What is a loyalty program?

A loyalty program is a rewards system offered by businesses to encourage repeat purchases. Members earn points, miles, or credits that can be redeemed for rewards.

How do I choose the best loyalty program in Canada?

Consider your spending habits, program partners, redemption options, fees, and ease of use. The best programs offer high value for your everyday purchases.

Do loyalty program points expire?

It depends on the program. Some like PC Optimum never expire as long as the account is active, while others like Aeroplan expire after 18 months of inactivity.

Can I combine multiple loyalty programs?

Yes! You can be a member of multiple programs simultaneously. Many Canadians use a combination of programs to maximize their rewards.

Important Update

BMO has announced that the AIR MILES program will transition to Blue Rewards in summer 2026. Existing Miles will automatically convert to Blue Points at equivalent value. No action is required from collectors.

Learn more about Blue Rewards

AIR MILES

One of Canada's oldest coalition loyalty programs. Earn AIR MILES Reward Miles at national partners like Shell, BMO, and via airmilesshops.ca. Miles can be collected as 'Cash Miles' for in-store discounts or 'Dream Miles' for travel and merchandise.

Point Value

10.5 cents (Cash Miles); ~9-15 cents (varies for Dream Miles).

Sign-up Bonus

Large welcome bonuses available via BMO AIR MILES credit cards.

How It Works

Join for free online or via the AIR MILES app.
Choose your balance preference: Cash Miles (in-store discounts) or Dream Miles (travel/merch) — or a mix.
Earn miles at partners like Shell, BMO, and online via airmilesshops.ca.
Use BMO AIR MILES credit cards to accelerate your earning.
Redeem Cash Miles at the register (95 miles = $10) or Dream Miles online.

Benefits

Choice between instant in-store savings or long-term travel goals.
Frequent multiplier events (e.g., AIR MILES Receipt campaigns).
Strong network of BMO Mastercard options.
Earning via airmilesshops.ca gives miles at hundreds of major online retailers.

✅ Pros

•Cash Miles provide a very simple, guaranteed value (95 miles = $10).
•Long history and widespread name recognition in Canada.
•AIR MILES Receipts offer a way to earn miles on everyday groceries regardless of the store.
•New BMO ownership is revitalizing the program with better travel redemptions.

❌ Cons

•Earning miles at physical retail partners can be slow compared to grocery-specific programs.
•Dream Mile flight redemptions can have high fees depending on the route.
•Program has lost major grocery partners (Sobeys, Safeway) recently.

Best Redemptions

Cash Miles for groceries at Shell or Metro (95 miles = $10).
Vouchers for evacuation or charitable donations during crisis.
Dream Miles for domestic flights with low "Miles + Cash" options.

Who It's Best For

Shell regulars who want easy discounts on gas.
BMO credit card holders.
Online shoppers who use airmilesshops.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Cash and Dream Miles?

Cash Miles can be used for instant discounts at participating partners (95 miles = $10). Dream Miles are for flights, hotels, and merchandise.

Do AIR MILES expire?

AIR MILES do not expire as long as you earn or redeem at least one mile every 24 months.

💳 Best Credit Cards for AIR MILES

Looking for the best credit card to pair with AIR MILES?

View Our Credit Card Guide →

Program Rules

Point Expiration: Miles expire after 24 months of account inactivity.

Blackout Dates: No blackout dates

Program Stats

Overall7/10

Value7/10

Ease of Use6.5/10

Redemption7/10

Coverage6/10

Program Details

Countries

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