If you want to take your Aeroplan membership and rewards to the next level, a co-branded credit card is a must. Unlimited lounge access, membership status boosts, and VIP treatment are just a few of the perks included with the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card or TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card – but if you want the best rewards and benefits, choose the latter.
Key Takeaways
- The American Express Aeroplan Reserve collects Aeroplan points while treating cardholders to free baggage and priority airport services.
- The TD Aeroplan VIP adds global acceptance and Visa Infinite Privilege benefits to many of the same Air Canada benefits.
- The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege provides better benefits and earning opportunities than the Amex Aeroplan Reserve without missing out on Air Canada perks.
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American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card vs. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card overview
In exchange for above-average annual fees, travel credit cards promise better insurance, luxury travel perks, and a way to see the world by completing your regular shopping. Thanks to their official partnership with Air Canada, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege deliver on all 3 fronts:
| Feature | American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $599 | $599 |
| Welcome bonus | Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms) | Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Rewards | Up to 3 Aeroplan points per $1 spent | Up to 2 Aeroplan points per $1 spent |
| Highest earning categories | Air Canada travel | Air Canada travel |
| Metal card | ✅ | ✅ |
| Insurance types included | 11 | 12 |
| Special features | Amex benefits | Visa Infinite Privilege benefits |
| Best for | Frequent Air Canada travellers | Frequent Air Canada travellers |
| Get started | Apply now | Apply now |
Think of these cards as fraternal twins that share many of the same rewards, perks, and insurance.
Aeroplan rewards
Offering tons of value and moderate flexibility, Aeroplan is one of the best rewards programs in Canada. There are 8 different ways to redeem your points but the best option is air travel, which yields a value of 2 – 4 cents per point (CPP).
Value of reward in CAD / cost in points x 100 = value in cents per point (CPP)
Unsurprisingly, both the Amex Aeroplan Reserve and TD Aeroplan VIP collect the most points from purchases from Air Canada. The top earn rate applies equally to air travel, car rentals, hotel stays, and vacation packages booked on the Air Canada website; in-flight drinks and meals; and gifts from the duty-free boutique (but not gift cards).
The more you travel, the more you earn, making these cards a perfect fit for frequent flyers.
Air Canada perks
The biggest advantage to choosing an official Aeroplan credit card (as opposed to a fast but unofficial earner like the American Express Cobalt Card) is the perks package.
The Amex Aeroplan Reserve and TD Aeroplan VIP provide a $100 NEXUS credit every 4 years and unlimited access for the cardholder and 1 guest to Maple Leaf Lounges whenever you fly Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge. You’ll get 1 free night’s stay whenever you book 3 nights with Aeroplan points, or 2 free nights when you book 6.
The VIP Aeroplan credit cardholder experience also includes:
- Aeroplan perks: As long as your card remains in good standing, your Aeroplan points won’t expire, you can roll over unused miles to next year, and you’ll get 1 extra year to use any eUpgrades.
- Avis car rental perks: You’ll get a free upgrade to the Avis President’s Club and all the benefits it entails, such as a 2-class upgrade, expedited service, and more.
- Elite Status membership boosts: Get 1,000 miles and 1 flight added to your membership goals per $5,000 spent.
- Free checked bags: Your first bag (and those of up to 8 travelling companions) are free whenever you fly Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge.
- Preferred pricing: You’ll get the best rates available on flights, car rentals, hotel stays, and vacations booked on the Air Canada platform.
- Priority airport services: You and up to 8 travelling companions will enjoy priority check-ins, baggage handling, and boarding whenever you fly Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge. The same goes for airport standbys and upgrade requests.
But the best and most valuable benefit is the yearly Air Canada airline companion voucher. Spend at least $25,000 in 1 year with either card, and you can take a buddy on a round-trip for a fixed, discounted rate.
