When considering the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege vs. Amex Platinum, you'll notice quite a few similarities, but the TD card's associated Air Canada benefits push its overall value over the top. The Amex card is better for those who don't have an airline preference.
Both of these products are excellent travel credit card options, but the right one for you depends on many personal factors.
By diving into the similarities, differences, pros, cons, and many more details of these cards, this article provides you with the information you need to determine which of these cards best fits your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card provides more value than its Amex competitor, especially for those who enjoy flying with Air Canada.
- This TD card adds premium Air Canada perks to the Visa Infinite Privilege package of benefits.
- The Platinum Card is packed with a wide range of travelling, shopping, and dining benefits.
- With slightly lower credit score eligibility and no income requirements, this Amex card is slightly easier to qualify for than its TD counterpart.
Never miss an amazing deal again + get our bonus 250+ page eBook for FREE. Join 50,000 other Canadians who receive our weekly newsletter – learn more.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card vs. The Platinum Card overview
Although they cater to the same crowd, these 2 credit cards have very little in common, except for Aeroplan rewards, some travel insurance, and their metal appearance:
| Feature | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card | The Platinum Card |
|---|---|---|
| Card type | Credit card | Charge card |
| Annual fee | $599 | $799 |
| Welcome bonus | Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms) |  $150 GeniusCash + Up to 100,000 bonus points (terms) |
| Rewards | Up to 2 Aeroplan points per $1 spent | Up to 3 Amex Membership Rewards points per $1 spent |
| Highest earning categories | Air Canada travel | Travel, dining, and food delivery |
| Metal card | Yes | Yes |
| Airport lounge access | * Dragonpass network * 6 free passes | * Amex Global Lounge Collection * Unlimited free passes |
| Insurance types included | 12 | 11 |
| Special features | * Air Canada benefits * Visa Infinite Privilege benefits | * $200 annual dining credit * $200 annual travel credit |
| Income requirements | * $150,000 personal * $200,000 household | * $0 personal * $0 household |
| Best for | Frequent Air Canada travellers | Frequent luxury travellers |
| Get started | Apply now | Apply now |
Aeroplan rewards
The Aeroplan Rewards program is owned and operated by Air Canada. In terms of value, it's one of the best rewards programs in Canada – redeeming Aeroplan points for domestic or international air travel can yield 2 – 4 cents per point (CPP).
Value of reward in CAD / cost in points x 100 = value in cents per point (CPP)
Although The Platinum Card doesn't technically collect Aeroplan points, it does offer the option of easily converting the points it does earn – Amex Membership Rewards – to the Aeroplan program on a 1:1 ratio.
For the rest of this article, we'll use the average value of an Aeroplan point, 2 CPP, to evaluate the returns for both cards.
Travel insurance
Credit card travel insurance is an excellent perk. It covers a large range of situations, applies to multiple trips per year, and the annual fee often costs less than a yearly insurance plan. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card and The Platinum Card share 11 types of credit card insurance, although their coverage limits vary:
| Insurance | TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card coverage limit | The Platinum Card coverage limit | Estimated value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extended warranty | * 2 years | * 1 year | $81 |
| Purchase protection | * 120 days | * 120 days | $39 |
| Travel accident | * $500,000 | * $500,000 | $10 |
| Emergency medical term | * 31 days * 4 days (seniors) * $5 million | * 15 days * $5 million | $128 |
| Trip cancellation | * $2,500 | * $2,500 | $42 |
| Trip interruption | * $5,000 | * $2,500 | $27 |
| Flight delay | * $1,000 | * $1,000 | $6 |
| Baggage delay | * $1,000 | * $1,000 | $9 |
| Lost or stolen baggage | * $2,500 | * $1,000 | $2 |
| Hotel burglary | * $2,500 | * $1,000 | $2 |
| Theft and damage rental car insurance | * Yes | * Yes | $140 |
We'll look more closely at the worth of specific plans later, but for now, just know you can count on an estimated credit card insurance value of almost $500, no matter which card you choose.
