If you’re passionate about travel but want to make the most of your money, it’s time to explore the benefits of an AIR MILES credit card. With American Express discontinuing its partnership with AIR MILES in September 2023, BMO has become the exclusive provider of AIR MILES branded credit cards in Canada. In this compilation, we’ve carefully chosen the best credit cards in Canada for AIR MILES enthusiasts. If you’re eager to discover how to minimize your travel expenses and expedite your travel aspirations, read on!
Choosing the optimal AIR MILES credit card involves more than simply considering the rewards. It’s about aligning the card with your lifestyle and financial habits. Whether you’re aiming for complimentary gifts or prefer a card with travel insurance, finding the right balance with factors like annual fees and payment practices is crucial. To streamline this decision-making process, our credit card comparison tool is tailored to match your specific needs and spending patterns with the most suitable card.
1. BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard – Best AIR MILES Card
The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard stands out as the premier AIR MILES credit card, making it our top choice for avid travelers. Let’s delve into the noteworthy features of this exceptional card:
The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard offers an impressive earning rate and a compelling welcome bonus. New cardholders currently receive 2,000 bonus miles by spending $3,000 on the card within the initial 3 months, translating to a value of $210 for future purchases with Cash Miles. As an added perk, the $120 annual fee is waived for the first year, resulting in a combined value of $330 in sign-up offers.
Cardholders benefit from earning 3x miles for every $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partner stores and 2x miles at any grocery store, facilitating the accumulation of points through everyday purchases. For regular expenditures, you earn 1 mile for every $12 spent. Additionally, you can boost your miles by presenting your AIR MILES membership card and BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard together during the same transaction.
The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard provides various advantages for travelers. These include complimentary membership to the Mastercard Travel Pass program from DragonPass, offering access to an extensive network of over 1,400 exclusive lounges at 400 airports globally. Travel and medical insurance is included for up to 15 days outside the province and country.
This exceptional travel card also grants access to over one million Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide without additional fees or roaming charges. Another significant perk is the 25% discount on all AIR MILES flights within North America. Cardholders also enjoy purchase protection and an extended warranty on items bought with the card, providing 90 days of coverage against theft and damage, and doubling the manufacturer’s warranty for an additional year.
| Eligibility Requirements | BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard |
| Credit Score (estimate) | 700+ |
| Annual Income | $80,000 (individual); or $150,000 (household) |
| Additional | Resident of Canada Provincial age of majority |
2. BMO AIR MILES Mastercard – Best No-fee AIR MILES Card
Tired of dealing with fees? Well, the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard offers a fee-free alternative. While this no-fee credit card comes with a lower AIR MILES earning rate, it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. Although it may not provide the extensive benefits of other AIR MILES cards listed here, it comes with a noteworthy welcome offer of 800 Bonus Miles, equivalent to $80 in purchases with AIR MILES Cash. A card that’s both free and rewards you for signing up? Sounds like a win!
The reward rate for the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard is modest, offering 1 mile for every $25 spent. However, to accelerate your mile accumulation, you can earn 3 miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Rewards partners. Plus, don’t forget that presenting your AIR MILES Membership card simultaneously with your BMO AIR MILES Mastercard purchase lets you double up on your miles.
New cardholders can take advantage of a 1.99% introductory rate on balance transfers for the first 9 months, with a 1% balance transfer fee. The BMO AIR MILES Mastercard also includes valuable features like an extended warranty and purchase protection for items bought with the card.
| Eligibility Requirements | BMO AIR MILES Mastercard |
| Credit Score (estimate) | 660+ |
| Annual Income | N/A |
| Additional | Resident of Canada Provincial age of majority |
3. BMO AIR MILES Mastercard for Students – Best for Students
Acquiring your first credit card is a significant step into adulthood, marking the initiation of building and establishing your credit score. A good credit score is essential for various aspects of life, from renting an apartment to obtaining a mortgage, insurance, a cell phone, and even securing a decent job. With the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard for Students, you not only have the opportunity to build credit but also receive rewards in the process.
New cardholders enjoy a bonus of 800 Miles when they spend $1,000 on the card within the initial 3 months. The card offers a reward structure of 3 miles for every $25 spent at AIR MILES partner merchants and 1 mile per $25 spent elsewhere. The BMO AIR MILES Mastercard for Students serves as an excellent means to save money and earn free rewards while establishing positive credit habits. Accumulating AIR MILES through this card provides an avenue to treat yourself to a well-deserved break after months of intense studying and nerve-wracking exams during your university journey.
