Today, Air Canada has launched its latest American Express credit card, the American Express Air Canada Card. What makes this card intriguing is that it is an invite-only product, and comes with a suite of elevated benefits that you won’t find on any other Aeroplan co-branded card.
Because the card is so exclusive, it comes with very valuable perks, including access to all of Air Canada’s Signature ground services, Aeroplan 50K status, and access to the American Express Lifestyle Concierge. These features are in addition to all of the benefits offered with the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, which American Express Air Canada Cardholders will also enjoy.
A good comparison point would be the American Express Centurion Card, which is only offered by invitation and comes with a suite of heightened perks.
Let’s take a look at what we know so far.
Air Canada’s Signature Ground Services
If you’re lucky enough to be invited to become a cardholder, one of the main perks comes with having access to all of Air Canada’s Signature ground services. Recall that Air Canada Signature Class is the airline’s most premium offering, which includes priority services from the beginning to the end of your trip and an elevated onboard experience.
Signature ground services that are included with the American Express Air Canada card include access to the Concierges, all Maple Leaf Lounges worldwide, and, importantly, access to the airline’s most premium lounges, the Signature Suites.
Air Canada Concierges have been called “guardian angels” by those who benefit from their services. Usually reserved for Super Elites or passengers travelling in Signature Class, Concierges proactively solve any problems that arise during travel, ensuring a smooth experience for Air Canada’s passengers.
Having this included as a credit card perk could be very valuable indeed, as cardholders can be certain that someone is looking after them during their travels. Concierges are present at check-in areas in major airports, as well as in Maple Leaf Lounges worldwide.
While other credit cards offer access to Maple Leaf Lounges in North America, the American Express Air Canada Card extends this privilege to all Maple Leaf Lounges worldwide. You can find Maple Leaf Lounges all across Canada, in the United States, and in Frankfurt, London, and Paris.
There are currently two Air Canada Signature Suites in Toronto and Vancouver. These exclusive lounges are amongst the top in North America, and are indeed competitive with some of the top lounges across the world.
Access is generally restricted to passengers departing on an international Signature Class flight, that was either paid for with cash or with Aeroplan points on a Business Class (Flexible) fare. As an added benefit, American Express Air Canada Cardholders will be able to bring in a guest, which usually isn’t the case for eligible customers.
Eligible guests can enjoy fine à la carte dining, premium beverages including Moët & Chandon Champagne, and a refined, relaxing atmosphere. This is a fantastic perk to be included with the American Express Air Canada Card, and one that other passengers will be envious of indeed.
Complimentary Aeroplan 50K Status
Aside from premium ground services, cardholders of the American Express Air Canada Card will also enjoy Aeroplan 50K status. Note that this benefit is included for the cardholder and any supplementary cardholders, too.
Aeroplan 50K status comes with a solid set of perks, including access to Air Canada eUpgrades, Priority Rewards, a generous baggage allowance, and Star Alliance Gold status.
Usually, passengers would need to earn 50,000 Status Qualifying Miles or 50 Status Qualifying Segments, as well as at least $6,000 Status Qualifying Dollars to get this status. Being able to bypass the earning requirement simply by having an exclusive credit card is an outstanding perk, and it’s not hard to find a lot of value here.
The only other credit card that offers complimentary Aeroplan Elite status is the Chase Aeroplan Card, which comes with the base-level Aeroplan 25K status. The American Express Air Canada Card will be the only card in Canada that offers complimentary Aeroplan Elite status.
Access to the American Express Lifestyle Concierge
American Express Air Canada Cardmembers will also enjoy access to the American Express Lifestyle Concierge. This is a network of professionals who provide tailored services around the world.
American Express Lifestyle Concierges can assist with booking reservations at exclusive restaurants, finding tickets to events, and a host of other experiences both at home and abroad.
In tandem with the Air Canada Concierge, the Concierge services that come with the American Express Air Canada Card ensure that cardholders have smooth, unforgettable, and tailored experiences throughout their travels.
How to Qualify for the American Express Air Canada Card
There aren’t too many details released about who is eligible for an invitation. As such an exclusive product, akin to an “Air Canada Centurion Card”, it’s unlikely that there will be published criteria for invitees.
Furthermore, this card comes with high requirements for maintaining the card on an annual basis. It’s not a one-and-done type of card, but rather you’ll have to keep up with a set requirement to enjoy ongoing access to the suite of perks.
We’ll be sure to keep you posted with more details if we hear data points from invited cardholders.
Conclusion
Air Canada has unveiled some details of the brand new American Express Air Canada Card. This invite-only product has perks and benefits that you won’t find with any other credit card on the market.
Cardholders will enjoy access to all of Air Canada’s Signature ground services, including the Concierge team, all Maple Leaf Lounges worldwide, and the exclusive Signature Suites in Toronto and Vancouver.
Furthermore, cardholders can also benefit from the American Express Lifestyle Concierge, who can help to deliver a range of experiences at home and abroad.
Aeroplan 50K status will be granted to the primary and supplementary cardholders, unlocking a host of perks that come along with the status.
This is a very intriguing premium product, and we’ll be sure to keep you posted with more details as they become available.
Received this invite yesterday through the post and was followed up with a phone call to see if I want to accept or not. Thought the invite would be a bit more premium looking than it was. Primary card and secondary cards are $2,500 each. Annual spend $150,000. I have held the Amex Reserve card for the last 3 years. I spent +/- $500k per year on the card and have an annual income above this. On accepting their offer my Aeroplan account was instantly upgraded to 50K (from 35K) and my new Amex card is due to arrive in just 4 days after accepting the offer. We’ll see how this card works out and if I will end up keeping it or not. Once the novelty of being invited has worn off……. I’m still to see the extra perks of this card other than the 50K status, which I get some years anyway due to my travelling. I was also told on the phone that I will be getting free priority pass membership -So far I can’t see it offering much more than this. Hopefully I’m wrong! Some reports I’ve read say it has the same status as the Centurion card – I’m not so sure.
I just received the invite . It is $2500 annual fee plus $150,000 minimum spend per year.
Wondering if this is real aha
TJ
Do you TD might follow with a similar offer?