American Express Gold Rewards Card® vs American Express® Aeroplan®* Card: Which one is better?
American Express Gold Rewards Card®
4
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
3.3
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE*
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$597.35
American Express Membership Rewards
Welcome Bonus
$1,260
American Express Membership Rewards
Annual Fee
$250
First Year Value
$1,607.35
$347.35 in years after
Based on $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Rewards Breakdown
Annual Rewards
$506.17
Air Canada Aeroplan
Welcome Bonus
$630
Air Canada Aeroplan
Annual Fee
$120
First Year Value
$1,016.17
$386.17 in years after
Based on $2,000/mo average spending. Calculate your rewards.
Insurance Included*
Flight Delay
$500 after 4 hour delay
Baggage Delay
$500 after 6 hour delay
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$500
Travel Accident
$500,000.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
$85K, up to 48 days
Purchase Protection
90 days, Up to $1K
Extended Warranty
1 year
Emergency Out of province Medical
$5 Million per insured, 15 days
Trip Cancellation
$1500 per person, $3000 combined
Trip Interruption
$1500 per person, $6000 combined
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500
Insurance Included*
Flight Delay
$500 after 4 hour delayBaggage Delay
$500 after 6 hour delayHotel Burglary Insurance
$500Travel Accident
$500,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
$85K, up to 48 daysPurchase Protection
90 days, Up to $1KExtended Warranty
1 year
Extra Benefits*
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Status lift
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty program
American Express Experiences
Extra points
Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers.svg)
Travel Credit
$100
Nexus Application
$50 statement credit every 4 years
Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
Pass only. No Complimentary visits!Airport Lounge - Plaza Premium
4 Free complimentary visits
Complimentary Hotel Benefits
Hotels booked American Express Travel
Extra Benefits*
Status lift
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® loyalty programAmerican Express Experiences
Extra points
Earn 2 points on Amex Travel Online purchases and extra points on American Express offers
Free first checked bag
You and up to 8 companions every time you fly with Air Canada
Free Extra Night at Hotels
Receive an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points
Interest Rates*
Purchase:
21.99%1
Cash Advance:
21.99%1
Interest Rates*
Purchase:
30% Annual2
Cash Advance:
30% Annual2
Annual Fee*
$250
Annual Fee*
$120
Income Required*
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Income Required*
Min Personal Income:
N/A
Min Household Income:
N/A
Welcome Bonus*
Earn 5,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in purchases on your Card in the first Year
Welcome Bonus*
Earn 30,000 Aeroplan points after spending $3,000 on your Card within the first 3 months. Additional 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 in month 13.
Rewards Rate*
- 2x points per $1 spent on gas, groceries and drugstore purchases
- 2x points per $1 spent on travel (eligible flights, hotels, tours and more)
- 1x point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
Rewards Rate*
- 2 points on Aircanada and AirCanada Vacations
- 1.5 points on Dining
- 1 Point on everything else
Loyalty Program*
Loyalty Program*
Point Redemption Options*
Most Optimal
Transfer to Airline Partners
2.1¢ / point
Gift Cards
0.765¢ / pointFixed Point Travel Program
1.66¢ / pointTransfer to Hotel Partners
1.66¢ / point
Statement Credits
1¢ / point
Amazon.ca
0.7¢ / point
Merchandise
0.63¢ / point
Point Redemption Options*
Most Optimal
Transfer to Airline Partners
2.1¢ / pointGift Cards
0.765¢ / pointTravel
0.825¢ / point
Is this card worth it?
The American Express® Gold Rewards Card is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an entry-level card that offers a strong balance of generous travel benefits without excessive costs. With a relatively low annual fee, this card provides flexibility and a range of perks that make it stand out among other options. It’s ideal for those who want to maximize their travel rewards without being tied to a specific airline or compromising on the benefits offered.
Is this card worth it?
This card comes with the free checked bag benefit, which can save hundreds on a single trip for you and your family, more than making up for the annual fee of the card. In addition, the card helps you reach the next Aeroplan Status faster with spending on the card. However, if you don't have a specific use for these two benefits, there are many better cards in terms of benefits and rewards.
Pros
- Flexible Rewards: Enjoy flexible Membership Rewards point conversion with up to 2 points per $1 spent.
- Travel Perks: Includes $100 annual travel credit and 4 free passes to Plaza Premium lounges in Canada.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Comes with 11 types of insurance coverage.
- Multiple Redemption Options: Offers 4 ways to redeem points for maximum value.
Pros
- Free checked bag benefit: Every checked bag might cost you $60 - $100 per person on a round trip. The amount you can save in a year if you travel a few times or travel with a few companions can easily be much higher than the annual fee of the card.If you are interested in a higher Aeroplan Status, the card helps you get there faster.
Cons
- High Annual Fee: The card comes with a $250 annual fee.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: A 2.5% fee applies to foreign transactions.
- Limited Travel Insurance for Seniors: No travel medical insurance coverage for those over 65.
- Lower Acceptance: As an American Express card, it may have lower acceptance compared to Visa or Mastercard.
Cons
- The main reward category is only for Air Canada purchases. Unless you are a frequent Air Canada traveler, this reward category is not useful to most people.
- The only other rewards category offered is for food, and it doesn't offer that high of a reward rate either.
- In terms of insurance benefits, the types and coverage amounts provided are lower compared to other cards with a similar annual fee.
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Other Comparisons
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