When it comes to earning Air Canada Aeroplan points, deciding between TD Visa and American Express can be confusing. To make it easier, we have compared the cards of equal status and types separately so you can find the best fit for your travel needs.
Mid-Tier Cards: TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card vs American Express® Aeroplan® Card
Main Features
| Feature Title | TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* | American Express® Aeroplan®* Card |
| Welcome Bonus | Up to 45,000 points (Up to $1,450 in value) | Up to 45,000 points (Up to $1,550 in value) |
| Free Checked Bag | Yes, 1st bag free for up to 8 companions | Yes, 1st bag free for up to 8 companions |
| NEXUS Rebate | Up to $100 CAD every 48 months | Not Available |
| Elite Status Boost | 1,000 SQC for every $20,000 spent | 1,000 SQC for every $20,000 spent |
| 4th Night Free Hotel | Not Available | Yes, when redeeming points for 3 nights |
Reward Earning Features
| Earning Category | TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* | American Express® Aeroplan®* Card |
| Air Canada Purchases | 1.5 points per $1 | 2X points per $1 |
| Dining & Food Delivery | 1 point per $1 | 1.5X points per $1 |
| Gas & Groceries | 1.5 points per $1 | 1X points per $1 |
| All Other Purchases | 1 point per $1 | 1X points per $1 |
| Points Expiry | Do not expire while account is in good standing | Do not expire while account is in good standing |
Mid-Tier Fees and Charges
| Fees Title | Fees You Need To Pay (TD Visa) | Fees You Need To Pay (Amex) |
| Annual Fee | $139 (Rebatable 1st year or with TD All-Inclusive plan) | $120 |
| Additional Cards | $75 | $50 (Card to share benefits) or $0 (No Fee Card) |
| Interest (Purchases) | 21.99% | Charge Card (Balance must be paid in full) |
| Interest (Cash Advance) | 22.99% | Not Applicable |
Premium Cards: TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* vs American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve
Main Features
| Feature Title | TD® Visa Infinite Privilege* | Amex® Aeroplan®* Reserve |
| Welcome Bonus | Up to 85,000 points (Up to $3,000 in value) | Up to 85,000 points (Up to $4,400 in value) |
| Lounge Access | Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounges + 6 worldwide Visa Airport Companion visits | Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounges + Priority Pass worldwide access |
| Priority Services | Check-in, Boarding, Baggage, Standby & Upgrades | Check-in, Boarding, Baggage, Standby & Upgrades |
| Annual Companion Pass | Yes, from $99 (after spending $25,000) | Yes, from $99 (after spending $25,000) |
| NEXUS Rebate | Up to $100 CAD every 48 months | Up to $100 CAD every 48 months |
| Card Material | Precision crafted Metal | Precision cut 13g Metal |
Reward Earning Features
| Earning Category | TD® Visa Infinite Privilege* | Amex® Aeroplan®* Reserve |
| Air Canada Purchases | 2 points per $1 | 3X points per $1 |
| Dining & Food Delivery | 1.5 points per $1 | 2X points per $1 |
| Gas & Groceries | 1.5 points per $1 | 1.25X points per $1 |
| Travel & Transit | 1.5 points per $1 | 1.25X points per $1 |
| All Other Purchases | 1.25 points per $1 | 1.25X points per $1 |
Premium Fees and Charges
| Fees Title | Fees You Need To Pay (TD Privilege) | Fees You Need To Pay (Amex Reserve) |
| Annual Fee | $599 | $599 |
| Additional Cards | $199 | $199 (Reserve Card) or $0 (No Fee Card) |
| Interest (Purchases) | 21.99% | 21.99% |
| Interest (Cash Advance) | 22.99% | 21.99% |
Eligibility for Aeroplan Credit Cards
While most people are eligible for the core Aeroplan credit cards, there are a few things you should consider that will benefit your application process.
To apply for the mid-tier TD Visa Infinite, you must have a minimum personal income of $60,000 or a household income of $100,000.
If you want the premium TD Visa Infinite Privilege, the requirements jump significantly. You must have an excellent credit score, and an annual personal income of $150,000 or a household income of $200,000. The American Express cards do not list strict minimum income requirements, but you must still be a Canadian resident of the age of majority with a good standing and credit score.
How to Apply
Applying for these Aeroplan credit cards is very easy. You can apply for the cards online through the TD or American Express respective websites. The application takes about 5-10 minutes online, and you can often get instant approval if you are a qualified applicant.
Things you must know about these Aeroplan Credit Cards
While many people apply for the credit card, looking at just the rewards and benefits, there is some crucial information that they entirely miss out. Before applying, please read the following factual information carefully.
The American Express core card operates as a Charge Card, which means it has no pre-set spending limit, but your balance must be paid in full each month. If you are someone who occasionally needs to carry a balance, this is a huge drawback compared to the TD Visa Infinite.
Furthermore, you need to consider your spending habits. If you spend heavily on gas and groceries, the TD Visa Infinite is much better (1.5 points vs Amex’s 1 point). However, if you spend a lot on dining and food delivery, the Amex cards offer much better multipliers (1.5X or 2X) compared to TD’s offerings. Make sure to look at these categories and determine if the card covers your use case, otherwise you are paying high annual fees without maximizing your returns.