Quick overview of BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard
Canadians have a love/hate relationship with AIR MILES. The loyalty program is one of the oldest out there and has a huge following, but some Canadians have found it difficult to make redemptions over the years. That being said, AIR MILES has made recent improvements to the program and new changes to the BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* Mastercard®* will have many travellers taking a second look at the card.
Who’s the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard for?
If you’re a frequent traveler who collects AIR MILES, this card is a great option for you as you can get closer to redeeming a free flight faster. The nice thing about AIR MILES is that participants have the ability to earn miles at many national Canadian retailers such as Shell, Children’s Place, Staples, Alamo and Transat. AIR MILES can also be collected at some regional grocery stores. When you pay with your BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* MasterCard®*, you earn additional miles so you’re able to ‘double dip.’ In our estimation the BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* MasterCard®* is the best AIR MILES credit card on the market.
Pros and cons
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
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard 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
How to earn AIR MILES with the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard
With the BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* MasterCard®*, cardholders earn an accelerated 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* and 1 Mile for every $12 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else*. Other AIR MILES Mastercards on the market only generate around a single mile per $15 or $20 spent at all merchants, so you’re getting the best bang for your buck with the BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* MasterCard®*.
As an added bonus, you get an exclusive 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year.*
How to redeem AIR MILES with the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard
You can use your AIR MILES and redeem them for flights to your dream destination. The amount of AIR MILES needed will depend on the destination you're flying to. You can also convert AIR MILES to Cash Miles. 95 Cash Miles= $10, which can be used towards your purchases at participating AIR MILES partner locations. Learn more about redeeming AIR MILES.
Plus, you now have the flexibility to move your Miles between Cash and Dream with the new Transfer Miles feature, so if you want to turn your Cash Miles into a dream vacation, go for it!
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard key benefits
Here are the notable key benefits that come with this card:
- Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass*
- Access to BMO Concierge Service
- Enjoy a 7¢/L discount on Shell V-Power®± premium fuel and 2¢/L on all other Shell fuel every time you fuel up
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard insurance coverage
One of the most underrated features of the card is the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Travel and Medical Protection*, a comprehensive travel insurance package, which includes:
- Emergency travel medical insurance*
- Trip cancellation*
- Trip interruption/trip delay*
- Flight delay insurance*
- Lost, delayed, or stole luggage insurance*
- Rental car collision/loss damage insurance*
- Travel accident insurance*
With emergency travel medical insurance, cardholders under the age of 65 are automatically covered for 15 days. Those 65 or older will need to purchase a separate travel insurance policy.
Keep in mind that you need to charge the full amount of your trip (usually just the flights and car rental) to your BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* MasterCard®* to qualify for all the additional insurance. The included travel insurance package does not include hotel/motel burglary insurance, but overall, it’s competitive with some of the top travel insurance credit cards in Canada.
What people have to say about this card
I have the BMO Airmiles MC World Elite card. It’s okay, you just get double the air miles, but the amount of air miles you get is so little if you don’t use air mile offer smarter...I use it primarily for buying gas from shell
/u/cm0011
As Reddit user, cm0011 shows, if you don't really use your AIR MILES smartly, the card's rewards program may seem lack lustre to you. If you're looking for a more flexible credit card rewards program, see how the card compares to its competitors below.
How BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard compares
Before you finalize your credit card, see how the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard fares against other great credit cards on the Canadian market.
American Express Cobalt® Card
4.9
up to 15k pts
Welcome offerFair
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
Eligibility
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
5x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
3x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
2x
the points on everything else
1x
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
1
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
$100 USD
21.99% - 30%
Variable APR Just some text
21.99% - 1%
Cash Advance APR 2
$155.88
Annual Fee 12.99/month
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Variable APR
21.99% - 30%
Cash Advance APR
21.99% - 1%
Annual Fee
$155.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
Eligibility
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
5x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
3x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
2x
the points on everything else
1x
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
1
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
$100 USD
21.99% - 30%
Variable APR Just some text
21.99% - 1%
Cash Advance APR 2
$155.88
Annual Fee 12.99/month
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Variable APR
21.99% - 30%
Cash Advance APR
21.99% - 1%
Annual Fee
$155.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard vs. American Express Cobalt Card
While both the BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* Mastercard®* and the American Express Cobalt are good choices for earning travel rewards, the Amex Cobalt stands out for its flexibility. The American Express Cobalt offers accelerated points accumulation across multiple categories like dining, groceries, transportation and travel, making it particularly beneficial for everyday spending. Additionally, the Amex Cobalt's redemption program provides greater flexibility; points can be transferred to various airlines partners or used for gift cards, statement credit, or merchandise.
