BMO AIR MILES®† MasterCard®* Review
Jan 13, 2026
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Jan 13, 2026
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Overall rating
First year value
$263
Get this card if you:
Scores by category
No Annual Fee 2.3
Welcome Bonus 2.3
Travel 2.2
At a glance
The BMO® AIR MILES®† Mastercard®* is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn AIR MILES on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates at participating AIR MILES Partners and eligible grocery stores. It includes benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, and discounts on car rentals, making it a practical choice for those looking to accumulate AIR MILES without an annual fee.
$263
First year value
1,200 AIR MILES*
Welcome bonus
$0
Annual fee
$0 for supplementary card
21.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance transfer APR
23.99%
Cash advance APR
Good
Recommended credit score
Looking for that elusive rewards credit card with a hefty sign-up bonus and no annual fee? We got you covered. Want that $0 annual fee credit card to come with awesome rewards opportunities? How about access to Canada’s largest loyalty program with over 10 million active members, and one of the country’s richest earn rates?
Even if you have another “favourite” credit card in your wallet already, why not give one of Canada’s most popular credit cards and loyalty programs a try?
The card comes with a lucrative welcome bonus:
Get 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ (that’s enough for $120 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash) and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.†
Plus, enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
†Terms and Conditions Apply.
AIR MILES expire if your account is inactive for 24 months.
Ready to turn your AIR MILES into jet-setting adventures? Score flights to your ultimate getaway using your stash of AIR MILES. The amount of AIR MILES needed will depend on the destination you're flying to. You can also convert AIR MILES to Cash Miles. Let's do the math: 95 AIR MILES = $10, which can be used towards your purchases at participating AIR MILES partner locations. Learn more about redeeming AIR MILES.
Here are some of the additional perks that help this card stand-out from the pack:
BMO AIR MILES have a value of 10 cents per point ($0.10/pt.)
AIR MILES points have different values depending on how you redeem them. Here are the current valuations for AIR MILES points:
Here are the insurance benefits you get with this card:
Here's how the BMO AIR MILES stack up:
up to 7,000 MILES†
Welcome Bonus
$1,297
First Year Value
$297
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to $1,000 in value including up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles and no annual fee in your first year.† Expires Jun 01, 2026
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$120
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers, offering accelerated AIR MILES earn rates on purchases at participating AIR MILES Partners and eligible grocery stores. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption annually, complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, and a comprehensive insurance package covering travel and medical emergencies.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
Cardholders earn an accelerated 3x the Miles per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partners*
2x
the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*
1x
Earn 1 Mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
25%
Get a 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year*
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $1,000 in value including up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles and no annual fee in your first year.†
$1,000 in value is made up of:
a) Up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles (up to $730 in value with Cash Miles)
Eligible approved applicants will receive:
i. 3,000 Bonus Miles after you spend a minimum of $4,500 within the first 110 days after the account open date.†
ii. An additional 2,000 Bonus Miles when you spend a minimum of $10,000 within the first 180 days after the account open date.†
iii. An additional bonus of 2,000 Bonus Miles when you spend $20,000 within the first 365 days after the account open date.†
b) Annual Fee Waiver Offer ($120 in value)†
c) Exclusive 25% Flight Booking Discount (up to a value of $75 worth in Cash Miles)†
d) Mastercard Travel Pass benefit (Value of US $68 = $95 CAD based on exchange rate of 1.40 December 5, 2024): includes membership to participating lounges within the Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass program – approximate membership value of US$68.†
Plus, enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
†Terms and conditions apply.
Our Take
The BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers, offering accelerated AIR MILES earn rates on purchases at participating AIR MILES Partners and eligible grocery stores. Cardholders benefit from perks such as a discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption annually, complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, and a comprehensive insurance package covering travel and medical emergencies.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$120
Annual Fee
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
Cardholders earn an accelerated 3x the Miles per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partners*
2x
the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*
1x
Earn 1 Mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
25%
Get a 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year*
Insurance Benefits
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get up to $1,000 in value including up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles and no annual fee in your first year.†
$1,000 in value is made up of:
a) Up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles (up to $730 in value with Cash Miles)
Eligible approved applicants will receive:
i. 3,000 Bonus Miles after you spend a minimum of $4,500 within the first 110 days after the account open date.†
ii. An additional 2,000 Bonus Miles when you spend a minimum of $10,000 within the first 180 days after the account open date.†
iii. An additional bonus of 2,000 Bonus Miles when you spend $20,000 within the first 365 days after the account open date.†
b) Annual Fee Waiver Offer ($120 in value)†
c) Exclusive 25% Flight Booking Discount (up to a value of $75 worth in Cash Miles)†
d) Mastercard Travel Pass benefit (Value of US $68 = $95 CAD based on exchange rate of 1.40 December 5, 2024): includes membership to participating lounges within the Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass program – approximate membership value of US$68.†
Plus, enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
†Terms and conditions apply.
