Reviewed by Jen, founder of MoneyMint · Updated September 25, 2026

American ExpressTravel Rewards

American Express Aeroplan Card

Our take: strongest for dining — about 3% back in value (est.) for $120 a year, plus a welcome bonus we value at roughly $900.

Welcome bonusUp to 45,000 Aeroplan points as a new cardmember

Apply on Amex’s site →

Goes straight to American Express
No cost to you
Our review

The base Aeroplan Card is the entry point into Amex’s Aeroplan card family: a $120 annual fee, accelerated points on Air Canada, dining, and Hyatt spend, and a free first checked bag — without the lounge access and companion pass reserved for the Reserve-tier cards.

3.8out of 5

MoneyMint rating

#13 of 30 travel rewards cards · How we rate

Rewards value

5/10

Insurance

8/10

Flexibility

7/10

Welcome bonus

10/10

Fee value

10/10

Perks

2/10

≈ $1,302

estimated first-year value after the annual fee, on a typical $2,050/month budget. Points are converted to dollars using MoneyMint’s own valuations — see our points value calculator for how each program is valued. See it for your spending →

At a Glance

Annual fee

$120/yr$50/yr full additional card, or $0 reduced-benefit additional card

Rewards rate

Up to 2 pts/$1Air Canada; 1 pt/$1 on everything else

Welcome bonus

Up to 45,000 pts

Rewards

~3%on dining (est. value)

Credit score needed

Good

Foreign transaction fee

2.5%

Pros & Cons

Pros

Free first checked bag for you plus up to 8 companions on the same Air Canada reservation
Aeroplan Elite Status Qualifying Credits toward elite tier progress
Preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight reward redemptions
4th night free on eligible Aeroplan hotel redemptions
Lower fee than the Reserve-tier Aeroplan cards

Cons

No Maple Leaf Lounge access, Priority Pass, or priority boarding — those are Reserve-tier exclusives
$120/year plus $50/year for a full-benefit additional card
1 point/$1 base rate on everyday spend is unremarkable
As a charge card the balance must be paid in full monthly, and a steep 30% rate applies to anything not paid off

Rewards & Earn Rates

Air Canada / Air Canada Vacations2 pts/$1

Dining & food delivery in Canada1.5 pts/$1

Hyatt hotels1.5 pts/$1

All other purchases1 pt/$1

This is a charge card, not a credit card: the balance must be paid in full each month, and no interest applies when it is. If a balance is not paid in full by the next statement date, a single annual rate of 30% applies — confirmed in American Express’s September 2026 Cardmember Agreement and on its Aeroplan compare-cards page.

Who It’s For

Best for

Occasional Air Canada flyers who want a free checked bag without a premium annual fee
Those building Aeroplan points and Elite Status Qualifying Credits gradually
Cardholders who will pay their balance in full each month

Not ideal for

Frequent flyers who want lounge access (see the Aeroplan Reserve Card instead)
Anyone who might carry a balance, given the uncertainty around the applicable interest rate
Those wanting a strong flat rate on everyday, non-travel spend

Not Sure? Three Cards People Compare It With

All travel cards →

BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard

Pick this instead if travel insurance matters more to you.

Fee $199Rating 4.2 ★Bonus $1,050

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Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

Pick this instead if most of your spending is travel (~4.5% est.).

Fee $120Rating 3.8 ★Bonus $630

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Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

Pick this instead if most of your spending is travel (~4.5% est.).

Fee $150Rating 4.2 ★Bonus $720

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual fee for the American Express Aeroplan Card?

The American Express Aeroplan Card has an annual fee of $120/year; $50/year for a full-benefit additional card, or $0 for a reduced-benefit “No Fee” additional card.

What is the rewards rate on the American Express Aeroplan Card?

The American Express Aeroplan Card offers: 2 points/$1 on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations; 1.5 points/$1 on dining and food delivery in Canada; 1.5 points/$1 at participating Hyatt hotels; 1 point/$1 on everything else

Does the American Express Aeroplan Card have a welcome bonus?

Up to 45,000 Aeroplan points 35,000 points after $7,500 in spend in the first 6 months, plus 10,000 points after $1,000 in spend in month 13.

What credit score do I need to qualify for the American Express Aeroplan Card?

Generally, you’ll want a good credit score to be considered for the American Express Aeroplan Card. Approval also depends on income and overall credit history, not credit score alone.

Does the American Express Aeroplan Card charge foreign transaction fees?

2.5%