Aeroplan® Credit Card vs American Express® Gold

Aeroplan® Credit Card
VS
American Express® Gold
The short answer: The American Express® Gold delivers a bit more value for most spenders.

Side-by-side comparison

Aeroplan® Credit CardAmerican Express® Gold
Annual fee$95$325
Welcome offer75,000 points60,000 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points (limited-time)
Dining3x4x
Groceries3x4x
Gas1x1x
Travel3x3x
Streaming1x1x
Everything else1x1x
Est. yearly rewards*$508$598
Points typeLocked to Air Canada AeroplanTransfers to airlines & hotels
NetworkMastercardAmex

*Estimated yearly rewards on typical household spending, every point valued at a flat 1 cent. Verified June 2026. See your own numbers in the calculator.

The verdict

On a typical year of household spending, the Aeroplan® Credit Card earns about $508 a year in rewards and the American Express® Gold about $598, valuing every point at a flat 1 cent. The Aeroplan® Credit Card charges $95, which you clear through its rewards and perks. The American Express® Gold charges $325, but carries about $424 in annual statement credits that offset it for anyone who uses them. Counting rewards, fees, and any credits, the American Express® Gold delivers more total value, about $72 a year more for a typical spender, mostly because it earns more where you spend most, on groceries and dining. The bigger difference is the ceiling: the American Express® Gold earns points you can move to travel partners for outsized value, while the Aeroplan® Credit Card stays locked to a single airline or hotel program. Favor the American Express® Gold if you will use travel transfers, the Aeroplan® Credit Card if you want simplicity. On the sign-up bonus, the American Express® Gold currently has the larger welcome offer (a limited-time offer above its usual amount, so treat it as a one-time boost). A welcome bonus is a one-time event, so weigh it apart from the ongoing rewards.

Pick the American Express® Gold if your spending leans toward dining, groceries.

Read the full reviews

Frequently asked questions

Is the Aeroplan® Credit Card or the American Express® Gold better?
On typical household spending, the American Express® Gold comes out ahead after its annual fee, by roughly $72 a year with every point valued at a flat 1 cent. But the Aeroplan® Credit Card can be the better fit if your spending lines up with its stronger categories. Run both through the Cardocrat calculator to see your own numbers.
Can I have both the Aeroplan® Credit Card and the American Express® Gold?
In most cases yes, as long as you meet each issuer's approval rules (for example Chase's 5/24 rule). Many people hold complementary cards to cover more bonus categories, then pool or redeem the rewards together where the program allows.
Which has the better welcome bonus, the Aeroplan® Credit Card or the American Express® Gold?
As of June 2026, the Aeroplan® Credit Card offers 75,000 points and the American Express® Gold offers 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points. Welcome offers change often, so confirm the current offer on each card's page before applying.