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Best Air Miles Credit Cards in Canada for January 2026
Published Jan 10, 2026 4:35 PM • 4 min read
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Credit Card ExpertBreaking down the best Air Miles credit cards in Canada isn’t too complicated, that’s because there are only two Air Miles credit cards on the market – both from BMO.
While some cardholders are concerned that Air Miles has cut back on some of its appeal since being taken over by BMO, there are still some perks worth getting excited about.
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FinlyWealth's credit cards content, including rankings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of engineers and writers who specialize in credit cards, banking, and personal finance. Our work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, GoBankingRates, and AOL. Our proprietary analysis systems evaluate product features, terms, and conditions to deliver comprehensive reviews and comparisons while maintaining strict editorial standards for accuracy and integrity.
BMO AIR MILES® World Elite®* Mastercard®*: Best Overall
BMO AIR MILES® Mastercard®*: Best No-Fee
BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Business Mastercard®*: Best Business
BMO AIR MILES®† No-Fee Business Mastercard®*: Best No-Fee Business
Best Air Miles Credit Cards in Canada
Our choice for: Best Overall
APPLY NOW
on BMO's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to 7,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles*
Annual Fee
$120 $0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 23.99%□
3.7/5
The BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard is ideal for frequent Air Miles collectors looking for premium travel benefits and a strong rewards rate. With up to 7,000 bonus miles, a 25% annual flight discount, and automatic Onyx status, this card offers substantial value for those who frequently shop at Air Miles partners and travel often. Its comprehensive insurance coverage and first-year fee waiver also add to its appeal, though the high income requirement may limit its accessibility.
Awards & Recognition
Best AIR MILES Credit Card
2026
Pros
- Increased rewards
- Travel perks
- Air Miles Onyx status
- Comprehensive insurance
- First-year fee rebate
Cons
- High income requirements
- Lower rewards by comparison
Rewards
- 3x Miles points per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
- 2x Miles points per $12 spent on eligible grocery, liquor and wholesale store purchases
- 1x Mile point per $12 spent on all other eligible purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 days
Extended Warranty
double up to 1 year
Trip Cancellation
$1.5K/person, $5K/trip
Trip Interruption
$1.5K/person, $10K/trip
Travel Medical Insurance
$5M up 15 days/person
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000/person
Flight Delay
$500Baggage Delay
$500/person, $1K/trip
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500/person, $1K/trip
Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
$65,000 up to 48 days
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only - complimentary visits not included
Car Rental Discount
20% off base rate of participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Discount
Save up to 7% on your Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookingsDiscount
Annual 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption.svg)
Status lift
Automatic Air Miles Onyx statusDiscount
Enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
*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. Check here for full details and current product information.
Our choice for: Best No-Fee
APPLY NOW
on BMO's website
Welcome Bonus
Get 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles* + 0.99% rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
21.99%* / 23.99%*□
3.2/5
The BMO Air Miles Mastercard is an excellent option for those looking to collect Air Miles without paying an annual fee. With bonus earning opportunities at Air Miles partners and grocery stores, this card is ideal for regular Air Miles collectors. It also offers perks like Instacart savings and a competitive balance transfer rate, making it a versatile card for everyday purchases. However, its limited rewards outside of partner stores may not make it the best fit for those who don't frequently shop at Air Miles-affiliated retailers.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Bonus Miles through partners
- Multiple discounts
- Balance transfer offer
Cons
- Low base earn rate
- Limited insurance
- Limited non-loyalty value
Rewards
- 3x Miles points per $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
- 2x Miles points per $25 spent on eligible grocery, liquor and wholesale store purchases
- 1x Mile point per $25 spent on all other eligible purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Discount
Save up to 7% on your Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookingsCar Rental Discount
20% off base rate of participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-CarDiscount
Get 20% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada, and 15% off resident shows in Las VegasDiscount
Enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
*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. Check here for full details and current product information.
