American Express® Aeroplan®* Card: Your Guide to Travel Rewards and Benefits

The American Express® Aeroplan®* Card is designed for Canadians who want to maximize their travel rewards and enjoy premium benefits on their journeys. As a co-branded card between American Express and Aeroplan (Air Canada’s loyalty program), it stands out by offering robust earning rates on travel-related spending and everyday purchases. This card brings together American Express’s reputation for quality service with Aeroplan’s versatile rewards ecosystem.
With this card, users can earn Aeroplan points on every eligible purchase, access complimentary travel insurance, and leverage unique Air Canada perks. The card positions itself as an attainable yet richly featured option, providing a solid middle ground between entry-level rewards cards and more exclusive premium travel offerings.
Whether redeeming points for flights within Canada or internationally, cardholders benefit from the flexibility and reliability of both Amex and Aeroplan.
Benefits
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Card offers a suite of benefits tailored toward travel, security, and convenience. Here are some of the most significant features:
- Aeroplan Points on All Purchases: Earn points for every dollar spent, with accelerated rates on eligible Air Canada, dining, and food delivery purchases.
- Travel Insurance: Includes $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay and baggage delay coverage (up to $500), lost or stolen baggage, hotel burglary, and car rental theft and damage insurance.
- American Express Experiences®: Access invitation-only events, concert pre-sales, and curated dining experiences.
- Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty: Coverage on eligible purchases against damage/theft and automatic warranty extension on qualified items.
- Free First Checked Bag: For you and up to eight companions on the same Air Canada reservation.
- Special Air Canada Perks: Preferred pricing on flight rewards, plus up to 25,000 Status Qualifying Credits toward Aeroplan Elite Status with purchases charged to your Card.
Prerequisites
To apply for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card, applicants generally need:
- Canadian residency and majority age in their province/territory
- A Canadian credit file in good standing (American Express does not publish a minimum credit score)
- Steady annual personal income (no specific minimum disclosed by Amex; higher income increases approval chances but is not strictly required for this card)
Additional documentation verifying identity and income may be required during the application process.
About American Express
American Express, widely recognized as Amex, is a global financial services corporation established in 1850 in New York. Originally a logistics and express mail provider, Amex pivoted to financial services, introducing traveler’s cheques and, later, credit and charge cards. Now one of the most respected names in payments, the company’s reach spans over 130 countries, serving millions with its wide portfolio of personal, small business, and corporate products.
American Express is synonymous with innovation: it was a pioneer in rewards, insurance, and concierge services, and it remains at the forefront of payment security and customer service. With a major presence in Canada, Amex cards are accepted at numerous merchants. The company is well-regarded for strong fraud protection, digital banking tools, and comprehensive support—features echoed in each product it offers, including the Aeroplan card.
Who is this card for?
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Card is ideal for:
- Frequent travelers—especially those loyal to Air Canada or who regularly book flights through Aeroplan.
- Individuals who spend on dining, food delivery, and everyday essentials, seeking to accumulate rewards efficiently.
- Canadian residents looking for a mid-tier card with comprehensive travel and purchase benefits, without committing to the high fees of luxury products.
- Young professionals, families, and small business owners who want more value from their regular spending and have an interest in travel redemptions.
However, this card is less suitable for users who rarely travel, do not value points-based rewards, or cannot pay the balance in full each month (as a charge card, balances not paid in full are charged 30% annual interest).
What rewards and programs does the card offer?
The Aeroplan program lets cardholders earn points on all eligible purchases:
- Accelerated earning: Higher points earned on Air Canada purchases, dining, and food delivery. Standard earning on all other expenses.
- Flexible redemptions: Redeem Aeroplan points for:
- Flights with Air Canada or partner airlines
- Hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, and experiences through the Aeroplan platform
- Preferred pricing: Cardholders may access discounts or improved availability on Flight Reward seats via Aeroplan.
- Exclusive access: Enjoy American Express Experiences® for early event tickets and dining offers.
The combination of everyday and travel-based earning potential, along with broad redemption options and exclusive privileges, makes this rewards program stand out.
Initial Credit Limit
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Card is a charge card, so it has no preset spending limit rather than a fixed credit limit:
- Payment: The balance must be paid in full each month; a 30% annual interest rate applies to balances not paid in full.
Check the application page for full details before applying.
Step by Step to Apply for the Card
Follow these steps to apply for your American Express® Aeroplan®* Card:
- Visit the official American Express page:
- Review the card’s features, terms, and pricing thoroughly.
- Click the application button and fill in your personal and financial details.
- Submit supporting documents (proof of identity, residency, and income) if requested.
- Wait for a decision—many applications are processed instantly, though some may require manual review.
- If approved, activate and set up your card as directed to begin using it immediately.
Card’s Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Earn Aeroplan points quickly on a wide range of purchases.
- Travel insurance included, such as travel accident, flight delay, baggage and car rental coverage.
- Exclusive access to American Express Experiences and Aeroplan program benefits.
- No minimum income requirement—accessible to a broad set of applicants.
- Strong reputation for customer support and fraud protection.
Cons:
- Annual fee of $120 (rising to $150 on January 12, 2027) is higher than no-fee/basic cards.
- American Express is not as widely accepted as Visa/Mastercard, especially outside Canada.
- As a charge card, the full balance must be paid each month.
- If you don’t travel often or redeem points frequently, value may be limited.
- Points are Aeroplan-specific, so flexibility is tied to the Aeroplan program and its partners.
- Balances not paid in full are charged 30% annual interest.
How to Unlock the Card?
After your card arrives, follow these steps to unlock and activate:
- Call the activation number on the sticker/seal on your new card OR
- Log in to your American Express online banking/account portal and follow the “Activate Card” instructions.
- You may also use the American Express mobile app for activation.
- Once activated, sign the card and set up PIN/contactless features if desired.
Should you encounter issues, contact Amex Customer Service for immediate assistance.
Fees and Tariffs
Key costs associated with the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card include (as of October 2026):
- Annual fee: $120, increasing to $150 for annual fees charged on or after January 12, 2027
- Additional cards: $50 for each Additional Aeroplan Card ($59 from January 12, 2027); $0 for each Additional Aeroplan No Fee Card (renamed the Companion Card at $25 from January 12, 2027)
- Interest: As a charge card, the balance must be paid in full each month; a 30% annual interest rate applies to balances not paid in full
- Foreign transaction fee: Often 2.5% on non-Canadian dollar purchases—but confirm at application
- Late/returned payment fee: Will apply if a payment is missed or returned by your bank
*All rates and fees are subject to change. Read your Cardmember Agreement and the application page for the latest terms before proceeding.
Customer Service
American Express provides multiple support channels for cardholders:
- Customer Service Phone: 1-800-869-3016
- Website
- Online Chat: Available through your account dashboard after logging in
- Mail: American Express Canada, P.O. Box 3204, Station ‘F’, Toronto, ON M1W 3W7
Find other cards in our website.




