American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card Review

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Editorial Note: DollarWise may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page.





Performance test results





At DollarWise, for each credit card we test 7 different factors including the rewards, value for money, perks, insurance, strengths and weaknesses of the card.





You can see our full testing methodology here to learn why we're the most trusted source for credit card reviews.





The {{card.name}} has earned a {{ranking}} DollarWise Rating out of 5. This score is based on a weighted average of the two highest scoring factors (excluding acceptance and approval).









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The highest scoring categories for the {{card.name}} are {{score_1}} and {{score_2}}.





These factors are weighted 70% to the highest scoring factor and 30% to the second highest score to get an overall review score.





This weighting allows us to judge cards on their merits and the customers they are designed for.





For the {{card.name}} the most important factors for scoring this card are its {{score_1}} and {{score_2}}.





Rewards





With the {{card.name}}, here's the rates at which you earn rewards for different spending categories per dollar you spend:





Bills{{reward_bills}}
Pharmacy{{reward_drug}}
Gas{{reward_gas}}
Groceries{{reward_grocery}}
Restaurants{{reward_restaurant}}
Specific Stores{{reward_store}}
Travel{{reward_travel}}
All Other Spend{{reward_other}}




Calculating your annual rewards





We estimate that spending {{monthlyspend}} per month with the {{card.name}} would earn {{card.rewards}} in rewards over the year.





Our performance testing research uses an accurate estimation of the average Canadian households spending patterns to predict the rewards a card will earn.





We found that you'd earn this per category:





Bills{{bills_dollarrewards}}
Pharmacy{{drug_dollarrewards}}
Gas{{gas_dollarrewards}}
Groceries{{grocery_dollarrewards}}
Restaurants{{restaurant_dollarrewards}}
Specific Stores{{store_dollarrewards}}
Travel{{travel_dollarrewards}}
All Other Spend{{other_dollarrewards}}




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Our study investigating the value found that each dollar spent on the {{card.name}} is worth up to {{card.max_reward}}, depending on how you redeem.





This {{card.rewards}} in rewards value puts the {{card.name}} in the {{decile.annual_rewards}} of credit cards in Canada based on rewards earned.





The average credit card in our database earns {{averages.mean_annual_rewards}} in rewards for the same spend that the {{card.name}} earns {{card.rewards}} in rewards value.





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We can compare this card to other options by looking at the earn rate by category.





This earn rate is the percentage return that you would get when you spend on this card, assuming you redeem at the predicted maximum value.





For example, if a card earned 5 points per dollar on gas and each point is worth up to $0.02, then the earn rate is 5 points multiplied by $0.02 each, divided by the dollar you spent.





In this example, that's a 10% earn rate on gas.





SpendThis CardAverage
Bills{{bills_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_bills_earnrate}}
Pharmacy{{drug_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_drug_earnrate}}
Gas{{gas_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_gas_earnrate}}
Groceries{{grocery_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_grocery_earnrate}}
Restaurant{{restaurant_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_restaurant_earnrate}}
Store{{store_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_store_earnrate}}
Travel{{travel_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_travel_earnrate}}
Other{{other_earnrate}}{{averages.mean_other_earnrate}}
Above, we've calculated the earn rate for the {{card.name}} for every spend category and compared it to the average for all Canadian credit cards.




Redemption methodAnnual rewards
Transfer to partner airlines{{transfer_airlines}}
Fixed points travel{{fixed_points_travel}}
Transfer to partner hotels{{transfer_hotel}}
Redeem for travel{{redeem_travel}}
Apply to statement credit{{statement_credit}}
Ticketmaster{{ticketmaster}}
Charity{{charity}}
Gift cards{{gift_cards}}
Amazon.ca{{amazon}}
Merchandise{{merchandise}}
Make investments{{investments}}
Enjoy experiences{{experiences}}
Car rentals{{car_rental}}
Vacations{{vacation}}
Attractions{{attractions}}
Cash rewards{{cash_rewards}}
Grocery rewards{{grocery_rewards}}
Restaurant rewards{{restaurant_rewards}}
Movie rewards{{movie_rewards}}
Apple / BestBuy{{apple_bestbuy}}
Flight rewards{{flight_rewards}}
Airlines Rewards (Charts){{airlines_rewards_chart}}
CIBC financial products{{cibc_financial_products}}
Air travel - redemptions (scheduled){{air_travel_redemptions_schedule}}
RBC travel{{rbc_travel}}
Transfer to WestJet{{transfer_westjet}}
Transfer to Hudson Bay{{transfer_bay}}
RBC financial products{{rbc_financial_products_rewards}}
Air Canada gift cards{{aircanada_gift_card}}
Air Canada vactions{{air_canada_vacations}}
Electronics gift cards{{electronics_gift_cards}}
Cash - World Elite{{cash_worldelite}}
Cash - Platinum Plus{{cash_platinumplus}}
Banking plans{{banking_plans}}
Desjardins financial products{{desjardins_financial_products}}
Expedia travel{{expedia_td}}
Educational rewards{{education_rewards}}
HSBC financial products{{hsbc_financial_products}}
Walmart{{walmart_rewards}}
Triangle (Canadian Tire){{triangle_rewards}}
Meridian travel{{meridian_travel}}
Direct deposit{{direct_deposit_rewards}}
Costco gift cards{{costco_gift_cards}}
Wireless Rogers rewards{{wireless_rogers_rewards}}
1 Rogers rewards{{1_roger_rewards}}
Other Rogers rewards{{other_roger_rewards}}
Other 1 Rogers rewards{{other_1_roger_rewards}}




