Daniela Hanna
The American Express® Aeroplan® Reserve Card is a premium Aeroplan co-brand built for frequent Air Canada flyers. Expect a big welcome bonus, Maple Leaf Lounge™ access on eligible itineraries, priority airport services, and elevated earn on Air Canada purchases.
Quick highlights
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: Up to 85,000 Aeroplan® points — 60,000 after $7,500 spend in first 3 months + 25,000 after $2,500 in month 13.
- ✈️ Maple Leaf Lounge™ & Air Canada Café access (Canada & U.S.) for you + 1 guest when flying eligible Air Canada/Star Alliance itineraries.
- 🛄 Free first checked bag for you and up to 8 companions on the same Air Canada reservation.
- 🌍 Annual Worldwide Companion Pass after $25,000 in net purchases.
- 💼 Priority airport services: priority check-in, Zone 2 boarding & priority baggage handling on Air Canada flights.
Why we like the American Express® Aeroplan® Reserve Card
This card elevates every Air Canada trip. The welcome offer is rich, day-of-travel perks are meaningful, and the earn rates are strongest where frequent flyers spend the most.
Stand-out features
- ✅ Up to 85,000 bonus Aeroplan® points (two-part milestone offer).
- ✅ Maple Leaf Lounge™ access when flying eligible itineraries (cardmember + 1 guest).
- ✅ Free first checked bag for you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation.
- ✅ Annual Worldwide Companion Pass after $25,000 in purchases.
Good to know
- ⚠️ Priority Pass membership is included, but visits are fee-based.
- ⚠️ Foreign transaction fee is 2.5% on non-CAD purchases.
- ⚠️ The $599 fee is best justified by regular Air Canada travel and strategic redemptions.
Pros
- Large welcome bonus potential up to 85,000 points.
- Top day-of-travel perks: lounge access, priority services, free checked bag.
- High earn on Air Canada and strong earn on dining.
- Robust travel insurance package.
Cons
- High annual fee ($599) if you travel infrequently.
- 2.5% foreign transaction fee.
- Priority Pass visits require additional fees.
Rewards program
- ✈️ 3x Aeroplan® points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada® and Air Canada Vacations®.
- 🍽️ 2x points on dining & food delivery in Canada.
- 💳 1.25x points on all other eligible purchases.
How to maximize rewards
- Time major travel purchases in the first 3 months to unlock the 60k portion of the bonus.
- Plan for month-13 spend if the extra 25k points fits your travel goals.
- Book Air Canada directly to earn 3x and align with insurance eligibility.
- Use points for premium-cabin redemptions where value per point is highest.
- Leverage the Companion Pass on long-haul routes to maximize savings.
Insurance & benefits
Included
- 🧳 Out-of-province/country emergency medical (eligibility & limits apply).
- 🛫 Trip Cancellation & Interruption.
- 🕒 Flight Delay & Baggage Delay; Lost/Stolen Baggage.
- 🚗 Car Rental Theft & Damage Insurance (conditions apply).
- 🛍️ Purchase Protection & Extended Warranty.
Not included
- ❌ Complimentary Priority Pass visits (membership only).
- ❌ No waiver on 2.5% foreign transaction fees.
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $599 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 21.99% |
| Cash advance APR | 21.99% |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
| Grace period | 21 days on new purchases |
Best for
- 🧳 Frequent Air Canada flyers who value airport perks.
- 🎁 Travellers able to meet the welcome-bonus milestones.
- ✈️ Aeroplan collectors aiming for premium-cabin awards.
Where it falls short
- The $599 fee can outweigh value for light travellers.
- 2.5% fee on non-CAD purchases.
- Priority Pass visits are not complimentary.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“Lounge access + priority services changed my AC travel days — totally worth it.”
“Hit both bonus tiers and booked a business class redemption — huge value.”
Critiques
“Priority Pass isn’t free to use — I rely on Maple Leaf Lounges instead.”
“Great card if you fly often; otherwise the fee feels steep.”
Community insights
Widely regarded as the top Aeroplan-centric premium card for people who fly Air Canada regularly. Many pair it with a no-forex-fee backup card for overseas purchases.
AI review (straight talk)
If Air Canada is your default airline, this card delivers elite-feeling perks, accelerated earn, and a sizeable welcome bonus. Casual travellers may prefer a lower-fee Aeroplan option.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Categories | Other Purchases | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Aeroplan® Reserve | $599 | 3x Air Canada; 2x dining | 1.25x | Lounge, companion pass, priority perks | Frequent flyers |
| Amex Aeroplan® Card | $120 | 2x Air Canada | 1.5x | Free first checked bag | Starter Aeroplan |
| TD Aeroplan VIP* | $599 | Up to 2x Air Canada | 1.25x | VIP travel benefits | Premium travellers |
| CIBC Aeroplan VIP* | $599 | Up to 2x Air Canada | 1.25x | Priority airport benefits | Elite Aeroplan members |
FAQ
What is the welcome bonus?
Up to 85,000 Aeroplan® points — 60,000 after $7,500 in the first 3 months + 25,000 after $2,500 in month 13.
What are the earn rates?
3x on eligible Air Canada & Air Canada Vacations purchases; 2x on dining & food delivery in Canada; 1.25x on all other eligible purchases.
Does the card include lounge access?
Yes — Maple Leaf Lounge™ & Air Canada Café access (Canada & U.S.) for the cardmember and one guest when flying eligible Air Canada/Star Alliance itineraries.
Is Priority Pass included?
Yes — membership is included; visits are charged per-visit at the prevailing rate.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take One of Canada’s strongest premium airline cards. If you fly Air Canada regularly, the perks, welcome bonus and earn structure can easily outstrip the annual fee.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 4.7 / 5 — excellent for AC spend |
| Benefits & protections | 4.6 / 5 — lounge & priority perks |
| Fees & costs | 3.9 / 5 — high fee, high potential |
| Ease of approval | 4.0 / 5 — premium tier |