The eligibility criteria for the Amex Cobalt are also lower when compared to the BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* Mastercard®*. As far as additional perks go, the BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* Mastercard®* comes out on top as it offers lounge access and has a higher card acceptance rate than American Express.
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* CardÂ
4.3
up to 35K pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to $1,100* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points
Expires
Jan 3, 2025
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard vs. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
Let's compare the BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* Mastercard®* with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card. Both cards come with an annual fee, with Scotiabank's Passport Visa Infinite being pricier at $150 annually. When evaluating rewards programs, Scotia's SCENE+ offers greater flexibility in redemption options. You can utilize your points for instant statement credit, travel credit, free movie tickets, gift cards and merchandise. Moreover, SCENE+ points grant discounts at partners like Swiss Chalet.
Both cards provide lounge access, yet with the BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* Mastercard®*, complimentary DragonPass network lounge membership requires a paid admission of $32 USD per person, while the Passport Infinite offers 6 free lounge visits per year under Visa Airport Companion. The standout feature of the Scotia Visa Passport Infinite card is its absence of foreign transaction fees, a significant boon for frequent travelers.
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard vs. BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite
| Card | BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* Mastercard®* reviewed | BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $120 | $120 |
| Welcome offer | 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 | Get up to 60,000 points worth $400 in travel rewards, a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year - that's a $570 value in your first anniversary!* |
| Insurance | Travel emergency medical, Delayed and lost baggage, Trip cancellation, Flight delay, Trip interruption, Auto rental collision/loss damage, Hotel/motel burglary, Common carrier travel accident insurance, Purchase protection, Extended warranty | Emergency travel medical insurance, Rental car collision/loss damage insurance, Common carrier accident insurance, Mobile device insurance |
| Benefits |
3x the Miles per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partners*; 2x the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*; 1x the Mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
a 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year* Additional perks include BMO Concierge, digital subscriptions and cash back promotions |
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining in and out and transit.*. Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*
|
| Read review | Hey, you are already reading it! | BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card review |
| Apply now | Apply Now | Apply Now |
If you're looking to maximize your everyday spending, then the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite credit card is a better option as you can earn points at a faster rate. You also have the flexibility of redeeming your BMO rewards points for travel rewards, gift cards, merchandise, statement credit, or BMO investments. For someone who is an avid traveler, the BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* Mastercard®* may be more suitable due to its better travel insurance coverage and travel perks.
Is it worth it?
There’s no denying that the sign-up bonus of Air Miles and the first anniversary* annual fee waiver make this an appealing card, but who is the card best suited for in the long run?
Those loyal to Air Miles should not hesitate to sign up for the card, since they’ll get the highest earn rate of any Air Miles Mastercard out there. And if you happen to shop often at Air Miles partners you’ll get even greater value, as you can double dip on the points.
If you happen to fly often within a province, this card may also appeal to you since those flights are usually expensive if you’re paying out of pocket. With Air Miles, those same flights have a fixed redemption value, so it can work out in your favour.
On the other hand, if you view Air Miles as a secondary loyalty program that you only collect casually, you’re likely better off applying for a credit card where you can earn points in your preferred loyalty program.
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard eligibility criteria
To qualify for the BMO AIR MILES®†World Elite®* Mastercard®*, you must have an excellent credit score and a minimum of $80,000in annual personal income or $150,000in total household annual income.
*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.
Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who makes frequent media appearances. When he's not educating people on how to be smarter with money, he's earning and burning miles and points for luxury travel.
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