The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, issued by American Express, is a rewards credit card that offers a robust Aeroplan points program. With an annual fee of $599, this card allows cardholders to earn up to 1.25 points per dollar spent, with higher rates for specific purchases like Air Canada flights and dining. Alongside a suite of travel benefits including insurance, lounge access, and travel credits, it also provides purchase protection, extended warranty, and exclusive access to special events. Although there is no minimum income requirement for this card, it’s best suited for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of its rewards and benefits.
Card Features
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card has an annual fee of $599. Each additional cardholder is charged $199. The interest rates are 20.99% on purchases and 21.99% on funds advances. There is no minimum income requirement to apply for this card.
Welcome Bonuses
The card offers a series of welcome bonuses to new cardholders, such as:
- Earning 7,500 points per month for up to 6 months when spending $2,000 per month, up to a maximum of 45,000 points.
- An additional 35,000 points can be earned after 13 months of holding the card if the cardholder spends at least $6,000 over that period.
- Cardholders can earn 5,000 points for each supplementary card added, up to a maximum of 10,000 points.
Rewards Program Breakdown
The base earning rate for the card is 1.25 Aeroplan points per $1 spent. However, this rate increases when used for certain purchases. For example, cardholders earn 3 points per $1 of Air Canada or Air Canada Vacations purchases and 2 points per $1 spent on food and dining.
Travel Benefits and Perks
The card includes a comprehensive travel insurance package:
- Flight Delay Insurance: Up to $500 coverage for accommodations, food, and essential items if your flight is delayed by 4+ hours or denied boarding, and no alternative is available within 48 hours.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Up to $500 coverage for emergency purchases of essential clothing and items if your checked baggage is delayed for 6+ hours on your outbound trip.
- Hotel Burglary Insurance: Up to $500 coverage against loss of personal items (excluding cash) if your accommodation is burglarized.
- Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $500,000 coverage for Accidental Death and Dismemberment if you charge your common carrier tickets to the card.
- Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance: Coverage for theft, loss, and damage of rental cars with an MSRP up to $85,000 for rentals of 48 days or less. Cardholders should decline the car rental agency’s damage waivers.
- Travel Emergency Assistance: 24/7 access to worldwide emergency medical assistance services and legal referrals via phone.
Lounge Access
Cardholders have access to unlimited Maple Leaf Lounges plus one guest, as well as more than 1,200 airport lounges globally. The $99 USD annual Priority Pass membership fee is waived for Cardmembers. Each lounge visit is subject to a usage fee at the prevailing rate.
Other Perks
Additional travel benefits include a NEXUS application fee rebate and an annual round-trip companion pass (once a $25,000 spend is achieved) with varying prices depending on the destination. Cardholders also enjoy elite status benefits such as free first checked bag and priority treatment on Air Canada flights.
Additional Benefits
Aside from travel benefits, the card offers a range of additional perks:
- Purchase Protection: Insurance for eligible items charged to your card for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of accidental physical damage or theft, up to $1,000 per occurrence.
- Extended Warranty: Manufacturer’s original warranty extended by up to one additional year when eligible items are fully charged to your card.
- Concierge Services: Access to out-of-town worldwide emergency medical assistance services and legal referrals by telephone.
- Exclusive Events and Offers: Access to American Express Experiences, which includes presale tickets for concerts, theatre productions, events, special offers, private shopping experiences, and more.
- The card also offers enhanced rewards with Rocky Mountaineer, Avis, and Budget Rent a Car, presenting opportunities for upgraded services and discounts on rentals.
In conclusion, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card provides an extensive range of benefits and rewards, making it a competitive choice for individuals who frequently travel and spend on dining. Its travel perks and insurance coverage provide a safety net for frequent flyers, while the rewards program can significantly cut travel costs when used effectively.
