Collecting rewards points on credit cards is very desirable. American Express offers a wide variety of products linked to their Aeroplan program. Aeroplan is a customer loyalty initiative linked to Air Canada (AC): clients can earn points to redeem on flights, car rentals, hotels, vacation packages, and upgrades while flying with AC, as well as gift cards, merchandise, and more. Below is an overview of some American Express Aeroplan credit card options.
American Express® Aeroplan® Card
A credit card for personal use, the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card provides a lucrative sign-up offer. Upon approval, clients earn up to 15,000 points, as well as a bonus Buddy Pass. This “Buddy Pass” allows customers to bring a friend anywhere in North America where Air Canada flies. Customers only pay third-party charges and taxes on that second flight.
Clients earn their Buddy Pass and collect 9,000 points after they charge $1,500 within the first 90 days of opening their account. They can then collect an additional 1,000 points monthly within the first six months when they spend $500 on their Amex card: this can potentially add up to 6,000 additional Aeroplan points.
After that, clients can collect 2x the points on eligible spending through Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, 1.5x the points on food delivery and dining charges across the country, and one point for every $1 spent on all other charges. Those that present their Aeroplan number at participating partners and brands, as well as online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore, can collect twice as many points.
Added perks on the credit card include saving on baggage fees, with the first-checked luggage free (for up to nine traveling on the same reservation – up to 23kg/50lbs). Clients also gain access to exclusive American Express experiences through their “Front of the Line” program, and this credit card offers no pre-set spending limit. It’s important to note that balances have to be paid in full at the end of each month.
In addition, clients can aim to reach Aeroplan’s “Elite Status”, a level that allows members access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf airport lounge, free checked bags, flight upgrades, plus priority service while checking in at the airport. Cardmembers can achieve “Elite Status” when they earn 100,000 points through eligible spending during each calendar year.
Travel coverage on the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card includes Flight Delay, Baggage Delay, and Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance, as well as Hotel Burglary, Car Rental Theft and Damage, $500,000 Travel Accident Insurance, plus Travel Emergency Assistance. Buyer’s Assurance and Purchase Protection are both included on this American Express, too.
The annual fee on this card is $120, and $50 for each added cardholder.
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
Enjoy a step up from the Amex Aeroplan to the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card. The welcome bonus offers up to 65,000 points, as well as a $100 statement credit. Clients can collect 35,000 points and the $100 statement credit once $3,000 has been charged on the card within the first 90 days of opening the account. Customers can also collect 5,000 Aeroplan points monthly when $1,000 is spent within the first six months of card membership.
After that, clients earn 3x the points on eligible spending through Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, 2x the points on food delivery and dining across the country, and one point for every $1 on all other spending. Customers can also double up their points when presenting their Aeroplan number at partner brands and online retailers via the eStore.
Plus, cardmembers unleash some interesting benefits with the Amex Aeroplan Reserve. As well as their free first-checked luggage bag perk, they instantly enjoy access to select Maple Leaf lounges, and are given priority services at the airport when checking in, boarding, and with their luggage handling.
Cardholders are also gifted a Worldwide Companion Pass each year when $25,000 (net) is charged on the card. This entitles customers to buy an added economy Air Canada flight for a friend at a fixed-base fare, anywhere from $99 to a cap of $599 (including fees, taxes, and other charges). Lastly, discounts are provided for parking and car care at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, as well as complimentary valet service.
In addition to the “Front of the Line” program, plus insurances offered with the previous Amex Aeroplan card outlined above, American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card cardholders also get Out of Province/Country Emergency Medical, as well as Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance.
The annual fee for this card is $599, and $199 for each added cardholder.
American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card
For those who own a business (and travel extensively because of it), the American Express Business Edge™ Card is an option. The welcome bonus is the same as the Reserve Card above, with the same stipulations: clients can earn up to 65,000 Aeroplan points and a $100 statement credit.
After that, clients can collect 3x the points when using the card on Air Canada or Air Canada Vacation spending, 2x the points on eligible car rentals and hotels, and one point for every $1 spent on all other charges. Aeroplan Business Reserve customers are also given a Worldwide Companion Pass, annually, with a fixed-base price of $99 to a maximum of $599 (including fees, taxes, and other charges).
Cardholders also see key travel benefits, much like the personal-use Amex Reserve Card. Their first-checked bag free (as well as eight other companions on the same reservation), plus, cardholders are given priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling, airport upgraded, and access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf lounge. Complimentary valet services, as well as discounts on car care and parking rates at Pearson Airport are included, too.
The same insurance and coverage from the above Amex Reserve are provided with this business credit product, and clients also gain access to Employee Card Misuse Protection. Canceling cards for terminated employees who have had authorized use on the account can take up to two business days. With this coverage, business owners are not held responsible for any charges made by a terminated employee during this time.
The annual fee, which may be tax-deductible, is $599, with supplementary cards costing $199 per person.
View more information about the American Express Business Edge™ Card.