Head to head · Reviewed 2026-07-05 · By The Points Standard editorial team
Amex Platinum Card (Canada) vs Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card
Two cards, one Standard Score rubric. The Amex Platinum Card (Canada) scores higher overall at 8.1/10 — but the right pick depends on which components match your spending.
| Amex Platinum Card (Canada) | Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Score | 8.1/10 · Excellent | 7.7/10 · Excellent |
| Annual fee | $799 | $599 |
| Welcome bonus | Up to 170,000 MR points (90,000 on $10K/3 mo + 40,000 on $45K/12 mo + 40,000 in months 15-17) — offer ends July 28, 2026 | Up to 150,000 Aeroplan points (70,000 on $7.5K/3 mo + 40,000 on $45K in the first year + 40,000 in months 15-17) — offer ends July 28, 2026 |
| Est. bonus value | ≈ $3,400 | ≈ $3,150 |
| First-year net value | ≈ $2,400 | ≈ $1,710 |
| Earn rates |
|
|
| Points currency | Amex Membership Rewards | Aeroplan |
| No FX fees | No | No |
| Lounge access | Yes | Yes |
Where the Amex Platinum Card (Canada) wins
- 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
The verdict
Amex'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.
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.