BMO Blue Rewards Credit Cards: Earning Rates and Benefits Revealed
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The first concrete information about BMO Blue Rewards credit cards is starting to circulate in our private Milesopedia Facebook group, as well as on various discussion forums (including our partner, RedFlagDeals).
To see how these cards fit into the broader program, check our complete Blue Rewards guide.
BMO has sent emails to its AIR MILES credit card holders with the accumulation rates and certain benefits of the future cards. Four cards make up the range: a no-annual-fee credit card, a World Elite Mastercard, and two Business versions.
We have gathered all available data to provide a complete overview of the new range. Here is our analysis, card by card, with yields compared to those of the current AIR MILES Mastercards.
What is the value of a Blue Rewards point?
Before comparing anything, we must first understand the value of each point.
With AIR MILES, one mile is worth approximately 10.5 cents (95 miles = $10). A Blue Rewards point is worth approximately 0.67 cents (1,500 points = $10).
The raw numbers therefore appear very different: 10 Blue Rewards points per dollar seems generous, but each point is worth much less than an AIR MILES mile. This is why you should always think in terms of yield (the dollar value obtained per dollar spent) rather than the number of points.
The complete range: four Blue Rewards cards
BMO is offering four cards in its new range. Here are the known accumulation rates for each, followed by their actual yield compared to the AIR MILES versions they will replace.
BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard (No Annual Fee)
The entry-level card, with no annual fee. It replaces the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard (which accumulated in $25 increments).
| Category | Blue Rewards | Yield | AIR MILES (Current) | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partners | 5 pts/$ | 3,33 % | 3x / $25 | 1,26 % |
| Grocery, warehouse clubs, alcohol, gas, electric vehicle charging | 1 pt/$ | 0,67 % | 2x / $25 (except gas: 1x / $25) | 0.84% (gas: 0.42%) |
| Other purchases | 0.5 pt/$ | 0,33 % | 1x / $25 | 0,42 % |
The yield at partners increases from 1.26% to 3.33% — nearly triple. On the other hand, everyday purchases (groceries, base rate) earn slightly less. The notable exception: gas and electric vehicle charging increase from 0.42% to 0.67%, as this category did not benefit from the accelerated rate on the no-fee AIR MILES card.
BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard
The premium card. It replaces the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard (accumulation in $12 increments).
| Category | Blue Rewards | Yield | AIR MILES (Current) | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partners | 10 pts/$ | 6,70 % | 3x / $12 | 2,63 % |
| Grocery, warehouse clubs, alcohol | 2 pts/$ | 1,34 % | 2x / $12 | 1,75 % |
| Gas, electric vehicle charging | 2 pts/$ | 1,34 % | 1x / $12 | 0,875 % |
| Other purchases | 1 pt/$ | 0,67 % | 1x / $12 | 0,875 % |
At partners, the yield jumps from 2.63% to 6.70% — making it one of the highest rates on the Canadian market. Gas and electric vehicle charging also gain ground (from 0.875% to 1.34%). In contrast, groceries drop from 1.75% to 1.34%, and the base rate goes from 0.875% to 0.67%.
BMO Blue Rewards Business World Elite
The premium Business version. Accelerated categories (groceries, gas, etc.) are not yet confirmed for this card.
| Category | Blue Rewards | Yield | AIR MILES Business (current) | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partners | 12.5 pts/$ | 8,38 % | 3x / $25 | 1,26 % |
| Other purchases | 1.25 pt/$ | 0,84 % | 1x / $25 | 0,42 % |
| Accelerated categories | To be confirmed | — | Variable | — |
This is the card with the highest yield at partners: 8.38%. The base rate also doubles, from 0.42% to 0.84%. It remains to be seen if accelerated categories (groceries, gas) will be added.
BMO Blue Rewards Business Mastercard
The Business version without World Elite status. Accelerated categories are not confirmed either.
| Category | Blue Rewards | Yield | AIR MILES Business (current) | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partners | 10 pts/$ | 6,70 % | 3x / $25 | 1,26 % |
| Other purchases | 1 pt/$ | 0,67 % | 1x / $25 | 0,42 % |
| Accelerated categories | To be confirmed | — | Variable | — |
The same observation applies as for the Business World Elite: the yield at partners explodes (from 1.26% to 6.70%), and the base rate improves slightly (from 0.42% to 0.67%).
What’s up and what’s down
All credit cards in the range follow the same pattern: the yield at Blue Rewards partners increases significantly, while non-partner purchases decline in most categories. Here is the summary.
- Blue Rewards Partners: major increase across all 4 Blue Rewards credit cards. The yield doubles, triples, or even quintuples depending on the card. This is the main argument for the transition from AIR MILES to Blue Rewards.
- Gas and electric vehicle charging: improvement on all cards where this category exists. Shell is leaving the program to join Scene+, but the enhanced rate on gas partially compensates.
- Accumulation per dollar: the elimination of increments ($12 or $25) benefits small frequent expenses and reduces the actual gap between old and new yields.
