American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card Review: Earn Up to 85,000 Points

In this American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card Review, I’ll delve into the comprehensive features that make this card one of Canada’s top travel credit options. This card is not only known for its substantial welcome offer but also for an array of benefits that ensure a premium travel experience. Continue reading my review to discover all the pertinent details.

Welcome Bonus and Earning Potential

The high annual fee of the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is justified by its attractive welcome bonus, which typically ranges from 60,000 to 120,000 Aeroplan points. Utilizing a referral link from a friend can help you garner even more points.

Personally, I estimate one Aeroplan point to be worth around 2 cents, which means the welcome bonus holds a value of at least $1,800—well above the annual fee of $599. That’s an impressive return for a metal credit card.

Now, examining the earning rate: cardholders can earn 3 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, 2 points on qualifying dining and food delivery, and 1.25 points on all other expenditures. The dining and food delivery earn rate is the most generous among Aeroplan cards, while all other categories match the earning potential of the TD and CIBC Visa Infinite Privilege cards.

Advantages and Features

If you’re still with me on my review, you’re likely curious about the distinct advantages and features of the card. With an annual fee of $599, it’s reasonable to expect substantial benefits, and this card successfully delivers.

Benefits with Air Canada

• Complimentary first checked bag – Enjoy a free checked bag for you and up to eight travel companions on the same itinerary.
• Priority airport services – Access priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling for yourself and up to eight fellow travelers on Air Canada flights.
• Preferential treatment – Gain priority standing on standby and upgrade lists.
• Accelerate your Aeroplan status – Each $5,000 spent on the card earns you 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and an additional Status Qualifying Segment. Furthermore, you can carry over up to 200,000 unused Status Qualifying Miles into the next year.

Maple Leaf Lounge and Airport Access

When flying Air Canada or its partners, both you and a guest can enter any Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge or Air Canada Café in North America, regardless of travel class. Additionally, cardholders receive a complimentary Priority Pass membership, granting entry to over 1,200 airport lounges globally, though visits must be paid for individually.

eUpgrade Credits Roll Over

This card allows you to carry over up to 50 unused eUpgrade Credits into the following status year, an advantageous feature for Aeroplan status holders.

$100 NEXUS Membership Rebate

Using your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card to apply for or renew your NEXUS membership entitles you to a statement credit of up to $100, available once every four years.

Annual Global Companion Pass

When you spend $25,000 on the card annually, you qualify for a worldwide companion pass, enabling you to purchase an additional ticket at a fixed base fare—an excellent way to save money.

Benefits at Pearson International Airport

• Priority security lane – Generate single-use QR codes for you and your guests to use the priority security line at Toronto Pearson’s two terminals via go.amex/yyz.
• Valet car service – Complimentary valet service is available at Terminal 1; however, standard parking fees will apply.
• Parking discounts – Receive a 15% discount on parking at Express Park and Daily Park lots at Toronto Pearson International Airport when you pay with your card.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

• Medical coverage – Up to $5,000,000 for 15 days for those under 65.
• Trip cancellation/interruption – Up to $1,500 per person / up to $3,000 total for trip cancellations; up to $1,500 per person / up to $6,000 total for interruptions.
• Flight delays – Coverage of up to $1,000 for delays of 4 hours or more.
• Delayed baggage coverage – Up to $1,000 after 6 hours of delay.
• Lost or stolen baggage – Up to $1,000 compensation.
• Auto rental damage – Coverage for 48 consecutive days, up to $85,000 total.
• Hotel burglary – Up to $1,000 compensation.
• Travel accident – Coverage of $500,000.

While the travel insurance offerings are robust, it’s important to note that members under 65 years old receive coverage for only 15 days, and there’s no coverage for those aged 65 and older. Delayed baggage coverage initiates after 6 hours and the $1,000 maximum is a combined total with flight delay coverage.

Purchase Protection

• Extended warranty – Double the manufacturer’s warranty, up to one additional year.
• Purchase protection – Coverage for 90 days, up to $1,000 per occurrence.

