Air Miles Rewards Program in Canada: A Complete Guide

The Air Miles rewards program offers many ways to earn and redeem, but getting the most out of your Miles may require some research and strategic spending.

Launched in 1992, Air Miles is one of Canada’s most popular loyalty rewards programs with nearly 10 million members. In 2023, the Bank of Montreal (BMO) acquired the Air Miles Reward Program from LoyaltyOne.

How much is 1 Air Mile worth?

According to Air Miles, 95 Miles = $10 worth of in-store rewards.

This means 1 Mile = about 10.53 cents.

Miles can be redeemed for a variety of items, including flights, travel bookings, merchandise or instant cash rebates at select retailers.

There are multiple ways to earn Miles.

Present your Air Miles membership card with retail partners

When shopping in person or online at an Air Miles retail partner, you need to present your card or input your membership number to earn Air Miles.

The number of Air Miles you earn varies by retailer. For example, at the time of writing, you get 1 Air Mile per $15 dollars spent at Budget Car Rental, whereas with Global Pet Foods, you earn 1 Air Mile for every $20 you spend.

Link a Canadian-issued Mastercard

Link your Canadian-issued Mastercard and Air Miles accounts through the Air Miles website to take advantage of limited-time in-store and online offers with partner brands to earn Air Miles. Once connected, you no longer need to show your Air Miles card at the time of purchase — simply pay with your linked Canadian-issued Mastercard to earn Air Miles.

Shop online via the Air Miles portal and eStore

On top of earning Air Miles directly when shopping at merchants in person or online, you can earn rewards using the Air Miles shopping portal at airmilesshops.ca. Generally, shopping through the Air Miles eStore earns 1 Air Mile for every $20 spent.

Book travel through the Air Miles travel portal

You can earn Miles by booking travel-related items like flights, hotel stays and rental cars via the Air Miles travel hub.

Take advantage of Air Miles bonus offers and promotions

Air Miles partner merchants sometimes offer special promotions or bonuses that allow members to earn additional Miles. You can find current promotions by checking out the Air Miles website.

Scanning grocery store receipts

Upload your grocery store receipts to your Air Miles account for an opportunity to earn bonus Air Miles on eligible grocery purchases. Details on qualifying offers can be found in the Air Miles app.

It's free to become an Air Miles collector. You must be a Canadian resident and at least 16 years old to apply.

The application can be completed online: you must provide your name, date of birth, address and email, then set up a password. Once the application is approved, you’ll be sent your membership number and digital card via email so you can start earning Miles immediately. Then, you’ll receive a physical membership card in the mail within two to three weeks.

Membership tiers and statuses

Air Miles has three membership tiers: Blue, Gold and Onyx. New members immediately qualify for the Blue tier, but can work their way up to higher statuses by earning rewards.

Air Miles is free to join, so there’s no downside to signing up. Earning Miles can be as simple as showing your membership card or entering your membership number at checkout.

That said, it can take time to accumulate rewards. To earn Air Miles quickly, shopping strategically and taking advantage of Air Miles promotional offers could help.

Air Miles alternatives

One alternative to Air Miles is Air Canada’s Aeroplan points, another well-known Canadian reward program thath as co-branded credit cards with TD and CIBC, an online shopping portal and an attractive “Family Sharing” feature that allows up to eight family members or friends to pool their points.