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American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card Review
With the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, even though you're paying more for a premium card, you’re investing in tons of comprehensive coverage and perks all whilst collecting Aeroplan points for your next trip.
Mar 6, 2026 11:00 PM
Written By
Credit Card Expert
Edited By
Credit Card Expert
Reviewed By
Lead Writer
The Bottom Line
If you can front the costly annual fee, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is an excellent option for high spenders who plan to optimize categories like Air Canada purchases and dining, plus travellers who crave luxury and pampering.
Skip to: Detailed Review
Our choice for: Best premium card for Air Canada frequent travellers
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Welcome Bonus
Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan® points
Annual Fee
$599
Interest Rates
21.99%* / 21.99%*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
300Poor
693Fair
743⁎Good
790⁎Very Good
833⁎Excellent
Rewards
- 3x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada® and Air Canada Vacations® purchases
- 2x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on eligible dining & food delivery purchases
- 1.25x Aeroplan® points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance
15 days
Trip Cancellation
$1,500/person, $3,000/trip
Trip Interruption
$1,500/person, $6,000/trip
Flight Delay
$1,000/person after 4 hoursBaggage Delay
$1,000/person after 6 hours
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
48 days
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000
Purchase Protection
90 days
Extended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
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Free first checked bag
First checked bag is free for primary cardholder on Air Canada branded flight and up to 8 guests
Nexus Program Rebate
$100 every 4 years
Amex Experiences™
Amex Experiences™ opens doors for you to access a number of special events, including special dining experiences, VIP parties, advance film screenings and more
Extra points
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.svg)
Status lift
Complimentary upgrade to Avis® President's ClubStatus lift
Get a 10% Head Start. Starting in 2027, eligible Basic Cardmembers with Aeroplan EliteTM* 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 travelsStatus lift
Primary Cardholders who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will benefit from an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, for a total of 24 months from issuance.
Priority Travel
At Toronto Pearson airport get benefits such as Priority Security lane, Complimentary valet, premium parking spots, priorioty taxi and limo lane and discount for parking and car care.Priority Travel
Get Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling, Priority Airport Standby & Priority Airport Upgrades for you, your authorized users and up to 8 companions on the same flight (Only AirCanada)
Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
Pass only. No Complimentary visits!Airport Lounge - Maple Leaf and AirCanada Cafes
Unlimited Access for you and one guest
Companion Voucher
Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from $99 to a max of $599 After spending $25,000 on your card
Free Extra Night at Hotels
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
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
**Terms and conditions apply.
If you have 2 separate missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate missed payments, the applicable rates will be 29.99%.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. 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. Check here for full details and current product information.
Welcome Bonus Details
- New American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points
- 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.
Card Details
Interest Rates
Purchase APR
21.99%*
Cash Advance APR
21.99%*
* If you have 2 separate missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99%. If you have 3 or more separate missed payments, the applicable rates will be 29.99%.
Fees
Annual Fee
$599
Additional Cards
$199
Eligibility
Minimum Individual Income
N/A
Minimum Household Income
N/A
Credit Score Estimate
Good
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Generous rewards rate
- Free checked bags
- Preferred flight pricing
- Unlimited airport lounge access
- Extensive coverage
Cons
- Limited acceptance
- Limited loyalty rewards
- High annual fee
- Limited lounge brand access
Our Detailed Review
How You Earn Rewards with the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
First, let’s start with the rewards.
Here’s what you can expect from the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card each time you make a qualifying purchase:
- 3x Aeroplan points per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases
- 2x Aeroplan points per $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery purchases
- 1.25x Aeroplan points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Based on this list, if you’re constantly flying and vacationing with Air Canada, you can earn the most Aeroplan points towards your next getaway. This card is also beneficial for those who tend to dine out more often, or even those who prefer to order food and dine in. If either scenario is the case for you, then you can literally eat your way towards a discounted trip.
Redeeming your Rewards with the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Now that you know where your points are coming from, it’s time to go over where you can spend them.
Here are the top redemption categories for your Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card, ranked from most valuable to least valuable:
- Transfers to Airline Partners: when you transfer your points to partnered airlines to purchase plane tickets.
- Travel: referring to when you book travel through eligible booking platforms, redeeming your points towards eligible flights or vacation packages.
- Gift Cards: for when you turn your points into eligible gift cards.
Ultimately, your points are the most valuable when you redeem them towards trips, making this card an all-around travel-oriented credit card. Catch yourself in an endless cycle of earning points on travel purchases, only to turn around and redeem those same points towards travel yet again.
How to Apply for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
After exploring all of your options, if you’re still convinced that the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is the best Aeroplan-optimized credit card for you, here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can apply to get one of your own:
- Navigate to the American Express Canadian website.
- Apply the “Travel” filter to the list of cards on the home screen, scroll down until you see the American Express Aeroplan Reserve card and select it.
