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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 more than 400 partners.
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.
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).
BMO has confirmed that the conversion of AIR MILES Miles to Blue Points happens with no loss of value and automatically. No AIR MILES customer needs to do anything to protect their balance. Here is exactly what will happen.
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:
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.
Six main ways to earn Blue Points:
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.
“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:
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.”
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:
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:
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.
The Blue Rewards Travel platform is powered by Expedia Group. It provides access to a wide range of suppliers: flights, hotels, and car rentals.
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.
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.
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¢).
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.
Beyond credit cards, BMO customers earn faster thanks to several exclusive benefits:
To compare BMO accounts, see our guide to BMO banking packages.
The Blue Rewards program is primarily designed for everyday, practical use. It is worth considering if:
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.
Savings this way:
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