Our choice for: Best Business
APPLY NOW
on BMO's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to $840 in value (8,000 AIR MILES bonus miles) in the first year[2]
Annual Fee
$149 $0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 23.99%
4.2/5
The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Business Mastercard is designed for established businesses already collecting AIR MILES who want to maximize their earning potential. With 4x miles at participating AIR MILES partners and a solid 8,000-mile welcome bonus, it's ideal for businesses with significant spending at partner locations like Shell, IGA, or Sobeys. The $149 annual fee (waived first year) is justified by comprehensive travel insurance, lounge access, and healthcare benefits, making it a strong choice for business owners who frequently travel and value the AIR MILES ecosystem over pure cashback returns.
Pros
- Impressive partner optimization
- Bonus Mile opportunities
- First-year fee rebate
- Comprehensive insurance
- Airport lounge perks
- Complimentary virtual healthcare visits
- Shell fuel discounts
- Additional employee cards available
Cons
- High annual fee
- Low base earn rate
- Less flexible rewards
- Fees for additional cards
- Bonus Mile spending requirements
- High interest rates
Rewards
- Get 1 Mile for every $12 you spend1
- Get 4x the Miles when you use your card at participating AIR MILES partners1
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 yearTrip Interruption
$2,000Trip Cancellation
$1,500Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$500,000Baggage Delay
$500Flight Delay
$500Hotel Burglary Insurance
$1,000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500.svg)
Personal Effects
$1,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
Included
Car Rental Accident
$200,000Car Rental Personal Effects
$1,000
Benefits
Details
.svg)
Gas Discount
Get up to 7 cents off per litre on all your Shell®± fuel – just for being a BMO cardholder[7]Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, enjoy lounge access for a fee of just US$32 per person, per visit.
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
*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. Check here for full details and current product information.
Our choice for: Best No-Fee Business
APPLY NOW
on BMO's website
Welcome Bonus
Get 2,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles[1]
Annual Fee
$0 $0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 23.99%
3.5/5
The BMO AIR MILES No-Fee Business Mastercard is a bare-bones entry point into the AIR MILES ecosystem for cost-conscious small businesses. With no annual fee and a modest welcome bonus, it removes barriers to entry but delivers underwhelming earning rates of just 1 mile per $20 spent (0.5% return). This card only makes sense for businesses already committed to AIR MILES with very light spending, or those wanting to test the AIR MILES program without any financial commitment. For most businesses, even other no-fee cards offer significantly better earning rates and more valuable rewards.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Generous welcome bonus
- Enhanced Shell earnings
- Free unlimited additional cards
- Costco acceptance
- BMO Liability Waiver Program
- No spending caps
Cons
- Low base earn rate
- Lacks travel insurance
- Lacks travel perks
- Lower redemption flexibility
- Requires high spending
- Limited bonus categories
Rewards
- Get 1 Mile for every $20 you spend2
- Get 1.25x the Miles for every $20 you spend at participating Shell®± stations3
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
1 year
Benefits
Details
Gas Discount
Get up to 7 cents off per litre on all your Shell®± fuel – just for being a BMO cardholder[9]
Eligibility
Credit Score
FairAnnual Income
N/A
*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. Check here for full details and current product information.
From Our Editors: The Best Air Miles Credit Cards in Canada
Best Overall: BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard
Overall, the best Air Miles Credit Card you can get is the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard. Fit for everyday shoppers and travellers alike, this card earns you solid Miles points per specified amount spent at participating Air Miles Partners, plus decent miles per specified amount spent on eligible grocery, liquor, and wholesale store purchases.
To complement its rewards program, the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard comes with comprehensive coverage, including valuable protections like trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance, hotel burglary insurance, and car rental insurance. The benefits on the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard are also impressive, they include a Dragon Pass membership, an automatic Air Miles Onyx status lift, and discounts on car rentals, hotel bookings, and flights. To compensate for all of these perks, cardholders must pay an annual fee, however, this annual fee is completely waived for the first year. Learn more in our BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard Review.
