Find out where your BMO AIR MILES can send you with our AIR MILES calculator.
BMO AIR MILES is one of the most popular rewards programs in Canada. Over 10 million Canadians use the AIR MILES reward program to collect points while shopping, booking their next vacation, or even purchasing points directly from the program. Find out how many points you could earn with an eligible BMO credit card with our AIR MILES calculator.
So, do you have enough AIR MILES for a flight?
AIR MILES calculator
How much are AIR MILES worth?
AIR MILES points vary in value depending on how you use them. For example, booking a flight with AIR MILES might require a wildly different number of points depending on when you want to fly (high vs. low season). Similarly, using AIR MILES for gift cards or merchandise will need different amounts of AIR MILES than booking travel.
Nevertheless, working with an average value when tracking your total AIR MILES points can be helpful. On average, BMO AIR MILES has a value of 10 cents per point.
AIR MILES point valuations by award option
As mentioned, the value of AIR MILES varies based on how you choose to redeem them. Here’s a rough breakdown of how much value you’ll get from AIR MILES when redeeming for different awards:
- Cash back or statement credit: 10 cents per point
- Travel (economy class flight): 10.5 cents per point
- Travel (business class flight): 13 cents per point
- Hotels: 9.8 cents per point
- Vacation packages: 11 cents per point
- Merchandise/gift cards: 7 cents per point
How many AIR MILES do I need to get a free flight?
The number of air miles needed for a free flight isn't set in stone—it can vary widely based on a few key factors. Firstly, where are you headed? A short domestic flight might not dent your miles stash too much, but an international jaunt could require a hefty sum. Then, consider when you want to travel. Peak travel times, like holidays and summer months, often demand more miles because, well, everyone wants to get away then.
Typically, you might need anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 miles for a shorter domestic or international flight. Longer or more exotic destinations could start at around 5,000 miles and go up significantly from there. The best strategy? Keep an eye on the rewards chart provided by your AIR MILES program and plan ahead. Timing your bookings during less busy periods can make your miles stretch further, ensuring you get to your dream destination using fewer miles.
Read more: AIR MILES rewards guide
What’s the best way to earn AIR MILES points?
You can earn AIR MILES in several ways, including shopping with eligible retail partners, purchasing with a BMO AIR MILES chequing account, or meeting special spending requirements during bonus promotions.
However, the easiest way to earn AIR MILES is with an eligible BMO AIR MILES credit card. BMO AIR MILES credit card offers enhanced earn rates on purchases in select categories, like travel, groceries, or gas, plus lucrative welcome bonuses worth hundreds of dollars.
BMO AIR MILES currently offers 2 credit cards for the Canadian market:
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, 2025
Get this card if you...
-
are a frequent traveler looking to earn more Air Miles
-
want comprehensive travel insurance and exclusive travel perks
-
value a great welcome offer
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
Pros
-
Offers the largest Air Miles sign-up bonus on the market with a waived annual fee for the first anniversary*
-
High earn rates of up to 3x the Miles on eligible purchases
-
Exclusive travel discounts like 25% off one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption annually
-
Airport lounge access through complimentary Mastercard Travel Pass membership
-
Comprehensive insurance package which covers medical, trip, flight delay, lost luggage and more
-
Additional Perks include BMO Concierge, digital subscriptions, and cash back promotions
Cons
-
An $80,000 personal/$150,000 household income is needed to qualify
-
Ideal for AIR MILES loyalists, may not suit those with a casual approach
-
The fixed redemption value for flights may not appeal to everyone
-
Optimal value only when frequently shopping at AIR MILES partners
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.†
†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
Pros
-
Offers the largest Air Miles sign-up bonus on the market with a waived annual fee for the first anniversary*
-
High earn rates of up to 3x the Miles on eligible purchases
-
Exclusive travel discounts like 25% off one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption annually
-
Airport lounge access through complimentary Mastercard Travel Pass membership
-
Comprehensive insurance package which covers medical, trip, flight delay, lost luggage and more
-
Additional Perks include BMO Concierge, digital subscriptions, and cash back promotions
Cons
-
An $80,000 personal/$150,000 household income is needed to qualify
-
Ideal for AIR MILES loyalists, may not suit those with a casual approach
-
The fixed redemption value for flights may not appeal to everyone
-
Optimal value only when frequently shopping at AIR MILES partners
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.†
†Terms and conditions apply.
1,200 AIR MILES*
Welcome Bonus
$263
First Year Value
$143
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Get 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles‡ and a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.† Expires Jun 01, 2025
Get this card if you...
-
quickly rack up more Air Miles
-
want rewards, with an annual fee
-
value a great welcome offer
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
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.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
No annual fee with a substantial welcome offer
-
Earn Air Miles with both credit and collector cards
-
Low eligibility requirements
-
Additional Benefits include discounts, insurance, and a low balance transfer rate
Cons
-
A 2% fee applies to balance transfers.
-
Limited redemption options
-
Variable redemption values may vary based on last-minute short-haul flights
-
Its specific rewards program is best for those interested in the Air Miles loyalty program
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers
1 Mile
for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else
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.†
†Terms and Conditions Apply.
Our Take
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.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
-
No annual fee with a substantial welcome offer
-
Earn Air Miles with both credit and collector cards
-
Low eligibility requirements
-
Additional Benefits include discounts, insurance, and a low balance transfer rate
Cons
-
A 2% fee applies to balance transfers.
-
Limited redemption options
-
Variable redemption values may vary based on last-minute short-haul flights
-
Its specific rewards program is best for those interested in the Air Miles loyalty program
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
23.99%
Cash Advance
23.99%
Balance Transfer
0.99%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.00%
Balance Transfer
Rewards AIR MILES
3x
the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers
1 Mile
for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else
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.†
†Terms and Conditions Apply.
Compare the latest AIR MILES welcome bonuses
| Card | Welcome bonus | Spending requirement |
|---|---|---|
| BMO AIR MILES Mastercard | 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles* | Spend $1,000 in the first 3 months |
| BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®* for students | 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles† | Spend $1,000 in the first 3 months |
| BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard | up to 7,000 AIR MILES and first year free† | Spend $3,000 in the first 3 months |
Compare AIR MILES credit card earn rates
| Card | Earn rate | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| BMO AIR MILES Mastercard |
Earn 3x the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
Get 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store* Earn 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers Earn 1x the Mile for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else |
Apply Now |
| BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®* for students |
Earn 3x the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Reward Partners
Earn 2 Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery stores Earn 1x the Mile for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else |
Apply Now |
| BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard |
Earn 3x the Miles per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partners*
Earn 2x the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store* Earn 1x the Mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend* |
Apply Now |
Read more: Best AIR MILES credit cards
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
- *Terms and conditions apply
FAQs
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, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk.
Hannah Logan is a Canadian freelancer writer and blogger who specializes in personal finance and travel. You can follow her adventures on her travel blog EatSleepBreatheTravel.com or find her on Instagram @hannahlogan21.
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