Overview
The AIR MILES program has taken its final bow. Since June 2, 2026, Blue Rewards has taken over as the new loyalty program operated by a subsidiary of BMO. This summary covers the essentials: points, partners, credit cards, redemption options, and the now-completed transition.
Whether you are already an AIR MILES member or looking for an advantageous loyalty program, here is a complete overview of Blue Rewards. Also, consult our selection of the best credit cards to maximize your rewards.
Don’t wait: the best credit card welcome bonuses change every month and some are ending soon. Check out the credit card offers ending this month.
What is Blue Rewards
Blue Rewards is the transformation of the AIR MILES program. BMO designed this program to simplify the loyalty experience in Canada. It combines a network of over 400 existing partners, new strategic partners, a modernized digital platform, and direct integration with BMO banking services.
Membership remains free and open to all Canadian residents. Furthermore, you do not need to be a BMO customer to participate. However, BMO customers enjoy additional benefits, including the ability to earn points with their debit card.
How Blue Points Work
Points Value
The program uses a simple equation: 1,500 Blue points = $10 for in-store redemptions or e-gift cards. This formula replaces the dual AIR MILES system (Cash Miles and Dream Miles) with a single balance. Additionally, daily usage limits and standard terms apply to in-store exchanges.
This gives a unit value of 0.67¢ per point, or about two-thirds of a cent. This is the same value as BMO Rewards points (the parallel program linked to BMO Ascend and eclipse cards). Both BMO programs are now worth exactly the same upon redemption, without being interchangeable: a Blue Rewards points balance cannot be transferred to a BMO Rewards balance, and vice versa.
Conversion rate: 1 AIR MILES Mile = 16 Blue Points
The conversion of AIR MILES balances was done automatically, with no loss of value, at a rate of 1 AIR MILES Mile to 16 Blue Points. Here is what that looks like in concrete figures:
| 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 |
Earning Points
There are several ways to earn Blue points:
- Retail Partners: Over 400 participating brands across Canada
- BMO Credit Cards: Earn on every purchase with Blue Rewards cards
- BMO Chequing Accounts: Points on debit card purchases (with registration)
- Receipt Scanning: Extra points via the mobile app on grocery purchases
Program Partners
The network inherits more than 400 brands already present with AIR MILES. Added to these are Dollarama, Porter Airlines, Accor Group, Instacart, and MTY Group. Shell Canada, on the other hand, left the program in 2026 to join Scene+.
The rate depends on your card: 5 points per dollar with the no-fee card, 10 points with a World Elite™*. An annual cap of $15,000 or $25,000 in net purchases applies depending on the card.
For the complete list by category, the rate applicable to each card, and the precedence rule on groceries and gas, please consult our dedicated page on Blue Rewards partners.
Redemption Options
In-Store Redemptions
Members can redeem their points in several ways:
- In-Store Discounts: Direct discounts at participating partners
- E-Gift Cards: Online exchange for vouchers
- Fixed Rate: 1,500 points = $10 on every eligible transaction, or approximately 0.67¢ per point. See our analysis of the value of Blue points
Blue Rewards Travel
Blue Rewards Travel, powered by Expedia Group, provides access to virtually all major travel providers. You can book flights, hotels, and rental cars, then use your points to cover all or part of the cost.
- No Minimum Threshold: Use your points starting from the very first point earned
- Mixed Payment: Combine points and cash to pay for your bookings
- Wide Selection: Access to the Expedia network for flights, hotels, and rentals
- Cruises Excluded: Cruise bookings are not available through the platform
- On-Site Fees: Fees paid directly to the establishment cannot be covered by points
Blue Rewards Credit Cards
BMO launched its new Blue Rewards credit cards on June 2, 2026: the Blue Rewards Mastercard and the Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard. These cards are positioned among the only retail credit cards in Canada to offer built-in accelerators on several everyday categories, including:
- Gas: Accelerated earn rate at gas stations and EV charging stations
- Grocery: Bonus points on supermarket purchases
- Warehouse Clubs: Accelerated earning at membership-based big-box stores
- Alcohol (World Elite card): Accelerated earn rate on alcohol purchases
Additionally, BMO Blue Rewards credit card holders get 10x the Blue points at participating partners. For every dollar spent at these partners, you earn rewards ten times faster.