Metal credit cards
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card and The Platinum Card are both issued in stainless steel. You have the choice between dark and stormy grey and shiny silver – but we recommend taking a closer look at the differences between the 2 cards before you make your decision.
What we love about the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
Pros:
- Air Canada benefits
- Extensive insurance coverage
- Excellent return rate
- Visa Infinite Privilege benefits
- Worldwide acceptance for Visa
Cons:
- Limited airport lounge access
- Very high income requirements
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card is the best credit card TD Canada Trust has to offer. It earned a top spot on our list of the best official Aeroplan credit cards in Canada for its superior rewards, varied benefits, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
More rewards
- 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
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card collects the most points on Air Canada purchases, which include airline tickets, car rentals, vacation packages, duty-free boutique purchases, and in-flight services. The next-highest earn rate applies to gas, groceries, dining, and non-Air Canada travel, which makes for an average return rate of 2.78%.
Rewards earned in CAD / money spent in CAD x 100 = return rate in %
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card also has the advantage of global acceptance – you can collect points on purchases in over 170 countries and territories, and there are very few businesses in Canada that don't take Visa.
There is one catch, though: you can only earn 2X and 1.5X the points on up to $100,000 of eligible spending combined per year. Once you pass this threshold, your rewards will drop to 1 point per $1 spent until next year.
Air Canada and Visa Infinite Privilege benefits
TD credit cardholders are entitled to only 2 exclusive benefits: 50% more Starbucks Stars after linking your account, and a 10% discount on Avis and Budget base car rentals in Canada and the U.S. (drops to 5% for international locations).
The bulk of the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card's best credit card benefits are divided between the Air Canada and Visa Infinite Privilege program. To start, you'll get a $100 CAD NEXUS rebate every 4 years and these VIP benefits:
- 24/7 Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge services
- A complimentary Dragonpass membership and 6 free passes per year via the Visa Airport Companion
- Automatic Diamond status at 60+ Sandman and Sutton Place hotels courtesy of Visa RSVP Rewards
- Automatic Platinum Status in Troon Rewards
- Complimentary tastings, tours, and other benefits courtesy of Visa Infinite Wine Country
- Preferred pricing, complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and in-room Wi-Fi at 900+ properties in the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection
- Primetime reservations and access to exclusive in-person dining events through the Visa Infinite Dining Series
- Priority security lanes at Toronto-Billy Bishop (YTZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), and Ottawa (YOW)
- Special perks at the Toronto International Film Festival through the Visa Infinite Screening Series
As a premium Aeroplan credit cardholder, your points never expire, and you get 1 extra year to use your eUpgrades. You'll receive 1,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) towards Aeroplan Elite Status membership per $5,000 spent, automatic enrollment in the Avis President's Club, and 1 free night's stay when you book 3 nights entirely in Aeroplan points.
Lastly, you'll receive the following whenever you fly Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge:
- Access to Maple Leaf Lounges for the primary cardholder and 1 guest
- Free first checked bags for you and up to 8 travelling companions
- Preferred pricing on base airfare
- Priority check-in, baggage handling, and boarding for you and up to 8 travelling companions (plus priority airport standby and flight class upgrade requests)
We estimate the value of the credit card perks included with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card to be over $800. The single most valuable benefit you'll receive is an airline companion voucher that lets you take a single travelling companion on one discounted, round-trip flight per year.
You must spend at least $25,000 in one year to qualify for your yearly voucher, but you can save up to $1,600 depending on where you fly:
| Destination | Voucher price | Average base airfare | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada and the continental U.S. | $99 | $250 | $151 |
| Central America and the Caribbean | $299 | $500 | $201 |
| South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East | $499 | $2,000 | $1,501 |
| Asia, Australia, New Zealand | $599 | $2,200 | $1,601 |
More insurance
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card provides higher coverage limits than The Platinum Card, but its most valuable coverage actually pertains to shopping. Our insurance value study estimates you can save over $400 with:
- $1,500 of cellphone insurance: valued at $63
- 2 years of extended warranty: valued at $81
- 120 days of purchase protection: valued at $39
- 4 days of emergency medical travel insurance for seniors over the age of 65: valued at $247
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card's insurance package totals an estimated $830 compared to $500 for The Platinum Card. It's a pretty great deal, considering it also comes with a lower annual fee!
TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
| Extended Warranty | 2 years |
| Purchase Protection | 120 days |
| Mobile Device | $1,500 |
| Travel Accident | $500,000 |
| Emergency Medical Term | 31 days |
| Emergency Medical Maximum Coverage | $5,000,000 |
| Emergency Medical over 65 | 4 days |
| Trip Cancellation | $2,500 |
| Trip Interruption | $5,000 |
| Flight Delay | $1,000 |
| Baggage Delay | $1,000 |
| Lost or Stolen Baggage | $2,500 |
| Hotel Burglary | $2,500 |
| Rental Car Theft & Damage | Yes |
Please review your insurance certificate for details, exclusions and limitations of your coverage.
What we love about The Platinum Card
×2 Award winner 
GC: $150
2x Award winner Pros:
- 2 free supplementary Gold Rewards cards
- Annual travel and dining credits
- No income requirements
- Platinum Card benefits
- Unlimited airport lounge access
Cons:
- Complicated payment structure
- Very high annual fee
The Platinum Card is the best perks and benefits credit card in Canada, hands down. While the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card provides an excellent travel experience, The Platinum Card's benefits touch on every part of everyday life, from airport lounge access to shopping, golfing, and fine dining. And while it may earn slightly fewer points than its rival, it offers many more ways to use them.
More flexible rewards
- 2 points per $1 spent on restaurants and travel
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
American Express credit cardholders get 1 extra point per $1 when booking cars or hotels with Amex Travel Online. This brings The Platinum Card's maximum return rate to 6%, the same as the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card's – and with no limit on the amount of spending that qualifies for 3X and 2X the points. The average return, though, is 2.45%.
If you don't feel like travelling, the Platinum Card gives you more options than its rival. We've already discussed how American Express Membership Rewards points can be converted to Aeroplan points, but Amex has 7 other points conversion partners, including Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
Keeping your points within Amex gives you the option to use the Amex Fixed Points Travel program for 2 CPP or to redeem them on gift cards, merch, or statement credits for 0.91 – 1.1 CPP.
More flexible benefits
If any credit card can rival the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card's long list of benefits, it's The Platinum Card.
This card provides a $100 CAD NEXUS credit every 4 years, a $200 annual dining credit, a $200 annual travel credit, and unlimited complimentary access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection. Not only does it include the Priority Pass and Centurion Lounge networks, but it also provides access to some of the best airport lounges in the world.
Your standard Amex benefits include:
- A $100 USD credit, complimentary room upgrade, early check-in, and late check-out at 600+ properties within The Hotel Collection
- A complimentary daily breakfast for 2 and unique benefits at 1,500+ Fine Hotels + Resorts
- Access to special dining, rewards, and shopping rebates through Amex and Member Offers
- Automatic Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- Early access to in-demand event tickets, reserved seating, and curated experiences through Amex Front Of The Line, Presale Tickets, Reserved Tickets, and By Invitation Only
- Exclusive access to curated dining, entertainment, shopping, and wellness benefits and events through American Express Experiences
Plus the following Platinum Card exclusives:
- 24/7 complimentary assistance with restaurant reservations, travel plans, and travel emergencies through Platinum Concierge services
- Access to specially reserved tables at fine dining establishments in the Global Dining Collection
- Discounted Premium Economy, Business, and First Class flights through the International Airline Program
- Premium airport transfers when you book a round-trip Business or First Class flight with a 1+ night's stay through the Platinum Card Travel Service
- Priority security, parking discounts, and complimentary value services at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
In our study, we estimated The Platinum Card provided $829 of value in perks alone, and this doesn't include all the specialty Platinum travel benefits. In reality, The Platinum Card likely has far more to offer – just be prepared to do a lot of travelling, shopping, and fine dining to get your money's worth.
How do the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card and The Platinum Card compare?
