Amex Aeroplan Reserve Gets New Perks, But Fee Jumps to $799

Canadian Aeroplan cardholders will get more travel benefits next year, but American Express is also raising the annual fee on its premium Air Canada cards.

American Express announced Monday that it is refreshing its five-card Aeroplan portfolio, with the new benefits taking effect January 12, 2027. The Aeroplan Reserve Card annual fee will rise from $599 to $799 after that date. The Business Reserve Card will see the same increase.

Reserve cardholders will get up to $100 each year toward Air Canada travel through AC wallet, split into two $50 credits. They will also get 15% savings when redeeming Aeroplan points for Air Canada flight rewards and access to an expanded Maple Leaf Lounge network.

The updated lounge benefits include up to six Priority Pass visits per year and eight passes annually for Aspire American Express lounges in Canada. Cardholders will also get access to eligible priority security lanes for themselves and up to eight companions.

American Express is also adding rewards tied to annual spending. Cardholders who spend $125,000 in a year will receive a 10% Aeroplan points bonus, followed by another 10% bonus for each additional $25,000 spent, up to $400,000.

Other new benefits include a $200 Annual Dining Credit for restaurants included in Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants, a free fourth hotel night at more than 300,000 hotels and a free fourth rental day at more than 11,000 locations. The refreshed benefits and higher annual fees take effect January 12, 2027.

With the Reserve jumping to $799 next year, the cheaper alternatives are the Amex Cobalt ($155.88/year, 5x dining that transfers 1:1 to Aeroplan), the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite ($159/year), or the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite ($150/year, no fx fees for Europe).