BMO is replacing Air Miles with Blue Rewards in summer 2026

One of Canada’s most recognizable loyalty programs is getting a full reset.

BMO Financial Group has announced that the AIR MILES program will transition into a new rewards program called Blue Rewards, launching in summer 2026.

For the millions of Canadians who still collect Air Miles, the most important takeaway is this: your Miles are safe. Existing Air Miles balances will automatically convert to Blue Points at the same value, with no action required. Existing BMO Air Miles credit cardholders won’t be forced to switch cards, and their current cards will continue to work as usual through the transition.

Here’s what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what Air Miles collectors should know ahead of the transition.

From Air Miles to Blue Rewards

Blue Rewards is being positioned as a simpler, more flexible loyalty program with a stronger emphasis on everyday spending rather than occasional, big-ticket travel redemptions.

The new program will be available to all Canadians through a redesigned Blue Rewards app, while BMO customers will also see the program integrated directly into BMO’s mobile and online banking platforms. According to BMO, the goal is to make earning and redeeming rewards simpler and more intuitive, particularly for grocery and other recurring purchases.

While Air Miles has long been associated with flights and travel rewards, Blue Rewards is meant to compete more directly with programs like PC Optimum and Scene+ by emphasizing frequent, smaller redemptions alongside travel.

What happens to existing Air Miles

For current Air Miles collectors, the transition is expected to be seamless. When Blue Rewards launches in summer 2026, all existing Air Miles balances will automatically convert to Blue Points, maintaining the same value. Collector numbers will not change, and both digital and physical Air Miles cards will continue to work through the transition.

Importantly, collectors don’t need to redeem early or make changes to their accounts. BMO has confirmed that earning and redeeming will continue uninterrupted until the program officially switches over.

A simpler points system with clearer value

One of the biggest structural changes under Blue Rewards is the elimination of Cash Miles and Dream Miles. Instead of choosing between two reward types, collectors will earn a single currency: Blue Points.

So far, BMO has confirmed one clear reference point for redemption value: 1,500 Blue Points will equal $10 when redeemed in-store at participating partners or for e-gift cards (formerly Air Miles eVouchers). As more information becomes available closer to launch, those details will help determine how competitive Blue Rewards is across different redemption types.

Changes to travel rewards

Travel isn’t disappearing under Blue Rewards, but it is being reworked. Instead of Air Miles’ existing booking system, Blue Rewards will introduce a new travel redemption platform powered by Expedia Group. This is expected to expand the range of available flights, hotels, and car rentals, while offering a more streamlined booking experience.

For collectors, this could mean more choice and easier bookings, though the value of points for travel redemptions will be an important detail to watch once the program launches.

New partners, with a shift toward everyday spending

Blue Rewards will continue to include more than 400 existing Air Miles partners, while adding new ones focused on travel, food, and daily convenience.

Newly announced partners include Porter Airlines, Accor hotel brands such as Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Novotel, and SLS, as well as Instacart and several MTY Group restaurant brands, including Thai Express, Bâton Rouge, Sushi Shop, Mr. Sub, Manchu Wok, and Mucho Burrito.

Collectors will also continue earning rewards with Shell Canada for a limited time, with earning and redemption available nationally until May 25, 2026.

More partner announcements are expected ahead of the program’s launch.

Blue Rewards is not the same as BMO Rewards

It’s important to remember that Blue Rewards is not the same as BMO Rewards, which is a separate rewards program available only on select BMO credit cards. Air Miles is transitioning into Blue Rewards, while BMO Rewards will continue to exist independently.

The two programs will continue to operate separately with their different earning and redemption structures.

What this means for BMO customers and credit cards

Blue Rewards won’t be limited to BMO customers, but those who bank with BMO will have access to additional earning opportunities.

BMO has confirmed that eligible chequing account holders will be able to earn Blue Points on select debit card purchases, including groceries, gas, wholesale purchases, and EV charging. New Blue Rewards credit cards are also on the way, with promised accelerators in everyday spending categories.

For existing BMO Air Miles credit cardholders, there’s no immediate change. Cards will continue to work as they do now, and balances will convert automatically once Blue Rewards launches. Full details on the new credit cards are expected closer to launch, and BMO has opened a waitlist for early access.

A familiar app, with a new look

When Blue Rewards goes live, the existing Air Miles app will automatically update to become the Blue Rewards app. Collectors won’t need to download a new app or create a new account, and digital cards will continue to work as before. Physical Blue Rewards cards won’t be issued automatically, reflecting the program’s shift toward digital-first access.

What other loyalty programs are there in Canada?

Canada has several major loyalty programs that compete with Air Miles and the upcoming Blue Rewards program.

Aeroplan remains the most travel-focused option. Members earn points through Air Canada flights, retail partners, and co-branded credit cards offered by TD, CIBC, and American Express. Points are primarily redeemed for flights, with values that vary based on how they’re used.

PC Optimum is Canada’s largest retail-focused program, centred on groceries and pharmacy purchases at Loblaw-owned stores and Shoppers Drug Mart. Points are redeemed at a fixed value toward in-store purchases.

Scene+ combines travel, entertainment, and everyday spending, with partnerships across groceries, banking, and cinema.

With Blue Rewards, BMO appears to be positioning the former Air Miles program closer to this everyday-earning model, while still keeping travel redemptions as part of the program.

The bottom line

Blue Rewards represents the most significant reset of the Air Miles program since its launch more than 30 years ago. For collectors, the good news is that balances are protected, the transition is automatic, and earning opportunities remain in place.

The bigger question is whether Blue Rewards will ultimately offer competitive value, particularly for travel redemptions and credit card earn rates. Until then, Air Miles collectors can continue earning as usual and wait to see how BMO’s reimagined loyalty program stacks up when it officially launches in summer 2026.

Also read:

• The best BMO credit cards
• The best BMO chequing accounts
• The best travel credit cards in Canada