American Express Aeroplan Review: Is It Worth It?
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Card is a charge card that allows cardmembers to earn Aeroplan points with each purchase. It offers extensive insurance coverage and flexibility when redeeming Aeroplan points.
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Points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*.
Points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on everything else.
The American Express Aeroplan Card can help you rack up points at an impressive clip, especially if you make regular use of food delivery apps. No pre-set spending limit means freedom and flexibility — just remember to pay down that balance every month.
Pros
- Relatively low annual fee.
- Plenty of opportunities to score double points.
Cons
- As a charge card, unpaid balances are subject to a 30% annual interest rate.
- Perks may not be enough to scratch the “premium” itch for those used to other luxury cards.
- New American Express® Aeroplan®* Cardmembers can earn up to 45,000 Aeroplan points:
- Earn 35,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 6 months.
- Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in month 13
- You could earn up to $1,550 in value within your first 13 months. When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $900 in value, your earn potential in accelerated and everyday spend earn rate categories with approximately $515 in value, and the $140 in value you get from exceptional benefits, you can earn up to $1,550 or more in value within your first 13 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 2X the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada vacations®*.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 1.5X the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 1X the points on everything else.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.
- Get 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $20,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card, up to 25,000 SQC
- As an American Express Aeroplan Cardmember, you can often book flight rewards for even fewer points with preferred pricing.
- Amex Experiences™: From music and movies, to specially curated dining and online shopping opportunities, stay connected with all that we have to offer from the comfort of your own home
- Enjoy an array of travel related insurance benefits such as Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance and up to $500,000 in Travel Accident Insurance.
- 24/7 Customer Service and Emergency Card Replacement.
- As part of our commitment to sustainability, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card has been made with 70% reclaimed plastic
- No pre-set spending limit on purchases gives you flexibility. Using a charge card is a great way to manage your finances as the balance must be paid in full each month.*
- 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.
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card full review
The Amex Aeroplan Card earns Air Canada’s Aeroplan points that can be redeemed for a variety of items, including flights, hotel stays, car rentals and merchandise. As it’s a charge card, the balance must be paid off in full each month or it will be subject to a high interest rate — in this case, 30%.
Because its higher earn rates are attached to dining and Air Canada purchases, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card is most valuable for people who book their flights and vacations directly with Air Canada and frequently eat out and order in.
Robust travel insurance coverage, such as lost or stolen baggage insurance and travel accident insurance.
Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights. In addition to the primary cardholder, up to eight travelling companions on the same reservation can check their first bag free of charge.
Exclusive dining, sports and entertainment events through Amex Experiences™. Plus, American Express Front Of The Line helps cardmembers score presale and reserved tickets for concerts or the next big game.
No preset spending limit. Purchase approval is based on factors like credit history and account activity.
American Express may not be as readily accepted by retailers as Visa and Mastercard.
As with all charge cards, you’re expected to pay off the entire balance each month. The annual interest rate on unpaid balances is a rather steep 30%.
No access to airport lounges. Other American Express cards, like the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card, offer lounge access but charge a higher annual fee.
Is the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card worth it?
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Card might be a good choice if you’re looking for a rewards card that can help reduce the cost of your next adventure, especially if you’re a frequent Air Canada flyer. While baggage fees vary based on your Aeroplan status and fare class, it typically costs between $32 and $42 to check your first bag on economy flights within Canada. That means this card could help you save more than its $120 annual fee after just three flights.
But it is a charge card, which means you’re expected to pay off your entire balance every month. If you don’t, you’ll pay a steep 30% APR on your balance. If you’re not sure you’ll be able to pay off your bill every month, keep looking.
American Express Canada now lets you check your eligibility for a personal card before you apply. You’ll get an instant decision through a soft credit check, with no impact to your credit score — a smart, easy way to apply with confidence.
American Express customer ratings
Ranked above average in customer satisfaction: American Express ranks first out of 14 issuers in J.D. Power’s 2025 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study.
Low Trustpilot rating: 1.4 out of 5 possible stars based on over 4,800 customer reviews, as of this writing.
