American Express Aeroplan Card
American Express
Occasional Air Canada flyers who want free checked bags and Aeroplan earning at a modest fee.
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
A practical entry-level Aeroplan card whose free-first-bag perk and preferred award pricing easily justify the $120 fee for anyone who flies Air Canada a few times a year.
Reward rates
Air Canada & Air Canada Vacations | 2x |
Dining & food delivery | 1.5x |
Everything else | 1x |
VaultNerd values these points at ~2¢ each.
Welcome bonus
Up to 45,000 Aeroplan points (35,000 in year one plus 10,000 in month 13); first-year value reflects the 35,000 points
Requirement: Spend $7,500 in purchases in the first 6 months (35,000 pts), plus $1,000 in month 13 (10,000 pts)
Pros
- Free checked bags can pay for the card in one family trip
- Earns Aeroplan points directly with Elite status accelerators
Cons
- No travel emergency medical insurance
- Charge card: balance must be paid in full each month
- Modest base earn of 1x
Perks
- First checked bag free on Air Canada for up to 9 people on the same reservation
- Preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards
- 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits per $20,000 spent (up to 25,000 SQC)
- No pre-set spending limit (charge card)
- Amex Experiences event access
Insurance
- Travel accident insurance $500,000
- Flight delay, baggage delay and lost/stolen baggage ($500 each)
- Rental car theft and damage (vehicles up to $85,000, 48 days)
- Hotel/motel burglary $500
- Purchase protection (90 days) and extended warranty (+1 year)
Researching and writing about Canadian credit cards and rewards since 2026.
“American Express Aeroplan Card Review — VaultNerd” — VaultNerd, https://www.vaultnerd.com/credit-cards/amex-aeroplan, updated June 2026.
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