BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* 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
$1,297
Get this card if you:
Scores by category
Welcome Bonus 3.8
Travel 2.4
Groceries 2.2
At a glance
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.
$1,297
First year value
up to 7,000 MILES†
Welcome bonus
$120
Annual fee
$50 for a supplementary card
21.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance transfer APR
23.99%
Cash advance APR
Excellent
Recommended credit score
$80,000
Required annual personal income
$150,000
Required annual household income
Most Canadians have a love/hate relationship with AIR MILES. The loyalty program is one of the oldest out there and has a huge following, but some Canadians have found it difficult to make redemptions over the years.
That being said, AIR MILES has made recent improvements to the program and new changes to the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* will have many travellers taking a second look at the card. We've thoroughly reviewed the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard to help you see if it's the card for you.
If you’re a frequent traveler who collects AIR MILES, this card is a great option for you as you can get closer to redeeming a free flight faster. The nice thing about AIR MILES is that participants have the ability to earn miles at many national Canadian retailers such as Shell, Children’s Place, Staples, Alamo and Transat.
AIR MILES can also be collected at some regional grocery stores. When you pay with your BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* MasterCard®*, you earn additional miles so you’re able to ‘double dip.’ In our estimation the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* MasterCard®* is the best AIR MILES credit card on the market.
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.
With the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* MasterCard®*, cardholders earn an accelerated 3x the Miles for every $12 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners and 2x the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*, 2x the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers* and 1 Mile for every $12 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else*.
Other AIR MILES Mastercards on the market only generate around a single mile per $15 or $20 spent at all merchants, so you’re getting the best bang for your buck with the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* MasterCard®*.
As an added bonus, you get an exclusive 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year.*
You can use your AIR MILES and redeem them for flights to your dream destination. The amount of AIR MILES needed will depend on the destination you're flying to. You can also convert AIR MILES to Cash Miles. 95 Cash Miles= $10, which can be used towards your purchases at participating AIR MILES partner locations. Learn more about redeeming AIR MILES.
Plus, you now have the flexibility to move your Miles between Cash and Dream with the new Transfer Miles feature, so if you want to turn your Cash Miles into a dream vacation, go for it!
Here are the notable key benefits that come with this card:
One of the most underrated features of the card is the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Travel and Medical Protection*, a comprehensive travel insurance package, which includes:
With emergency travel medical insurance, cardholders under the age of 65 are automatically covered for 15 days. Those 65 or older will need to purchase a separate travel insurance policy.
Keep in mind that you need to charge the full amount of your trip (usually just the flights and car rental) to your BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* MasterCard®* to qualify for all the additional insurance. The included travel insurance package does not include hotel/motel burglary insurance, but overall, it’s competitive with some of the top travel insurance credit cards in Canada.
I have the BMO Airmiles MC World Elite card. It’s okay, you just get double the air miles, but the amount of air miles you get is so little if you don’t use air mile offer smarter...I use it primarily for buying gas from shell.
/u/cm0011
As Reddit user, cm0011 shows, if you don't really use your AIR MILES smartly, the card's rewards program may seem lack lustre to you. If you're looking for a more flexible credit card rewards program, see how the card compares to its competitors below.
Before you finalize your credit card, see how the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard fares against other great credit cards on the Canadian market.
While both the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* and the American Express Cobalt are good choices for earning travel rewards, the Amex Cobalt stands out for its flexibility. The American Express Cobalt offers accelerated points accumulation across multiple categories like dining, groceries, transportation and travel, making it particularly beneficial for everyday spending. Additionally, the Amex Cobalt's redemption program provides greater flexibility; points can be transferred to various airlines partners or used for gift cards, statement credit, or merchandise.
The eligibility criteria for the Amex Cobalt are also lower when compared to the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*. As far as additional perks go, the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* comes out on top as it offers lounge access and has a higher card acceptance rate than American Express.
Disclosures:
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
up to 15,000 points
Welcome Bonus
$630
First Year Value
$480
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$191.88
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$191.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The American Express Cobalt® Card is a versatile rewards credit card designed for individuals who frequently spend on dining, groceries and travel-related expenses. It offers flexible redemption options and includes various travel and purchase protections, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Eligibility
Fair (300 - 619)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$191.88
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$2.75
Cash Advance
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards Membership Rewards
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
Insurance Benefits
$1,000
Mobile device insurance amount
$5,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
$250,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$500
Hotel burglary insurance
$85,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.*
That’s up to $150 towards your next weekend getaway.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Let's compare the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card. Both cards come with an annual fee, with Scotiabank's Passport Visa Infinite being pricier at $150 annually. When evaluating rewards programs, Scotia's SCENE+ offers greater flexibility in redemption options. You can utilize your points for instant statement credit, travel credit, free movie tickets, gift cards and merchandise. Moreover, SCENE+ points grant discounts at partners like Swiss Chalet.
Both cards provide lounge access, yet with the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*, complimentary DragonPass network lounge membership requires a paid admission of $32 USD per person, while the Passport Infinite offers 6 free lounge visits per year under Visa Airport Companion. The standout feature of the Scotiabank Visa Passport Infinite card is its absence of foreign transaction fees, a significant boon for frequent travelers.
