American Express® Aeroplan®* Card review
Apr 10, 2025
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Apr 10, 2025
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Overall rating
First year value
$1,190
Get this card if you:
At a glance
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently fly with Air Canada and its partners, offering the ability to earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases. Cardholders benefit from travel-related perks such as preferred pricing on flight rewards and comprehensive insurance coverage, enhancing their overall travel experience.
$1,190
First year value
up to 40,000 points
Welcome bonus
$120
Annual fee
Supplementary Cards: $50 each, No Fee Supplementary Cards $0
Good
Recommended credit score
In an exciting collaboration with the Aeroplan program, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card takes center stage as the ‘core’ card among the trio of brand-new American Express Aeroplan cards. But which one is the perfect fit for your wallet? We’ll break down all three co-branded cards below to help you decide!
One important note: this Amex Aeroplan card is a charge card, not a credit card—so keep that in mind as you explore your options. This means it must be paid in full each month, unlike a traditional credit card, which allows partial payments.
If you’re an Aeroplan fan who loves flying Air Canada, let’s dive into the details! ✈️
Earn up to 40,000 Aeroplan®* points*. as a new Cardmember.
Earn up to 40,000 Aeroplan®* points*. Here's how:
Earn 30,000 Aeroplan®* points* after spending $3,000 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new American Express® Aeroplan®* Cardmember.*
Earn 10,000 Aeroplan®* points* when you spend $1,000 in month 13.*
You could earn up to $1,450 in value within your first 13 months.
When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $800 in value, your earn potential in accelerated and everyday spend earn rate categories with approximately $515 in value, and the $140 in value you get from exceptional benefits, you can earn up to $1,450 or more in value within your first 13 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.
Make the most of your Aeroplan Points and unlock incredible travel perks! ✈️
Please note there is no trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance or emergency medical insurance.
There isn't too much to be said about this card on internet forums like Reddit and Quora, because most users redirect you to other Aeroplan credit cards or higher tier Amex cards (where you can transfer your Membership Rewards points 1:1 with Aeroplan).
The one redeeming quality of the Amex Aeroplan is its sizeable welcome bonus. Unfortunately, you'll have to pay the annual fee twice to unlock the full amount.
Let's compare with some other cards.
The Cobalt has been one of Canada's best credit cards for years, and for good reason—the wildly high earn rates on everyday spending categories like eats & drinks, groceries, streaming subscriptions, and travel & transit. While the welcome bonus isn't as strong and it has a higher annual fee (paid monthly, mind you), the Cobalt also gives you emergency medical insurance, lost or stolen baggage, and mobile device insurance.
Disclosures:
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
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.
up to 15,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$630
First Year Value
$480
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$191.88
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$191.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$191.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, your earn rate isn't as good as the 2x Aeroplan points on eligible Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®* purchases, with only 1.5x the points†, but that earn rate is also good for gas and groceries. The welcome bonuses are identical but you also get an annual fee rebate for the first year†, a NEXUS application fee rebate† and travel medical insurance†, mobile device, and lost or stolen baggage† (notably missing on the Amex Aeroplan).
TD's annual fee is higher, but we think it's worth it thanks to its faster point accumulation.
Disclosures:
To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders while this offer is in effect.
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available to residents of Quebec.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.
up to 40,000 pts†
Welcome Bonus
$486
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Up to $1,350 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours. Plus, receive an annual fee rebate for the first year† and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$139
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan points on eligible gas, grocery, travel, and dining purchases. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a NEXUS application fee rebate†, a complimentary first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on Air Canada flights†, and access to select airport lounges†; however, the card carries an annual fee and requires a minimum personal or household income for eligibility.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
1.5 points†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
1 point†
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases
2x
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.
50%
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account†. Conditions apply.
1
Apply for the NEXUS program and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†. Additional Cardholders can also take advantage of this NEXUS program application fee rebate.
1st
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Up to $1,350 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours. Plus, receive an annual fee rebate for the first year† and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply.
Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening†
Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Apply for the NEXUS program and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
Plus, share free first checked bags with up to 8 travel companions†
Get an annual fee rebate for the first year†.
To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders while this offer is in effect.
Offer may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.
Our Take
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan points on eligible gas, grocery, travel, and dining purchases. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a NEXUS application fee rebate†, a complimentary first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on Air Canada flights†, and access to select airport lounges†; however, the card carries an annual fee and requires a minimum personal or household income for eligibility.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$139
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
1.5 points†
for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)
1 point†
Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases
2x
Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.
50%
Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account†. Conditions apply.
1
Apply for the NEXUS program and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†. Additional Cardholders can also take advantage of this NEXUS program application fee rebate.
1st
checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Up to $1,350 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours. Plus, receive an annual fee rebate for the first year† and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply.
Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of Account opening†
Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Apply for the NEXUS program and once every 48 months get an application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
Plus, share free first checked bags with up to 8 travel companions†
Get an annual fee rebate for the first year†.
To receive the first-year annual fee rebate, you must activate your Card and make your first Purchase on the Account within the first 3 months after Account opening and you must add your Additional Cardholders while this offer is in effect.
Offer may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
†Terms and conditions apply.
This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any TD product, please click the Apply Now button. Sponsored Content.
OK, as promised, let's compare these two, despite being in very different tiers.
The Amex Aeroplan Reserve card gets you a bigger welcome bonus, strong earn rates, and better insurance coverage...for nearly four times the annual fee. Is it worth the higher price tag? Well, if you like priority check-in and security lane access at Toronto Pearson (say if you're travelling with kids), then it could be worth the extra cost. Oh, and one extra special perk, if you spend $25,000 annually (~$2,100 per month), you'll get access to a worldwide companion voucher for a set base airfare of between $99 and $599, plus taxes and fees.
Disclosures:
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
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.
up to 85,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$1,770
First Year Value
$70
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan®* points.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$599
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated rewards on Air Canada purchases and dining, along with comprehensive travel benefits such as priority airport services and lounge access. Cardholders also enjoy extensive insurance coverage and an annual worldwide companion pass, enhancing both the value and convenience of their travel experiences.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
3X
the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*
2X
the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
1.25X
the points on everything else
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Here's how:
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
You could earn up to $4,400 in value within your first 13 months.
When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $1,700 in value, your earn potential in accelerated and everyday spend earn rate categories with approximately $1,760 in value, and the $1,000 in value you get from exceptional benefits, you can earn up to $4,400 or more in value within your first 13 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
Conditions Apply.
Our Take
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated rewards on Air Canada purchases and dining, along with comprehensive travel benefits such as priority airport services and lounge access. Cardholders also enjoy extensive insurance coverage and an annual worldwide companion pass, enhancing both the value and convenience of their travel experiences.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
3X
the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*
2X
the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada
1.25X
the points on everything else
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points. Here's how:
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
You could earn up to $4,400 in value within your first 13 months.
When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $1,700 in value, your earn potential in accelerated and everyday spend earn rate categories with approximately $1,760 in value, and the $1,000 in value you get from exceptional benefits, you can earn up to $4,400 or more in value within your first 13 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
Conditions Apply.
Applying for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card is easy and can be done online in just a few minutes.
When it comes to travel cards, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card leaves us with a lot to be desired. As a brand new card, we had hoped to see a higher welcome bonus. We’re also disappointed with the travel insurance. As a travel card, some key coverage is missing. That said, if you are a dedicated Air Canada traveler, the additional perks like a free checked bag and higher earn rate on Air Canada®* and Air Canada vacations®* travel is definitely a benefit.
Is the card a bad choice? Not at all. There are, however, better and more lucrative options on the market.
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
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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†Terms and Conditions apply.