American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card Review: Is It Worth It?
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is a premium metal credit card for Air Canada loyalists who want Aeroplan points and airport perks in the same package.
Cardmembers earn Aeroplan points on everyday spending, with the highest earn rate reserved for eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations. Air Canada’s Aeroplan is one of Canada’s most popular travel loyalty programs. Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, merchandise and more.
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Points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations.
Points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on on everything else.
This top-shelf Aeroplan card offers 3x points on purchases made with Air Canada — the highest Aeroplan earn rate on the market. Comprehensive insurance coverage, annual companion passes and priority airport services add to the luxe factor, but the hefty $599 annual fee may be more than some cardholders are willing to spend. Best for: Air Canada enthusiasts who want to maximize their Aeroplan point accumulation.
Pros
- Up to 3x points on eligible dollars spent.
- Free Maple Leaf Lounge access, plus a complimentary Priority Pass membership.
- Free checked bags.
- Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.
Cons
- Steep $599 annual fee.
- Priority airport services only apply to Air Canada itineraries.
- Pay-per use rates apply to Priority Pass lounges.
- New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 150,000 Aeroplan points.
- Earn 70,000 points after you spend $7,500 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
- Plus, earn an additional 40,000 points after you spend a total of $45,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership
- You can also earn 40,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
- You could earn up to $5,700 or more in value within your first 17 months. When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $3,000 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 $5,700 or more in value within your first 17 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
- Offer ends July 28, 2026
- Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwide
- Receive up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four years when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
- 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.
- Get through the airport quicker with Air Canada Priority Check-In, Air Canada Priority Boarding and Air Canada Priority Baggage Handling.
- Receive one Annual Worldwide Companion Pass when you spend $25,000 in net purchases prior to your Card anniversary date; your Pass entitles you to buy an accompanying Air Canada economy class ticket for a companion at a fixed base fare from $99 to a maximum of $599 CAD (plus taxes, fees, charges, and surcharges)
- Enjoy access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges™* and Air Canada Café™ in North America for you and a guest, with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight.
- Enjoy your eligible first checked bag free for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada flights.
- Get a 10% Head Start. Starting in 2027, eligible Basic Cardmembers with Aeroplan Elite™* Status will receive a 10% head start toward qualification, based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) accumulated the year before. Roll over any unallocated unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels
- Get access to more than 1,200 Priority Pass™ airport lounges and enjoy an oasis of comfort before your flight, regardless of your airline or cabin class.
- Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more
- Get more from your travel experience at Toronto Pearson International Airport with:
- Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane
- Complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park
- 15% discount on parking rates at the Express Park and Daily Park
- 15% discount on Car Care Services
- Insurance Coverage: whether you’re shopping nearby or travelling abroad, you can feel confident knowing you can be taken care of.
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is made from precision cut and engraved 13g metal – it’s the perfect companion on your next exceptional journey
- 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.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card full review
BACK TO TOPThe American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card comes with a hefty annual fee, but its travel perks can help offset the cost for frequent Air Canada flyers.
The card is strongest for travellers who regularly fly Air Canada, check bags, value airport shortcuts and can make use of lounge access. It also has one of the strongest Air Canada earn rates available on an Aeroplan payment card in Canada: 3x Aeroplan points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations.
The current welcome offer gives the card a bigger first-year value than usual, but it also makes the math more complicated. New cardmembers can earn up to 150,000 Aeroplan points, but getting the full bonus requires more than the initial $7,500 spend. You’ll also need to spend a total of $45,000 in the first 12 months and make a purchase between months 15 and 17.
Strong Air Canada travel perks, including a free first checked bag, priority check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
Complimentary access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés in North America for you and a guest, with a same-day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight.
Premium travel extras, including a waived Priority Pass membership fee, Toronto Pearson benefits, a NEXUS statement credit of up to $100 every four years and a complimentary upgrade to Avis President’s Club.
Annual Worldwide Companion Pass after spending $25,000 in net purchases before your card anniversary date. The pass lets you buy an accompanying Air Canada economy fare for a companion at a fixed base fare of $99 to $599, plus taxes, fees, charges and surcharges.
