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American Express Aeroplan Card Review

American Express® Aeroplan®* Card review

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4.4

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Welcome Offer

Earn up to 40,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points

2x the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada vacations®*

1.5x the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada

1x the points on everything else

$120 Annual Fee Supplementary Cards: $50 each, No Fee Supplementary Cards $0

2.5% Foreign Transaction Fee

Good Recommended Credit Score

$0 Required Annual Personal Income

4.4

American Express® Aeroplan®* Card review

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Quick overview of the Amex Aeroplan credit card

Launched in partnership with the Aeroplan Program, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card is considered to be the ‘core’ card of the three brand new American Express Aeroplan credit cards.  We'll compare all three of these co-branded cards below to help you decide which one is best for you. 

Who's the Amex Aeroplan card for?

If you collect Aeroplan Points and are a frequent flyer with Air Canada®*, then it’s worth considering. Its welcome bonus is worth close to $700 in flights or a one way premium economy flight from St. John's to Vancouver. The earn rate is good when you're spending with Air Canada and gives you a little bonus for dining and food delivery as well, but unfortunately stops there. 

So, for people who fly Aeroplan and love Air Canada, let's get into the details. 

Pros and cons

Pros

Pros

  • Aeroplan Points Accumulation: Earn up to 2 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on purchases.

  • Free Checked Bags: Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights for you and up to nine travel companions.

  • Preferred Pricing on Flight Awards: Access to preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards.

  • Travel Insurance Coverage: Includes six types of robust travel insurance.

  • Fast Track to Elite Status: Ability to reach Aeroplan Elite status more quickly.

  • American Express Experiences: Exclusive access to dining, sports, and entertainment events, plus Front Of The Line for presales and reserved tickets.

  • No Preset Spending Limit: Flexible spending based on credit history and account activity.

Cons

Cons

  • Limited Acceptance: American Express cards may not be as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard.

  • High APR on Unpaid Balances: A steep annual interest rate of 30% for unpaid balances.

  • Limited Lounge Access: No access to Maple Leaf or PriorityPass lounges.

  • Restricted Points Earn Rate: The 2x points earn rate on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations only applies to direct bookings through the airline.

  • Charge Card Expectations: You're expected to pay off the entire balance each month.

  • Specialized Rewards: High-value rewards primarily focused on redeeming for Air Canada flights.

American Express® Aeroplan®* Card welcome bonus

Earn up to 40,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points as a new Cardmember.

    • 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.*

    Earn up to $900 or more in value in your first 13 months of Cardmembership.

    *Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.

How to earn Aeroplan points with the Amex Aeroplan credit card

Earning points is easy with the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card standard earn rates. Cardholders will earn 2x Aeroplan points on eligible Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®* purchases, 1.5x Aeroplan points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada, and 1x Aeroplan point on all other purchases.

Apply for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card

How to redeem Aeroplan points with Amex Aeroplan card

Redeeming your Aeroplan points is fairly straightforward and can be done online at AirCanada.com or via the Air Canada App.

You can redeem your Aeroplan points for a variety of different things including flights, hotels, vacation packages, car rentals, experiences and activities, merchandise, and gift cards. Typically speaking, the best value for your Aeroplan points is to use them towards travel, specifically towards flights.

Under the Aeroplan program, there is no specific zone or route that will give you the best CPM (cost per mile). A number of factors mean this will always vary. Generally speaking, if you can get your CPM to around $0.02 (or higher) then you have found a good deal.

You can also gift your points to a friend, donate them to charity, or hop over to the Aeroplan eStore to buy products and earn more points from stores like Apple, Amazon, Dyson and more. 

Amex Aeroplan credit card key benefits

  • A substantial welcome bonus: Earn up to 40,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points (unfortunately it takes some spending to unlock). 
  • Accelerated earn rate with Aeroplan where you earn 2x Aeroplan points on eligible Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®* purchases.
  • 4th night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points (until December 31st, 2024)

American Express Aeroplan travel insurance coverage

  • Flight delay insurance: Up to $500 (aggregate with baggage delay insurance) for accommodations, restaurants expenses, and sundry items purchases within 48 hours when delayed or denied boarding for 4 hours or more. 
  • Baggage delay insurance: Up to $500 (combined with flight delay insurance)  for items purchased within 4 days of your arrival at your destination or your outbound trip is delayed more than 6 hours. 
  • Hotel burglary insurance: You can receive up to $500 in coverage against the loss of most personal items
  • Car rental theft and damage insurance: Collision damage waiver and loss damage waiver for rental cars up to $85,000 for rentals of 45 days or less. 
  • $500,000 Travel Accident Insurance: In case of accident dealth and dismemberment on a common carrier (plane, train, ship, or bus), you can be covered for up to $500,000
  • Travel Emergency Assistance: Can provide eligible Cardmembers with access to out-of-town worldwide emergency medical assistance services and legal referrals by telephone, 24/7/365
  • Buyer's assurance protection: Extends the manufacturer’s warranty up to one additional year
  • Purchase protection insurance: Up to $1,000 for 90 days from the date of purchase in case of accidental damage and theft.  

