September 30, 2026 Team Contributor
For Canadians who love the idea of getting a little more from their everyday spending, be it travel, meals, or just everyday purchases, there’s more in store from American Express Canada. The global payments company is bringing its next-generation Aeroplan Card on January 12, 2027.
The new benefits will apply across consumer, small business and corporate Cards, building on American Express’ more than two-decade partnership with Aeroplan.
With a score of 618, American Express ranks highest in customer satisfaction among credit card issuers for a second consecutive year in the J.D. Power 2026 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study.
Beyond the ratings, the network itself keeps growing: American Express is now accepted at more than 190 million merchant locations worldwide, and acceptance outside the U.S. has more than doubled in the last four years.
For frequent Air Canada travellers, the changes bring a mix of travel savings, airport perks, lounge access and additional ways to use Aeroplan points.
More savings when flying Air Canada
Among the headline changes is a new travel benefit on the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.
Cardmembers can receive up to $100 a year toward Air Canada travel through their AC Wallet, plus 15% savings on Air Canada flight rewards when redeeming Aeroplan points.
The Reserve Card will also offer expanded lounge access, including access to a wider Worldwide Maple Leaf Lounge network, up to six complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits annually, and eight complimentary passes for select Aspire Amex lounges in Canada.
Winter escapes and holiday trips are already filling up, and the new benefits arrive on January 12, 2027. Don’t leave your next trip to chance. Find a travel advisor near you today and start planning it around the perks you’ll soon have.
Cardholders will also get priority security access at select airports worldwide, plus up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation.
Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty & Product at Air Canada, speaking on the development, said, “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.” He also added. “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.”
A dining perk for exploring Canada
The new benefits aren’t limited to airports.
The Reserve Card will include a $200 annual dining credit at eligible participating Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants, giving cardmembers another reason to explore Canada’s dining scene.
Travellers can also receive a fourth hotel night free when booking four nights with Aeroplan points at more than 300,000 hotels worldwide, plus a fourth rental day free at 11,000 car rental locations worldwide.
The annual fee goes up
An important detail for existing and prospective cardmembers: the annual fee for the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card will rise from $599 to $799, effective on the first annual fee billing date after January 12, 2027.
With the annual fee rising to $799, the real question is how much you’ll actually use these perks. Lounge passes, companion access, and free hotel nights only pay off when you plan the trip around them. Talk to a travel advisor before your next booking and make every benefit count.
Related Post:
About the Author
