The Amex Aeroplan Reserve is Air Canada’s top co-branded credit card and the most expensive personal credit card in Canada at $599/year. The fee is steep, but the combination of unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access (with a guest), a companion voucher, and 3x earning on dining makes it genuinely cost-effective for frequent Air Canada flyers. If you fly five or more times a year, the lounge access alone is worth more than the annual fee — a Maple Leaf Lounge membership costs $600+. For less frequent travellers, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite offers similar Aeroplan earning at a lower price point.
Card at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Card name | American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card |
| Annual fee | $599 |
| Minimum income | $200,000 personal / $200,000 household |
| Network | American Express |
| Rewards program | Aeroplan |
| Welcome bonus | Typically 90,000+ Aeroplan points |
| Companion perk | Annual companion voucher on qualifying flights |
Card terms confirmed as of August 2026. The $599 annual fee and $200,000 income requirement are stable figures set by American Express and rarely change — verify current details on American Express’s Aeroplan card page before applying. The welcome bonus is a promotional figure that changes frequently; always confirm the current offer directly with Amex.
Earning Rates
| Category | Points per $1 |
|---|---|
| Air Canada | 3x |
| Dining | 2x |
| Everything else | 1.25x |
Premium Benefits
The perks package is where this card justifies its fee. Adding up the lounge access, Priority Pass visits, companion voucher, travel insurance, and checked bag savings, a frequent traveller can realistically extract $1,500+ in annual value from a $599 card. The companion voucher is particularly valuable on longer domestic or North American routes where it can save $500–$1,000. The main caveat is that Amex acceptance is around 85–90% in Canada, so you’ll want a Visa or Mastercard backup for the merchants that don’t take it.
| Benefit | Value |
|---|---|
| Maple Leaf Lounge access + 1 guest | ~$600+/year |
| Priority Pass lounge visits | ~$300+/year |
| Annual companion voucher | $200-1,000+ |
| Comprehensive travel insurance | $300+/year |
| Priority boarding | ✅ |
| Free checked bags (up to 3) | ~$100-300/year |
| TSA/NEXUS reimbursement | $50 every 4 years |
Total potential perks value: $1,500+/year for frequent flyers.
Amex Reserve vs TD Aeroplan Privilege
| Feature | Amex Reserve | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $599 | $599 |
| Network | Amex | Visa |
| Dining rate | 2x | 1x |
| General rate | 1.25x | 1.25x |
| Lounge | Maple Leaf + Priority Pass | Maple Leaf + Priority Pass |
| Companion voucher | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best for | Dining spenders + Amex users | Visa acceptance everywhere |
Who Should Get This Card
| Profile | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Fly Air Canada 5+ times/year | ✅ Lounge access alone is worth it |
| High spender ($5K+/month) | ✅ Strong earning across categories |
| Occasional traveller (1-2 flights/year) | ❌ Fee too high |
| Need Visa/MC acceptance | ⚠️ TD Aeroplan Privilege better |
The Bottom Line
The Amex Aeroplan Reserve is a niche card that delivers exceptional value for its target audience: high-income Canadians who fly Air Canada regularly and spend heavily on dining. If that’s you, the math works out strongly in your favour. If you fly fewer than five times a year or prefer other airlines, consider the Amex Cobalt for better everyday earning at a fraction of the fee.
Frequently asked questions
What is the annual fee for the Amex Aeroplan Reserve? The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card has an annual fee of $599/year — one of the highest annual fees for a Canadian credit card. This is partially offset by credits: a $100 Annual Worldwide Companion Pass (air travel companion fare), Air Canada Café access credits, and annual Aeroplan points. The card makes financial sense only for very frequent Air Canada and partner airline travellers who use all the benefits.
How does the Amex Aeroplan Reserve compare to the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege? Both are premium Aeroplan cards. Key differences:
- Amex Reserve: $599 fee; earns 3pts/$1 on Air Canada; includes Maple Leaf Lounge access; Companion Pass; Amex Concierge; but Amex not accepted everywhere
- TD Aeroplan VI Privilege: $599 fee; earns 2pts/$1 on gas/grocery/Air Canada; includes Air Canada Café access; Worldwide Companion Certificate; Visa acceptance everywhere
The Amex Reserve provides better lounge access; the TD card provides superior earn rates on everyday spend. Many premium travellers hold both.
What credit score do you need for the Amex Aeroplan Reserve? American Express does not publish specific credit score requirements. In practice, the Amex Aeroplan Reserve requires excellent credit (740–800+) and a personal income of at least $100,000. As one of Canada’’s most premium cards, approval requirements are strict.
Amex Aeroplan Reserve earn rates and perks
| Category | Earn rate |
|---|---|
| Air Canada direct purchases | 3 pts/$1 |
| Dining | 2 pts/$1 |
| All other purchases | 1.25 pts/$1 |
Key card benefits:
- Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access in North America (primary cardholder + guest)
- 6 complimentary Air Canada Café passes/year
- Annual Worldwide Companion Pass (companion flies at base fare + taxes on any Air Canada flight)
- $200 NEXUS fee rebate
- Priority airport services (check-in, boarding, security in select airports)
- Comprehensive travel insurance (medical, trip cancellation, baggage, flight delay)
- Amex Front of the Line presale access
- Amex Concierge service
Points earned on $30,000/year spending (50% Air Canada, 25% dining, 25% other):
- $15,000 × 3pts = 45,000
- $7,500 × 2pts = 15,000
- $7,500 × 1.25pts = 9,375
- Total: ~69,375 points (approx. value: $700–$1,400+ depending on redemption)