Complete Blue Rewards guide
On June 2, 2026, the AIR MILES program officially becomes Blue Rewards. More than 34 years after its launch in Canada, the program is changing its name, currency, and structure. BMO’s promise: a single balance, a simple equation (1,500 points = $10), and an expanded network of over 400 partners. The Shop the Block promotion is currently running until July 8, 2026. Find all current Blue Rewards promotions on our dedicated promotions page.
If you are already an AIR MILES member, the transition happens automatically and with no loss of value. If you are discovering the program, here is everything you need to know before getting started: the real value of Blue Points, ways to earn, redemption options, the two new BMO credit cards tied to the program, and the exact transition timeline.
What is Blue Rewards
Blue Rewards is the new Canadian loyalty program replacing AIR MILES. It is operated by a subsidiary of the Bank of Montreal, which has already controlled AIR MILES since 2023.
The program keeps AIR MILES’ infrastructure (member number, app, physical cards) but radically simplifies the mechanics. Gone is the dual system with Cash Miles and Dream Miles. As of June 2, 2026, you earn and redeem a single currency: Blue Points.
Membership remains free. No credit card or BMO account is required to sign up. However, BMO customers receive additional benefits (earning with a debit card, chequing account bonuses).
You are an AIR MILES member: what happens on June 2
BMO has confirmed that the conversion of AIR MILES Miles to Blue Points happened with no loss of value and automatically on June 1, 2026. No AIR MILES customer needed to do anything to protect their balance. Here is exactly what happened.
Transition timeline, day by day
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Until May 31, 2026 | AIR MILES operates normally. You earn and redeem your Miles as usual. |
| May 31 to June 1 | Redemption blackout. You cannot redeem Miles during the transition. |
| June 1, 2026 | Automatic conversion in the background. The app, website, and customer service are unavailable during the day. |
| June 2, 2026 | Everything is restored. Your balance is displayed in Blue Points (multiplied by 16). Redemptions resume. |
Conversion rate: 1 Mile = 16 Blue Points
The official rate is 1 AIR MILES Mile = 16 Blue Points. This equation preserves the monetary value of your balance. Here are a few concrete examples:
| AIR MILES balance | Blue Points balance | In-store value |
|---|---|---|
| 95 Miles | 1,520 Points | ≈ $10 |
| 500 Miles | 8,000 Points | ≈ $53 |
| 1,000 Miles | 16,000 Points | ≈ $107 |
| 5,000 Miles | 80,000 Points | ≈ $533 |
| 10,000 Miles | 160,000 Points | ≈ $1,067 |
Special cases to know
- AIR MILES Gold status: it will be automatically migrated to the equivalent status in Blue Rewards. BMO has confirmed that status will be preserved, but the exact benefits of the new tier will be announced at launch.
- BMO AIR MILES credit card: it will continue to work with the same number. It will be automatically renamed “Blue Rewards Card” in the weeks following launch.
- Irving Oil transactions: a posting delay is expected from May 31 to June 5. Points will be credited, but will not appear immediately.
Value of Blue Points
The official formula is clear: 1,500 Blue Points = $10 CAD. This equivalency applies to in-store redemptions at participating partners and to e-gift cards.
This gives a unit value of 0.67¢ per point, or about two-thirds of a cent. This is the same value as Rewards points (the parallel program tied to BMO Ascend and eclipse cards). Both BMO programs are now worth exactly the same, without being interchangeable.
How to earn Blue Points
Six main ways to earn Blue Points:
- In-store purchases at retail partners (more than 400 brands in Canada)
- Purchases with a Blue Rewards credit card (two new cards launched on June 2, 2026)
- Purchases with a BMO debit card linked to an eligible chequing account (registration required in the BMO app)
- Purchases with a linked third-party Mastercard to your Blue Rewards account (any Mastercard issued in Canada, including non-BMO)
- Scanning grocery receipts via the mobile app
- BMO chequing account bonuses: extra Points if you maintain a minimum balance in an eligible chequing account
The most powerful earning lever remains Blue Rewards credit cards, especially when you shop at a participating partner. That is where the 10x accelerator comes into play.
The 10x Points accelerator
“10x Points” is the core selling point of the new Blue Rewards cards. The principle is simple: you shop at a participating partner, pay with your Blue Rewards credit card, and earn 10 points per dollar spent.
In practice, the mechanics combine two rates:
- With the Blue Rewards Mastercard (no fee): 5 Points per $1 at partners (combined cap of $500 per cycle)
- With the Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard: 10 Points per $1 at partners (combined cap of $1,000 per cycle)
On top of that, you get a bonus by presenting your Blue Rewards membership card at checkout: you earn the partner’s points in addition to your credit card points. This is what BMO calls “double-dipping.”
