What’s the New Amex Aeroplan Reserve Bonus in 2025? 💳

Hey travelers, it’s Graeme — your Canadian Jetsetter, here to keep you in the loop on the best credit card deals in the country. And today, we’re diving into one of the biggest Aeroplan updates of the year: a huge new welcome bonus on the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, with up to 130,000 Aeroplan points on the personal card and 140,000 on the business version.

If you’re a frequent flyer (especially with Air Canada), you’re going to want to read this. Let’s unpack the bonus, who this card is best for, and how to squeeze every ounce of value from it the Canadian way. 🇨🇦

American Express just seriously sweetened the pot:

Up to 130,000 Aeroplan Points (Personal Card):

• 60,000 points after spending $7,500 in the first 3 months
• 40,000 points after spending $45,000 total within 12 months
• 30,000 points after making a purchase between months 15–17

Offer valid until August 18, 2025

Compare that to the previous 80,000–85,000 point welcome bonuses and this is a big step up. And for the business version, you can score up to 140,000 Aeroplan points.

What Are Aeroplan Points Worth?

There’s no flat value for Aeroplan points — it depends on how you use them.

But here’s a quick estimate:

• Conservative estimate: 130,000 points = ~$1,300 in flight value
• My method (long-haul biz class): Easily $2,500–$6,000 in flight value

If you’re booking economy within North America, you’ll still get solid value. But for the biggest bang, look at international business class — especially on Star Alliance partners.

Example: I found flights from Montreal to Munich in summer for just 60,000 points in biz class, booked on Lufthansa. Meanwhile, Air Canada’s dynamically priced flights for the same route were way more expensive.

Lounge Access & Travel Perks

This is where the Aeroplan Reserve shines for Air Canada loyalists.

Lounge Access

• Unlimited access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges + Air Canada Café in North America
• Includes one guest when flying with Air Canada or Star Alliance

Airports like Toronto Pearson, Montreal, and Vancouver have multiple lounge options — great if you’re a frequent domestic or transborder flyer.

Note: You won’t get access to Air Canada lounges outside North America (like in London or Frankfurt).

✨ More Travel Benefits

• 3x points on Air Canada & Air Canada Vacations
• 2x points on dining and food delivery in Canada
• 1.25x points on everything else (better than the usual 1x)
• Priority check-in, Zone 2 boarding, and priority baggage
• First checked bag free for you + up to 9 people on the same booking
• $100 NEXUS credit every 4 years
• Worldwide companion pass when you spend $25K/year (taxes and fees apply)
• Rollover elite benefits (SQM & eUpgrade credits) if you’re 25K status or higher

Priority Pass access is not complimentary. You’ll still pay ~$50 CAD per visit (unlike the Amex Platinum, which offers unlimited free visits).

Point Redemption: Where It Makes or Breaks

This card is only as valuable as the way you use your Aeroplan points. My top tip?

Stick to fixed-rate redemptions on Star Alliance partners

Air Canada uses dynamic pricing — meaning points costs can vary wildly based on demand. But partners like Lufthansa, EVA Air, or Turkish Airlines stick to fixed rates. That’s how I regularly book biz class tickets worth thousands — for just 60K–70K points.

🧠 Tip: Use the Aeroplan Redemption Chart to estimate costs. Domestic flights can start as low as 6,000 points one-way under 500 miles.

Who Should Get This Card?

This card is best if you:

• Fly Air Canada often (especially in North America)
• Want Maple Leaf Lounge access
• Are working toward or already have Aeroplan elite status
• Plan to redeem points for business class or international travel

And yes — it comes with a $599 annual fee. But if you use the perks and points strategically, it can easily be worth 2x–5x that amount in value.

Should You Consider Alternatives?

Yes — depending on your travel habits and budget.

Lower Annual Fee Alternatives:

• TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite or Amex Aeroplan Card
  • Annual fees: $120–$139
  • Welcome bonus: ~40,000 points
  • First Year Free promos available via referral links
• Amex Platinum Card:
  • Annual fee: $799
  • Welcome bonus: Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points
  • Best for worldwide lounge access (including Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass with free entry)

Best Combo for Maximum Value?

If you want to level up your points game, here’s my ideal credit card stack:

1. Amex Cobalt — 5x points on groceries, restaurants, food delivery
2. Amex Aeroplan Reserve — Air Canada perks, lounge access, big welcome bonus
3. A Visa/Mastercard backup — for vendors that don’t take Amex

With this combo, you’ll earn points faster and never miss a travel perk.

Final Thoughts

The Amex Aeroplan Reserve is one of the strongest premium travel cards in Canada — especially right now with the 130,000-point welcome bonus.

If you’re an Air Canada flyer and want lounge access, big points, and elite perks, this card checks every box.

For more information, Watch my YouTube video on the Amex Aeroplan Reserve

Have questions? Thinking of applying? Drop them in the comments or use my referral link:

Amex Aeroplan Reserve Personal

Amex Aeroplan Reserve Business

Aeroplan Cards

American Express Cards

Until next time, stay savvy and travel smart ✈️

– Graeme, The Canadian Jetsetter