Before we take you to the finish line, let's break down the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card vs. Amex Platinum winner for each comparison category:
Best benefits: tie
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card and The Platinum Card both offer a partial NEXUS credit and comparable dining, hotel, car rental, and member benefits. You can break the tie by asking yourself a single question: Do you like to fly with Air Canada?
If yes, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card can offer you a superior travel experience and value courtesy of its annual companion voucher. If not, you're better off using The Platinum Card's flexible discount airfare program and $400 worth of annual credits with no strings attached.
Best insurance: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card's superior coverage and claim limits make it the best choice for peace of mind, whether you're shopping or travelling.
Best rewards: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
Although Amex points are more flexible, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card earns more points at more places around the world thanks to Visa's widespread acceptance.
Highest acceptance: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
While American Express still struggles to find acceptance outside of high-end retailers and major chains, Visa is the world's leading payment network, giving you a way to pay in 170+ countries and territories worldwide.
Interest fees: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
If you've held a credit card before, you should be familiar with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card's payment setup. You'll pay 21.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, and 22.99% on balance transfers.
As a charge card rather than a traditional credit card, The Platinum Card is a little trickier. This type must be paid in full each month, or you'll be hit with a 30% interest charge. You can carry a balance for 21.99%, but if you miss 2 payments within a year, it'll increase to 25.99% (or 29.99% if you miss 3).
And while the Platinum Card doesn't have a set spending limit, what you spend is still subject to approval by American Express.
For the sake of simplicity, we think the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card is a better spending tool.
Lowest annual fee: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card charges $599 per year vs. $799 for The Platinum Card. Its supplementary card fees are also cheaper ($199 vs. $250), but The Platinum Card provides up to 2 no-fee Gold Rewards cards with basic Amex and Hertz car rental benefits.
Lowest eligibility requirements: The Platinum Card
As long as you have a credit score of 660 – 724, it's easier to qualify for The Platinum Card than the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card. The Platinum Card has no formal income requirements, while all Visa Infinite Privilege cards demand proof of at least $150,000 personal or $200,000 household income.
The winner: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card collects Aeroplan points while treating cardholders to the finer things in life, courtesy of its partnership with Visa and Air Canada. You'll enjoy exceptional value in the air and on the ground with access to exclusive dining, golfing, entertainment, and hotel perks – but you'll be flying Air Canada for life.
Top alternative
If you'd like the chance to collect 1 extra point per $1 spent on Air Canada travel, look no further than the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. It provides the full complement of Air Canada travel perks, basic Amex benefits, and easier eligibility requirements compared to the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card.
FAQ
How do the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card vs The Platinum Card compare?
The Platinum Card is clearly an elite credit card offering the most luxurious benefits, but it's also much harder to qualify – and pay – for. The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card is a premium Visa that provides extensive perks for Air Canada travellers, including better travel insurance.
Is TD Aeroplan better than Amex?
Whether the TD Aeroplan card is better than The Platinum Card really depends on your income, spending style, travel habits, and credit card needs. Since the Amex option is so hard to qualify for, we imagine the TD card will be a better fit for more Canadians.
What card is higher than The Platinum Card?
The only card that's more elite than The Platinum Card is the elusive American Express Black card, also known as the Centurion. It's so rare that you can't actually apply for it – you have to wait to be invited by American Express.
Which is better, Visa Platinum or Visa Infinite?
Visa issues cards of varying tiers, each with different annual fees, benefits, and rewards. Generally, Visa Infinite cards offer better rewards and perks than those in the lower Visa Platinum tier. However, exact details vary by credit card and card issuer.
What's the best Visa Infinite Privilege card in Canada?
The best Visa Infinite Privilege card is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege. There is a high annual fee, but the huge welcome bonus and annual reward value definitely make up for it. You'll also get some of the best insurance coverage and top-tier perks like airport lounge access and fast-tracked airport security.
creditcardGenius is the only tool that compares 126+ features of 257 Canadian credit cards using math-based ratings and rankings that respond to your needs, instantly. Take our quiz and see which of Canada's 257 cards is for you.
GC: 
Comments
Leave a comment
Required fields are marked with *. Your email address will not be published.