Low Better Business Bureau customer rating: 1.1 out of 5 possible stars based on over 550 customer reviews, as of this writing.
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card eligibility
Who qualifies for the Amex Aeroplan Card?
To apply for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card, you must:
Be a Canadian resident and have a Canadian credit file.
Be the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Income requirements may apply.
Approximate credit score needed for approval
Canadian credit card issuers rarely disclose required credit scores, which makes it hard to know your chances of approval when comparing credit cards. What we do know is that higher scores have better chances of approval — that’s true no matter what type of credit you’re applying for.
Want to learn more? Our guide can help you figure out what credit score is typically needed for a credit card.
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card rewards
If you’re approved for the Amex Aeroplan Card, you can earn up to 45,000 Aeroplan points.
Earn 35,000 points when you spend at least $7,500 on the card in the first six months.
Earn an additional 10,000 points when you spend at least $1,000 in month 13 of cardmembership.
2x Aeroplan points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations.
1.5x Aeroplan points on eligible dining and food delivery purchases.
1x Aeroplan points on all other eligible purchases.
You could get up to $1,550 in value (per American Express) with the American Express Aeroplan Card in your first 13 months by maximizing the welcome bonus, perks, and earn rates. Here’s how Amex arrives at that figure:
Up to $900 in value from the welcome bonus offer of up to 45,000 Aeroplan points, assuming a redemption value of 2¢ per point (based on American Express data from Cardmember redemptions between January 2021 and September 2024).
Approximately $515 in value from accelerated and everyday earn rate categories.
Around $140 in potential value through card benefits.
That totals over $1,550 in potential value, according to Amex. This estimate does not include the card’s annual fee, and assumes you meet the offer’s terms and usage conditions.
By comparison, using NerdWallet’s more conservative Aeroplan point valuation of 1.6¢ per point, the 45,000-point welcome bonus works out to about $720 — still more than enough to outweigh the annual fee.
Aeroplan point value breakdown
NerdWallet searched more than 50 flights in 2024 to determine the average value for Air Canada flights. Based on our analysis, the average value of 1 Aeroplan point is worth 1.60 cents, depending on the redemption method.
More specifically, you can expect to get around:
1.29 cents in value per Aeroplan point for economy class awards on Air Canada.
1.80 cents in value per Aeroplan point for business class awards on Air Canada flights.
Based on this data, if the value of your redemption is worth at least 1.29 cents per point, then you should book your flight on points. If the value you’re getting falls below this threshold, you’re better off paying cash and saving your points.
Rewards calculator: See how many points you can earn
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card vs. TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Both of these cards earn Aeroplan points, but eligibility criteria and earn rates vary. Also one is a charge card, while the other is a credit card.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada Vacations®*.
Points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on everything else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThe American Express Aeroplan Card can help you rack up points at an impressive clip, especially if you make regular use of food delivery apps. No pre-set spending limit means freedom and flexibility — just remember to pay down that balance every month.
Pros
- Relatively low annual fee.
- Plenty of opportunities to score double points.
Cons
- As a charge card, unpaid balances are subject to a 30% annual interest rate.
- Perks may not be enough to scratch the “premium” itch for those used to other luxury cards.
Card details
Card details- New American Express® Aeroplan®* Cardmembers can earn up to 45,000 Aeroplan points:
- Earn 35,000 Aeroplan points after spending $7,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 6 months.
- Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in month 13
- You could earn up to $1,550 in value within your first 13 months. When you combine the Welcome Bonus offer of up to $900 in value, your earn potential in accelerated and everyday spend earn rate categories with approximately $515 in value, and the $140 in value you get from exceptional benefits, you can earn up to $1,550 or more in value within your first 13 months. Terms and usage assumptions apply.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 2X the points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada®* and Air Canada vacations®*.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 1.5X the points on eligible Dining and Food Delivery purchases in Canada.
- Standard Earn Rate: Earn 1X the points on everything else.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.
- Get 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $20,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card, up to 25,000 SQC
- As an American Express Aeroplan Cardmember, you can often book flight rewards for even fewer points with preferred pricing.
