Points Pulse for May 21, 2026: 5 Canadian Rewards Deadlines to Know Before June
In this edition of NerdWallet Canada’s Points Pulse series, we break down five late-May and June deadlines — and whether they’re worth acting on.
Air Miles to end at Shell outside Alberta on May 25, 2026
Shell locations outside Alberta will transition from Air Miles to Scene+ on May 26.
While you will no longer earn or redeem Air Miles at Shell, your existing Air Miles balance is safe and expected to automatically convert to BMO’s new Blue Rewards program at an equivalent value in summer 2026.
Today’s decision: Redeem Air Miles at Shell now, or save them for the Blue Rewards transition?
If you regularly buy gas at Shell and have enough Air Miles for a useful discount, cash them in by May 25. If your balance is small or you prefer saving for flights and merchandise, hold onto them.
Come May 26, simply link your Scene+ account to start earning points on fuel at Shell.
Nerdy take: Treat this as a Shell-specific partnership deadline, not a reason to panic about Air Miles itself — those Miles are expected to transition into Blue Rewards points later this summer.
Aeroplan partner award prices to change on June 1, 2026
Aeroplan’s updated partner award chart will soon take effect for tickets booked or reissued on or after June 1. Expect targeted price increases, especially in areas where partner redemption costs have surged.
Today’s decision: Should you lock in Aeroplan partner awards before the new chart takes effect?
If you already have Aeroplan points, flexible dates and realistic routes in mind, search now. Partner awards — particularly on international routes or in premium cabins — are central to getting strong value from Aeroplan.
Be careful if you need to buy points or transfer flexible rewards into Aeroplan just to beat the deadline. That can still make sense for Aeroplan credit cardholders as well as experienced rewards users and points optimizers, but it’s a higher-risk move if you’re starting from the deadline rather than the trip.
Nerdy take: This is the most important deadline on our list. If you use Aeroplan for partner flights, especially long-haul or premium-cabin redemptions, treat June 1 as a real devaluation deadline.
Rove’s Aeroplan transfer bonus to end on June 6, 2026
Rove, a transferable rewards currency that recently added Aeroplan as a 1:1 transfer partner, is offering a 25% bonus on transfers from Rove Miles to Aeroplan points. Transfers are final and must be completed by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on June 6.
Today’s decision: Transfer Rove Miles to Aeroplan now, or hold off?
Transfer nowif you have Rove Miles and need more Aeroplan points before the June 1 partner award-chart change. After June 1, the bonus may still help with future Aeroplan redemptions, but it won’t help you beat the new chart.
Nerdy take: Treat this as an Aeroplan top-up opportunity, not a reason to move points without a trip in mind.
RBC’s Avion-to-Avios bonus to end on June 19, 2026
RBC is currently offering a 30% transfer bonus from Avion points to British Airways Club Avios. You must convert at least 10,000 Avion points to qualify.
Today’s decision: Is Avios worth sacrificing Avion’s flexibility?
Avios can be valuable for Oneworld partner redemptions and specific British Airways Club Avios redemptions. A partially speculative transfer can make sense if you already understand Avios and have multiple realistic ways to use them.
Nerdy take: Make the transfer if Avios fit your established travel patterns. Keep your Avion points flexible if Avios are new to you.
Amex Canada to drop Etihad Guest on June 20, 2026
American Express Canada will remove Etihad Guest as a Membership Rewards transfer partner, effective June 20.
Today’s decision: Transfer to Etihad now, or let the option lapse?
If you already use the program, make any final Membership Rewards transfers before the deadline.
You have until June 19 to decide. Etihad Guest isn’t a default option for most Canadians, but it has niche value for premium-cabin or partner redemptions.
Nerdy take: Don’t let FOMO inform your strategy. If you didn’t already care about Etihad Guest rewards, you certainly don’t need to start now.
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