American Express Canada announced the overhaul of its Aeroplan co-branded credit card portfolio, adding new travel benefits while increasing annual fees on its premium Reserve cards.
The changes take effect Jan. 12, 2027, across American Express Aeroplan consumer, small business and corporate cards. The company says the update builds on its more than two-decade partnership with Aeroplan.
Among the biggest changes are expanded airport lounge access, discounts on Air Canada flight rewards and new travel and dining credits.
"For Canadians, travel is about the moments that happen along the way, like enjoying the lounge before takeoff, experiencing a great meal in a new city and the reward flight that makes the next trip possible," said Rey Saeidi, Vice President, Proprietary and Co-Brand Products, Lending and Rewards at American Express Canada.
"Together with Air Canada and Aeroplan, we're giving Cardmembers even more reasons to choose American Express, with rewards, premium travel benefits and experiences designed to make every journey feel rewarding from start to finish."
Reserve Card Gets New Benefits — And Higher Fee
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card will add up to $100 annually in Air Canada travel credits, issued as two $50 credits through the cardholder's AC wallet.
Cardholders will also receive a 15% discount when redeeming Aeroplan points for Air Canada flight rewards.
Amex Canada is overhauling its Aeroplan co-branded credit card portfolio (Photo Credit: Amex)Lounge benefits are expanding to include access to the Worldwide Maple Leaf Lounge network, up to six complimentary Priority Pass lounge passes annually and eight complimentary passes per year for select Aspire Amex lounges in Canada.
The card will also include access to dedicated priority security lanes at select airports worldwide for the cardholder and up to eight companions travelling on the same reservation.
A new $200 annual dining credit will be available at eligible restaurants participating in Air Canada's Best New Restaurants program.
Cardholders booking hotels with Aeroplan points will be eligible for a fourth night free on four-night stays at more than 300,000 hotels. A similar fourth-day-free benefit will be available at 11,000 car rental locations worldwide.
For higher spenders, American Express is introducing a 10 per cent Aeroplan points bonus after $125,000 in annual spending, followed by another 10 per cent bonus for each additional $25,000 spent, up to $400,000 annually.
Those additions come with a higher price. The Reserve Card's annual fee will increase from $599 to $799, effective on a cardholder's first annual fee billing date after Jan. 12.
Business Reserve Rises to $799
The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card is receiving several of the same benefits, including the Air Canada travel credits, 15% reward discount, expanded lounge access, priority security and fourth-night and fourth-day-free hotel and car rental benefits.
Its annual fee will also rise from $599 to $799 on the first annual fee billing date after Jan. 12.
Existing benefits on both Reserve cards include three Aeroplan points per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases, a free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation and an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass after reaching the required spending threshold.
"Aeroplan is built to help Canadians get more from every part of their travel journey, and these improvements are an important step forward in how we deliver on that promise," said Scott O'Leary, Vice President, Loyalty & Product at Air Canada.
"Our long-standing partnership with American Express continues to create rewards and travel benefits for Cardmembers, that help connect everyday spending with future travel possibilities."
Changes are also being made to the American Express Aeroplan Card, Aeroplan Corporate Card and Aeroplan Corporate Reserve Card.
American Express says enhancements are also coming to its invite-only American Express Air Canada Card, with details to be provided directly to cardholders in the coming weeks.
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