Each voucher is worth an average of $864, but the further you fly, the more you’ll save on your companion’s ticket.
| Destination | Voucher price | Average base airfare | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada and the continental US | $99 | $250 | $151 |
| Central America and the Caribbean | $299 | $500 | $201 |
| Europe, Africa, and the Middle East | $499 | $2,000 | $1,501 |
| Asia | $599 | $2,200 | $1,601 |
Travel insurance
Credit card travel insurance is an underappreciated benefit that applies to multiple trips per year and is bundled into the annual fee. The Amex Aeroplan Reserve and TD Aeroplan VIP both carry the same types of credit card insurance but different amounts of coverage:
| Insurance | Amex Aeroplan Reserve coverage limit | TD Aeroplan VIP coverage limit | Estimated value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extended warranty | 1 year | 2 years | $72 – $144 |
| Purchase protection | 90 days | 120 days | $36 – $48 |
| Travel accident | $500,000 | $500,000 | $10 |
| Emergency medical term | 15 days | 31 days | $133 – $136 |
| Trip cancellation | $1,500 | $2,500 | $40 – $49 |
| Trip interruption | $1,500 | $5,000 | $22 – $31 |
| Flight delay | $1,000 | $1,000 | $7 |
| Baggage delay | $1,000 | $1,000 | $9 |
| Lost or stolen baggage | $1,000 | $2,500 | $2 |
| Hotel burglary | $1,000 | $2,500 | $2 – $3 |
| Theft and damage rental car insurance | 48 days | 48 days | $140 |
As you can see, higher coverage limits don’t always translate to better value – especially when it comes to travel insurance. The most valuable coverage applies to shopping but we’ll examine it in further detail later.
Metal credit cards
Sign up for either the Amex Aeroplan Reserve or the TD Aeroplan VIP and you’ll receive a stainless steel metal card with a silver chip. Both are dark grey and engraved with the Air Canada logo.
Now that you can see the family resemblance between these two credit cards, let’s take a look at what sets them apart.
What we love about the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Pros:
- 3 ways to earn rewards
- American Express benefits
- No fee supplementary cards available
- No minimum income requirements
- Slightly higher returns in fewer purchase categories
Cons:
- Slightly less insurance coverage
Aeroplan and American Express should be a winning combo, but the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card doesn’t match the earning power or benefits of its rival. Not that it’s a bad card – Amex’s exclusive benefits, high travel earning rate, and low eligibility requirements make it a worthy spending tool.
More points, fewer spending categories
- 3 points per $1 spent on Air Canada
- 2 points per $1 spent on dining and food delivery purchases in Canada
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
At least on paper, the Amex Aeroplan Reserve card seems to earn more points than the TD Aeroplan VIP. Its top earning rate is 3 points per $1 spent on Air Canada, producing a maximum return rate of 6%.
Value of rewards earned in CAD / money spent in CAD x 100 = rate of return in %
That’s $6 of Aeroplan points in your pocket for every $100 spent – a whole 2% more than the TD Aeroplan VIP on Air Canada purchases, and 1% more on restaurants. But Amex isn’t as widely accepted as Visa, especially internationally, and you can’t earn rewards on purchases you can’t make.
American Express benefits
Besides an unlimited number of Maple Leaf lounge passes, the Amex Aeroplan Reserve includes a complimentary Priority Pass that you can use to enter 1,400+ lounges worldwide for $35 USD per visit.
You’ll also enjoy 4 exclusive benefits before boarding your flight at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ):
- 15% off Car Care services in Terminal 1
- 15% off Express and Daily Park fees in Terminals 1 & 3
- Priority security lane for you and up to 8 travelling companions
- Complimentary valet car service at Terminal 1
This is in addition to the standard Amex benefits, which include:
- Access to special dining, rewards, and shopping rebates worth $200 or more through Amex and Member Offers
- Early access to in-demand event tickets, reserved seating, and curated experiences through Amex Front Of The Line, Presale Tickets, and Reserved Tickets
- Exclusive access to curated dining, entertainment, shopping, and wellness benefits and events through American Express Experiences
Lastly, spending with Amex gives you the option to use Plan It, a buy now pay later payment program that splits any purchase over $100 CAD into up to 10 monthly payments for a fixed fee.
