AIR MILES becomes Blue Rewards: major transformation of BMO’s program in 2026
After 34 years of existence, AIR MILES is evolving towards a more modern and accessible model, while maintaining a significant position in the Canadian loyalty program market.
We have gathered every detail of the transition in our complete Blue Rewards guide: conversion rate, partners, credit cards, and timeline.
What exactly is Blue Rewards?
Blue Rewards represents a complete overhaul of AIR MILES. The program will retain the existing BMO infrastructure while introducing major new features in three key areas:
- Redesigned digital experience: integrated travel platform and simplified interface
- Expanded partner network: over 400 existing brands + new strategic partners
- Enhanced benefits: earning accelerators and improved redemption flexibility
How will the transition unfold for current members?
BMO ensures a seamless transition for all AIR MILES collectors. Here’s what you can expect:
Automatic conversion without loss of value
All AIR MILES will be automatically converted to Blue Points at equivalent value upon the summer 2026 launch. The new equation to remember:
1,500 Blue Points = $10 (for in-store redemptions and e-gift cards).
Thus, knowing that 95 Miles = $10, then 1,000 AIR MILES = 15,789 Blue Points.
This is why AIR MILES Cash Miles and Dream Miles could be combined into a single account at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Also, this means that 1 Blue Point = $0.067… which is the same value as a BMO Rewards point. Perhaps in the future, BMO will consider merging BMO Rewards with Blue Rewards!
Continuity of services
- BMO AIR MILES Credit Cards: Uninterrupted operation, full details to follow
- Membership numbers: Retention of existing identifiers
- Loyalty cards: Physical and digital cards remain active
- Mobile application: Automatic update to the Blue Rewards interface
New strategic partners: a revolution in offerings
Blue Rewards introduces major partnerships that transform the program’s ecosystem:
Transportation and travel
Groceries and daily services
- Instacart: Grocery delivery and point earning
- MTY Group: Thai Express, Bâton Rouge, Pizza Delight, Allô! mon Coco, Sushi Shop, Mr. Sub, Manchu Wok, Mucho Burrito, Jugo Juice
- Existing partners maintained: Over 400 brands including Pharmasave, Global Pet Foods
End of Shell partnership
Important to note: the partnership with Shell Canada will end on May 25, 2026 (March 2, 2026 in Alberta). Members can continue to earn until these dates with their BMO AIR MILES cards. After this date, Shell will operate with Scene+ (learn more about the Scene+ program).
Exclusive benefits for BMO clients
Blue Rewards strengthens integration with the BMO ecosystem, offering exclusive benefits:
Earning with debit card
All BMO chequing account holders can opt to earn Blue Rewards on:
- At any gas station
- Grocery
- Warehouse stores
- Electric vehicle charging
New BMO Blue Rewards Credit Cards
BMO promises revolutionary cards with unique features in Canada:
- Integrated accelerators: Only Canadian cards with bonus rates on gas, groceries AND warehouse stores
- Partner accelerators: Improved rates at participating merchants
- Travel benefits: Lifestyle-inspired benefits for vacations and experiences
A waiting list is open on BMO with the chance to win 1 million Blue Points and an exclusive welcome offer.
Travel experience transformed by Expedia
Integration with Expedia Group revolutionizes travel bookings:
Blue Rewards Travel Platform
- Expanded inventory: Access to Expedia’s vast selection
- Payment flexibility: Blue Points to cover all or part of the total cost
- Minimum threshold eliminated: No more minimum miles required to book
- Simplified bookings: Flights, hotels, cars on one platform
Impact on the Canadian competitive landscape
This transformation positions Blue Rewards differently against competitors:
| Program | Main Strength | Blue Rewards Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan | Global travel network | Simplicity and everyday value |
| Scene+ | Banking flexibility with Scotia | Deepened BMO integration |
| Amex Membership Rewards Points | Partner transfers | Earning on daily purchases |
| PC Optimum | Customized offers | Multi-partner ecosystem |
Enhanced program features
Earning by scanning receipts
Blue Rewards retains and enhances the grocery receipt scanning feature, allowing for the earning of Bonus Points at most food retailers and warehouse stores in Canada.
Mobile banking integration
For BMO clients, Blue Rewards integrates directly into the BMO Mobile Banking app and online banking platform, creating a unique unified experience in the Canadian market.