- Annual fee
- $0 $150No annual fee the first year
- Our valuation
- $150Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Welcome offer
- First Year Annual Fee Rebate
No annual fee the first year
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
$150 annual fee rebated
Ends Oct 31, 2026
on BMO's website
Blue Rewards partners
The Blue Rewards network includes more than 400 participating brands at launch. Here are the confirmed partners for the 10x accelerator as of June 2, 2026:
| Category | Participating partners |
|---|---|
| Travel | Blue Rewards Travel (powered by Expedia) |
| Pharmacy and pets | Pharmasave, Global Pet Foods |
| Rental Cars | Budget, Alamo, National Car Rental |
| Hardware | TIMBER MART |
| Atlantic Canada | KENT, Irving Oil |
| Quebec | Pitou Minou & Compagnons |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation |
New strategic partners announced
BMO has also announced the addition of major partners across several categories. Not all will be active at launch, but they will be added to the network in the following months:
- Air travel: Porter Airlines
- Hospitality: Accor Group (Fairmont, Novotel, SLS Hotels)
- Delivery: Instacart
- Restaurants: MTY Group (Thai Express, Bâton Rouge, Pizza Delight, Allô! mon Coco, Sushi Shop, Mr. Sub, Manchu Wok, Mucho Burrito,
- Dollar stores: Dollarama (over 1,700 stores, partnership announced on June 16, 2026)
How to redeem your Blue Points
In-store redemptions and e-gift cards
This is the main and best-value option: 1,500 Points = $10 at participating partners or in e-gift cards. A daily limit of $750 (112,500 Points) applies across combined in-store and e-gift card redemptions.
Blue Rewards Travel
The Blue Rewards Travel platform is powered by Expedia Group. It provides access to a wide range of suppliers: flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- No minimum threshold: you can use your points starting with the very first point earned
- Split payment: combine points and cash to pay for a booking
- Large inventory: access to the Expedia network for flights, hotels, and rentals
- Coverage of taxes and fees: you can now pay 100% of an airline ticket with your Points, including taxes
- Cruises excluded from the platform
- Fees paid on site at the property are not covered by points
Blue Rewards Credit Cards
BMO is launching two new Blue Rewards credit cards on June 2, 2026. They are the only retail credit cards in Canada to offer built-in accelerators on groceries, gas, alcohol, and warehouse clubs simultaneously.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $0 |
| Features | BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard | BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $150 (first-year rebate) |
| Income Required | None | $80,000 personal or $150,000 household |
| Credit score | Good (680+) | Very good (725-759) |
| Base rate | 0.5 Point per $1 | 1 Point per $1 |
| Groceries, gas, alcohol, wholesale | 1 Point per $1 | 2 Points per $1 |
| 10x partners | 5 Points per $1 | 10 Points per $1 |
| Welcome Offer | 20,000 Points (≈ $133) | 100,000 Points (up to $1,600 in total value) |
A higher earn rate than the old AIR MILES
With Shell’s departure, some former AIR MILES members are questioning the program’s value. For everyday spending, the BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard still earns more than the old AIR MILES card. In accelerated categories (groceries, gas, alcohol, warehouse clubs), it earns 2 Points per dollar, or about 1.3% in value at a rate of 0.67¢ per Point. By comparison, the old AIR MILES card earned the equivalent of about 0.8% in those same categories.
| Old AIR MILES | Blue Rewards World Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Value earned (per $12 spent) | ≈ $0.10 | ≈ $0.16 |
| Value rate | ≈ 0.8% | ≈ 1.3% |
Note: this 1.3% rate applies to everyday categories. The card’s base rate is 1 Point per dollar (about 0.67%), while purchases with participating partners can reach 10 Points per dollar (about 6.7%).
For full details on each card, see our dedicated pages: BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard and BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard. Our detailed comparison also helps you choose between the two based on your profile.
Complete transition timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 25, 2026 | Official program announcement. Merger of Cash and Dream balances. Waitlist opens for the cards. |
| March 2, 2026 | End of the Shell partnership in Alberta. |
| March 2026 | Launch of the enhanced travel platform via Expedia. |
| May 25, 2026 | End of the Shell partnership in the rest of Canada. |
| May 31 to June 1, 2026 | Redemption blackout. Automatic conversion of AIR MILES Miles to Blue Points (1:16 rate). |
| June 2, 2026 | Official launch of Blue Rewards. Blue Points available for redemption. Launch of the two Blue Rewards credit cards. |
Blue Rewards vs BMO Rewards
Be careful not to confuse the two BMO programs. They are two distinct ecosystems, even though the unit value of the points is identical (0.67¢).
- BMO Rewards: BMO’s legacy program, tied to Ascend and Eclipse cards. Redeem for travel, merchandise, or investment deposits.
- Blue Rewards: the new program from AIR MILES, tied to Blue cards and the retail partner network. Redeem in store, for e-gift cards, and for travel via Expedia.
In practical terms: if you have a BMO Ascend card, you earn BMO Rewards points. If you have a BMO Blue Rewards card, you earn Blue Points. The two balances are separate, but worth the same when redeemed.