- Review all the information about the card directly from the source.
- Once you have a solid understanding of what’s being offered, hit the “Apply Now” button.
- The first step of the application process is to go over the product information, requirements, and privacy policies. After you’ve read these through, press “Agree & Continue.”
- This is where you’ll need to provide some personal information, including your name, email address, and date of birth.
- Afterwards, you’ll be asked to include some employment and income details.
- Next, you need to confirm your information and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Finally, you may submit your application.
To quickly access the application process, you can also click the “Apply Now” button featured below the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card featured on the top of this page.
Compare to Similar Cards
As promised, we’re going to compare the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card to other Aeroplan-optimizing credit cards on the Canadian market.
Here’s an overview of the comparisons we’re about to make:
| American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card | TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card | TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card | American Express Cobalt® Card | American Express Gold Rewards Card® | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Bonus | Earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan® points | Up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours. Conditions Apply. | Up to $1,450 in value† including up to 45,000 Aeroplan points† | Up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points | Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points |
Earn Rates |
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance Included | 11 types
| 13 types
| 13 types
| 10 types
| 11 types
|
Benefits | 13 benefits
| 20 benefits
| 10 benefits
| 2 benefits
| 8 benefits
|
Annual Fee | $599 | $599 | $139 (First Year Rebated) | $191.88 | $250 |
Income Requirements | N/A | $150,000 personal or $200,000 household | $60,000 personal or $100,000 household | N/A | N/A |
Apply Now | APPLY NOW | APPLY NOW | APPLY NOW | APPLY NOW | APPLY NOW |
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American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card vs TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, one of the best perks credit cards in Canada, earns slightly fewer points per dollar spent on Air Canada purchases, plus decent points per dollar spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel, and transit, but not as many points on dining. Cardholders can also double their points when they purchase from partner brands and retailers. The coverage on this card is also more valuable and extensive than the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, as are the perks, adding benefits like Dragon Pass airport lounge access, car rental discounts, and trip and legal assistance to the mix. Both the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card and the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card have the same annual fee, but the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, unfortunately, has high annual income requirements as well.
Verdict: The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card has better perks, coverage, and more reward opportunities, but it less accessible with its hefty income requirements.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card vs TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is the more affordable option, though it may be slightly harder to qualify for due to minimum income requirements. It also offers bonus categories for gas and groceries, plus useful insurance features like mobile device coverage and emergency medical coverage for travellers over 65. However, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card stands out with much stronger earning rates on Air Canada purchases and a broader set of premium travel perks such as a companion voucher, airport lounge access, and priority travel benefits. Both cards share core Aeroplan perks like a free first checked bag, Elite Status boosts, extra point opportunities, and a NEXUS rebate, but the Amex card delivers more overall value for frequent travellers.
Verdict: The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is the better choice overall thanks to its higher earning potential and more premium travel benefits, while the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card is a solid lower-cost alternative.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card vs American Express Cobalt Card
The American Express Cobalt Card offers exceptional value with a lower annual fee and strong rewards on everyday spending, including eats and drinks (like groceries and food delivery), streaming services, and gas and transit. While it doesn’t directly earn Aeroplan points, its Membership Rewards can be transferred to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio, making it a flexible way to accumulate Aeroplan points across more spending categories. In contrast, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card focuses more on travel benefits, offering stronger coverage, including trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, and additional premium perks, though it earns Aeroplan points primarily through Air Canada purchases and dining and comes with a higher annual fee.
Verdict: Choose the Amex Cobalt Card for better everyday earning potential and flexible Aeroplan transfers, or the Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card if you value premium travel benefits and stronger insurance coverage.
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card vs American Express Gold Rewards Card
The American Express Gold Rewards Card is a more affordable alternative to the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. The Gold card earns strong rewards on everyday categories like gas, groceries, and drugstore purchases, plus travel purchases, and its Membership Rewards points transfer to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. While both cards offer similar insurance categories, the Aeroplan Reserve generally provides stronger coverage. In terms of perks, both include status lifts, extra points opportunities, a NEXUS rebate (higher with the Reserve), and Priority Pass memberships, but the Reserve adds premium benefits such as a companion voucher, free first checked bag, priority travel perks, and unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés. The Gold card still offers solid value with hotel benefits, a travel credit, and four Plaza Premium lounge visits.
Verdict: Choose the Amex Gold Rewards Card if you want a lower annual fee and strong everyday earning that transfers to Aeroplan. The Aeroplan Reserve Card is better for frequent Air Canada travellers and higher spenders who will benefit from its richer perks and coverage.
Benefits and Perks
8 Benefits of the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Moving on from rewards, in this section, we’re going to break down the benefits of the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.
Here are some of the top perks available:
New American Express Aeroplan Reserve ardmembers can earn a substantial amount of bonus Aeroplan points. They add up to thousands of dollars in value when you combine your bonus points and card benefits!