Useful Aeroplan extras, including an extra hotel night free for every three hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Starting in 2027, eligible cardmembers with Aeroplan Elite Status can also receive a 10% head start toward status qualification, based on Status Qualifying Credits accumulated the year before.
Robust insurance coverage, including emergency medical, trip cancellation, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage, hotel burglary, rental car theft and damage, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
The $599 annual fee will be hard to justify unless you travel often enough to use the card’s Air Canada perks.
The full welcome offer requires a high level of spending. You can earn the first 70,000 points after spending $7,500 in the first three months, but earning the full 150,000 points requires $45,000 in total spending in the first 12 months and a purchase between months 15 and 17.
Because the final bonus requires activity between months 15 and 17, cardholders may need to pay a second annual fee before receiving the full welcome offer.
American Express cards may not be as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard.
The 3x Aeroplan points earn rate on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases only applies when you book directly with the airline or Air Canada Vacations. Book through a third-party site or travel agent and those extra points may not apply.
Is American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card worth it?
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card can be worth it if you fly Air Canada several times a year and use the card’s travel perks.
The easiest value comes from benefits like free checked bags, Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority airport services and the companion pass. Travellers who frequently fly with a companion may be able to save meaningful money on checked bags alone, while also getting a smoother airport experience.
American Express customer ratings
High in customer satisfaction: American Express ranks first out of 14 issuers in J.D. Power’s 2025 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study.
Low Trustpilot rating: American Express Global has a Trustpilot rating of about 1.4 out of 5 stars, based on more than 5,100 reviews, at the time of this writing.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card eligibility
BACK TO TOPWho qualifies for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card?
To apply for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, you must:
Be at least the age of majority in your province.
Be a Canadian resident.
Have a credit file in Canada.
There is no publicly available minimum income requirement for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Approximate credit score needed for approval
Canadian credit card issuers rarely disclose required credit scores, which makes it hard to know your chances of approval when comparing credit cards. However, higher scores generally mean better chances of approval, and that’s true regardless of the type of credit you’re applying for.
Want to learn more? Visit our “What Credit Score is Needed for a Credit Card?” page.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card rewards
BACK TO TOPEarn up to 150,000 Aeroplan points in the first 17 months of card ownership:
Earn 70,000 points after you spend $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months.
Plus, earn an additional 40,000 points after you spend a total of $45,000 in purchases on your Card within the first 12 months.
You can also earn 40,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership.
Offer ends July 28, 2026.
According to American Express, that's up to $3,000 or more in value — at least when you combine your welcome bonus points and card benefits.
3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada bookings.
2x points on dining and food delivery purchases.
1.25x points on everything else.
American Express estimates that cardmembers could earn up to $5,700 or more in value within the first 17 months by combining the welcome bonus, accelerated earn rates and card benefits. That estimate includes:
Up to $3,000 in value from the welcome bonus offer of up to 150,000 Aeroplan points, based on American Express’ valuation of 2 cents per point.
Approximately $1,760 in value from accelerated and everyday earn rate categories.
Around $1,000 in potential value through card benefits.
That total does not include the card’s annual fee and assumes you meet the offer’s terms and usage conditions.<br>Aeroplan point values vary by redemption, so the actual value of the welcome offer depends on how you use your points.
As a general rule, aim to get at least 1.5 cents per Aeroplan point. At that value, 150,000 Aeroplan points are worth about $2,250.
Redemptions that get you more than 1.5 cents per point are strong. Redemptions that fall below that benchmark may not be a great deal, and you may be better off paying cash and saving your points for a higher-value booking.
Aeroplan point value breakdown
Aeroplan point values vary depending on how you redeem them. Flight route, cabin class, travel dates, taxes and fees can all affect the value you get.
As a general rule, aim to redeem Aeroplan points for at least 1.5 cents each. If a redemption gives you more than 1.5 cents per point, it’s a strong use of points. If it falls below that benchmark, it may be worth paying cash instead.
At 1.5 cents per point, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card’s 150,000-point welcome offer is worth about $2,250.