Best No-Fee: BMO Air Miles Mastercard
In case a no-fee credit card is more your style (or simply better for your budget) BMO also offers the BMO Air Miles Mastercard. As far as rewards programs go, both the BMO Air Miles Mastercard and the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard optimize purchases made at participating Air Miles Partners and eligible grocery stores. The catch is the amount you need to spend to receive Miles points on the BMO Air Miles Mastercard is about double the amount you need to spend to earn Miles with the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard. Additionally, the BMO Air Miles Mastercard doesn’t optimize liquor or wholesale store purchases like the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard.
Unlike those who own the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard, BMO Air Miles Mastercard members will have to settle for standard coverage, which only includes basic extended warranty and purchase protection insurance. Similarly, the BMO Air Miles Mastercard lacks some benefits, but cardholders still receive car rental, hotel, and entertainment discounts. Discover more in our BMO Air Miles Mastercard Review.
Best Business: BMO Air Miles World Elite Business Mastercard
BMO also issues a business Air Miles credit card that allows cardholders to collect some miles on all purchases, plus extra miles on partner purchases. In fact, the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard is one of the best business credit cards in Canada. The insurance on this card is extensive, offering protections like trip interruption, trip cancellation, and car rental insurance. Perks include gas discounts on Shell fuel and an airport lounge Dragon Pass membership. Note, however, that you'll need to meet high annual income requirements to qualify. Learn more in our BMO Air Miles World Elite Business Mastercard.
Best No-Fee Business: BMO Air Miles No-Fee Business Mastercard
If you'd like to earn miles on purchases, especially gas purchases at participating Shell stations, apply for the BMO Air Miles No-Fee Business Mastercard. This affordable business card comes with basic coverage like purchase protection and extended warranty insurance. To support it's gas-oriented rewards program, the card comes with gas discounts on Shell fuel. See more in our BMO Air Miles No-Fee Business Mastercard.
How to Select the Right Air Miles Credit Card
Choosing the right Air Miles credit card for you comes down to a couple of factors:
- Do you need a personal Air Miles card or a business credit card?
- Do you want a premium Air Miles card or an affordable Air Miles
As a general rule, you always want to pick a credit card that complements your spending habits and financial status.
How to Apply for an Air Miles Credit Card
To apply for any of the Air Miles credit cards above, simply tap the "Apply Now" button below your top pick. From there, you'll be redirected to the BMO official website to begin the application process. Credit card applications typically ask for personal information such as your birthdate, address, and email. These applications also tend to ask for financial information, like your income, when applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
An Air Miles credit card might be worth applying for if you want to earn Miles on everyday purchases and frequently shop at Air Miles partners to support your next trip. Becoming an Air Miles member through an Air-Miles-affiliated credit card is only beneficial for frequent travellers since Miles are worth the most when redeemed towards travel.
The BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard is the best overall choice for most people. This contender earns miles faster than the no-fee alternative on groceries, liquor, wholesale purchases, and Air Miles partners, while also offering strong travel insurance, airport lounge access through Dragon Pass, and Air Miles Onyx status. If you spend regularly in these categories and travel at least occasionally, the added benefits can easily outweigh the annual fee, especially since the first year is free.
Yes. The BMO Air Miles Mastercard is a solid option if you want to earn Air Miles without paying an annual fee. While it earns Miles at a slower rate and includes fewer perks and insurance protection, it still rewards purchases at Air Miles partners and grocery stores. This card works well for budget-conscious users or those new to rewards credit cards.
Absolutely. Business owners who frequently purchase fuel, travel, or shop with Air Miles partners may benefit from the BMO Air Miles World Elite Business Mastercard. It offers higher earning potential, strong insurance coverage, and perks like Shell fuel discounts and airport lounge access. If you want to avoid annual fees, the BMO Air Miles No-Fee Business Mastercard is a good alternative, especially for business with regular gas expenses.
About the author
Sara Skodak
Lead Writer
Since graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Sara has built a diverse writing portfolio, covering topics in the travel, business, and wellness sectors. As a self-started freelance content ...
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Kevin Shahnazari
Credit Card Expert
Kevin started FinlyWealth and juggles a bit of everything—digging into data, running our marketing, and keeping the finances on track. Before this, he spent years as a data scientist at tech companies...
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