Please note there is no trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance or emergency medical insurance.

American Express Aeroplan extra benefits

  • Save on baggage fees: Enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.
  • Reach Aeroplan Elite status faster: Earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card.
  • Access to Amex experiences: Cardholders will get access to special Amex Experiences including music, sports, dining, entertainment and more.
  • Front of the Line: Access to presale and reserved tickets to select events and experiences.

What people have to say about this card

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. 

Amex Aeroplan vs. Amex Cobalt

American Express Cobalt® Card

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4.9

up to 15k pts

Welcome offer

Fair

Suggested credit score

Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.

Apply now

Pros

  • High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)

  • Flexible month-by-month fee structure

  • Free supplementary cards

  • 1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs

Cons

  • Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)

  • Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard

  • Slightly higher than average annual fee

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

Pros

  • High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)

  • Flexible month-by-month fee structure

  • Free supplementary cards

  • 1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs

Cons

  • Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)

  • Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard

  • Slightly higher than average annual fee

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada

5x

the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada

3x

the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada

2x

the points on everything else

1x

additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel

1

Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room

$100 USD

Variable APR

21.99% - 30%

Cash Advance APR

21.99% - 1%

Annual Fee

$155.88

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

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. 

Amex Aeroplan vs TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

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4.2

up to 40K pts

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn up to $1,300 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points† and no Annual Fee for the first year†. Conditions Apply. Account must be approved by January 6, 2025.

Expires

Jan 6, 2025

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Pros

  • The card has a high earn rate for Aeroplan Points, generating 1.5 points† per $1 spent on eligible purchases.

  • Insurance offered includes coverage in the categories that travellers need, and is generally better than its Aeroplan peers at a similar annual fee level.

Cons

  • No airport lounge membership or free lounge access.

  • Aeroplan points can’t be redeemed for flights outside the Star Alliance network, nor can they be redeemed for cash credit. This makes them less flexible than some competing travel rewards programs.

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

Pros

  • The card has a high earn rate for Aeroplan Points, generating 1.5 points† per $1 spent on eligible purchases.

  • Insurance offered includes coverage in the categories that travellers need, and is generally better than its Aeroplan peers at a similar annual fee level.

Cons

  • No airport lounge membership or free lounge access.

  • Aeroplan points can’t be redeemed for flights outside the Star Alliance network, nor can they be redeemed for cash credit. This makes them less flexible than some competing travel rewards programs.

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®)

1.5 points†

Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases

1 point†

Earn points twice with Aeroplan partner brands and on the Aeroplan eStore.

2x

Earn 50% more Aeroplan points at Starbucks when you link your card to your account. Conditions apply.

50%

NEXUS application fee rebate every 48 months†

1

checked bag free for you and up to 8 travel companions†

1st

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$139

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

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. 

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 by January 6, 2025.

This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For Quebec residents, please click here.  

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.

†Terms and conditions apply.

Amex Aeroplan vs. Amex Aeroplan Reserve card

American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card

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5.0

up to 85k pts

Welcome offer

Good

Suggested credit score

Earn up to 85,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points

Apply now

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 eligible 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 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

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

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 eligible 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 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

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*

3X

the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada

2X

the points on everything else

1.25X

Purchase APR

21.99%

Cash Advance APR

21.99%

Annual Fee

$599

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

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. 

American Express Aeroplan rates and fees

  • Annual fee: $120
  • Supplementary Cards: $50 each, No Fee Supplementary Cards $0
  • Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%
  • Annual interest rate: 30% (it's a charge card)

Amex Aeroplan eligibility requirements

  • Must be a Canadian resident
  • Must be the age of majority in your home province
  • Must have a good credit score (650+)
  • There is no income requirement

How to apply

Applying for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card is easy and can be done online in just a few minutes.

  1. 1.

    Visit the Amex Aeroplan card page here and click the ‘Apply Now’ button.

  2. 2.

    A new window will pop up with some product and privacy information. Make sure you read through this then click ‘agree and begin’.

  3. 3.

    You will then be asked to fill out your personal and contact information including name, address, and birthdate. You will need your Social Insurance Number (SIN) so make sure that you have that on hand.

  4. 4.

    Once you have entered all your information, give it a once over and submit it.

  5. 5.

    According to the website, the decision as to whether you will be approved or not will be made within 60 seconds.

Is the Amex Aeroplan worth it?

When it comes to travel credit 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 credit 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.

FAQs

  • Is the Amex Aeroplan Card a credit card or a charge card?

    +

    The Amex Aeroplan card is a charge card.

  • Do My Aeroplan Points Expire?

    +

    No, not as long as you continue to be a cardholder.

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 Freelance Contributor

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.