I am deciding which Aeroplan credit card gives me the best value.

I narrow it down to American Express Gold. With ~$200 annual fee, you will get 1.5 point for every dollar you spend, plus 5,000 bonus points. You also have the option to transfer those points to Aeroplan free. So i am not locked to Aeroplan if Aircanada folded.

Or I can get the American Express Aeroplan Gold. With $120, I will get ~1 to 1.25 mile for each dollar plus One Air Canada Companion Ticket your first year of membership.

My question to you experts are how useful is this companion ticket for non-restricted ticket purchased. Last time I check, it will cost me ~$5,000 to fly from Toronto to Hong Kong via economy class, or $2,500 per person.

I just came back from HK and my ticket was $1,500.

Please help.

Thanks.