Best AIR MILES credit cards in Canada
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Partners on this page may provide us earnings.
BMO purchased the AIR MILES program in July 2023, so all AIR MILES cards are now issued by BMO Bank of Montreal. While this limited the range of Canadian AIR MILES cards available on the market, BMO is investing in the program to make its cards competitive with other rewards credit cards.
up to 7,000 MILES†
Welcome Bonus
$1,297
First Year Value
$297
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to $1,000 in value including up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles and no annual fee in your first year.† Expires Jun 01, 2026
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
21.99%
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.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
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
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $1,000 in value including up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles and no annual fee in your first year.†
$1,000 in value is made up of:
a) Up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles (up to $730 in value with Cash Miles)
Eligible approved applicants will receive:
i. 3,000 Bonus Miles after you spend a minimum of $4,500 within the first 110 days after the account open date.†
ii. An additional 2,000 Bonus Miles when you spend a minimum of $10,000 within the first 180 days after the account open date.†
iii. An additional bonus of 2,000 Bonus Miles when you spend $20,000 within the first 365 days after the account open date.†
b) Annual Fee Waiver Offer ($120 in value)†
c) Exclusive 25% Flight Booking Discount (up to a value of $75 worth in Cash Miles)†
d) Mastercard Travel Pass benefit (Value of US $68 = $95 CAD based on exchange rate of 1.40 December 5, 2024): includes membership to participating lounges within the Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass program – approximate membership value of US$68.†
†Terms and conditions apply.
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.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
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
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $1,000 in value including up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles and no annual fee in your first year.†
$1,000 in value is made up of:
a) Up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles (up to $730 in value with Cash Miles)
Eligible approved applicants will receive:
i. 3,000 Bonus Miles after you spend a minimum of $4,500 within the first 110 days after the account open date.†
ii. An additional 2,000 Bonus Miles when you spend a minimum of $10,000 within the first 180 days after the account open date.†
iii. An additional bonus of 2,000 Bonus Miles when you spend $20,000 within the first 365 days after the account open date.†
b) Annual Fee Waiver Offer ($120 in value)†
c) Exclusive 25% Flight Booking Discount (up to a value of $75 worth in Cash Miles)†
d) Mastercard Travel Pass benefit (Value of US $68 = $95 CAD based on exchange rate of 1.40 December 5, 2024): includes membership to participating lounges within the Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass program – approximate membership value of US$68.†
†Terms and conditions apply.
You have to have an AIR MILES credit card to earn AIR MILES so it might make sense to choose the card that lets you earn them as quickly as possible, even if it comes with a $120 annual fee.
Then there's the welcome bonus for new accounts:
The BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* earns 3x the Miles for every $12 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners and 2x the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*, 2x the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers*. 1x the Mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*.
BMO even waives the annual fee for the first anniversary*. Travel insurance is the icing on the cake on the card, undoubtedly one of the best air rewards credit cards on the market. Here's a rundown of some of those extra perks:
Disclosures
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.
1,200 AIR MILES*
Welcome Bonus
$263
First Year Value
$143
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.† Expires Jun 01, 2026
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
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.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
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
Get 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ (that’s enough for $120 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash) and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.†
†Terms and Conditions Apply.
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.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
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
Get 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ (that’s enough for $120 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash) and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.†
†Terms and Conditions Apply.
Because the BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®* for its $0 annual fee, meaning you basically earn AIR MILES for free whenever you shop.
The card earns Earn 3x the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners and 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store*. Earn 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers and 1x the Mile for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else, plus comes with a solid welcome bonus for new accounts:
Beyond the points and sign-up bonus, cardholders can take advantage of the 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months, 2% fee applies to balance amounts transferred You also enjoy the benefits of extended warranty and purchase protection*.
Disclosures
800 AIR MILES†
Welcome Bonus
$201
First Year Value
$121
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles.† Expires Jan 31, 2026
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®* for Students is a no-annual-fee credit card tailored for students, enabling them to earn AIR MILES on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates at participating AIR MILES Partners and eligible grocery stores. It offers benefits such as purchase protection and extended warranty, making it a practical choice for students looking to build credit while earning travel rewards.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
Earn 3x the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Reward Partners
2x
Earn 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store.
