American Express Aeroplan 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}}.





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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 Card is a popular travel rewards credit card designed for Canadians who frequently fly with Air Canada and the Star Alliance network. This card offers various earning options and benefits, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maximize their travel rewards.





In this review, we will discuss the earning potential, benefits, drawbacks, and any additional relevant information pertaining to the American Express Aeroplan Card.





Earning potential





The American Express Aeroplan Card allows cardholders to earn Aeroplan points in several different spending categories. For every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Air Canada, users will receive 2 points.





Additionally, cardholders will earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on dining and takeout, and 1 point for every $1 spent on everything else. This diversified earning potential allows users to accumulate points quickly for their next trip.





Benefits






  1. Welcome bonus: One of the major advantages of the American Express Aeroplan Card is the impressive welcome bonus for new users.

    Upon signing up and meeting the required minimum spending threshold within the first three months, cardholders are eligible to earn up to a maximum of 15,000 bonus Aeroplan points, which can be used towards flights, vacation packages, and other travel-related rewards.




  2. Travel insurance coverage: The second significant benefit is the suite of comprehensive travel insurance coverage that comes with this card. This includes medical emergency coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and baggage loss/delay coverage. These protections will help give cardholders peace of mind throughout their travels.




  3. Annual Maple Leaf Lounge access pass: Thirdly, this card grants one annual Maple Leaf Lounge access pass when flying on an Air Canada flight booked with Aeroplan points, allowing cardholders to experience luxury and comfort before their departure.




  4. Bonus rewards: One additional advantage of the American Express Aeroplan Card is its compatibility with American Express Offers, which allow users to earn bonus rewards, receive discounts, and access exclusive promotional offers by making purchases at participating retailers and businesses.





Drawbacks






  1. Drawback: One considerable drawback of the American Express Aeroplan Card is its annual fee. At a price point of $120, potential users should weigh the annual fee against the card’s benefits to ensure it is a worthwhile investment.




  2. Drawback: Another drawback of this card is that American Express is not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard, which may cause some inconvenience for cardholders when trying to earn Aeroplan points on their everyday spending.





Additional information





In conclusion, the American Express Aeroplan Card offers various earning potentials and benefits that can be advantageous to Canadians who frequently travel with Air Canada and the Star Alliance network.





However, the annual fee and less widespread acceptance of American Express should be taken into consideration when deciding if this card is the right choice for an individual’s specific needs and travel preferences.





Is the American Express Aeroplan Card not convincing you? Consider the SimplyCash Card American Express or the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. Still not the right credit card? Make sure not to miss the American Express Gold Rewards Card.





FAQ







With the American Express Aeroplan Card, cardholders can redeem their Aeroplan points for a wide range of rewards. These include:






  • Air Travel: Redeem points for flights with Air Canada and its partners in the Star Alliance network. This covers more than 1,300 destinations across 190 countries. You can use points for both economy and business class tickets, with the option to use points for upgrades, taxes, and fees as well.




  • Hotel Stays: Aeroplan points can be exchanged for hotel bookings, with more than 400,000 hotels available globally across various hotel chains and brands.




  • Rental Cars: Points can be utilized to secure a rental car for your next trip, giving you more freedom to explore while on vacation.




  • Merchandise: Redeem your points for a plethora of merchandise items available through the Aeroplan eStore, ranging from electronics and fashion items to gifts and household goods.




  • Gift Cards: Exchange your points for gift cards from popular retailers, restaurants, and services, giving you the flexibility to use them as you please.




  • Experiences: Aeroplan points can be used to book unique experiences, such as dining events, spa days, or entertainment packages, making your travel experience even more memorable.




  • Charitable Donations: As an Aeroplan member, you can choose to donate your points to causes that matter most to you through charitable organizations partnered with Aeroplan.







The American Express Aeroplan Card does charge a foreign transaction fee. Cardholders will incur a 2.5% fee on all transactions made in a foreign currency. This fee is applied to the converted Canadian dollar amount of the transaction to help cover the cost of processing transactions outside of Canada.







The American Express Aeroplan Card does not have a specified minimum income requirement for applicants. This offers flexibility for potential cardholders with various income levels seeking to apply for this credit card.







Key benefits






  • Aeroplan Rewards Program: Earn points for Air Canada flights and partner airlines




  • Points Multiplier: Double your points for travel, dining, and food delivery expenses




  • Base Points Accrual: Default 1 point per dollar on all other eligible spending




  • Travel Insurance Suite: Medical and trip delay/cancellation protection for you and your family




  • Lounge Privileges: Relax in style with a complimentary Priority Pass membership




  • Add a Spouse/Partner: Additional card users gain access to benefits for a modest fee




  • Amex Perks: Exclusive event invites, shopping protections, and premium customer service




  • Cost Consideration: A $139 annual fee offsets the card’s numerous advantages




  • Amex Acceptance: Wider usage limitations compared to Visa or Mastercard




  • Reward Flexibility: Minimal transfer options for points into alternative rewards programs




  • APR: Be mindful of a 19.99% interest rate for purchases if not promptly paid off




  • Tier Restrictions: Some rewards are subject to varying conditions based on cardholder status




  • Welcome Offer: Lacks an appealing first-year fee waiver commonly found in other cards



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