Find out where your BMO AIR MILES can send you with our AIR MILES calculator.
BMO AIR MILES is one of the most popular rewards programs in Canada. Over 10 million Canadians use the AIR MILES reward program to collect points while shopping, booking their next vacation, or even purchasing points directly from the program. Find out how many points you could earn with an eligible BMO credit card with our AIR MILES calculator.
So, do you have enough AIR MILES for a flight?
AIR MILES calculator
How much are AIR MILES worth?
AIR MILES points vary in value depending on how you use them. For example, booking a flight with AIR MILES might require a wildly different number of points depending on when you want to fly (high vs. low season). Similarly, using AIR MILES for gift cards or merchandise will need different amounts of AIR MILES than booking travel.
Nevertheless, working with an average value when tracking your total AIR MILES points can be helpful. On average, BMO AIR MILES has a value of 10 cents per point.
But remember, the actual value can swing quite a bit depending on how you redeem those miles. Opting for flights during peak travel seasons might fetch less value per point while snagging deals or choosing off-peak times can stretch their worth even further. So, it’s all about playing it smart and timing your redemptions right to get the most bang for your buck—or, in this case, your points.
Here’s a rough breakdown of how much value you’ll get from AIR MILES when redeeming for different awards:
- Cash back: 10 cents per point
- Travel (economy class flight): 10.5 cents per point
- Travel (business class flight: 13 cents per point
- Merchandise/gift cards: 7 cents per point
How many AIR MILES do I need to get a free flight?
The number of air miles needed for a free flight isn't set in stone—it can vary widely based on a few key factors. Firstly, where are you headed? A short domestic flight might not dent your miles stash too much, but an international jaunt could require a hefty sum. Then, consider when you want to travel. Peak travel times, like holidays and summer months, often demand more miles because, well, everyone wants to get away then.
Typically, you might need anywhere from 1,200 to 3,000 miles for a shorter domestic flight. Longer or more exotic destinations could start at around 5,000 miles and go up significantly from there. The best strategy? Keep an eye on the rewards chart provided by your AIR MILES program and plan ahead. Timing your bookings during less busy periods can make your miles stretch further, ensuring you get to your dream destination using fewer miles.
Read more: AIR MILES rewards guide
What’s the best way to earn AIR MILES points?
You can earn AIR MILES in several ways, including shopping with eligible retail partners, purchasing with a BMO AIR MILES chequing account, or meeting special spending requirements during bonus promotions.
However, the easiest way to earn AIR MILES is with an eligible BMO AIR MILES credit card. BMO AIR MILES credit card offers enhanced earn rates on purchases in select categories, like travel, groceries, or gas, plus lucrative welcome bonuses worth hundreds of dollars.
BMO AIR MILES currently offers 2 credit cards for the Canadian market:
3,000 miles
Welcome Bonus
$383
First Year Value
$183
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get 3,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles! * That's enough for $310 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash!* Plus, get the $120 annual fee waived for your first anniversary
Get this card if you...
-
are a frequent traveler looking to earn more Air Miles
-
want comprehensive travel insurance and exclusive travel perks
-
value a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
-
Our Take
The BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers, offering accelerated AIR MILES earn rates on purchases at participating AIR MILES Partners and eligible grocery stores. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption annually, complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, and a comprehensive insurance package covering travel and medical emergencies.
BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* MasterCard®* ReviewEligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
-
Pros
-
Offers the largest Air Miles sign-up bonus on the market with a waived annual fee for the first anniversary*
-
High earn rates of up to 3x the Miles on eligible purchases
-
Exclusive travel discounts like 25% off one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption annually
-
Airport lounge access through complimentary Mastercard Travel Pass membership
-
Comprehensive insurance package which covers medical, trip, flight delay, lost luggage and more
-
Additional Perks include BMO Concierge, digital subscriptions, and cash back promotions
Cons
-
An $80,000 personal/$150,000 household income is needed to qualify
-
Ideal for AIR MILES loyalists, may not suit those with a casual approach
-
The fixed redemption value for flights may not appeal to everyone
-
Optimal value only when frequently shopping at AIR MILES partners
-
-
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
-
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
Cardholders earn an accelerated 3x the Miles per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partners*
2x
the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*
1x
Earn 1 Mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
25%
Get a 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year*
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$0
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
-
Get 3,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles! * That's enough for $310 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash!* Plus, get the $120 annual fee waived for your first anniversary
- when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months
Our Take
The BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers, offering accelerated AIR MILES earn rates on purchases at participating AIR MILES Partners and eligible grocery stores. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption annually, complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, and a comprehensive insurance package covering travel and medical emergencies.
BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* MasterCard®* ReviewEligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Pros
-
Offers the largest Air Miles sign-up bonus on the market with a waived annual fee for the first anniversary*
-
High earn rates of up to 3x the Miles on eligible purchases
-
Exclusive travel discounts like 25% off one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption annually
-
Airport lounge access through complimentary Mastercard Travel Pass membership
-
Comprehensive insurance package which covers medical, trip, flight delay, lost luggage and more
-
Additional Perks include BMO Concierge, digital subscriptions, and cash back promotions
Cons
-
An $80,000 personal/$150,000 household income is needed to qualify
-
Ideal for AIR MILES loyalists, may not suit those with a casual approach
-
The fixed redemption value for flights may not appeal to everyone
-
Optimal value only when frequently shopping at AIR MILES partners
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
Cardholders earn an accelerated 3x the Miles per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partners*
2x
the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*
1x
Earn 1 Mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
25%
Get a 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year*
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$0
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
- when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months
1,500 AIR MILES
Welcome Bonus
$253
First Year Value
$173
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Limited time offer: Get 1,500 AIR MILES Bonus Miles!* That’s enough for $150 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash*
Get this card if you...
-
quickly rack up more Air Miles
-
want rewards, with an annual fee
-
value a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
-
Our Take
The BMO® AIR MILES®†Mastercard®* is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn AIR MILES on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates at participating AIR MILES Partners and eligible grocery stores. It includes benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, and discounts on car rentals, making it a practical choice for those looking to accumulate AIR MILES without an annual fee.
BMO AIR MILES®†MasterCard®* ReviewEligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
-
Pros
-
No annual fee with a substantial welcome offer
-
Earn Air Miles with both credit and collector cards
-
Low eligibility requirements
-
Additional Benefits include discounts, insurance, and a low balance transfer rate
Cons
-
A 2% fee applies to balance transfers.
-
Limited redemption options
-
Variable redemption values may vary based on last-minute short-haul flights
-
Its specific rewards program is best for those interested in the Air Miles loyalty program
-
-
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.00%
Balance Transfer
-
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers
1 Mile
for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else
-
1,500 AIR MILES Bonus Miles when you spend $1,000 in the first three months* of card membership*
Our Take
The BMO® AIR MILES®†Mastercard®* is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn AIR MILES on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates at participating AIR MILES Partners and eligible grocery stores. It includes benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, and discounts on car rentals, making it a practical choice for those looking to accumulate AIR MILES without an annual fee.
BMO AIR MILES®†MasterCard®* ReviewEligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
No annual fee with a substantial welcome offer
-
Earn Air Miles with both credit and collector cards
-
Low eligibility requirements
-
Additional Benefits include discounts, insurance, and a low balance transfer rate
Cons
-
A 2% fee applies to balance transfers.
-
Limited redemption options
-
Variable redemption values may vary based on last-minute short-haul flights
-
Its specific rewards program is best for those interested in the Air Miles loyalty program
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers
1 Mile
for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else
1,500 AIR MILES Bonus Miles when you spend $1,000 in the first three months* of card membership*
Learn more about BMO AIR MILES credit cards
Understanding what your points are worth can go a long way when you’re ready to make AIR MILES redemption. The fewer points you spend, the more you’ll have to use later. And the easiest way to accumulate those points is with a BMO AIR MILES credit card.
Read more: Best AIR MILES credit cards for 2024
Disclosures
This post was not sponsored. The views and opinions expressed in this review are purely my own.
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information
*Terms and conditions apply
Hannah Logan is a Canadian freelancer writer and blogger who specializes in personal finance and travel. You can follow her adventures on her travel blog EatSleepBreatheTravel.com or find her on Instagram @hannahlogan21.
Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk.
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