Buyer’s assurance provides added value by extending warranties, while purchase protection insures against theft and accidental damage within the 90-day window post-purchase for items charged to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.

Exclusive American Express Experiences

American Express cardholders enjoy benefits including:

• Early access to tickets – Obtain tickets for concerts, theater shows, and dining before they are available to the general public.
• Reserved tickets – Exclusive access to reserved tickets through American Express agreements.
• Unique entertainment experiences – Availability for special events like movie screenings or theater packages.
• Dining experiences – Access to exclusive food festivals and chef’s table events.

Maximizing Your Points

Aeroplan is recognized as one of the finest travel rewards programs, and I have detailed insights about it elsewhere. For this review, let’s briefly explore the Aeroplan redemption process.

With Aeroplan, you may utilize your points for any available seats on Air Canada flights, and also redeem flights with their extensive list of over 40 partners, making this program desirable as it covers a global network.

The number of points needed for a redemption varies based on departure and destination, which is detailed in their Flight Reward Chart. Aeroplan employs dynamic pricing, meaning points required for redemption can change significantly. Fortunately, they also partner with some airlines that use fixed pricing, although seat availability can be limited. Keep in mind that surcharges, fees, and taxes apply for both Air Canada and partner flights.

Another advantageous feature is family sharing, which lets up to eight family members combine their Aeroplan points, facilitating quicker redemptions.

Eligibility Criteria for the Aeroplan Reserve Card

This card is available for Canadian residents who have reached the legal age in their respective provinces or territories.

While American Express does not publish the exact credit score required, applicants should anticipate needing a good credit score, likely around 680 or higher.

Although categorized as a higher-tier credit card, American Express does not enforce specific income prerequisites for approval.

Finally, you can connect your existing Aeroplan account with your card by entering your membership number during the application process; if omitted, a new Aeroplan account will be created for you.

Comparative Analysis: American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

Rather than contrasting the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card exclusively with other Aeroplan cards like the CIBC and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege, it’s more fruitful to compare it with the American Express Platinum Card due to their distinct features. The Aeroplan Reserve Card primarily earns Aeroplan points, while the Platinum Card rewards you with Membership Rewards (MR) points, which offer greater flexibility through transfer options to Aeroplan and other loyalty programs. The welcome bonuses associated with the Platinum Card tend to be higher, but it comes with an annual fee of $699, which, after factoring in the annual travel credit of $200, reduces the effective annual fee to $499—lower than that of the Aeroplan Reserve Card.

Unique to the Aeroplan card are its benefits oriented towards Air Canada travelers, including complimentary baggage, lounge access, and favorable redemption pricing. Meanwhile, the Platinum Card provides unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges and American Express Centurion lounges globally, albeit with a broader selection of lounges overall compared to Maple Leaf Lounges.

The earn rates vary subtly as well, with the Aeroplan Reserve Card offering 3 points for each dollar spent on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, 2 points for dining and food delivery, and 1.25 points on all other purchases. Conversely, the Platinum Card allocates 3 points on dining, 2 points on travel, and 1 point on other spending. Depending on your spending habits in these categories, the Platinum Card might suit you better.

Ultimately, choosing the right card hinges on your personal travel preferences. For regular Air Canada flyers, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is undoubtedly advantageous, while those who prioritize flexibility may prefer the American Express Platinum Card.

Concluding Remarks

In my assessment of the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, the overall outlook is positive. This card shines particularly in these scenarios:

• Frequent Air Canada Travelers – Benefit from complimentary first checked baggage, priority check-in, boarding, and Maple Leaf Lounge access throughout North America.
• Holders of Aeroplan Status – Enjoy the ability to roll over eUpgrade credits annually if you have Aeroplan status.
• Rapid Aeroplan Points Accumulation – The welcome bonus generally ranges from 90,000 to 100,000 Aeroplan points, often exceeding this with a referral link.

This card is crafted for individuals who travel with Air Canada regularly within North America, and its benefits significantly outweigh the annual fee. Even non-frequent travelers may find value in obtaining it, especially with the enticing welcome bonus available in the initial year. Reach out to me for a referral link.