Disclosures:
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of January 3, 2025. Subject to change.
Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* 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.
up to 60,000 pts*
Welcome Bonus
$1,812
First Year Value
$312
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn up to $1,500 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points* Expires Jul 01, 2026
Get this card if you...
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$150
Annual Fee
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated Scene+ points on eligible grocery store purchases, dining, entertainment, and daily transit, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from no foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Scene+
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
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
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,500 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points*. Here's how:
$400 in travel rewards (40,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $10,000 within the first 6 months
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $40,000 annually on your Account each year (12-months: annual points bonus).
$50 supplementary card annual fee waiver on the first supplementary card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients
$134 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);
$369 in first year point earn potential (36,900 bonus Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 21% in 3X and 2X accelerator categories.
$364 value with a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership that includes 6 lounge passes (based on a ‘Preferential’ membership valued at approx. CAD$364/USD$259). Currency conversion as at November 3, 2025.
To qualify for this offer, make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
*Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential, foreign transaction fee and airport lounge savings as of November 4, 2025. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Jan 2,2026. Subject to change.
Our Take
The Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card is a travel rewards credit card offering elevated Scene+ points on eligible grocery store purchases, dining, entertainment, and daily transit, with a standard earn rate on all other purchases. Cardholders benefit from no foreign transaction fees, six complimentary airport lounge visits per year through the Visa Airport Companion Program, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Eligibility
Excellent (740+)
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Annual Interest Rates
20.99%
Purchase
22.99%
Cash Advance
22.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$150
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
5.00%
Balance Transfer
$5
Cash Advance
Rewards Scene+
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
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
$2,000,000
Emergency medical insurance amount
3
Emergency medical insurance over 65 days
$500,000
Travel accident insurance amount
$1,000
Hotel burglary insurance
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Earn up to $1,500 in first year welcome offers, rewards and savings, including up to 60,000 bonus Scene+ points*. Here's how:
$400 in travel rewards (40,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $2,000 within the first 3 months
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients who spend $10,000 within the first 6 months
$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $40,000 annually on your Account each year (12-months: annual points bonus).
$50 supplementary card annual fee waiver on the first supplementary card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card clients
$134 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);
$369 in first year point earn potential (36,900 bonus Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 21% in 3X and 2X accelerator categories.
$364 value with a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership that includes 6 lounge passes (based on a ‘Preferential’ membership valued at approx. CAD$364/USD$259). Currency conversion as at November 3, 2025.
To qualify for this offer, make sure to apply for and open a new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite credit card account (“Account”) between January 2, 2026 and July 1, 2026.
*Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, first year point earn potential, foreign transaction fee and airport lounge savings as of November 4, 2025. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Rates, fees and other information are effective as of Jan 2,2026. Subject to change.
| Card | BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* reviewed | BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $120 | $120 |
| Welcome offer | Get up to $1,000 in value including up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles and no annual fee in your first year.† | Get up to $1,150 in value including up to 70,000 Bonus points, monthly streaming statement credit, $50 statement credit, and no annual fee in your first year.* |
| Insurance | Travel emergency medical, Delayed and lost baggage, Trip cancellation, Flight delay, Trip interruption, Auto rental collision/loss damage, Hotel/motel burglary, Common carrier travel accident insurance, Purchase protection, Extended warranty | Emergency travel medical insurance, Rental car collision/loss damage insurance, Common carrier accident insurance, Mobile device insurance |
| Benefits |
3x the Miles per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partners*; 2x the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store, wholesale club, membership-based retailer and alcohol retailer.*; 1x the Mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
a 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year* Additional perks include BMO Concierge, digital subscriptions and cash back promotions |
5x the points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining in and out and transit*. 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account*
|
| Read review | Hey, you are already reading it! | BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card review |
| Apply now |
If you're looking to maximize your everyday spending, then the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite credit card is a better option as you can earn points at a faster rate. You also have the flexibility of redeeming your BMO rewards points for travel rewards, gift cards, merchandise, statement credit, or BMO investments. For someone who is an avid traveler, the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* may be more suitable due to its better travel insurance coverage and travel perks.
There’s no denying that the sign-up bonus of Air Miles and the first anniversary* annual fee waiver make this an appealing card, but who is the card best suited for in the long run?
Those loyal to Air Miles should not hesitate to sign up for the card, since they’ll get the highest earn rate of any Air Miles Mastercard out there. And if you happen to shop often at Air Miles partners you’ll get even greater value, as you can double dip on the points.
If you happen to fly often within a province, this card may also appeal to you since those flights are usually expensive if you’re paying out of pocket. With Air Miles, those same flights have a fixed redemption value, so it can work out in your favour.
On the other hand, if you view Air Miles as a secondary loyalty program that you only collect casually, you’re likely better off applying for a credit card where you can earn points in your preferred loyalty program.
To qualify for the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*, you must have an excellent credit score and a minimum of $80,000in annual personal income or $150,000in total household annual income.
Disclosures:
*Terms and conditions apply
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.
Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who makes frequent media appearances. When he's not educating people on how to be smarter with money, he's earning and burning miles and points for luxury travel.
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†Terms and Conditions apply.