2x
Earn twice the AIR MILES at partner stores
Get 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ (that’s enough for $80 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash).
800 Bonus Miles will be awarded when you spend $1,000 in net card purchases in the first three (3) months from the Credit Card open date.
Our Take
The BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®* for Students is a no-annual-fee credit card tailored for students, enabling them to earn AIR MILES on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates at participating AIR MILES Partners and eligible grocery stores. It offers benefits such as purchase protection and extended warranty, making it a practical choice for students looking to build credit while earning travel rewards.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
Earn 3x the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Reward Partners
2x
Earn 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store.
2x
Earn twice the AIR MILES at partner stores
Get 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ (that’s enough for $80 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash).
800 Bonus Miles will be awarded when you spend $1,000 in net card purchases in the first three (3) months from the Credit Card open date.
The BMO AIR MILES Mastercard student card is an interesting travel card option for students at Canadian colleges and universities. The card is similar to the regular BMO AIR MILES Mastercard but is much more accessible for those new to credit.
The student-version of the AIR MILES Mastercard comes with similar features to its frown up sibling, including a welcome bonus (something you don't find on a student credit card typically):
Outside of the welcome bonus the card offers reduced rewards vs. the regular card with students earning the following AIR MILES on purchases:
As noted those rewards are half what you'd expect from the BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®* but for a student looking for travel rewards that's not bad at all.
The BMO AIR MILES rewards program stands as one of Canada’s most prominent and long-standing loyalty initiatives. Launched in 1992, the program has evolved significantly over its 30-year history, adapting to changing consumer needs and market trends.
Key program milestones:
• 1992: AIR MILES program launched in Canada
• 2022: Celebrated its 30th anniversary
• June 2023: BMO completed the acquisition of LoyaltyOne’s AIR MILES Reward Program business
AIR MILES, also called AIR MILES Points, are a form of rewards points. You earn AIR MILES by showing your membership card in participating online and brick and mortar stores, using an AIR MILES credit card for any purchase, or by buying extra miles online. After you’ve collected enough miles you can redeem them for cash, movie tickets, flights, or other items. To learn more about the AIR MILES program, the value of miles and AIR MILES Cash and how to earn and redeem, read our AIR MILES Points guide.
Everyone always asks what their AIR MILES are worth in cash terms, but it’s not so easy to answer. It depends on what you plan to redeem them for and where you go to redeem them.
The AIR MILES program boasts an impressive reach across Canadian households, making it one of the most widely used loyalty programs in the country:
The AIR MILES program utilizes a dual currency system, offering flexibility in how members can use their rewards. These currencies are known as Cash Miles and Dream Miles.
Read more: AIR MILES rewards guide
AIR MILES expire after 24 months of account inactivity.
AIR MILES shines because it partners with over 300 stores and services, meaning you can rack up points all over the place. Here are some examples of eligible AIR MILES merchants in major categories:
You can find a full list of AIR MILES partners on the AIRMILES official website.
Choosing a new credit card can be challenging if you don't know what to look for. Here are some expert tips on choosing the right AIR MILES credit card for your needs:
You might opt to simplify your selection process by using our automated AIR MILES calculator. Just input your monthly spending and the features of the AIR MILES credit card you’re considering, and the calculator will tell you how much value the credit card will give you in a year.
AIR MILES is a popular program, offering plenty of ways for Canadians to earn and redeem miles towards the rewards they want. However, the program faces stiff competition in the Canadian marketplace, especially from more popular options like Scene+ (Scotiabank), Aeroplan (Air Canada/TD/CIBC), and RBC Avion Rewards.
The ideal program for you depends on several factors: your location, spending habits, and preferred redemption options. If you need a little more help on finding your next credit card, check out our Best Credit Cards Canada award winners or our best travel credit cards guide.
Disclosures:
Sarah Pritzker has been writing for Money.ca since 2017, and loves learning about the latest trends in Canadian personal finance.
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, BlogTO, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk. He's also the creator and author of the annual Money.ca Credit Card Awards.
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†Terms and Conditions apply.