Rewards calculator: See how many points you can earn
BACK TO TOPAmerican Express Aeroplan Reserve Card vs The Gold Card from American Express
BACK TO TOPThe American Express® Gold Rewards Card has a lower annual fee and more flexible rewards, but it is not a true substitute for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.
Choose the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card if you fly Air Canada often and want Air Canada-specific benefits, such as Maple Leaf Lounge access, a free first checked bag, priority airport services and a companion pass after meeting the annual spend requirement.
Choose the American Express Gold Rewards Card if you want a lower-fee travel rewards card, prefer flexible Membership Rewards points and do not need premium Air Canada airport perks.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations.
Points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on on everything else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis top-shelf Aeroplan card offers 3x points on purchases made with Air Canada — the highest Aeroplan earn rate on the market. Comprehensive insurance coverage, annual companion passes and priority airport services add to the luxe factor, but the hefty $599 annual fee may be more than some cardholders are willing to spend. Best for: Air Canada enthusiasts who want to maximize their Aeroplan point accumulation.
Pros
- Up to 3x points on eligible dollars spent.
- Free Maple Leaf Lounge access, plus a complimentary Priority Pass membership.
- Free checked bags.
- Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling.
Cons
- Steep $599 annual fee.
- Priority airport services only apply to Air Canada itineraries.
- Pay-per use rates apply to Priority Pass lounges.
Card details
Card details- New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 150,000 Aeroplan points.
- Earn 70,000 points after you spend $7,500 on your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
- Plus, earn an additional 40,000 points after you spend a total of $45,000 on your Card in your first 12 months of Cardmembership
- You can also earn 40,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
- You could earn up to $5,700 or more in value within your first 17 months. When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $3,000 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 $5,700 or more in value within your first 17 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
- Offer ends July 28, 2026
- Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwide
- Receive up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four years when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
- 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.
- Get through the airport quicker with Air Canada Priority Check-In, Air Canada Priority Boarding and Air Canada Priority Baggage Handling.
- Receive one Annual Worldwide Companion Pass when you spend $25,000 in net purchases prior to your Card anniversary date; your Pass entitles you to buy an accompanying Air Canada economy class ticket for a companion at a fixed base fare from $99 to a maximum of $599 CAD (plus taxes, fees, charges, and surcharges)
- Enjoy access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges™* and Air Canada Café™ in North America for you and a guest, with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight.
- Enjoy your eligible first checked bag free for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada flights.
- Get a 10% Head Start. Starting in 2027, eligible Basic Cardmembers with Aeroplan Elite™* Status will receive a 10% head start toward qualification, based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) accumulated the year before. Roll over any unallocated unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels
- Get access to more than 1,200 Priority Pass™ airport lounges and enjoy an oasis of comfort before your flight, regardless of your airline or cabin class.
- Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more
- Get more from your travel experience at Toronto Pearson International Airport with:
- Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane
- Complimentary valet service at the Express Park and Daily Park
- 15% discount on parking rates at the Express Park and Daily Park
- 15% discount on Car Care Services
- Insurance Coverage: whether you’re shopping nearby or travelling abroad, you can feel confident knowing you can be taken care of.
- American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card is made from precision cut and engraved 13g metal – it’s the perfect companion on your next exceptional journey
- 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.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible travel purchases.
Points on eligible purchases at gas stations in Canada.
on eligible purchases at grocery stores in Canada.
on eligible purchases at drugstores in Canada.
Point on purchases everywhere else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis flexible, mid-tier travel card is outfitted in an eye-catching stainless steel, typically reserved for premium cards with $500+ annual fees. The Amex Gold Rewards boasts broad rewards earning categories for eligible dollars spent on travel, gas, groceries and drugstore purchases. Perks like a $100 annual travel credit and airport lounge access add tangible value but only help offset the $250 annual fee if they’re put to use. Best for: Travellers seeking occasional lounge access and flexible, everyday rewards.
Pros
- Four complimentary Plaza Premium lounge visits annually.
- $50 NEXUS statement credit.
- Comprehensive travel coverage.
Cons
- Limited airport lounge passes.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points:
- New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
- The Card is now available in your choice of Gold or Rose Gold metal options.
