American Express Aeroplan Reserve Cards: Changes Inbound

As Canadians, we love the Air Canada Aeroplan program, so it’s no surprise that the Aeroplan cards are very popular when it comes to the benefits and utility offered. There is no shortage of options whether you are interested in an entry-level, middle-of-the-road, or premium Aeroplan card.

American Express Canada has announced several new benefits and changes coming to its two premium Aeroplan cards, the American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Reserve Card and the American Express^® Aeroplan^®* Business Reserve Card, effective as of January 12th, 2027.

Let’s get into the finer details as to what is changing.

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card: New Benefits & Annual Fee

The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card has two new credits, improved airport lounge access, an Aeroplan redemption discount, and a few additional benefits, paired with a new annual fee. 

If you want to read up on the news directly from American Express Canada, you can do so here.

Up to $100 in Annual Air Canada Credits

The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card will offer up to $100 in annual Air Canada credits, provided as two semi-annual $50 credits.

For anyone making Air Canada Aeroplan redemptions or cash fare bookings, these should be pretty easy to use and get value out of.

15% Aeroplan Redemption Discount on Air Canada Flights

Cardholders will receive a 15% discount on Aeroplan redemptions on eligible Air Canada flight rewards. 

Aeroplan credit cardholders currently receive a 15% Aeroplan point redemption on Air Canada flights booked up until January 11th, so this addition makes this a permanent benefit as opposed to a limited-time promotion.

Up to $200 in Dining Credits Annually

Cardholders will also receive an annual $200 dining credit to be used at eligible restaurants that are included in “Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants” list. The list of finalists for this year can be found here, and unsurprisingly, several provinces don’t have any entries in that list.

We will have to dig into the terms and conditions of this benefit to understand how this credit actually functions, because if it can be used at any restaurant that has ever been featured through this program, there are a lot more options nationwide.

Improved Airport Lounge Access

American Express Aeroplan Reserve cardholders still receive Maple Leaf Lounge access, but will now also receive up to six complimentary Priority Pass lounge passes each year and eight complimentary lounge passes each year for use at select Aspire Amex lounges in Canada. 

The Aspire Amex lounge in Montreal is stunning, so it will be interesting to see which lounges are eligible.

Priority Airport Security Lanes

Cardholders will be able to enjoy the convenience of dedicated priority security lanes at select

airports worldwide for themselves and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation.

Previously, cardholders only received priority security screening at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), so it will be interesting to see how all-encompassing this list of select airports worldwide looks.

Spend More & Earn More Aeroplan Points

Cardholders will earn 10% bonus Aeroplan points when spending $125,000

annually. Plus, they will also earn 10% bonus points for every additional $25,000 spent, up to

$400,000 annually.

Save More With Aeroplan Redemptions on Hotel Stays & Car Rentals

When redeeming Aeroplan points, cardholders can get a fourth night free when booking four nights at over 300,000 hotels worldwide, or a fourth day free at over 11,000 car rental locations worldwide.

Annual Fee Increase

While these benefits are a nice addition, the annual fee is also increasing from $599 to $799 effective on the cardmember’s first annual fee billing date after January 12, 2027.

American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card: New Benefits & Annual Fee

The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card has a new Air Canada credit, improved airport lounge access, an Aeroplan redemption discount, and a few additional benefits, paired with a new annual fee. 

New Benefits: Similar To Personal Card

The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card is receiving many of the same benefits as the personal card, including up to $100 in Air Canada annual credits, a 15% discount on eligible Air Canada flight Aeroplan redemptions, priority security access, improved airport lounge access, and a fourth night or rental day free when redeeming Aeroplan points.

Refer to the official American Express Canada webpage or the section above for more details on these benefits.

Annual Fee Increase

Similar to the personal version, the annual fee is also increasing from $599 to $799 effective on the cardmember’s first annual fee billing date after January 12, 2027.

Conclusion

These cards haven’t had much change since they launched in 2020, so I’m not surprised to see a refresh after almost six years. 

It also shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that the annual fee increase is being offset by additional credits, as the strategy of coupon booking with credit card benefits has become commonplace in recent years. Whether or not the value is there will lie with the individual, and as always, you should be running the numbers on your annual fee versus expected value from benefits in determining if a credit card makes sense for you.