This credit card is tailored for students aged 18 to 24 years old who have reached the age of majority in their province and are enrolled in a post-secondary institution such as a CEGEP or university. Eligibility requires Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, along with an annual income sourced from employment, grants or scholarships, student loans, or a family allowance.
| Eligibility Requirements | BMO AIR MILES Mastercard for Students |
| Credit Score (estimate) | 600 |
| Annual Income | Amount not specified (but must earn income from employment, student loan, grant or scholarship or family allowance) |
| Additional | Resident of Canada Provincial age of majority Be enrolled in a post-secondary institution Be 18 to 24 years old |
4. BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard for Business – Best for Business Owners
With the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard for Business, your business can earn miles at a rate of 1 mile for every $12 spent on regular purchases, and an impressive 4x miles at participating AIR MILES partners. Currently, a welcome bonus of 3,000 AIR MILES awaits when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and the $149 annual card fee is waived for the initial year.
Additionally, cardholders gain access to 24/7 virtual healthcare services provided by MAPLE, along with up to 5 complimentary online consultations that can be shared with family members. Eligible patients enjoy rapid access to various healthcare practitioners, including mental health counselors, with appointments scheduled within 12 hours of the initial request.
Another benefit of the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard for Business is that it includes several types of travel insurance such as:
- collision damage waiver insurance;
- personal and business property insurance;
- accidental death or dismemberment insurance in rental vehicles and for accidents on board a common carrier.
You will also travel with peace of mind since the card also offers the following protection:
- luggage and personal effects
- baggage or flight delays
- trip interruptions, postponements, and cancellations
To take advantage of these benefits, simply use your card when paying for your travel reservations. The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard for Business is a solid card for business owners and one of the best business credit cards in Canada.
| Eligibility Requirements | BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard |
| Credit Score (estimate) | 720 |
| Annual Income | Personal income of at least $80,000 or Household income of at least $150,000 or Business income of at least $250,000 or Assets under management of at least $400,000 |
| Additional | Resident of Canada Identity documents, licenses, financial statements, etc. |
5. BMO AIR MILES Mastercard for Business – Best Free AIR MILES Card for Business Owners
Are you a new business owner or managing a small business? If so, the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard for Business could be a suitable choice. This card comes with no annual fee while still providing AIR MILES rewards, albeit at a slightly lower rate. As a welcome offer, new cardholders receive 1,000 Bonus Miles, equivalent to a value of $100 for their next purchase with AIR MILES Cash. To qualify for this offer, a minimum spending of $3,000 on the card within the first 3 months of opening the account is required.
With the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard for Business, you’ll earn 1 mile for every $20 spent on regular card purchases. If you use your card at a participating Shell gas station, you can boost your earnings to 1.25 miles for every $20 spent. This makes it an intriguing option, especially if you frequently use your vehicle for work-related purposes.
Another benefit of the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard for Business card for your business is the inclusion of a liability waiver program, which protects you in the event of misuse of the card by an employee.
| Eligibility Requirements | BMO AIR MILES Mastercard for Business (free) |
| Credit Score (estimate) | 660 |
| Annual Income | N/A |
| Additional | Resident of Canada Identity documents, licenses, financial statements, etc. |
FAQs about AIR MILES Credit Cards in Canada
What is the best AIR MILES credit card in Canada?
Should I collect Dream Miles or Cash Miles?
Dream Miles will give you the highest redemption value when used for flights and other travel-related expenses. However, there are fewer redemption opportunities and more restrictions. You will need to spend more time planning and paying close attention to detail in order to get the best value for your Dream Miles. Dream Miles is a good choice if you love to travel and don’t mind putting in the work to optimize your MILES.
Cash Miles have a lower redemption value but you can redeem them almost immediately in-store or online. Where available, 95 Cash Miles will get you $10 off a purchase when you swipe your AIR MILES card. The AIR MILES program is one of the largest loyalty programs in Canada with a large network of partner merchants across the country. Therefore, you have much more flexibility to redeem your Cash Miles to save money on everyday purchases. Despite the lower redemption value, Cash Miles is a good choice if you are less concerned with travel, and prefer more ways to save when you shop instead.