Lower eligibility requirements
Applying for the Amex Aeroplan Reserve doesn’t remove the need for a good credit score, but it does remove the need to meet an annual income requirement. You have a chance to get a card as long as your credit score is between 660 and 724, whereas the TD Aeroplan VIP requires proof of at least $150,000 of personal income or $200,000 of household income combined.
What we love about the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
Pros:
- 6 ways to earn rewards
- Slightly more insurance coverage
- Worldwide acceptance for Visa
- Visa Infinite Privilege benefits
Cons:
- Higher eligibility requirements
- High supplementary card fees
- Slightly lower returns in more purchase categories
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card is TD Canada Trust’s premier credit card in Canada and our #1 official Aeroplan credit card. It’s got all the Air Canada perks that matter, ample insurance coverage, and an amazing perks package to boot.
Fewer points, more spending categories
- 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, travel & transit and dining
- 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Although the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege earns fewer points than its rival, it has one big advantage: acceptance. Visa credit cards are used in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, and there are few businesses in Canada that’ll turn down your card.
It also earns points in more purchase categories, including gas, groceries, and non-Air Canada travel. All of this makes for an average return rate of 2.78% (based on $24,000 of typical spending in one year), compared to 2.79% for the Amex Aeroplan Reserve.
The bigger downside is the TD Aeroplan VIP’s $100,000 combined annual limit on eligible spending in the 2X and 1.5X points categories. Once you hit the threshold your rewards will drop to a single point per $1 spent until next year.
Visa Infinite Privilege benefits
If it wasn’t for the Visa Infinite Privilege program, the Amex Aeroplan Reserve would easily win the title of best credit card benefits. TD exclusives are limited to 600 bonus Starbucks Stars and a 10% discount on Avis and Budget base car rentals in Canada and the US, which drops to 5% internationally.
But Visa’s top credit card program more than makes up for the bank’s lackluster offerings with:
- 24/7 Complimentary assistance with restaurant reservations, travel itineraries, and other requests through Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge
- A complimentary Dragonpass membership and 6 free passes per year with the Visa Airport Companion
- Automatic Diamond status at 60+ Sandman and Sutton Place hotels – including preferred pricing, free room upgrades, and dedicated customer service – courtesy of Visa RSVP Rewards
- Automatic Platinum Status – including 20% off golf fees, merchandise, and lessons at 150+ golf courses worldwide – through Troon Rewards
- Complimentary room upgrades, daily breakfast, and a VIP welcome at 200+ participating properties in the Relais & Châteaux collection
- Complimentary tastings, tours, discounts, and other benefits at select wineries in Ontario and BC courtesy of Visa Infinite Wine Country
- Preferred pricing, automatic room upgrades, complimentary in-room WiFi, complimentary breakfast, a $25 USD food or beverage credit, VIP guest status, 3 PM check-outs, and 1 additional benefit at 900+ properties in the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
- Primetime reservations and access to exclusive in-person dining events at Michelin-starred restaurants from Vancouver to Toronto through the Visa Infinite Dining Series
- Priority security lanes at Billy Bishop (YTZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), and Ottawa (YOW)
- Special perks at the Toronto International Film Festival through the Visa Infinite Screening Series
Thanks to Visa, the estimated value of the TD Aeroplan VIP’s benefits exceeds those of the Amex Aeroplan Reserve by at least $500. You could fly out from Pearson, visit an airport lounge, take a winery tour in BC, stay at a hotel in Whistler, and enjoy over $400 in benefits in a single trip!
More insurance
Totalling $830 or so, the TD Aeroplan VIP’s estimated credit card insurance value is almost twice as large as the Amex Aeroplan Reserve’s. It has 4 big advantages:
- Up to $1,500 of mobile device insurance
- 1 extra year of extended warranty
- 30 extra days of purchase protection
- 4 days of emergency medical travel insurance for seniors over the age of 65
According to our research, shopping insurance provides more value than travel insurance. You’re more likely to use it and you can avoid the overpriced protection plans offered by electronics retailers.
