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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.
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.
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.
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:
There are several ways to earn Blue points:
Blue Rewards maintains access to over 400 brands already present in the AIR MILES network. These include Pharmasave, Global Pet Foods, participating grocery retailers, and warehouse clubs across Canada.
BMO has confirmed the addition of several renowned partners in three key sectors:
These partnerships are confirmed and have been active since the program launch on June 2, 2026.
Members were able to earn and use points at Shell Canada until May 25, 2026 (March 2, 2026, in Alberta). Since those dates, Shell has switched exclusively to the Scene+ program and no longer has any affiliation with Blue Rewards.
Members can redeem their points in several ways:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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 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.
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.
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%).
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.
BMO customers enjoy exclusive benefits beyond credit cards. Notably, all BMO chequing account holders can register to earn points with their debit card.
The transition to Blue Rewards happened automatically on June 2, 2026. No action was required from members. Here is what has not changed:
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:
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.
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.
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