- Amex Experiences™: From music and movies, to specially curated dining and online shopping opportunities, stay connected with all that we have to offer from the comfort of your own home
- Enjoy an array of travel related insurance benefits such as Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance and up to $500,000 in Travel Accident Insurance.
- 24/7 Customer Service and Emergency Card Replacement.
- As part of our commitment to sustainability, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card has been made with 70% reclaimed plastic
- No pre-set spending limit on purchases gives you flexibility. Using a charge card is a great way to manage your finances as the balance must be paid in full each month.*
- 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.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 spent on eligible gas and electric vehicle charging purchases.
Points for every $1 spent on eligible grocery purchases.
Points for every $1 spent on eligible direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®) made with your card.
Point for every $1 spent on all other Purchases made with your Card.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeWith a full suite of travel insurances, free checked bags for up to 8 companions, family point sharing, rental car perks and no blackouts or restrictions on travel bookings, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card checks a lot of boxes. However, the $139 annual fee may be too steep for some users, and anyone looking for airport lounge access won’t find it here. Best for: Families who fly Air Canada and spend big on everyday purchases.
Pros
- Rental car discounts.
- Free checked bags.
- NEXUS rebates.
Cons
- Low max earn rate (1.5x points).
- Slightly higher than average $139 annual fee for a travel card.
Card details
Card details- Up to $1,450 in value† including up to 45,000 Aeroplan points† could be yours and receive an annual fee rebate for the first year†. Conditions Apply. Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card†. Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of Account opening†. Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening†.
- 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 while this offer is in effect.
- Offer may be changed, withdrawn or extended at any time and cannot be combined with any other offer unless otherwise indicated.
- Earn 1.5 points† for every $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, grocery and direct through Air Canada® purchases (including Air Canada Vacations®) made with your card.
- Earn 1 point† for every $1 spent on all other Purchases made with your Card.
- Earn points twice when you pay with your Card and provide your Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 200+ online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore (www.aeroplan.com/estore).
- Interest Rates: 21.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances.
- Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn more Starbucks Stars at participating Starbucks stores. Conditions apply.
- Your Aeroplan Points do not expire as long as you are a TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Cardholder in good standing.
- Travel lightly through the airport and save on baggage fees†: Primary Cardholders, Additional Cardholders, and travel companions (up to eight) travelling on the same reservation will all enjoy their first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lbs) when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight.
- Travel Medical Insurance†: Up to $2 million of coverage for the first 21 days. If you or your spouse is aged 65 or older, you are covered for the first 4 days of your trip. Additional top-up coverage is available.
- To be eligible, a $60,000 annual personal income or $100,000 household annual income is required. You must also be a Canadian resident and be the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
- †Terms and conditions apply.
- This offer is not available for residents of Quebec.
- 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.
Reasons you might want a different card
Some travellers may want a no-fee credit card like the American Express® Green Card, or a card with more perks than the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card provides, such as airport lounge access. Others may not be comfortable using a charge card that requires them to pay their full balance every month.
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card facts
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card | |
|---|---|
Card type | |
Fees and interest rates | |
Annual fee | $120 |
Dishonoured payment | $15 ($0 for Quebec residents). |
Funds advance fee | Either 3% of the amount of each advance or $0.75, whichever is greater. |
Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% of each transaction. |
Rewards and benefits | |
Intro offer | Up to 45,000 points. |
Reward earn rates |
|
Other perks |
|
Insurance coverage | |
Travel accident | Up to $500,000. |
Flight and baggage delay | Up to $500 for necessary accommodations, restaurant expenses and sundries. |
Lost or stolen baggage | Up to $500 of coverage per trip for all insured persons. |
Hotel burglary | Up to $500 of coverage for personal items (excluding cash). |
Extended warranty | Up to one additional year. |
Rental car theft/damage | Up to 48 days. |
Purchase protection | 90 days. |
Methodology
BACK TO TOPFrequently asked questions
Does American Express have an Aeroplan Card?
In Canada, American Express offers three different Aeroplan cards: the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card and the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card.
How much is the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card?
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Card’s annual fee is $120. Additional cards cost $50 each. No-fee additional cards are available.
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