American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
American Express · American Express
Frequent Air Canada flyers who will use lounge access, priority services and the companion pass.
VaultNerd estimate based on the card's tier and income requirements, not an official issuer cutoff. Approval also depends on income, debt, and credit history.
Our verdict
The premium card of choice for Air Canada regulars: lounge access, priority perks and a 150,000-point offer make the $599 fee easy to rationalize for frequent flyers.
Reward rates
Air Canada & Air Canada Vacations | 3x |
Dining & food delivery | 2x |
Everything else | 1.25x |
VaultNerd values these points at ~2¢ each.
Welcome bonus
Up to 150,000 Aeroplan points (limited-time offer, apply by July 28, 2026); first-year value reflects the 110,000 points earnable in year one
Requirement: Earn 70,000 points after $7,500 in purchases in the first 3 months, 40,000 more after $45,000 total in the first 12 months, plus 40,000 with a purchase in months 15-17
Pros
- Maple Leaf Lounge access plus priority airport treatment for Air Canada loyalists
- Highest Air Canada earn rate (3x) of any Aeroplan card
- Massive limited-time welcome offer worth roughly $2,200 in year one
Cons
- $599 fee plus $199 per additional card
- Companion pass requires $25,000 annual spend
- Lounge benefits are mostly Air Canada/Star Alliance focused
Perks
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Cafe access in North America for you and a guest
- Priority Pass access to 1,200+ lounges worldwide
- Air Canada priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, plus free first checked bag for up to 9 travellers
- Annual Worldwide Companion Pass (base fare from $99) with $25,000 annual spend
- Up to $100 NEXUS credit every 4 years and Toronto Pearson priority security, valet and parking perks
- 13g metal card
Insurance
- Travel emergency medical $5,000,000 (15 days, under age 65)
- Trip cancellation $1,500 and trip interruption $1,500
- Travel accident insurance $500,000
- Flight delay, baggage delay and lost/stolen baggage ($1,000 each)
- Rental car theft and damage (vehicles up to $85,000, 48 days)
- Hotel/motel burglary $1,000
- Purchase protection (90 days) and extended warranty (+1 year)
Frequently asked questions
Is the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card worth it?
It charges a $599 annual fee, and we rate it 4.6 out of 5. It's best suited to frequent Air Canada flyers who will use lounge access, priority services and the companion pass. The welcome bonus is worth roughly $2,200, which covers the first year for many people. Whether it's worth it for you depends on your spending. Run your own numbers through our credit card finder to see the net rewards after the fee.
What does the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card earn?
It earns 3x on air canada & air canada vacations, 2x on dining & food delivery and 1.25x on everything else. We value these points at about 2¢ each, so the top rate works out to roughly 6.0% back.
What credit score do you need for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card?
We'd suggest a score of around 780 or higher, which puts approval in our "hard" band. This is a VaultNerd estimate based on the card's tier and stated requirements. Approval also depends on your income, existing debt and credit history.
Researching and writing about Canadian personal finance since 2026.
Last reviewed June 2026 · How we research
“American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card Review.” VaultNerd, https://www.vaultnerd.com/ca/credit-cards/amex-aeroplan-reserve, updated June 2026.
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