Introduction
The American Express Aeroplan Card is a straightforward travel rewards credit card designed for Canadians who travel a few times a year and want to earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases. With a reasonable annual fee and practical perks, this card is ideal for those who value simplicity over luxury. It doesn’t include high-end features like airport lounge access but provides meaningful benefits to make travel more affordable and rewarding.
- 2x points on Air Canada purchases
- 1.5x points on food and drinks
- 1x points on everything else
Why Choose the Amex Aeroplan Card?
The Aeroplan Card caters to budget-conscious travellers who want to earn Aeroplan points without committing to a premium card. Its competitive earning rates and travel benefits, such as free checked bags and priority boarding, make it an attractive option for infrequent flyers.
Looking for a practical travel card? Apply now and start earning rewards today!
Key Card Details
- Annual Fee: $120
- Supplementary Card Fee: $50 per card
- Rewards Currency: Aeroplan Points
- Approval Odds: Designed for those with good to excellent credit.
This card offers simplicity and value, making it an excellent fit for occasional travellers who want to avoid premium-level fees.
Earning Aeroplan Points
The Aeroplan Card rewards users with points on everyday spending, with a focus on practical categories:
- 2x Points: Earn 2 Aeroplan points per $1 spent on Air Canada and select travel purchases.
- 1.5x Points: Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 on eligible gas, groceries, and dining.
- 1x Point: Earn 1 Aeroplan point per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome Bonus
New American Express Aeroplan Cardholders in Canada can earn a welcome bonus of up to 45,000 Aeroplan points by meeting the following spend requirements:
- First 6 Months: Earn 35,000 points after spending $7,500.
- 13th Month: Earn an additional 10,000 points after spending $1,000.
These points are valued at approximately $900 (at 2 cents per point), offering significant savings on flights.
Ready to kickstart your Aeroplan points balance? Sign up here and unlock up to 45,000 points!
Card Benefits
The Aeroplan Card is designed for practicality, offering key benefits to enhance your travel experience without unnecessary frills.
Travel Benefits
- Free First Checked Bag: Save on baggage fees for yourself and up to eight companions on Air Canada flights.
- Priority Boarding: Skip the wait and enjoy a smoother boarding process.
- Hotel and Car Rental Discounts: Access exclusive offers through Aeroplan partners.
- Get 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $20,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card, up to 25,000 SQC.
Status-earning devaluation (2026): As of 2026, the Aeroplan Card now earns 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for every $20,000 in eligible spend, replacing the previous benefit of earning 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 spent.
This effectively doubles the spending required to earn status credits and removes the dual miles-and-segments boost that previously made everyday spend more impactful for Aeroplan Elite Status. For cardholders who relied on spending to help offset flying requirements, this change reduces the overall value of the card’s status-earning benefit.
Everyday Benefits
- Purchase Protection: Protect eligible purchases against theft or damage within 90 days.
- Extended Warranty: Get up to an additional year of warranty coverage on eligible purchases.
Fees to Consider
The Amex Aeroplan Card offers a solid value for its modest fees:
- Annual Fee: $120, which is easily offset by the free checked bag and travel rewards.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.5%, standard for Canadian credit cards.
These manageable costs make it a budget-friendly option for travellers who don’t require luxury perks.
Who Should Get the Amex Aeroplan Card?
The Aeroplan Card is perfect for Canadians who:
- Travel a Few Times a Year: Occasional Air Canada flyers will benefit most from the travel perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.
- Want Simple Rewards: With straightforward earning rates, it’s easy to accumulate points without overthinking your spending habits.
- Prefer a Low Annual Fee: At $120, the annual fee is affordable and provides significant value for casual travellers.
Maximizing Your Rewards
To make the most of your Amex Aeroplan Card:
- Use It for Everyday Spending: Focus on bonus categories like gas, groceries, and dining to accelerate your points earning.
- Plan for the Welcome Bonus: Spend strategically to meet the bonus requirements.
- Redeem Points Wisely: Maximize the value of your points by booking flights, especially during Aeroplan seat sales.
Final Thoughts: Is the Amex Aeroplan Card Right for You?
The American Express Aeroplan Card is a fantastic entry-level travel rewards card for Canadians who don’t travel frequently but still want to save on flights and earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases. While it lacks luxury perks like lounge access, it delivers practical benefits at an affordable price.
If you’re looking for a straightforward way to make your occasional travel more affordable, the Aeroplan Card is an excellent choice.
Ready to make the most of your travels? Apply for the Aeroplan Card today and take advantage of its practical travel benefits!
