Best AIR MILES credit cards in Canada
Fact Checked: Scott Birke
Updated: May 01, 2024
By using Air Miles credit cards along with an Air Miles membership card you can accelerate your Air Miles earn rate at one of the many participating Air Miles merchants in Canada.
Air Miles is one of Canada’s most popular loyalty programs, with over 100 merchants that participate in Air Miles. And Air Miles never expire and can be redeemed for so many different things from kitchen appliances, electronics and cash balances to flights and vacations, movie tickets, merchandise or other free items .
What are the best Canadian Air Miles credit cards?
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.
Best Air Miles credit card with high earn rate
BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*
3x Cardholders earn an accelerated 3x the Miles per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partners*,
2x 2x the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*
1x reward mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year.*
$120 Annual Fee
20.99% Purchase APR
23.99% Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
23.99% Balance Transfer Rate
Excellent Recommended Credit Score
$80,000 Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000 Required Annual Household Income
Welcome Offer
Get 2,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles and we’ll waive the $120 annual fee for the first year*.
Learn moreBest Canadian Air Miles credit card with no annual fee
BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®*
3 miles Get 3 Miles for every $25 spent with AIR MILES Partners.
2 miles Get 2x the Miles for every $25 at grocery stores and supermarkets.
4 miles Double up your Shell Go+ Miles on eligible fuel and in-store purchases.
$0 Annual Fee
20.99% Purchase APR
22.99% Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
22.99% Balance Transfer Rate 0.99% introductory interest rate for 9 months (fee applies)*
2.00% Balance Transfer Fee
Good Recommended Credit Score
$15,000 Required Annual Personal Income
Welcome Offer
Get 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles!* That’s enough for $80 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash*
Learn moreWhat are Air Miles?
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 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. We estimate one Air Mile to be worth something between $0.12 and $0.194. That valuation is greater than what you can expect from cash back rewards, making card like these among the best credit cards for flights.
How to apply for an Air Miles credit card
The best Canadian Air Miles credit card is different for everyone, depending on your spending habits and financial situation. Here are some crucial features to look for:
- Annual fee
- Basic air miles earn rate
- Accelerated air miles earn rate and where you can earn
- Welcome bonus
- Additional special offers like discounts and travel insurance
- Interest rates for balance transfer
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.
Summary: Best Canadian Air Miles credit card list
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Sarah Pritzker has been writing for Money.ca since 2017, and loves learning about the latest trends in Canadian personal finance.
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