Exclusive benefits for BMO clients
Beyond credit cards, BMO customers earn faster thanks to several exclusive benefits:
- BMO debit card: earn Blue Points on groceries, gas, warehouse clubs, and EV charging (registration required in the BMO or Blue Rewards app)
- Chequing account bonuses: 1 Point per $2 in purchases (up to 2,500 Points per month) if you maintain a minimum balance in an eligible chequing account
- BMO Mobile app: direct access to your Points balance and personalized offers
- Annual fee rebate: $150 rebate on the BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard with a Premium chequing account
To compare BMO accounts, see our guide to BMO banking packages.
Official Resources
- whatisbluerewards.ca (official information site)
- BMO Blue Rewards Credit Cards
- All BMO Credit Cards (Milesopedia)
Who Blue Rewards is a good fit for
The Blue Rewards program is primarily designed for everyday, practical use. It is worth considering if:
- You regularly shop with network partners (pharmacy, pets, car rentals, travel, hardware)
- You want a simple currency, without complex calculations
- You are already a BMO customer and want to maximize your banking ecosystem
- You were an AIR MILES member and want to continue effortlessly
However, if your priority is optimizing points for business-class flights or transfers to airline programs, programs such as Aeroplan, American Express Membership Rewards, or RBC Avion remain more rewarding.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Blue Rewards program launch?
The official launch takes place on June 2, 2026. The automatic conversion of AIR MILES Miles to Blue Points happens on June 1, 2026, and Points are available for redemption starting the next day.
What is the AIR MILES to Blue Points conversion rate?
The official rate is 1 AIR MILES Mile = 16 Blue Points. This preserves the monetary value of your balance (95 Miles = 1,500 Points = $10).
Do you need to be a BMO customer to join?
No. Membership in Blue Rewards is free and open to all Canadian residents. However, BMO customers receive additional benefits (earning with a debit card, chequing account bonuses, and access to dedicated credit cards).
How much are Blue Points worth?
1,500 Blue Points = $10 CAD for in-store redemptions or e-gift cards. This gives a unit value of 0.67¢ per point.
How does the 10x Points accelerator work?
The 10x accelerator applies when you pay with a BMO Blue Rewards credit card at a participating partner. With the Blue World Elite Card, you earn 10 Points per dollar spent (combined cap of $1,000 per cycle). With the no-fee Blue Card, you earn 5 Points per dollar (cap of $500).
Will my AIR MILES Miles expire or be lost?
No. All AIR MILES Miles are automatically converted to Blue Points on June 1, 2026, with no loss of value. No action is required. If your account is inactive, reactivate it by earning at least one mile before that date.
Will my BMO AIR MILES credit card continue to work?
Yes. Your card will continue to work with the same number and the same offer. It will be automatically renamed “BMO Blue Rewards Card” in the weeks following the June 2, 2026 launch. You can also request to switch to one of the two new Blue Rewards cards.
What happens to my AIR MILES Gold status?
AIR MILES Gold status will be automatically migrated to the equivalent status in Blue Rewards. BMO has confirmed that status will be preserved, but the full details of the new tier’s benefits will be announced at launch.
Can I link a non-BMO Mastercard to earn Blue Points?
Yes. You can link any Mastercard issued in Canada to your Blue Rewards account, including a non-BMO Mastercard. For BMO Mastercards, linking is automatic. For third-party Mastercards, linking is done in the Blue Rewards app, or by calling BMO customer service or visiting a branch.
Which new partners are confirmed?
At launch, the confirmed 10x partners are Blue Rewards Travel, Pharmasave, Global Pet Foods, Budget, Alamo, National Car Rental, TIMBER MART, KENT (Atlantic), Irving Oil (Atlantic), Pitou Minou & Compagnons (Quebec), and Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation. Porter Airlines, Accor, Instacart, and MTY Group will join the program in the following months.
What is happening with Shell Canada?
Shell is no longer a partner after March 2, 2026 in Alberta, and after May 25, 2026 in the rest of Canada. Shell is now joining the Scene+ program. Use your Miles at Shell before these dates if you want to cash them out in this category.
Can I pay 100% of an airline ticket with my Blue Points?
Yes. This is an important new feature of Blue Rewards. You can now cover the full cost of a ticket, including taxes and fees, with your Points. AIR MILES did not allow this (you had to pay taxes in cash). This is a real improvement for travel redemptions.
What happens to my Cash Miles and Dream Miles?
The distinction between Cash Miles and Dream Miles is disappearing. BMO first merged the two balances into one on January 25, 2026, and this single balance then becomes Blue Points on June 1st, 2026. You no longer have to split your miles between two categories: a single currency is now used for everything, from in-store redemptions to travel. The conversion happens automatically, with no loss of value.
How do I redeem my Blue Points?
You have three main options. The best value remains in-store redemptions or electronic gift cards, at a rate of 1,500 Points for $10 (daily limit of $750). You can also book flights, hotels, and car rentals on the Blue Rewards Travel platform powered by Expedia, with no minimum threshold and the option for mixed points and cash payments. For the best alternatives based on your profile, visit our best credit cards page.
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