To the point
The AIR MILES program is making a few changes, with the transfer of miles and the purchase of slightly less expensive Dream Miles.
AIR MILES is making some modest improvements to its program to give program members more flexibility. These minor changes are designed to make it easier for Collectors to earn and use miles.
AIR MILES Mile Transfers for Everyone
Transferring miles between Cash and Dream accounts is a success. Since the launch of this option in June 2024, members have transferred 160 million miles, with over 123 million of them redeemed for rewards. Of these rewards, 45% were exchanged for the highly popular electronic gift cards at retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Dollarama, St-Hubert, Air Canada, Reitmans, Airbnb, and others.
At first, only certain members could transfer miles between their Cash and Dream accounts.
- Blue members: no mile transfers allowed;
- Gold members could transfer a maximum of 1,000 miles per year;
- Onyx members could transfer unlimited miles.
From now on, the program extends its Dreams and Cash balance transfer functionality to all members!
- Blue Members: up to 500 miles per year (new option)
- Gold members: up to 3,000 miles per day (miles increased and limit changed to daily)
- Onyx members: unlimited transfers (no change)
You can obtain Onyx status by having the BMO® AIR MILES® World Elite®* Mastercard®*, in particular.
Buy AIR MILES Miles for Less
Previously, Dream Miles could be purchased for 30 cents per mile.
As of March 4, members can now purchase miles at a rate of 20 cents per mile, with options to purchase in increments of :
- 100 miles ($20)
- 200 miles ($40)
- 500 miles ($100)
- 1,000 miles ($200)
At Milesopedia, we estimate the cost of an AIR MILES mile at 10.5 cents. So a mile that costs more than our 10.5 cent estimate is not a good deal. This can only be useful if you’re just a few short of your dream reward.
Add AIR MILES Partners
AIR MILES continues to expand its network with the addition of new partners to collect miles with a linked Mastercard credit card:
- Lyft (Transport)
- Ashley (Furniture)
- Marble Slab Creamery
- Hayu (reality TV channel)
- Emma Sleep (mattress)
Bottom Line
The AIR MILES program now has over 9.5 million active accounts in Canada.
The ability to transfer miles between Dream and Cash balances offers more flexibility. While the option to purchase miles is more expensive than traditional accumulation, it can be useful for topping up a balance that’s close to a much-anticipated reward.