Recommended strategy for members
Immediate actions
- Continue normal earning: no interruption necessary
- Sign up for the waiting list: priority access to new BMO cards
- Maximize Shell before May 2026: last opportunity to earn (afterwards you will need to earn points for your Shell purchases with Scene+)
- Watch for announcements: new partners to come
Preparation for the transition
- Inactive accounts: reactivate by earning at least 1 mile before summer 2026
- Account information: ensure your contact details are up to date
- Linked cards: confirm the status of your linked Mastercard cards
Conclusion: a logical and necessary evolution
The transformation of AIR MILES into Blue Rewards represents much more than a simple name change. It is a complete modernization towards greater simplicity, flexibility, and everyday value.
With its new strategic partners, its Expedia travel platform, and its enhanced BMO benefits, Blue Rewards positions itself to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive market with programs like Aeroplan, Scene+, and PC Optimum.
This transformation confirms that even the most established loyalty programs must evolve to retain their market share. Summer 2026 will therefore mark the beginning of a new era for one of Canada’s most iconic loyalty programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does AIR MILES become Blue Rewards?
The official transition will take place in summer 2026. BMO has not yet announced a precise date, but all AIR MILES members will see their accounts automatically converted to Blue Rewards without any action required on their part. The mobile application will also update automatically.
Will my AIR MILES lose value during conversion?
No, BMO guarantees an equivalent value conversion. Your AIR MILES will be automatically converted to Blue Points without loss of value. The new equation will be: 1,500 Blue Points = $10 CAD for in-store redemptions and e-gift cards. Other redemption types will have distinct rates according to program terms.
How many Blue Points could I earn for 95 AIR MILES or 1,000 AIR MILES?
95 AIR MILES should be converted to 1,500 Blue Points. Thus, 1,000 AIR MILES should be converted to 15,789 Blue Points.
What happens with the Shell partnership?
The partnership between AIR MILES and Shell Canada will end on May 25, 2026 (March 2, 2026, in Alberta). Until these dates, you can continue to earn miles at Shell with your BMO AIR MILES card. After these dates, Shell will be part of the Scene+ loyalty program. It is recommended to maximize your earnings at Shell before these deadlines.
What are Blue Rewards’ most interesting new partners?
The new strategic partners include:
- Porter Airlines: Earning and redemption on domestic and international flights
- Accor Group: Fairmont, Novotel, SLS Hotels for luxury accommodation
- Instacart: Grocery delivery with point earning
- MTY Group: Popular restaurant chains like Thai Express, Bâton Rouge, Sushi Shop
Other partners will be announced before the summer launch.
How will the new BMO Blue Rewards credit cards work?
The new BMO Blue Rewards credit cards will be unique in Canada with:
- Integrated accelerators: Only Canadian cards with bonus rates on gas, groceries AND warehouse stores
- Partner accelerators: Improved rates at participating merchants
- Travel benefits: Lifestyle benefits for vacations and experiences
Full details will be revealed later. A waiting list is available at bmo.com/creditcardwaitlist with the chance to win 1 million Blue Points.
How will the Expedia travel platform improve my experience?
Integration with Expedia Group will bring several major improvements:
- Expanded inventory: Access to Expedia’s vast selection of flights, hotels, and cars
- Payment flexibility: Use of Blue Points to cover all or part of the total cost
- No more minimum threshold: No more minimum miles required to book
- Simplified interface: More intuitive and faster bookings
This platform will be accessible via the Blue Rewards app and website.
Can I continue to use my current BMO AIR MILES credit card?
Yes, absolutely. You can continue to use your current BMO AIR MILES credit card without interruption. Your physical card and card number will remain unchanged. BMO will provide full details on the evolution of these cards in the months leading up to the launch of Blue Rewards in summer 2026.
Do I need to be a BMO client to fully benefit from Blue Rewards?
No, Blue Rewards remains open to all Canadians. However, BMO clients receive exclusive benefits:
- Earning with debit: Blue Points on gas, groceries, warehouse stores, EV charging
- Banking integration: Unified management via the BMO Mobile Banking app
- Specialized cards: Priority access to new BMO Blue Rewards Card
Non-BMO clients can still earn via the 400+ network partners.
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