How the 10x accelerator works
The principle is simple: you shop at a participating partner, pay with your Blue Rewards credit card, and earn extra points per dollar spent. The mechanic combines two rates:
- With the Blue Rewards Mastercard (no fee): 5 Points per $1 at partners (combined cap of $15,000 per calendar year)
- With the Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard: 10 Points per $1 at partners (combined cap of $25,000 per calendar year)
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.”
| Category | Participating Partners (10x accelerator) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
The welcome offers in effect at launch were up to 100,000 Blue points (value of approximately $1,600) for the personal Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard, and up to 20,000 points for the personal standard version. Business cards are also available.
| 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%).
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.
Benefits for BMO Customers
BMO customers enjoy exclusive benefits beyond credit cards. Notably, all BMO chequing account holders can register to earn points with their debit card.
- Debit Card: Earn points on gas, groceries, warehouse clubs, and electric vehicle charging
- BMO Mobile App: Direct access to your points balance and personalized offers
- BMO Online Banking: Unified management of your bank accounts and rewards
Transition from AIR MILES
The transition to Blue Rewards happened automatically on June 2, 2026. No action was required from members. Here is what has not changed:
- Automatic Conversion: AIR MILES miles became Blue points of equivalent value
- Member Number: The current membership number has been retained
- Active Cards: Physical and digital AIR MILES cards have remained functional
- BMO Credit Cards: The cards continued to work normally, with the number unchanged, and were automatically renamed « Blue Rewards Card » in the weeks following the launch
- Login Credentials: Current login credentials have been retained
- AIR MILES Gold Status: automatically migrated to the equivalent status in Blue Rewards, with preservation confirmed by BMO
- Irving Oil Transactions: a display delay was expected from May 31 to June 5, 2026 (points credited but not displayed immediately)
App and Platform
The AIR MILES app updated automatically to become the Blue Rewards app. The new logo now appears on the icon. If you still see the AIR MILES logo, download the latest version from your app store.
The app allows you to:
- Scan Receipts: Earn points on your grocery purchases
- Manage Linked Cards: View and edit your cards in one place
- Access Offers: Receive personalized promotions
- Check Your Balance: Track your points in real time
Managing Your Blue Rewards Account
Here are the answers to practical questions members ask: how to register, get your card, log in, and contact customer service.
Registering and Getting Your Card
Membership remains free and open to all Canadian residents. Furthermore, you do not need to be a BMO customer to participate. However, BMO customers enjoy additional benefits, including earning with their debit card.
If you were already an AIR MILES member, no action is required on your part. The program has retained the existing infrastructure: your member number, physical card, and account remain valid. Your AIR MILES card therefore continues to work at the checkout.
For the virtual version, add your membership card to the mobile app. You can then present it directly from your phone, without a plastic card.
Logging In When It Fails
The AIR MILES app has automatically transformed into the Blue Rewards app, and the new logo replaces the old one on the icon. If you still see the AIR MILES logo, your app is not up to date.
This is the most common cause of login problems. Start by downloading the latest version from your app store. Then, log back in with your usual AIR MILES credentials, which remain valid.
If the issue persists, contact customer service with your member number ready.
Linking a Payment Card
You can link payment cards to your member number to earn automatically, without presenting your membership card.
- BMO Debit Card: link it to an eligible chequing account, with prior registration in the BMO app
- Mastercard from another issuer: any Mastercard issued in Canada can be linked to your account, even outside of BMO
- Card Management: view and edit your linked cards from the Blue Rewards app
Contacting Customer Service
The program provides two numbers for members:
- Toll-free in Canada: 1-888-247-6453
- Toronto Area: 1-416-226-5171
Have your member number ready before calling. Additionally, the program’s official site, whatisbluerewards.ca, provides general information on the transition.
