Quick overview
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card that offers substantial rewards and benefits for frequent Air Canada travelers. With an annual fee of $599, it provides an impressive suite of perks, including priority airport services, lounge access, and robust insurance coverage.
Who is the Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card for?
If you’re one of those who have a regular need to fly Air Canada – particularly if you will make use of the privileges offered by the card, such as priority services, or can get a lot of use out of the lounge access – its generous travel benefits and high earn rates make its high annual fee worthwhile.
Pros and cons
Pros
-
Generous signup bonus where you can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points
-
High earn rates on Air Canada, dining, and food delivery
-
Extensive travel perks like priority check-in, boarding, and free first checked bag on Air Canada flights
-
Complimentary access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges within North America
-
Toronto Pearson Airport benefits including priority security, complimentary valet parking, and discounts on parking and car care services
-
Annual worldwide companion pass at a fixed base fare between $99 and $599 CAD (plus taxes and fees)
-
$100 NEXUS statement credit every 4 years
-
Robust insurance coverage including emergency medical
-
Access to Amex Experiences such as VIP parties and movie premieres
-
No minimum income requirement
Cons
-
High annual fee of $599
-
Lower acceptance when compared to Visa and Mastercard
-
High spending to unlock signup bonus
-
Limited high-earning categories
-
2.5% foreign transaction fee
-
Priority perks limited to Air Canada flights
American Express Aeroplan Reserve card welcome bonus
For a limited time, New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points.
- Earn 60,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months
- Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $2,500 in purchases in month 13
- That’s up to $1,700 or more in value when redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other rewards through the Aeroplan program.
- New Offer: Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 consecutive hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Offer ends December 31, 2024
How to earn points with the Amex Aeroplan Reserve
- 1.
Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations:Dining and Food Delivery in Canada: Earn 2 Aeroplan points per dollar spent.
- 2.
All Other Purchases: Earn 1.25 Aeroplan points per dollar spent.
- 3.
Cardholders earn points on every purchase they make.
Highest Air Canada earn rate on an Aeroplan payment card in Canada: Earn 3X the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*; Standard Earn Rate: Earn 2X the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada and earn 1.25X the points on everything else
On top of these earn rates, you can also double-dip. As an Aeroplan member and cardholder, you can earn double the points with Aeroplan partners.
How to redeem Aeroplan points from the Aeroplan Reserve card
To redeem your Aeroplan points for flights, log into your Aeroplan account and search for flights on the Aeroplan website or app. Using your points for flights offers the best value, especially for international business and first-class tickets. For example, a one-way business class flight from Vancouver to Tokyo costs around 55,000 points, giving you a high return on your points. You can also use fewer points if you have Elite Status or an Aeroplan credit card, thanks to Air Canada's preferred pricing.
Beyond flights, you can redeem your Aeroplan points for hotel stays, car rentals, and travel experiences. While these options offer flexibility, the value per point is generally lower compared to flight redemptions. For instance, using points for merchandise or gift cards often yields less favourable conversion rates. Focus on flight redemptions to maximize the benefits of your Aeroplan points and enjoy premium travel experiences.
Amex Aeroplan Reserve key benefits
- Generous welcome bonus: Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points, valued at up to $1,700, by meeting spending requirements.
- Priority perks and privileges within Canada: Like Airport lounge access and worldwide companion voucher
- Comprehensive travel insurance: Enjoy extensive coverage, including emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, flight and baggage delay insurance, and auto rental collision/loss damage insurance, providing peace of mind while traveling.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Insurance coverage
- Emergency medical insurance: Up to $5 million for your first 15 days of your out-of-province trip (for travelers under 65 years old)
- Travel accident insurance: Up to $500,000 for accidents during your trip
- Lost/stolen baggage insurance: Up to $1,000 for the duration of your trip, covering all insured persons
- Trip cancellation insurance: Up to $1,500 per insured person for cancellations before your trip begins
- Trip interruption insurance: Up to $1,500 per insured person with a maximum of $6,000 for all insured persons on the same trip for interruptions occurring during your trip
- Flight delay insurance: Up to $1,000 for delays over 4 hours
- Baggage delay insurance: Up to $1,000 for delays over 6 hours
- Rental car insurance: Covers up to $85,000 for rental car theft or damage for up to 48 consecutive days
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the manufacturer's warranty by up to one additional year on purchases made with the card.
- Purchase security: Protects eligible purchases against theft or damage for up to 90 days from the date of purchase.
Note: Mobile device insurance is not included with the Amex Aeroplan Reserve card
Amex Aeroplan reserve card extra perks and features
When it comes to additional perks and features, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card covers plenty of travel benefits. As an Air Canada premium travel credit card, many of these perks are specific to Air Canada flights. Here’s what is included with this card.