While the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard comes with an annual fee, you earn 1 mile for every $12 spent anywhere and unlock premium perks like airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance and a bigger welcome bonus.
Let's do some math. Spending $2,000 a month with the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard would net you 80 miles each month, or 960 miles a year. Since short-haul flights within Canada typically require 1,200 to 1,700 miles, it would take around 15 to 18 months to earn a flight.
The BMO AIR MILES World Elite card would earn you about 166 miles per month—adding up to 1,992 miles in a year. That’s enough for a short-haul flight within a year or even sooner, depending on bonuses or promotions.
With enough AIR MILES, a short-haul flight could take you from:
With the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard, you’ll be flying to your next destination twice as fast compared to the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard.
Disclosures:
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
up to 10,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$565
First Year Value
$365
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Join and get up to $200 in value in your first year!† Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points!†
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates for eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, and direct Air Canada purchases. While it offers benefits such as purchase security, extended protection, and auto rental collision/loss damage insurance, it does not include travel insurance or lounge access.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
25.99%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards Aeroplan
1 point
for every $1 you spend on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including through Air Canada Vacations®
1 point
for every $1.50 you spend on all other purchases.
2x
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
Insurance Benefits
$100,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get a total of up to 10,000 Aeroplan points (up to $200 in travel value†):
2,500 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase†.
2,500 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 or more during the first 4 monthly statements periods†.
5,000 Aeroplan points as an additional anniversary bonus when you have at least $10,000 in net purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods†.
Our Take
The CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn Aeroplan points on everyday purchases, with accelerated rates for eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries, and direct Air Canada purchases. While it offers benefits such as purchase security, extended protection, and auto rental collision/loss damage insurance, it does not include travel insurance or lounge access.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
25.99%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$42.5
Return Penalty
Rewards Aeroplan
1 point
for every $1 you spend on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, groceries and with Air Canada directly, including through Air Canada Vacations®
1 point
for every $1.50 you spend on all other purchases.
2x
Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and over 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan eStore.
Insurance Benefits
$100,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Get a total of up to 10,000 Aeroplan points (up to $200 in travel value†):
2,500 Aeroplan points when you make your first purchase†.
2,500 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 or more during the first 4 monthly statements periods†.
5,000 Aeroplan points as an additional anniversary bonus when you have at least $10,000 in net purchases posted on your account during the first 12 monthly statement periods†.
Both the BMO® AIR MILES®† MasterCard®* and the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card are $0 annual fee travel credit cards. With the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card, you can earn 1x Aeroplan point per dollar spent on gas, EV charging, groceries and Air Canada purchases. Additionally, shopping at Aeroplan partners allows you to earn double points on your spending.
For those who prefer flying with Air Canada, the CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card is a good option. Best of all, you enjoy flexible rewards redemption, as you can redeem your points for flights, vacations, hotel stays, car rentals and gift cards. This card also includes common carrier accident insurance, auto rental collision/loss damage, purchase security, and extended protection, giving it a slight edge over the BMO AIR MILES MasterCard.
Disclosures:
Our Take
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated earn rates on all eligible purchases, with additional benefits such as complimentary airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance. It charges no foreign transaction fees and provides access to exclusive events.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
19.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
3x
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshcoand more
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes ride shares, buses, subway, taxis and more
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible select streaming services
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Insurance Benefits
$500
Mobile device insurance amount
Earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $75 towards travel).†
To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank American Express credit card account (“Account”) between May 1, 2025 and October 31, 2025.
To qualify for the 7,500 bonus Scene+ points offer:
1. Earn 2,500 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $250 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
2. You are eligible to earn an additional 5,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $1,000 in eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
The applicable point bonus(es) will be credited to the Scene+ account within approximately 8 weeks after qualifying for the bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing.
Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for the Offer. Subject to the above exclusions, Scotiabank small business credit cardholders are also eligible for the Offer.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2025. Subject to change.
Our Take
The Scotiabank Platinum American Express® Card is a premium travel rewards credit card offering elevated earn rates on all eligible purchases, with additional benefits such as complimentary airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance. It charges no foreign transaction fees and provides access to exclusive events.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
19.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards Scene+
3x
Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Freshcoand more
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on restaurants, fast food, drinking establishments and other eligible grocery stores. Includes popular food delivery and food subscriptions.
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre and ticket agencies stores.