How do the Amex Aeroplan Reserve and TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege compare?
Before we declare a winner, let’s revisit the most important points of comparison between the Amex Aeroplan Reserve and the TD Aeroplan VIP.
Best benefits: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
The Amex Aeroplan Reserve and the TD Aeroplan VIP both enjoy unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges, free checked bags, and priority services on Air Canada flights. The former adds a complimentary Priority Pass membership and Amex benefits, while the latter benefits from dining, hotel, and entertainment perks courtesy of Visa Infinite Privilege.
Your mileage will vary depending on your shopping and dining habits, but for luxury treatment on and off the tarmac, we recommend the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card.
Best insurance: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
Higher coverage limits, additional shopping insurance, and an emergency medical policy for seniors make the TD Aeroplan VIP the better choice for peace of mind.
Best rewards: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
Although the Amex Aeroplan Reserve has slightly higher earning rates and no annual spending limit, the TD Aeroplan VIP rewards more purchase categories and enjoys more acceptance around the world.
Highest acceptance: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
As long as a given business uses credit, it’s almost guaranteed they accept Visa. While Amex is welcome at most high-end establishments and major retailers, it’s still struggling to find acceptance among small businesses and international stores.
Highest welcome bonus: American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Assuming you redeem your points on air travel, you can earn up to 85,000 Aeroplan points during your first year with the Amex Aeroplan Reserve. The TD Aeroplan VIP card finishes closely in second, awarding a total of 85,000 points.
Interest fees: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
You’ll pay fewer interest fees for carrying a balance with the TD Aeroplan VIP or taking a cash advance from the Amex Aeroplan Reserve, but only the former allows balance transfers.
| Amex Aeroplan Reserve | TD Aeroplan VIP | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase interest rate | 21.99% | 21.99% |
| Cash advance interest rate | 21.99% | 22.99% |
| Balance transfer interest rate | N/A | 22.99% |
Lowest annual fee: American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Although the Amex Aeroplan Reserve and TD Aeroplan VIP share a $599 annual fee and $199 supplementary card fee, the former offers no fee supplementary cards. No fee cards don’t grant your authorized users any benefits, but they can add to your Aeroplan rewards at no charge.
Lowest eligibility requirements: American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Assuming your credit score falls between 660 and 724, it’s easier to qualify for the Amex Aeroplan Reserve than the TD Aeroplan VIP. The former has no income requirements while the latter demands at least $150,000 of personal income or $200,000 of household income combined.
The winner: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
If you’re a fan of luxury, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card can extend your VIP treatment from air travel to restaurants, hotels, golf courses, and beyond. Although you’ll miss out on discounted services at Pearson airport, you’ll gain the ability to earn Aeroplan points on gas, groceries, and non-Air-Canada travel.
Top Aeroplan alternative
If you want to collect Aeroplan points but don’t meet our top pick’s income requirements, try the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card. You’ll grab a NEXUS credit, free first checked bags on Air Canada flights, Visa Infinite benefits, and similar rewards for $139 per year – and the first year is free!
FAQ
Does Amex Aeroplan Reserve have lounge access?
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card grants unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges for the cardholder and one guest, plus a complimentary Priority Pass membership.
Does the Infinite Privilege card get you any status with Aeroplan?
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card doesn’t provide automatic Aeroplan Elite Status, but it adds 1,000 miles and 1 flight to your progress for every $5,000 spent.
Is Visa Infinite Privilege hard to get?
Besides requiring a good credit score, Visa Infinite Privilege credit cards carry a hard annual income requirement of $150,000 of personal income or $200,000 of household income.
Do you get priority boarding with Amex Reserve?
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card entitles the cardholder and up to 8 travelling companions to priority boarding, check-in, and baggage handling aboard Air Canada flights.
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