beneficiaries the points are usually divided equally unless documentation states otherwise.

Is there a fee?

Often waived or minimal for a beneficiary transfer. Older sources cite a small fee plus a per-point charge. Confirm with Aeroplan before proceeding.

What if the points already expired?

If they expired after the member's death, you can usually have them reinstated by requesting it within about six months of the expiry date. Call as soon as you can.

Keep reading

Settling an estate with points in it?

Come in for a free conversation. We can walk through the estate process, the documents to send, and how to put a large balance to good use once it transfers.

Book a free conversation → Aeroplan guide →