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes ride shares, buses, subway, taxis and more
2x
Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible select streaming services
4x
Scene+ points for every dollar you spend on hotel bookings, car rentals, and things to do with Scene+ Travel, Powered by Expedia
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Insurance Benefits
$500
Mobile device insurance amount
Earn up to 7,500 bonus Scene+ points within your first 3 months (that’s up to $75 towards travel).†
To qualify for these offers make sure to open a new Scotiabank American Express credit card account (“Account”) between May 1, 2025 and October 31, 2025.
To qualify for the 7,500 bonus Scene+ points offer:
1. Earn 2,500 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $250 in everyday eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
2. You are eligible to earn an additional 5,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $1,000 in eligible purchases in your first 3 months.
The applicable point bonus(es) will be credited to the Scene+ account within approximately 8 weeks after qualifying for the bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing.
Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for the Offer. Subject to the above exclusions, Scotiabank small business credit cardholders are also eligible for the Offer.
See terms and conditions for full details.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of July 2, 2025. Subject to change.
If you want a no fee rewards credit card that offers a more flexible rewards program, you can look at the Scotiabank American Express credit card. This credit card allows you to earn 3x Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, and Foodland, 2x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on restaurants, fast food, groceries, drinking establishments and movies. Plus, you can earnEarn 2 Scene+ points† for every $1 you spend on eligible gas and daily transit. Includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subway, and more.x Scene+ points for every $1 you spend on eligible gas and daily transit and select streaming services. You can redeem your Scene+ points to for statement credit, gift cards, travel credit and much more. You can also use the Scotiabank Travel portal to book your flights and stays and take advantage of ongoing travel discounts.
Disclosures:
Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank American Express® Card to learn more. *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
5% cash back
Welcome Bonus
$401
First Year Value
$276
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get up to 5% cash back in your first 3 months and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.† Expires Jan 31, 2026
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for categories such as groceries and recurring bill payments. It offers flexible redemption options and includes benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
Rewards cash back
3%
Cardholders earn 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries
1%
Cardholders can earn 1% (up to $500 per month) on any recurring bill payments*
0.5%
Cardholders can earn 0.5% (no monthly max) on all other eligible purchases*
Get up to 5% cash back in your first 3 months and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.†
Plus, enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
*Terms and Conditions Apply
Our Take
The BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for categories such as groceries and recurring bill payments. It offers flexible redemption options and includes benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
Rewards cash back
3%
Cardholders earn 3% (up to a monthly max of $500) cash back on groceries
1%
Cardholders can earn 1% (up to $500 per month) on any recurring bill payments*
0.5%
Cardholders can earn 0.5% (no monthly max) on all other eligible purchases*
Get up to 5% cash back in your first 3 months and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.†
Plus, enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
*Terms and Conditions Apply
BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* - winner, best no annual fee credit card in the Money.ca Credit Card Awards
If you're looking for a no annual fee BMO credit card, another great option is the BMO CashBack MasterCard. This card's great welcome offer allows you to maximize your cash back, which you can easily deposit directly into a chequing or savings account, credit to your monthly card statement, or invest via the BMO Investorline account. Cash back is more versatile than AIR MILES, giving you more freedom when it comes to deciding what to do with your rewards.
Disclosures:
AIR MILES are pretty handy if you already shop at places where you can redeem them for cash
/u/beekeeper1981
If you collect AIR MILES and want to double them so you can redeem them for free flights faster, the BMO® AIR MILES®† MasterCard®* is a great no-fee credit card that can help you achieve exactly that.
However, when doing our research, we found an unexpected revelation. With AIR MILES rewards, you can hack your way to one of the highest travel earn rates of any rewards credit card in Canada, let alone a no annual fee card. The trick is to redeem for short-haul flights at the last minute. Doing so will earn you upwards of 2.04% in value from your BMO® AIR MILES®† MasterCard®* – that’s $2.04 per $100 spent!
For example, in our research at the time this was looked at a flight from Toronto to Boston booked two days before departure cost $664 (excluding taxes & fees), which we were able to book for 1,300 AIR MILES – worth 51 cents a mile ($664/1300)! Divide 51 cents by $25 (1 AIR MILES per $25 spent on the credit card) and you get $2.04 in rewards for every $100 spent on your BMO® AIR MILES®† MasterCard®* – unparalleled redemption value.
Compare the earn rate of 2.04% of the BMO® AIR MILES®† MasterCard®* to the 2% earn rate offered by many of Canada’s top premium travel cards that come with a $150 annual fee and the value is obvious.
To qualify for the BMO® AIR MILES®† MasterCard®* you need the following:
Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, BlogTO, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk. He's also the creator and author of the annual Money.ca Credit Card Awards.
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†Terms and Conditions apply.