Points Pulse for Jan. 26, 2026: Major loyalty program shakeups from BMO and RBC
In this edition of NerdWallet Canada’s Points Pulse series:
Nerdy Breaking News: Air Miles to become Blue Rewards
On Jan. 26, 2026, BMO announced that the Air Miles rewards program will transition to a new loyalty program called Blue Rewards by summer 2026. Existing Dream and Cash Miles will automatically convert to Blue Points at an equivalent value with no action required from collectors.
For now, BMO Air Miles debit and credit cardholders can continue to use their cards without interruption. BMO also confirmed that a new line of Blue Rewards credit cards will launch with the program, with more program details expected to come closer to launch.
RBC cardholders: it’s time for a Canadian Tire shopping trip
Get an umbrella, RBC cardholders: RBC and Triangle are ready to make it rain CT Money.
Through a partnership launched Jan. 13, 2026, RBC credit and debt cardholders who link their Triangle Rewards accounts can now earn 3x Canadian Tire Money on qualifying purchases made at CTC retail banner stores, including Canadian Tire, SportChek and Mark’s.
Nerdy take: If you already bank with RBC and shop at Canadian Tire, this is a no-brainer. Link your accounts and rack up the CT Money — which will be all the more useful starting later this year, when Avion points will also be convertible to Canadian Tire Money.
Ready to rake in points along side that CT Money? Earn 1.5X the Avion points on groceries, gas and more! SPECIAL WELCOME OFFER: receive up to 11,000 Avion points - 4,000 Welcome Points and earn 7,000 bonus points when you spend $500 in your first 3 months! Equivalent to $75 in gift card value. With no annual fee and flexible redemption options, the RBC ION Card spending allows you to earn points on the everyday purchases that matter most to you. Apply now and start earning right away.
Air Transat hops on the rewards program bandwagon
Air Canada, Porter, WestJet — make some room. Air Transat is ready to enter the rewards game.
On Jan. 19, 2026, Air Transat announced its new loyalty program in partnership with Desjardins and Visa. Launch date? Sometime in the second half of 2026.
The news merits mention because any new rewards program puts pressure on competitors to entice and retain collectors. The BMO VIPorter cards were the new kids on the block last year. Time will tell what Air Transat, Desjardins and Visa cook up.
Nerdy take: If you’re an Air Transat loyalist, this is potentially good news. But the real question is whether the program will be worth your patronage. A shiny new rewards program doesn’t mean much if the earning rates are measly and redemptions are overpriced.
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Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell