Amex overhauls Aeroplan cards with new perks; Reserve fee jumps to $799

American Express Canada is revamping its Aeroplan co-brand card portfolio, adding new Air Canada savings, expanded lounge access and other travel benefits while raising the annual fee on its premium Reserve cards.

The changes take effect Jan. 12, 2027, and span American Express Canada's consumer, small business and corporate Aeroplan cards, marking the latest evolution of a partnership with Aeroplan that has lasted more than two decades.

Among the biggest changes are enhancements to the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card and American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card. The annual fee for both will increase from $599 to $799, effective on a Cardmember's first annual fee billing date after Jan. 12.

New benefits for both Reserve cards will include up to $100 annually – $50 twice a year – toward Air Canada travel through the AC wallet, along with a 15 per cent discount on Air Canada flight rewards when redeeming points.

Cardmembers will also gain access to an expanded Worldwide Maple Leaf Lounge network, up to six complimentary Priority Pass lounge passes annually and eight complimentary lounge passes each year at select Aspire Amex lounges in Canada.

The cards will also provide access to dedicated priority security lanes at select airports worldwide for Cardmembers and up to eight companions travelling on the same reservation.

More hotel, car rental perks

Both Reserve cards will also introduce a fourth hotel night free when four nights are booked with Aeroplan points at more than 300,000 hotels worldwide.

A similar benefit will apply to car rentals, with Cardmembers receiving a fourth rental day free at 11,000 locations worldwide.

The consumer Aeroplan Reserve Card will gain additional benefits, including a $200 annual dining credit at eligible restaurants participating in Air Canada's Best New Restaurants.

Cardmembers who spend $125,000 annually will also earn 10 per cent bonus Aeroplan points. An additional 10 per cent bonus will be awarded for every further $25,000 spent, up to $400,000 annually.

"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, VP, loyalty & product at Air Canada, in a release.

"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."

The new benefits will complement existing perks available on both cards, including three Aeroplan points per $1 spent on eligible Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases.

Cardmembers can also receive a free first checked bag for themselves and up to eight companions travelling on the same reservation, an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass after reaching the applicable annual spending threshold and Front Of The Line access to presale and reserved tickets for concerts and events.

American Express said the broader Aeroplan portfolio refresh comes as the company continues to focus on Cardmember benefits and service.

The refreshed Aeroplan Card portfolio and its new benefits will become available Jan. 12, 2027.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.