Launch Schedule
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | Official announcement, merger of Cash/Dream balances, opening of the card waitlist |
| March 2026 | Enhanced travel services via Expedia Group |
| June 1, 2026 | Automatic conversion of AIR MILES miles into Blue points |
| June 2, 2026 | Official launch of Blue Rewards and BMO Blue Rewards credit cards |
Who is Blue Rewards 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.
Official Resources
- whatisbluerewards.ca (official information site)
- BMO Blue Rewards Credit Cards
- AIR MILES — Loyalty Program (Milesopedia)
- BMO Rewards (Milesopedia)
- BMO Credit Cards (Milesopedia)
- Annual fee
- $0 $150No annual fee the first year
- Our valuation
- $820Milesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$670Annual fee rebated$150Total$820Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- Welcome offer
- Up to 100,000 points
No annual fee the first year
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$670Annual fee rebated$150Total$820Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
on BMO's website
Conclusion
Blue Rewards marks a turning point for loyalty in Canada. Since its launch on June 2, 2026, the program retains the network of 400+ AIR MILES partners while adding players like Porter Airlines, Accor, and Instacart. The 1,500 points = $10 formula simplifies value calculation, and the travel platform via Expedia Group expands booking options.
For former AIR MILES members, the transition was effortless. For new members, free membership and BMO Blue Rewards credit cards with built-in accelerators offer an attractive entry point. Consult our best credit cards to compare all available options, and subscribe to our newsletter to follow upcoming announcements.
Blue Rewards — Frequently Asked Questions
When was Blue Rewards launched?
Blue Rewards was launched on June 2, 2026. The program is now fully operational and replaces AIR MILES in Canada.
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).
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 $25,000 per calendar year). With the no-fee Blue Card, you earn 5 Points per dollar (cap of $15,000 per calendar year).
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 AIR MILES Gold status?
AIR MILES Gold status has been automatically migrated to the equivalent status in Blue Rewards. BMO has confirmed that the status has been preserved.
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.
What happened to my AIR MILES miles?
All AIR MILES miles were automatically converted into Blue points of equivalent value at launch on June 2, 2026 (95 AIR MILES miles = 1,500 Blue points). No action was required and no value was lost.
Do you need to be a BMO customer to join?
No, Blue Rewards is open to all Canadian residents. However, BMO customers enjoy additional benefits such as earning points with their debit card and access to Blue Rewards credit cards.
How does the points system work?
The system uses the equation 1,500 Blue points = $10 for in-store redemptions and e-gift cards. This formula replaces the previous dual system (Cash Miles and Dream Miles) with a single, easier-to-understand balance.
Who are the new program partners?
Can I still enter the 1,000,000 Blue points contest?
Waitlist registrations for the cards have been closed since May 30, 2026, as Blue Rewards cards are now launched. However, the contest to win 1,000,000 Blue points remains open until August 31, 2026, for those already registered, with a draw scheduled for around September 14, 2026.
What happened with Shell Canada?
Members were able to earn and use rewards at Shell Canada until May 25, 2026 (March 2, 2026, in Alberta). Since those dates, Shell is no longer a partner of the program and has switched exclusively to Scene+.
How does the travel platform work?
Blue Rewards Travel, powered by Expedia Group, provides access to virtually all major travel providers. You can use your points to cover all or part of the cost of your flights, hotels, and car rentals, with no minimum points threshold required. Cruises and fees paid directly to the establishment are excluded.
Point values
| Redemption type | ¢ / point | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| otherdefault | 0.67 | medium |
Cards that earn in this program
2 cards found
- Annual fee
- $0
- Welcome offer
- 20,000 points
Ends Oct 31, 2026
on BMO's website
- Features
- Issuer
- BMO
- Network
- Program
- Blue Rewards
- Fees and terms
- Annual Fee
- $0
- Min. annual income
- —
- Rewards
- Rate
- Groceries
- 1x
- Gas & EV
- 1x
- 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
- Features
- Issuer
- BMO
- Network
- Program
- Blue Rewards
- Fees and terms
- Annual Fee
- $150/yr
- Min. annual income
- $80,000+
- Rewards
- Rate
- Groceries
- 2x
- Gas & EV
- 2x