For an annual spend of {{annualspend}}, we estimated annual rewards value at up to {{total_net_rewards}}.





That's equivalent to a {{total_earn_rate}} return on spending.





The {{card.name}} has an annual fee of {{card.annualFee}}. After deducting this, we predicted net annual rewards of {{net_after_fee}}.





This puts it in the {{decile.net_annual_rewards}} of credit cards for net rewards after fees.





In comparison, the average card earns net annual rewards of {{averages.mean_net_annual_rewards}}.





Fees





The {{card.name}} has a {{card.annualFee}} annual fee.





The average card charges {{averages.mean_annual_fee}}. So, the {{card.name}} is in the {{decile.annual_fee}} of cards based on the cost of the annual fee.





Perks





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We manually review the perks of each credit card to determine how they compare to other cards.





The {{card.name}} scored a {{factor_score_perks}} out of 5 for perks, putting it in the {{decile.factor_score_perks}} of cards.





The average card scores {{averages.mean_factor_score_perks}} out of 5 for perks.





Interest Rates





Purchase{{purchase_interest_rate}}%
Cash Advance{{cash_advance_interest_rate}}%
Balance Transfer{{balance_transfer_interest_rate}}%




The average (median) credit card has a purchase interest rate of {{averages.median_purchase_interest_rate}} and so the {{card.name}} charges {{purchase_interest_diff}} than the average.





For cash advances it costs {{cash_advance_interest_rate}}% compared to the average of {{averages.mean_cash_advance_interest_rate}}.





Testing the {{card.name}} with a $2,000 starting balance, you can see in the graph how the {{purchase_interest_diff}} in interest rates impacts the interest over a year, compared to the average card.





Insurance coverage





InsuranceThis CardAverage
Extended Warranty{{warranty}}{{averages.median_warranty}}
Purchase Protection{{purchase_protection}}{{averages.median_purchase_protection}}
Travel Accident{{travel_accident}}{{averages.median_travel_accident}}
Emergency Medical Term{{emergency_medical_term}}{{averages.median_emergency_medical_term}}
Emergency Medical over 65{{emergency_medical_65}}{{averages.median_emergency_medical_65}}
Trip Cancellation{{trip_cancellation}}{{averages.median_trip_cancellation}}
Trip Interruption{{trip_interruption}}{{averages.median_trip_interruption}}
Flight Delay{{flight_delay}}{{averages.median_flight_delay}}
Baggage Delay{{baggage_delay_insurance}}{{averages.median_baggage_delay_insurance}}
Lost or Stolen Baggage{{stolen_baggage}}{{averages.median_stolen_baggage}}
Event Cancellation{{event_cancel}}{{averages.median_event_cancel}}
Rental Car Theft & Damage{{rental_theft_damage}}No
Rental Car Personal Effects{{rental_personal}}{{averages.median_rental_personal}}
Rental Car Accident{{rental_accident}}{{averages.median_rental_accident}}
Hotel Burglary{{hotel_burglary}}{{averages.median_hotel_burglary}}
Mobile Phone Insurance{{mobile_insurance}}{{averages.median_mobile_insurance}}
Personal Effects Insurance{{personal_effects}}{{averages.median_personal_effects}}
Price Protection Insurance{{price_protection}}{{averages.median_price_protection}}




We scored it {{factor_score_insurance}} out of 5 for insurance.





It offers {{insurance_count}} types of insurance, whereas the average card has {{averages.insurance_count}} types of coverage.





Approval and qualifying







Do I qualify?
Estimated Credit Score{{credit_score_low}} - {{credit_score_high}}
Personal Income{{personal_income}}
Household Income{{household_income}}






Fees
Annual Fee{{card.annualFee}}
Extra Card Fee$0
Card type{{card_type}}






We scored it {{factor_score_approval}} out of 5 for approval.





