Skip to main content

American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Review 2026: Is It Worth It in Canada?

Updated

The American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card is the ultra-premium business credit card in the Amex Canada Aeroplan lineup. At $599/year, it’s designed for Canadian businesses whose owners travel frequently on Air Canada and want to maximize Aeroplan earning while accessing premium travel perks.

Quick Verdict

Best for: Frequent Air Canada business travellers who want lounge access, elite status benefits, and the highest possible Aeroplan earn rates on business spending.

Not ideal for: Businesses with low annual spend, infrequent Air Canada travel, or those unwilling to pay the $599 annual fee.

Key Card Details

FeatureDetails
Annual Fee$599 CAD
NetworkAmerican Express
Rewards ProgramAeroplan
Income RequirementNone stated
Purchase Interest Rate30-day charge card (pay in full)
Lounge AccessMaple Leaf Lounge + Air Canada Café
Employee CardsAvailable
Foreign Transaction Fee2.5%

Note: This is an American Express charge card — the full balance is due monthly. Verify all current details at americanexpress.com/en-ca.

Welcome Bonus

American Express Canada regularly offers welcome bonuses on the Aeroplan Business Reserve. These often include a large number of Aeroplan points on qualifying spend. Visit americanexpress.com/en-ca for the current offer.

Earn Rates

The Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve offers industry-leading Aeroplan earn rates:

CategoryEarn Rate
Air Canada purchasesHigh multiplier (verify at amex.ca)
All other eligible purchasesHigh base rate

Specific earn rates should be confirmed at americanexpress.com/en-ca.

Maple Leaf Lounge Access

Cardholders receive complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge access when flying Air Canada, including:

  • Domestic Maple Leaf Lounges
  • Air Canada Cafés
  • Transborder and international lounges (verify access rules at aircanada.com)

Lounge access for this card is one of the most valuable perks in Canadian business credit cards, typically valued at $250–$500+ per year for frequent travellers.

Elite Status Benefits

The Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve provides Aeroplan Elite status advantages, including Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) boosts that can accelerate your path to 25K, 35K, 50K, or 75K Elite status with Air Canada.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Premium travel insurance package including (verify coverage at amex.ca):

  • Travel medical emergency
  • Trip cancellation and interruption
  • Baggage delay and loss
  • Flight delay
  • Car rental collision/loss damage waiver

Business Benefits

  • Employee cards — additional cards to consolidate business spending
  • Online business account management — categorize and track expenses
  • Business travel tools — integrated with Amex’s corporate travel services
  • Purchase protection and extended warranty

Amex Aeroplan Business Card Comparison

CardAnnual FeeBest For
American Express Aeroplan Card$0No-fee personal Aeroplan
American Express Aeroplan Reserve$599Premium personal Aeroplan
American Express Business Edge$99Mid-tier MR business card
Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve$599Ultra-premium business Aeroplan

Who Is This Card Best For?

  • Frequent Air Canada business travellers — at least 6–10 trips per year
  • Business owners maximizing Aeroplan — who want highest earn rates
  • Lounge access seekers — who value Maple Leaf Lounge during layovers
  • Status chasers — building toward Air Canada Elite tiers

Alternatives

CardAnnual FeeLounge?Best For
American Express Business Platinum$799Global (Amex Centurion)Max travel perks, non-Aeroplan
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege$599Maple Leaf LoungeAeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege$599Maple Leaf LoungeAeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege

Bottom Line

The Amex Aeroplan Business Reserve is one of the top premium business credit cards in Canada for Air Canada loyalists. The Maple Leaf Lounge access, elite status benefits, and high Aeroplan earn rates make the $599 fee justifiable for frequent business travellers. Occasional Air Canada flyers are better served by a lower-tier Aeroplan card.

Disclaimer: Card terms, earn rates, fees, and lounge access policies are subject to change. Verify all current details at americanexpress.com/en-ca before applying.