It can be tough stuffing everything you need into a carry-on all the time, but nobody likes those extra costs on checked baggage. Luckily, with the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, you can get your first checked bag free on Air Canada flights for yourself and up to 8 accompanying guests.
Every 4 years, American Express Reserve Cardholders are eligible to receive up to $100 in statement credits for any NEXUS program application or renewal fees charged to their card. The four year period lasts from the initial card anniversary to the day before the fourth card anniversary date.
Earn a couple of valuable titles with the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, granting you access to some exclusive perks.
Here are the types of status lifts you can expect:
Aeroplan Elite Status
Claim your Aeroplan Elite Status quickly by collecting 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and a Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 of net purchases. Your Aeroplan Elite Status is what gets you access to perks like complimentary checked baggage allowance, Maple Leaf lounge access, eUpgrades, priority services, and priority awards.
Primary Cardholders who also have Aeroplan Elite Status can roll over up to 200,000 unused Status Qualifying Miles to help them qualify for Aeroplan status the next year.
Also available to Primary Cardholders with Aeroplan Elite Status, earn an extra 12 months to use eUpgrade credits, giving you a full 24 months of eligibility.
Avis President’s Club
Aeroplan and Avis have partnered together to offer a complimentary upgrade to the Avis President’s Club as long as you enroll for the status. This status offers free car rental upgrades and expedited services to qualifying cardholders.
If your departure flight takes off from Toronto Pearson airport, then the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card earns you Priority Travel Perks like Priority Security lane, complimentary valet, premium parking, priority taxi and limo loans, plus a discount on parking and car care.
If that wasn’t enough, this card also grants you the following:
- Priority Check-in
- Priority Boarding
- Priority Baggage Handling
- Priority Airport Standby
- Priority Airport Upgrades for yourself, your authorized users, and up to 8 travel companions on the same Air Canada flight
If you’re looking to relax before takeoff, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card also has you covered with airport lounge passes and access.
Here’s a quick look into these perks:
Airport Lounge Priority Pass
The Priority Pass offers you membership into a network of over 1,600 airport lounges and experiences across the globe. Here, you’ll be pampered with premium amenities to make your airport stay tranquil rather than stressful. With this card in particular, you’ll only receive the pass, which means you’ll still need to pay for entry each visit.
Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes
Basic Cardmembers and eligible Supplementary Cardmembers will receive complimentary access to any Air Canada Cafe and Maple Leaf Lounge located in both Canada and the United States – including international terminals. Cardmembers are allowed 1 complimentary guest to accompany them at participating lounges and cafes.
When you spend $25,000 in net purchases before hitting your card anniversary date, you’re entitled to one Annual Worldwide Companion Pass. This pass allows you to purchase an accompanying Air Canada economy ticket for a travel companion. The ticket must have a base fare of at least $99 to up to $599.
For a limited time, with the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, get an additional free night’s stay for every 3 hotel nights redeemed using Aeroplan points.
Drawbacks and Considerations
3 Downsides of the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
The same way we highlighted the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card’s benefits, we also need to note the card’s drawbacks.
Here’s where you might run into a few shortcomings:
It’s no secret that the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card’s annual fee is quite steep, making it less affordable for some applicants. That said, if you plan to meet the card’s minimum spending requirements, and to take advantage of all the perks on offer, then you should be able to offset the annual cost
If you were hoping to earn extra points on more popular everyday spending categories like groceries and gas, there are other competing Aeroplan point cards that meet this expectation.
With the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, you get the most rewards through dining purchases (which is helpful since restaurant bills are expensive), plus Air Canada travel. If this simply doesn’t cover your high-spend categories, you might find a better contender later on when we compare the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card to other competing credit cards.
At this point, you might have heard about American Express having a low acceptance rate compared to other networks like Mastercard or Visa. This is important to note especially if you’re a traveller, because some places, particularly in Europe, are less likely to accept an Amex card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Without any annual income requirements, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card should be fairly easy to apply for as long as you’re responsible with your credit and able to afford the annual fee.
Like most credit cards, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card comes with a 2.5% foreign transaction fee when you make international purchases on your card.
As of now, the exact annual fee for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card sits at $599 per year.
Always check the official American Express Canadian website for updates.
About the author
Kevin Shahnazari
Credit Card Expert
Kevin started FinlyWealth and juggles a bit of everything—digging into data, running our marketing, and keeping the finances on track. Before this, he spent years as a data scientist at tech companies...
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Abid Salahi
Credit Card Expert
Abid leads the design and engineering of the FinlyWealth website, making sure everything runs smoothly and looks great. He’s a seasoned software engineer who follows best practices and designs interfa...
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Sara Skodak
Lead Writer
Since graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Sara has built a diverse writing portfolio, covering topics in the travel, business, and wellness sectors. As a self-started freelance content ...
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