Canada card comparison
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card vs The Platinum Card®
Two top-tier cards from American Express Canada with overlapping but distinct positioning. The Platinum Canada includes Priority Pass, Centurion access at participating locations, and a credit ecosystem. The Aeroplan Reserve is Air Canada-focused with Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority airport benefits, and the Aeroplan earn structure.
Last reviewed: . Card information is summarized from issuer benefit pages and is reviewed periodically. Always verify current terms with the issuer before applying.
American Express
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
American Express
The Platinum Card®
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card | The Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Issuing country | Canada | Canada |
| Annual fee | CA$599 | CA$799 |
| Lounge networks |
|
|
| Lounges this card opens (tracked) | 346 lounges across 173 airports | 367 lounges across 177 airports |
| Guest policy | Maple Leaf (1 Guest), Priority Pass (Paid Visits) | 2 guests at Centurion Lounges |
| Credit score | Good/Excellent | Very Good (725+) |
| Purchase APR | 21.99% (Purchases) / 21.99% (Advances) | 30% (Due in Full) / 21.99% (Flexible) |
Who should pick which
Pick the American if
Best for travelers who fly Air Canada primarily, want Maple Leaf Lounge access, and earn Aeroplan points as their primary currency.
See full American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card detailsPick the The if
Best for travelers who fly multiple airlines from Canadian cities, want Centurion Lounge access on US trips, and value Membership Rewards transfer flexibility.
See full The Platinum Card® detailsStrengths and trade-offs
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
Strengths
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 85,000 Aeroplan Points
- Unlimited Access to Maple Leaf Lounges (North America)
- Priority Check-in, Boarding & Baggage
- Free First Checked Bag for up to 9 people
- Earn 3x Points on Air Canada
Trade-offs
- Annual Fee $599
- Priority Pass visits require payment (Membership included)
- Amex acceptance varies by merchant
The Platinum Card®
Strengths
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 100,000 MR Points (70k first 3 months + 30k at month 15-17)
- Unlimited Global Lounge Collection Access (Centurion, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Maple Leaf)
- $200 Annual Travel Credit + $200 Annual Dining Credit
- Marriott & Hilton Gold Status
Trade-offs
- High annual fee ($799 CAD)
- Due in full or 21.99% on flexible option
- FX fees apply (2.5%)
- Lounge access changing to spend-based model from January 2027
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