AIR MILES is one of Canada’s oldest loyalty programmes, with over 11 million collector accounts. Points (called “miles”) are earned at over 300 partner brands — Shell, Sobeys, Safeway, Rexall, and more — and via co-branded credit cards. Miles split into two buckets: Cash Miles (instant redemptions at checkout) and Dream Miles (flights, travel, experiences).
Best AIR MILES Credit Cards in Canada
| Card | Annual Fee | AIR MILES Earn | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard | $120 | 3x Dream miles on grocery; 2x on partners; 1x everywhere | Best overall AIR MILES card |
| BMO AIR MILES Mastercard | $0 | 3x at AIR MILES partners; 2x grocery; 1x other | Best no-fee AIR MILES card |
| Amex AIR MILES | $0 | 1x Dream mile per $15 spent at partners; bonus at Amex offers | No-fee Amex option |
| Amex AIR MILES Platinum | $120 | 1x mile per $10 at partners; 1x per $15 elsewhere | Better earn; mid-tier |
| BMO AIR MILES No-Fee Mastercard | $0 | 1x at partners; basic earn | Entry-level |
Top Pick: BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard
The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard is the best AIR MILES credit card in Canada for active collectors:
- 3x AIR MILES Dream on grocery (first $500/month)
- 2x AIR MILES at AIR MILES partner locations
- 1x AIR MILES everywhere else
- 25% discount on AIR MILES flight redemptions (huge if you redeem Dream miles for flights)
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Lounge access via Mastercard Travel Pass
- Annual fee: $120
The 25% flight redemption discount is the standout perk — a flight normally costing 2,000 Dream miles costs only 1,500 with this card. For frequent flight redeemers, this alone justifies the annual fee.
Cash Miles vs. Dream Miles
AIR MILES has two parallel currencies:
Cash Miles: Redeemed instantly at participating checkout terminals (Shell, Sobeys, Rexall). 95 Cash Miles = $10 off your purchase. Simple and predictable.
Dream Miles: Redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, experiences, and merchandise through the AIR MILES catalogue. Higher potential value but less flexible.
See AIR MILES Cash vs Dream Miles for a full breakdown of which to choose.
How Many AIR MILES Are in a Flight?
Domestic short-haul flights (e.g., Toronto–Ottawa) typically cost 1,200–3,000 Dream Miles. Transcontinental Canada routes run 3,500–6,000 Dream Miles. See How Many AIR MILES for a Flight for the complete chart.
AIR MILES vs. Other Canadian Programmes
| Programme | Best For | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|
| AIR MILES | Retail shoppers at Sobeys/Shell/Rexall | Low–Medium |
| Aeroplan | International flights; Star Alliance | High |
| Scene+ | Groceries, dining, entertainment | Medium |
| Avion | Any-airline flexible bookings | High |
AIR MILES earns at the checkout, not just on credit cards — making it most valuable for households that shop frequently at Sobeys, Safeway, or IGA and fill up at Shell.
Related Articles
- AIR MILES Guide Canada
- AIR MILES Cash vs Dream Miles Explained
- How Many AIR MILES for a Flight?
- BMO Credit Cards — Full Lineup
- Best Rewards Credit Cards in Canada
AIR MILES earn rates, redemption values, and partner lists subject to change. Verify at airmiles.ca. See our Advertiser Disclosure.