Air Canada travel benefits
- As for Air Canada’s premium card, a number of the benefits associated with this card pertain to travelling with Air Canada. Cardholders can take advantage of priority boarding and priority check-in. Plus, enjoy access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf LoungesTM* and Air Canada CaféTM in North America for you and a guest, with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight. One of the biggest perks with this card is that up to 9 people on the same reservation will also have their first back checked for free.
Aeroplan benefits
- There are also a number of perks pertaining to Aeroplan points. For example, cardholders will get preferred pricing when redeeming their Aeroplan points for Air Canada flights. They will also earn 1,000 SQM (Status Qualifying Miles) and 1 SQS (Status Qualifying Segment) for every $5,000 on the card. Up to 200,000 SQM can then be rolled over each year.
Exclusive offers and experiences:
- American Express experiences: Gain access to exclusive events, including dining experiences, VIP parties, concerts, and movie premieres. Enjoy presale and reserved tickets for concerts and major events through the Front Of The Line program.
- NEXUS fee credit: Receive up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four years for NEXUS enrollment or renewal fees, making cross-border travel faster and more convenient.
- Toronto Pearson airport benefits: Benefit from priority security lane access, complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park, and a 15% discount on parking rates and Auto Care services at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Annual companion pass:
- After spending $25,000 annually, receive an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass, allowing you to purchase a companion ticket in economy class on Air Canada at a fixed base fare between $99 and $599 CAD (plus taxes and fees).
Metal card design:
- The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is made from precision-cut and engraved 13g metal, adding a touch of elegance and durability.
What people have to say about this card
Users generally appreciate the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card for its generous welcome bonus, high earning rates, and extensive travel perks, especially for Air Canada flights. Many find the card's priority services, lounge access, and comprehensive insurance coverage to be valuable benefits that justify the high annual fee, particularly for frequent travelers.
However, some users highlight a few drawbacks. The high annual fee of $599 can be a barrier for some, particularly if they do not maximize the card's travel benefits. Another common criticism is the lower acceptance rate of American Express compared to Visa and Mastercard, which can limit the card's usability in certain situations. Additionally, while the card offers excellent perks for Air Canada travelers, those who do not frequently fly with Air Canada might find it less valuable. Some users have also noted occasional issues with accessing the promised benefits, such as lounge access and priority services, especially at international airports
Amex Aeroplan Reserve credit card | Rates and fees
The card comes with a hefty annual fee of $599, making it one of the pricier credit cards on the market. There are two options for additional cards. If you would like to be able to share some benefits and collect points, the annual fee is $199 for each additional card. If you don’t need the benefits and just want to collect points faster, then the additional card is $0.
When it comes to interest rates, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card carries the typical 21.99% purchase APR and 21.99% for cash advances (on funds advances).
Eligibility requirements
If you would like to apply for this card, you’ll need to meet the following conditions to be eligible:
- Must be a Canadian resident
- Must be the age of majority in your home province
- Must have a credit score that is considered good-excellent
How to apply
Ready to apply? It’s very simple and straightforward and can be done online in just a few minutes.
- 1.
Visit the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card webpage here and click ‘Apply Now’.
- 2.
A new window will pop up with some product and privacy information. After you read through this, click ‘agree and begin’.
- 3.
You will then have to fill out a couple of pages of personal information including your name, address, and birthdate. You do need to include your Social Insurance Number (SIN) so make sure that you have that on hand.
- 4.
After entering all your information, give it a once over and submit.
- 5.
According to the website, the decision as to whether you will be approved or not will be made within 60 seconds.
How Amex Aeroplan Reserve compares
American Express Aeroplan Reserve vs. The Amex Platinum
To figure out the best value, we’ve compared the American Express®Aeroplan®* Reserve Card to one of our top picks when it comes to travel credit cards, The Platinum Card®. Once you consider the statement credit and travel credit bonus, pricing for both comes out on par (at least for the first year). Right now, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card’s welcome bonus blows that of the Platinum Card® out of the water. However, you do need to consider that the Platinum Card® allows a lot more flexibility when it comes to collecting point. You collect Membership Rewards® points under this card, however, if you choose, they can be changed over to Aeroplan points at a 1:1 ratio.
The flexibility of the Platinum Card® typically would earn it a spot as our top pick. However, right now the huge welcome bonus offered by the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card might just put it ahead for Aeroplan members.
The Platinum Card
Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points1*
2x
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
21.99%
Purchase APR The Preferred rate of 21.99% applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance.