- Receive a $50 CAD statement credit when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card.
- You have access to an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your American Express Gold Rewards Card. Use the credit once annually towards any single travel booking of $100 or more charged to your Gold Rewards Card through American Express Travel Online.
- As a Gold Rewards Cardmember, you can receive complimentary membership in Priority PassTM – one of the world’s largest independent airport lounge programs. Escape the chaos of airports and relax in an oasis of calm and simply enjoy the fact that the travel experience has begun before your plane has even left the ground. Enrollment is required and entry fees apply.
- Enjoy four (4) complimentary visits per Calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges across Canada. Entry fees apply once complimentary visits have been used.
- Charge any eligible purchase to your credit Card then log in to redeem your earned points for a statement credit.
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
- 1 Free Additional Gold Rewards Card (a $50 value) to help you earn points faster.
- Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99% and/or 29.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining of monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
- To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Reasons you might want a different card
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is strong, but it is not the right premium travel card for everyone.
Want Aeroplan points with a lower annual fee? Consider the American Express Aeroplan Card. It earns Aeroplan points and comes with some Air Canada benefits, but costs much less per year.
Want premium Aeroplan benefits with broader acceptance? Consider a Visa Infinite Privilege Aeroplan card, such as the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card or CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card. These cards have similarly high annual fees, but Visa is accepted in more places than American Express.
Want flexible premium travel perks instead of Air Canada-specific perks? Consider The Platinum Card from American Express. It has a much higher annual fee, but its credits and lounge benefits may be more useful if you are not loyal to Air Canada.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card facts
BACK TO TOPAmerican Express Aeroplan Reserve Card | |
|---|---|
Card type | |
Fees and interest rates | |
Annual fee | $599. |
Regular/purchase APR | 21.99% |
Penalty APR | 25.99% if you miss two payments within 12 months and 29.99% if you miss three payments within 12 months. |
Cash advance APR | 21.99%. |
Funds advance fee | $0 each. |
Balance transfer APR | N/A. |
Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% of the transaction amount. |
Rewards and benefits | |
Intro offer | Up to 150,000 Points. |
Reward earn rates | Earn 1.25, 2 or 3 Aeroplan points per $1 CAD spent, based on the type of purchase. |
Other perks |
|
Insurance coverage | |
Travel accident | Up to $500,000. |
Travel medical | Up to $5 million per insured person per trip. |
Trip cancellation | Up to $1,500 per insured person per trip. |
Flight delay | Up to $1,000 for necessary accommodations, restaurant expenses and sundries. |
Baggage delay | Up to $1,000 for essential clothing and sundry items. |
Lost or stolen baggage | Up to $1,000 of coverage per trip for all insured persons. |
Hotel burglary | Up to $1,000 of coverage for personal items (excluding cash). |
Rental car theft/damage | For up to 48 days. |
Extended warranty | Up to 1 additional year. |
Purchase Protection | 90 days. |
Methodology
BACK TO TOPFrequently asked questions
Does the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card have lounge access?
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card offers complimentary access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés in North America for the cardmember and one guest, with a same-day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight. The card also comes with a waived Priority Pass membership fee.
What is the annual fee for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card?
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card’s annual fee is $599. Additional cards cost $199 each. Additional no-fee cards are also available. Additional cardmembers must be at least 13 years old.
How do I apply for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card?
You can complete the application for the Aeroplan Reserve card from the American Express website.
What is the welcome bonus for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card?
New American Express Aeroplan Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 150,000 Aeroplan points. The offer includes 70,000 points after spending $7,500 in the first three months, 40,000 points after spending a total of $45,000 in the first 12 months and 40,000 points after making a purchase between months 15 and 17. Offer ends July 28, 2026.
Nerdy Verdict
Best for: Frequent Air Canada travellers who will actually use premium airport perks.
Not ideal for: Occasional flyers, low spenders or travellers who want flexible rewards.
Why we like it: The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card has a steep annual fee, but its Air Canada perks can be genuinely useful if you fly often. Lounge access, free checked bags, priority airport services and a companion pass can add up quickly for the right traveller.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
