American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card review
Mar 19, 2025
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Mar 19, 2025
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Overall rating
First year value
$1,770
Get this card if you:
At a glance
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.
$1,770
First year value
up to 85,000 points
Welcome bonus
$599
Annual fee
$199 for each additional card
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance APR
Good
Recommended credit score
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card that offers substantial rewards and benefits for frequent Air Canada travelers and Aeroplan members. With an annual fee of $599, it provides an impressive suite of perks, including priority airport services, lounge access, and robust insurance coverage.
If you’re a frequent Air Canada traveler who enjoys collecting and redeeming Aeroplan points, the Amex Aeroplan credit card is a great choice for you. You can quickly accumulate rewards and enjoy extra perks, making your travel experience richer and more enjoyable.
For a limited time, New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 points Aeroplan points. Here's how it breaks down:
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.
Here's how you can earn points with the Amex Aeroplan reserve card:
They get the highest Air Canada earn rate on an Aeroplan payment card in Canada: Earn 3x Aeroplan points on eligible Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®* purchases; Standard Earn Rate: Earn 2x Aeroplan points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada and earn 1.25x Aeroplan points on all other purchases.
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.
To redeem Aeroplan points for flights, simply log in to your Aeroplan account and search for flights on the Aeroplan website or app. It's important to note that flights offer the best value for your points, especially when booking international business or first-class tickets. For instance, a one-way business class flight from Vancouver to Tokyo costs around 55,000 points, providing an excellent return on your points. Best of all, if you hold Elite Status or an Aeroplan credit card, you can use fewer points due to Air Canada's preferred pricing.
In addition to flights, you can use your Aeroplan points for hotel stays, car rentals, and various travel experiences. Although these options provide flexibility, they typically offer lower point value compared to flight redemptions. For example, redeeming points for merchandise or gift cards often results in less favorable conversion rates. To make the most of your Aeroplan points and enjoy premium travel experiences, prioritize flight redemptions.
Note: Mobile Device insurance is not included with the Amex Aeroplan Reserve card.
When it comes to additional perks and features, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card has a lot to offer. Not to forget that the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is made from precision-cut and engraved 13g metal, adding a touch of elegance and durability.
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.
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
See how the Amex Aeroplan Reserve compares to other great credit cards on the market.
up to 100,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$471
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points* - that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$799
Annual Fee
21.99% - 29.99%
Purchase
Our Take
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, with a substantial welcome bonus for new cardholders. Cardholders enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide† through the American Express Global Lounge Collection™, comprehensive travel insurance, and personalized concierge services.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
21.99% - 29.99%
Purchase
30%
Penalty
Fees
$799
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
2x
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
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
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
Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away! Here's how:
New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
Terms and Conditions Apply.
Our Take
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, with a substantial welcome bonus for new cardholders. Cardholders enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide† through the American Express Global Lounge Collection™, comprehensive travel insurance, and personalized concierge services.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
21.99% - 29.99%
Purchase
30%
Penalty
Fees
$799
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
2x
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
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
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
Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away! Here's how:
New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
Terms and Conditions Apply.
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 American Express 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.
Disclosures:
up to 85,000 pts†
Welcome Bonus
$3,067
First Year Value
$67
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours. Conditions Apply.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$599
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan points on direct Air Canada purchases, as well as on eligible gas, grocery, travel, and dining expenses. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a partial NEXUS application fee rebate†, 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 a substantial annual fee and requires a high personal or household income for eligibility.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$150,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$200,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
2 points†
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® including Air Canada Vacations®.
1.5 points†
Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
1.25 points†
Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.
6
Get 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 pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
50%
Get 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions Apply.
$100
Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
1st
Get your 1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions† when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
10%
Get 10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply.
Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†
Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
Additional Travel Benefits
Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions† and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
Plus, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†
Disclosures:
†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 Privilege* Card is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent Air Canada travelers, offering elevated Aeroplan points on direct Air Canada purchases, as well as on eligible gas, grocery, travel, and dining expenses. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a partial NEXUS application fee rebate†, 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 a substantial annual fee and requires a high personal or household income for eligibility.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$150,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$200,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$599
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Aeroplan
2 points†
Earn 2 points† for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® including Air Canada Vacations®.
1.5 points†
Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining purchases.
1.25 points†
Earn 1.25 points† for every $1 you charge to your Card on all other purchases.
6
Get 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 pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
50%
Get 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your TD card with your Starbucks® Rewards account. Conditions Apply.
$100
Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
1st
Get your 1st checked bag free for you and up to eight companions† when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
10%
Get 10% savings at Avis and Budget in North America, 5% off internationally†
Insurance Benefits
$1,500
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$2,500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points and additional travel benefits. Conditions Apply.
Earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†
Earn an additional 35,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 180 days of Account opening†
Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 30,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $24,000 within 12 months of Account opening†
Offer may be changed, withdrawn, or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
Additional Travel Benefits
Apply for the NEXUS program membership and once every 48 months get a partial application fee rebate (up to $100 CAD)†.
Share first free checked bags with up to 8 travel companions† and get unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges† including complementary access for one guest.
Plus, primary cardholders get 6 complimentary worldwide select airport lounge visits annually through the Visa Airport Companion Program†
Disclosures:
†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.
When comparing the Amex Aeroplan Reserve and the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, 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 Card, 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.
Disclosures:
†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.
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.
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.
If you would like to apply for this card, you’ll need to meet the following conditions to be eligible:
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.
46% of Canadians say it’s harder to build credit today than it was for their parents’ generation, even when they believe they’re managing their finances responsibly
The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.
†Terms and Conditions apply.