$799
Annual Fee Includes $200 annual travel credit and $200 annual dining credit
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Pros
-
Earn 5X Rewards Points for flights and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, $240 digital entertainment credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
2x
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
21.99%
Purchase APR The Preferred rate of 21.99% applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance.
$799
Annual Fee Includes $200 annual travel credit and $200 annual dining credit
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Pros
-
Earn 5X Rewards Points for flights and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, $240 digital entertainment credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Amex Aeroplan Reserve vs. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
When comparing the Amex Aeroplan Reserve and the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege, both cards offer substantial benefits but cater to slightly different needs.
The Amex Aeroplan Reserve card provides a higher earning rate for Air Canada purchases (3 points per dollar) and access to American Express-specific perks such as Amex Experiences and NEXUS fee credits. On the other hand, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege, with its broader acceptance rate (Visa), provides more versatility in everyday spending categories like groceries and gas. Both cards offer strong insurance coverage and similar Air Canada travel benefits, but the choice largely depends on the cardholder's spending patterns and preference for either American Express or Visa's acceptance network
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Earn up to $2,900 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by June 3, 2024.
Expires
Jun 4, 2024
2 points
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)†
1.5 points
for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, groceries, travel and dining purchases.†
1.25 points
for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.†
6
lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
2x
Earn points twice when you provide your Aeroplan number to Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore†
50%
more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account.†
$100
Get a NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months.†
1st
checked bag free for you and up to eight companions when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.†
10%
savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)†
2 points
for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, groceries, travel and dining purchases.†
1.5 points
for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.†
1.25 points
lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
6
Earn points twice when you provide your Aeroplan number to Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore†
2x
more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account.†
50%
Get a NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months.†
$100
checked bag free for you and up to eight companions when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.†
1st
savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
10%
20.99%
Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99%
Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$599
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$150,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$200,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
$200,000
Pros
-
Welcome bonus up to 85,000 Aeroplan® points (up to $2,900 in value)
-
Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge access and six worldwide lounge visits annually
-
Priority Boarding and Baggage Handling
-
High Aeroplan® earn rates, double points on eligible Air Canada purchases
-
Extensive travel insurance benefits
-
Free checked bags on Air Canada
-
Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan® flight rewards
-
Visa Infinite Privilege* designation perks (e.g. DragonPass membership)
-
$100 CAD NEXUS credit
Cons
-
Steep annual fee of $599
-
High eligibility requirements ($150,000 personal or $200,000 household income)
-
Additional cardholder fee of $199
-
High-value rewards mainly for Air Canada flights
2 points
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)†
1.5 points
for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, groceries, travel and dining purchases.†
1.25 points
for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.†
6
lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
2x
Earn points twice when you provide your Aeroplan number to Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore†
50%
more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account.†
$100
Get a NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months.†
1st
checked bag free for you and up to eight companions when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.†
10%
savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)†
2 points
for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, groceries, travel and dining purchases.†
1.5 points
for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.†
1.25 points
lounge visits included for each Cardholder per membership year at over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide with DragonPass†
6
Earn points twice when you provide your Aeroplan number to Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore†
2x
more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account.†
50%
Get a NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months.†
$100
checked bag free for you and up to eight companions when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.†
1st
savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
10%
20.99%
Purchase APR APR for purchases 20.99%†
22.99%
Cash Advance APR APR for cash advances 22.99%†
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$599
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.50%
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$150,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$200,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
$200,000
Pros
-
Welcome bonus up to 85,000 Aeroplan® points (up to $2,900 in value)
-
Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge access and six worldwide lounge visits annually
-
Priority Boarding and Baggage Handling
-
High Aeroplan® earn rates, double points on eligible Air Canada purchases
-
Extensive travel insurance benefits
-
Free checked bags on Air Canada
-
Preferred Pricing on Aeroplan® flight rewards
-
Visa Infinite Privilege* designation perks (e.g. DragonPass membership)
-
$100 CAD NEXUS credit
Cons
-
Steep annual fee of $599
-
High eligibility requirements ($150,000 personal or $200,000 household income)
-
Additional cardholder fee of $199
-
High-value rewards mainly for Air Canada flights
Is the Amex Aeroplan Reserve card worth it?
It's definitely a contender when it comes to the best travel credit cards. The welcome bonus right now is a huge draw and the annual fee, while high, is offset by the great travel perks and benefits. As a travel card, we don’t love that it’s limited to Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®* for earning higher points. If you are a loyal Air Canada customer, however, it can be quite lucrative.
FAQs
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Hannah Logan is a Canadian freelancer writer and blogger who specializes in personal finance and travel. You can follow her adventures on her travel blog EatSleepBreatheTravel.com or find her on Instagram @hannahlogan21.
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