BMO Introduces Blue Rewards as Successor to the AIR MILES Program
BMO Introduces Blue Rewards as Successor to AIR MILES
Bank of Montreal will transition the AIR MILES loyalty program to Blue Rewards in summer 2026, replacing the existing structure with a single points-based system supported by a redesigned digital platform. The program will continue to be operated by a BMO subsidiary, with all existing AIR MILES automatically converted to Blue Points at equivalent value, requiring no action from current collectors.
Key Features of the Blue Rewards Program
Move to a Single, Simplified Rewards Model: Blue Rewards will replace the separate Cash and Dream Miles with one unified points currency, Blue Points, to standardise earning and redemption across the program. Travel redemptions for flights, hotels, and car rentals will be handled through a consolidated booking platform powered by Expedia Group, aimed at reducing friction in the redemption process.
Broader and Reconfigured Partner Ecosystem: Members will continue earning rewards across more than 400 existing brands, while the program adds new partners across airlines, hotel groups, grocery delivery platforms, and restaurant chains. At the same time, legacy partnerships such as Shell Canada will remain active for a defined transition period, including continued earning through BMO AIR MILES credit cards until specified end dates.
Everyday Grocery and Food Spend Integration: The program retains receipt-scanning functionality within the Blue Rewards app, allowing members to earn points at grocery retailers and wholesale clubs across Canada. This capability also extends to grocery and food delivery purchases, reinforcing everyday spend as a core earning channel rather than limiting rewards to travel or discretionary categories.
Deeper Integration with Banking and Payment Products: Blue Rewards will be embedded into BMO’s digital banking ecosystem, enabling eligible chequing account holders to opt in and earn points on gas, grocery, wholesale, and EV charging purchases made with debit cards. Points accumulation will also extend across linked BMO credit card products, with new Blue Rewards credit cards introducing category-based earn accelerators and additional benefits, details of which will be disclosed closer to launch.
Through the consolidation of reward types, expanded partner participation, and tighter integration with daily banking and payment activity, Blue Rewards reframes the former AIR MILES program around consistent everyday usage rather than episodic redemption behaviour.