- Groceries and warehouse clubs: decrease on the World Elite (from 1.75% to 1.34%) and on the no-fee card (from 0.84% to 0.67%). Those who spend a lot on groceries will lose out.
- Base rate (all other purchases): decrease on all personal cards. The World Elite goes from 0.875% to 0.67%, and the no-fee card from 0.42% to 0.33%.
- 25% discount on one flight per year: removed on the World Elite. This discount allowed for reducing the cost of an AIR MILES flight redemption.
The big question: which partners at 10x?
The yield of 6.7% (and more) at partners is the spearhead of Blue Rewards. However, this rate only applies to participating locations.
For now, the list of 10x partners remains incomplete. BMO has published a dedicated page with the first names, but the network will need to expand for this benefit to truly matter in Canadians’ wallets.
Note: points accumulated with the credit card are added to those obtained by presenting the Blue Rewards loyalty card in-store. The combination of both can therefore exceed the yield shown on the credit card alone.
Modified benefits on the World Elite
Beyond accumulation rates, BMO is also modifying certain benefits associated with the World Elite card.
- Free roadside assistance: basic coverage offered by the Dominion Automobile Association. This is an addition that did not exist on the AIR MILES card.
- 4 airport lounge passes per year: via Mastercard TravelPass by DragonPass. Membership in the TravelPass program remains included, but BMO is adding 4 free visits.
- Loss of the 25% flight discount: the 4 lounge passes directly replace this discount. Depending on your travel habits, the trade-off may or may not be favorable.
For whom is the transition positive?
The answer depends on your habits. Here are some typical profiles.
You often shop at Blue Rewards partners (and the list of partners is quite long): the transition clearly benefits you. The yield is 2 to 5 times higher, depending on the card.
The bulk of your spending goes toward groceries and everyday purchases: you will lose a bit of yield. The decrease is moderate (around 0.2% to 0.4% depending on the card), but it is real.
You spend a lot on gas or electric vehicle charging: the new accelerated category on the World Elite (2 pts/$) improves the yield from 0.875% to 1.34%. A welcome gain, especially after the loss of Shell as a partner.
You use a Business card: base rates improve (0.42% → 0.67-0.84%), and the yield at partners jumps. It remains to be seen which accelerated categories will be confirmed.
Check our best credit cards page to see how Blue Rewards cards rank against other options in Canada. And to ensure you don’t miss any future announcements, sign up for our newsletter.
Finally, if you are looking for a new Mastercard World Elite type credit card, take advantage of our exclusive offer with BMO for the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard: up to 100,000 BMO Rewards points and no fee for the first year.
Exclusive
- Annual feeNo annual fee the first year
- $0 $150
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$771Annual fee rebated$150Total$921Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $921
- Welcome offerAfter $20,000 in 12 months
- Up to 115,000 points
Apply Now
on BMO's website
Sources: Milesopedia Facebook Group, BMO Blue Rewards 10x, RedFlagDeals (thread 1), RedFlagDeals (thread 2), Rewards Canada
BMO Blue Rewards Card — Frequently Asked Questions
When will BMO AIR MILES cards be replaced?
BMO began informing cardholders by email in March 2026. The transition will take place over the coming months. Cardholders will receive their new Blue Rewards card automatically.
How much is a Blue Rewards point worth in dollars?
Approximately 0.67 cents per point (1,500 points = $10). An AIR MILES mile was worth approximately 10.5 cents (95 miles = $10). Blue Rewards points are worth less per unit, but you accumulate more of them per dollar spent.
Does the Blue Rewards card work at Costco?
Yes. The « warehouse clubs » category includes Costco. On the World Elite, Costco earns 2 points per dollar (1.34% yield). On the no-fee card, it is 1 point per dollar (0.67%).
Do points accumulate per dollar or per increment?
Per dollar spent. This is a major change from AIR MILES, where accumulation was done in increments of $12 or $25. Every dollar now counts, which favors small-amount purchases.
How many cards make up the Blue Rewards range?
Four cards are planned: the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard (no fee), the World Elite Mastercard, the Business World Elite Mastercard, and the Blue Rewards Business Mastercard.
Does the World Elite card provide airport lounge access?
Yes. The card includes Mastercard TravelPass membership by DragonPass and offers 4 free lounge visits per year. This benefit replaces the 25% discount on an AIR MILES flight redemption.
Which partners offer the 10x rate?
The list is not yet complete. BMO has published the first names on its page dedicated to the 10x program. The network will include former AIR MILES partners and new brands, but final details remain to be confirmed.
Do the Business cards have accelerated categories?
We do not know yet. For now, only the rates at partners and the base rate have been revealed for the two Business cards. BMO has not confirmed if categories like groceries or gas will be enhanced.
Will I lose my AIR MILES miles during the transition?
AIR MILES miles already accumulated in your account will be converted into Blue Rewards points according to a ratio that will be communicated by BMO and the program. No miles should be lost.