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Best Air Miles Rewards Credit Cards

Best AIR MILES credit cards in Canada

Sarah Pritzker
Author: Cory Santos

By Sarah Pritzker & Cory Santos

Fact Checked: Scott Birke

🗓️

Updated: November 20, 2024

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Unlock a world of rewards with every purchase with BMO AIR MILES

By combining Air Miles credit cards with an Air Miles membership card, you can significantly boost your Air Miles accumulation at numerous participating merchants across Canada.

Air Miles is among Canada's most popular loyalty programs, featuring over 100 participating merchants. The best part is that Air Miles never expire and can be redeemed for a wide variety of rewards, including kitchen appliances, electronics, cash balances, flights, vacations, movie tickets, merchandise and other complimentary items.  Once done, don't forget to see our full Best Credit Cards Canada list for 2024.  

  • Why you can trust Money.ca's best AIR MILES credit cards in Canada list

    +

    Money.ca rates all credit cards on a numeric scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest rating, respectively. Money.ca’s proprietary scoring formulas break down the confusing language, complex points, rewards and earn rates to give you the real data that caters to your needs first, not ours.

    Our partnerships have no impact on our ratings, which are solely determined by the merits of each card. To learn more about how we researched and ranked these cards, read our full credit card review methodology.

Summary of picks

Summary of the best AIR MILES credit cards

Credit card
BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*
BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®*
Annual fee
$120
$0
Supplementary card
$50 for a supplementary card
$0 for supplementary card
Interest rate on purchases
23.99%
22.99%
Base earn rate
1 Mile: $12*
1 Mile: $25*
Earn rate at AIR MILES PARTNERS
3 Miles: $12*
3 Miles: $25*
Perks and bonuses
Exclusive 25% discount on one worldwide air miles flight redemption during the calendar year*; Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass*
Car rental discounts*
Insurance
Emergency medical; trip cancellation; extended warranty; purchase protection*
Extended warranty; purchase protection*
More information
Apply
Apply

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 premium card

Best AIR MILES card with high earn rate

BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* MasterCard®*

Apply now

3.2

3,000 miles

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

to receive the latest news, tips and offers by email

Apply now

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

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$80,000

Required Annual Household Income

$150,000

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

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$80,000

Required Annual Household Income

$150,000

Cardholders earn an accelerated 3x the Miles per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partners*

3x

the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*

2x

Earn 1 Mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*

1x

Get a 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year*

25%

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

23.99%

Cash Advance APR

23.99%

Annual Fee

$120

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:

  • Limited time offer: 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.

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:

  • Travel insurance*; exclusive 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year*; complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass*

Disclosures

  • *Terms and conditions apply
  • 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.


Best no fee card

Best AIR MILES card with no annual fee

BMO AIR MILES®† MasterCard®*

Apply now

3.1

1,500 AIR MILES

Welcome offer

Good

Suggested credit score

to receive the latest news, tips and offers by email

Apply now

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

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$15,000

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

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$15,000

the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners

3x

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

2x

for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else

1 Mile

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$0

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 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:

  • Limited time offer: Get 1,500 AIR MILES Bonus Miles!* That’s enough for $150 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash*.

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

  • *Terms and conditions apply
  • 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.
Best student card

Best AIR MILES card for students

BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®* for students

Apply now

3.0

800 miles

Welcome offer

Good

Suggested credit score

Get 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles!* That’s enough for $80 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash*

Apply now

Pros

  • No annual fee.

  • Welcome bonus of 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles just for qualifying.

  • Amplified earn rates at AIR MILES Partners and grocery stores.

  • Extended warranty and purchase protection insurance.

Cons

  • High purchase and cash advance APRs for busy students on a budget.

  • No travel insurance coverage for a travel credit card.

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

Pros

  • No annual fee.

  • Welcome bonus of 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles just for qualifying.

  • Amplified earn rates at AIR MILES Partners and grocery stores.

  • Extended warranty and purchase protection insurance.

Cons

  • High purchase and cash advance APRs for busy students on a budget.

  • No travel insurance coverage for a travel credit card.

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

Earn 3x the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Reward Partners

3x

Earn 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store.

2x

Earn twice the AIR MILES at partner stores

2x

Purchase APR

20.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$0

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):

  • Get 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles!* That’s enough for $80 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash*

Outside of the welcome bonus the card offers reduced rewards vs. the regular card with students earning the following AIR MILES on purchases:

  • Earn 3x the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Reward Partners
  • Earn 2x the Miles at any eligible grocery stores
  • Earn twice the AIR MILES at partner locations
  • Earn 1x Miles on all other 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. 

What is AIR MILES?

What is the BMO AIR MILES program?

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.

How to choose

How to choose an AIR MILES credit card

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:

  1. 1.

    Pay attention to the annual fee: Consider whether the benefits outweigh the annual fee. For example, if you don't plan on checking each purchase to ensure you are shopping with an AIR MILES partner to earn max rewards, the annual fee wit the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* might not make sense.

  2. 2.

    Earn rate: Like the annual fee, the earn rates with the AIR MILES cards differ significantly. However, which card is best for you depends on your spending habits.

  3. 3.

    Travel benefits: Another key area to consider is travel benefits (and especially insurance coverage). The World Elite Mastercard version of the AIR MILES credit card offers comprehensive insurance while the no annual fee version provides a much more "stripped back" coverage.

  4. 4.

    Interest rates for balance transfers:  While the AIR MILES credit cards feature the same APR on purchases, the BMO® AIR MILES®† MasterCard®* offers a balance transfer APR slightly lower than the World Elite Mastercard version.

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. 

FAQs

FAQs

  • How do AIR MILES credit cards work in Canada?

    +

    Air Miles credit cards allow you to earn air miles, which are the points within a popular travel rewards program in Canada. You can choose to earn cash miles, which can be redeemed for discounts at partner retailers either in store or online, or you can choose to earn dream miles, which can be redeemed for travel or merchandise.

  • Are credit cards with airline miles worth it?

    +

    Travel rewards credit cards that earn airline miles can definitely be worth it, provided you pick a card that matches your spending habits. For instance, you can maximize the number of miles you collect by using a credit card that earns miles in the purchase categories where you spend a lot of money—like groceries or gas—or in store brands where you shop frequently.

  • Is it worth reviewing an AIR MILES credit card?

    +

    The good ole days of frequent international travel may be slow to return, but it might be nonetheless worthwhile to renew an Air Miles credit card, provided you at least plan to travel domestically within the next couple of years. And remember, Air Miles only expire 24 months after your last account activity, so you could elect to keep racking up miles by using your air miles credit card, and then saving the miles for a dream vacation once we arrive in a post-COVID world.

  • Is AIR MILES going out of business?

    +

    The Air Miles program has lost some big in-store partnerships in recent years (like Sport Chek, LCBO, Lowe's, etc.), and interest in the program took a hit with the onset of COVID-19. But at this point it seems unlikely that it will go out of business in the near future, and more likely that it will shift its focus toward partnering with more online retailers.

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

Sarah Pritzker Freelance Contributor

Sarah Pritzker has been writing for Money.ca since 2017, and loves learning about the latest trends in Canadian personal finance.

Cory Santos Finance editor

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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†Terms and Conditions apply.