We predict that you will require a credit score of at least {{credit_score_low}} to qualify for the {{card.name}}, while the average card requires {{averages.mean_credit_score_low}} to qualify.





This puts it in the top {{decile.credit_score_low}} of cards by approval difficulty.





The personal income requirements are {{personal_income}}, while the average card requires {{averages.mean_personal_income}}.





This puts it in the {{decile.personal_income}} of cards by the income required to qualify.





The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card offers a variety of valuable rewards and benefits, making it a competitive option for Canadian business owners who frequently travel.





Understanding the key features of this card will help you evaluate whether it is the right choice for your business. Let’s explore the earning potential, benefits, drawbacks, and additional information related to this credit card.





Earning potential





The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card allows cardholders to earn Aeroplan points on their purchases. The earning structure is as follows:






  • 3 points per dollar spent on eligible Air Canada purchases, including flights, vacations, and in-flight services




  • 2 points per dollar spent on eligible hotels and car rentals




  • 1.25 points per dollar spent on all other purchases





Benefits






  1. Welcome Bonus: A standout advantage of this card is the welcome bonus for new cardholders. Currently, American Express offers up to 100,000 Aeroplan points as a welcome bonus, awarded after meeting certain spending requirements within the first months of membership.




  2. Annual Worldwide Companion Pass: The second major advantage is the ability to earn an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass from eligible purchases. This benefit can significantly decrease travel expenses while enhancing the travel experience for cardholders and their companions.




  3. Complimentary Lounge Access: The credit card also offers complimentary access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Priority Pass Airport Lounges, elevating your travel experience. This benefit includes access for both primary and supplementary cardholders.




  4. Travel Insurance Coverage: American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Cardholder’s can benefit from travel insurance coverage such as trip cancellation or interruption, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage, and travel emergency medical insurance, adding protection and peace of mind for the cardholder’s travels.





Drawbacks:






  1. Drawback: One significant drawback of the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card is the high annual fee of $599. This fee may be prohibitive for small business owners who are seeking lower-cost options.




  2. Drawback: Another notable disadvantage of this card is that American Express is not as widely accepted compared to other major credit cards, such as Visa or Mastercard. Some retailers may not accept American Express, limiting the card’s practicality in certain situations.





Additional information





In summary, the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card can be an excellent choice for Canadian business owners who frequently travel with Air Canada and seek premium travel benefits.





While the high annual fee and limited acceptance of American Express may be drawbacks for some, the rewards potential, travel insurance coverage, and enhanced travel experience can provide exceptional value for the right user.





Interested in other credit cards? If the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card credit card isn’t perfect for you, you might want to consider the RBC Visa Business Platinum Avion.





Plus, many Canadian’s that like the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card like the Scotia Momentum for Business Visa Credit Card, and the National Bank Platinum Mastercard Business Card.





FAQ







With the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card, you can redeem your Aeroplan points for a variety of rewards, including:






  • Flight Rewards: Use your points to book flights with Air Canada, partner airlines within the Star Alliance network, or other Aeroplan partner airlines around the globe.




  • Market Fare Flight Rewards: Redeem your points for Air Canada flights at market fares, giving you access to any available seat on the flight, sometimes at better value when compared to Fixed Mileage Flight Rewards.




  • Air Canada Benefits: Upgrade your Air Canada flights with points, get access to Maple Leaf Lounges, or apply points towards preferred seat selection and priority airport services.




  • Travel Rewards: Redeem points for hotel stays, car rentals, vacation packages, and experiences through the Aeroplan eStore.




  • Merchandise: Use points to shop for hundreds of brand-name products available through the Aeroplan eStore, from electronics to home goods.




  • Gift Cards: Redeem points for gift cards from a variety of popular retailers, restaurants, and services.




  • Charitable Donations: You can also choose to donate your points to support a charitable organization.







The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card does charge foreign transaction fees. Cardholders are subject to a fee of 2.5% for transactions made in a foreign currency.







There is no specified minimum income requirement for the American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card. Eligibility is primarily based on your creditworthiness and ability to repay your credit obligations.





However, it is important to note that approval decisions and credit limits are influenced by various other factors such as your credit score, payment history, and overall financial circumstances.







Key benefits






  • Impressive rewards redemption options




  • Comprehensive travel insurance package




  • No foreign transaction fees




  • Access to international airport lounges




  • Business experience enhancements




  • 0.5X points per dollar on other purchases




  • Redeem points for flights, with no blackout dates




  • Contactless and mobile payment compatibility




  • Elite status in the Aeroplan program




  • Utilizes American Express global service with fraud protection



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