Amex Platinum Card (Canada) vs Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card
Two cards, one Standard Score rubric. The Amex Platinum Card (Canada) scores higher overall at 7.8/10, but the right pick depends on which components match your spending.
The verdict
ExcellentAmex's two premium travel cards split on one question: how much of your flying is Air Canada? The Reserve buys Maple Leaf Lounge access and the biggest Aeroplan bonuses in the program; the Platinum buys flexibility: transferable points, lounge access on any airline, and credits that work everywhere. AC loyalists take the Reserve; carrier-agnostic travellers take the Platinum.
See offer · current Amex Platinum Card (Canada) offer, direct from the issuer
Rewards math assumes you pay your balance in full every month — interest charges quickly exceed any rewards value.
| Amex Platinum Card (Canada) | Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Score | 7.8/10 · Excellent | 6.9/10 · Strong |
| Annual fee | $799 | $599 |
| Welcome bonus | Up to 100,000 MR points (70,000 on $10K/3 mo + 30,000 on a purchase in months 15-17) | Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points (60,000 on $7.5K/3 mo + 25,000 on $2.5K in month 13) |
| Est. bonus value | ≈ $1,900 | ≈ $1,615 |
| First-year net value | ≈ $1,330 | ≈ $719 |
| Earn rates |
|
|
| Points currency | Amex Membership Rewards | Aeroplan |
| No FX fees | No | No |
| Lounge access | Yes | Yes |
Where the Amex Platinum Card (Canada) wins
- First-year value: scores 8.5/10 on this component
- Flexibility: scores 9.0/10 on this component
- Strategic fit: scores 8.0/10 on this component
Where the Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card wins
- Perk usability: scores 8.0/10 on this component
Read the full reviews: Amex Platinum Card (Canada) and Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card, or see how both rank in Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada.
What the points are worth in dollars: Amex Membership Rewards Value and Aeroplan Points Value. Each has a calculator for your balance.