American Express Canada has been running some absolutely incredible elevated welcome bonuses, and they expire August 18th, 2025. With just a week remaining, these offers represent exceptional value that shouldn’t be overlooked.
These bonuses are significantly higher than usual β the kind of opportunity that comes around infrequently and delivers real value for strategic travellers.
Note: If any of these cards align with your travel goals, I’d appreciate you using my referral links below. It doesn’t cost you extra but helps support the blog.
Three fast facts before we dive in:
Fast Fact #1: These welcome bonuses are worth thousands in travel β business class flights to Europe, first-class to Asia, the kind of travel that normally costs a car down payment.
Fast Fact #2: Current offers are 30,000 to 50,000 points higher than standard offers. That’s massive.
Fast Fact #3: They expire August 18th, 2025. If you’ve been considering entering the points and miles space, this represents an exceptional entry opportunity.
The card that makes you feel fancy just holding it β and gets you into airport lounges where the Wi-Fi actually works.
Welcome Bonus: Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points β enough for round-trip business class to Europe with those lie-flat seats where you can sleep instead of arriving looking like you wrestled a pretzel.
Requirements: Spend $7,000 in three months (money you’d spend anyway, not 47 cases of energy drinks).
Annual Fee: $799 β steep, but includes lounge access, travel insurance, and concierge service.
Best For: Frequent travellers who’ll use the premium benefits.
Designed specifically for Air Canada travellers, this card maximizes value for those loyal to Canada’s flagship carrier.
Welcome Bonus: Up to 130,000 Aeroplan points β fantastic for North American and international travel.
Requirements: Multiple tiers starting with 60,000 points at $7,500 spend in three months.
Annual Fee: $599 with Air Canada perks like priority boarding, free bags, and Maple Leaf Lounge access.
Best For: Air Canada loyalists and Aeroplan redemption enthusiasts.
This card offers sophisticated rewards earning without the premium price point, making it accessible to a broader range of travellers.
Welcome Bonus: Up to 110,000 Membership Rewards points β solid bonus with reasonable fees.
Requirements: Earn 5,000 points monthly for spending $1,000, up to 22 months. Much more manageable.
Annual Fee: $250 with full Membership Rewards access.
Best For: Points beginners or those wanting solid rewards without premium pricing.
Two critical things determine your success:
First: You MUST hit the minimum spend without going into debt or buying unnecessary items. If you can’t comfortably spend the required amount, skip the card.
Second: Use points optimally. I transfer Membership Rewards to airline partners for long-haul business/first class redemptions.
Real example: I’ve booked $10,000+ flights using a single welcome bonus. I’d never pay $10,000 cash for a flight, but with points? That business class Tokyo seat becomes accessible.
Magic number: 110,000 points typically gets you round-trip lie-flat seats to Europe or Asia β travel that changes how you think about vacations.
Tip #1: Don’t apply for all three at once. Space applications strategically.
Tip #2: Use spending requirements to optimize finances β pay bills, prepay expenses, buy planned purchases.
Tip #3: Research redemptions BEFORE earning points. Know where you want to go and the point costs.
Tip #4: Consider your current card portfolio and whether stacked annual fees make sense.
Tip #5: Set calendar reminders for minimum spend deadlines and annual fee dates.
Travel Enthusiasts: Platinum Card β you’ll maximize lounge access and premium benefits.
Air Canada Loyalists: Aeroplan Reserve β fantastic earning rates and airline perks.
Points Beginners: Gold Card β lower fees, manageable requirements, full rewards access.
These aren’t magic money machines β they’re tools. Really good tools, but still tools. If you carry balances, struggle with overspending, or can’t pay full statements monthly, fix your financial foundation first.
Points are the cherry on top of solid finances, not the foundation itself.
These elevated offers expire August 18th, 2025 β not much time in credit card terms. If you’re interested, don’t wait.
My promise: I only recommend cards I’d use myself or that provide genuine value. I’m here to help you understand opportunities, not convince you to apply for cards you don’t need.
Remember: points help you travel better and experience more of the world. The real value isn’t the points themselves β it’s the memories you create using them.
What’s your move? Planning to apply? Which caught your attention? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Using them costs nothing extra but supports The Canadian Jetsetter.
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