AIR MILES calculator
Updated: November 20, 2024
Find out where your BMO AIR MILES can send you
BMO AIR MILES is one of the most popular rewards programs in Canada. Over 10 million Canadians use the AIR MILES reward program to collect points while shopping, booking their next vacation, or even purchasing points directly from the program. Find out how many points you could earn with an eligible BMO credit card with our AIR MILES calculator.
So, do you have enough AIR MILES for a flight?
BMO AIR MILES calculator
How much are AIR MILES worth?
AIR MILES points vary in value depending on how you use them. For example, booking a flight with AIR MILES might require a wildly different number of points depending on when you want to fly (high vs. low season). Similarly, using AIR MILES for gift cards or merchandise will need different amounts of AIR MILES than booking travel.
Nevertheless, working with an average value when tracking your total AIR MILES points can be helpful. On average, BMO AIR MILES has a value of 10 cents per point.
But remember, the actual value can swing quite a bit depending on how you redeem those miles. Opting for flights during peak travel seasons might fetch less value per point while snagging deals or choosing off-peak times can stretch their worth even further. So, it’s all about playing it smart and timing your redemptions right to get the most bang for your buck—or, in this case, your points.
Here’s a rough breakdown of how much value you’ll get from AIR MILES when redeeming for different awards:
- Cash back: 10 cents per point
- Travel (economy class flight): 10.5 cents per point
- Travel (business class flight: 13 cents per point
- Merchandise/gift cards: 7 cents per point
How many AIR MILES do I need to get a free flight?
The number of air miles needed for a free flight isn't set in stone—it can vary widely based on a few key factors. Firstly, where are you headed? A short domestic flight might not dent your miles stash too much, but an international jaunt could require a hefty sum. Then, consider when you want to travel. Peak travel times, like holidays and summer months, often demand more miles because, well, everyone wants to get away then.
Typically, you might need anywhere from 1,200 to 3,000 miles for a shorter domestic flight. Longer or more exotic destinations could start at around 5,000 miles and go up significantly from there. The best strategy? Keep an eye on the rewards chart provided by your AIR MILES program and plan ahead. Timing your bookings during less busy periods can make your miles stretch further, ensuring you get to your dream destination using fewer miles.
Read more: AIR MILES rewards guide
What’s the best way to earn AIR MILES points?
You can earn AIR MILES in several ways, including shopping with eligible retail partners, purchasing with a BMO AIR MILES chequing account, or meeting special spending requirements during bonus promotions.
However, the easiest way to earn AIR MILES is with an eligible BMO AIR MILES credit card. BMO AIR MILES credit card offers enhanced earn rates on purchases in select categories, like travel, groceries, or gas, plus lucrative welcome bonuses worth hundreds of dollars.
BMO AIR MILES currently offers 2 credit cards for the Canadian market:
BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* MasterCard®*
3.3
3,000 miles
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreLimited time offer: Get 3,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles! * That's enough for $310 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash!* Plus, get the $120 annual fee waived for your first anniversary
Expires
Jun 1, 2025
Pros
-
Offers the largest Air Miles sign-up bonus on the market with a waived annual fee for the first anniversary*
-
High earn rates of up to 3x the Miles on eligible purchases
-
Exclusive travel discounts like 25% off one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption annually
-
Airport lounge access through complimentary Mastercard Travel Pass membership
-
Comprehensive insurance package which covers medical, trip, flight delay, lost luggage and more
-
Additional Perks include BMO Concierge, digital subscriptions, and cash back promotions
Cons
-
An $80,000 personal/$150,000 household income is needed to qualify
-
Ideal for AIR MILES loyalists, may not suit those with a casual approach
-
The fixed redemption value for flights may not appeal to everyone
-
Optimal value only when frequently shopping at AIR MILES partners
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
3x
Cardholders earn an accelerated 3x the Miles per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partners*
2x
the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*
1x
Earn 1 Mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
25%
Get a 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year*
Cardholders earn an accelerated 3x the Miles per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partners*
3x
the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
Earn 1 Mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
1x
Get a 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year*
25%
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$120
Annual Fee $50 for a supplementary card
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Pros
-
Offers the largest Air Miles sign-up bonus on the market with a waived annual fee for the first anniversary*
-
High earn rates of up to 3x the Miles on eligible purchases
-
Exclusive travel discounts like 25% off one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption annually
-
Airport lounge access through complimentary Mastercard Travel Pass membership
-
Comprehensive insurance package which covers medical, trip, flight delay, lost luggage and more
-
Additional Perks include BMO Concierge, digital subscriptions, and cash back promotions
Cons
-
An $80,000 personal/$150,000 household income is needed to qualify
-
Ideal for AIR MILES loyalists, may not suit those with a casual approach
-
The fixed redemption value for flights may not appeal to everyone
-
Optimal value only when frequently shopping at AIR MILES partners
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
3x
Cardholders earn an accelerated 3x the Miles per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partners*
2x
the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*
1x
Earn 1 Mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
25%
Get a 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year*
Cardholders earn an accelerated 3x the Miles per $12 spent at participating AIR MILES partners*
3x
the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
Earn 1 Mile for every $12 in credit card purchases, everywhere you spend*
1x
Get a 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year*
25%
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$120
Annual Fee $50 for a supplementary card
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$120
BMO AIR MILES®† MasterCard®*
3.3
1,500 AIR MILES
Welcome offerGood
Suggested credit scoreLimited time offer: Get 1,500 AIR MILES Bonus Miles!* That’s enough for $150 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash*
Expires
Jun 1, 2025
Pros
-
No annual fee with a substantial welcome offer
-
Earn Air Miles with both credit and collector cards
-
Low eligibility requirements
-
Additional Benefits include discounts, insurance, and a low balance transfer rate
Cons
-
A 2% fee applies to balance transfers.
-
Limited redemption options
-
Variable redemption values may vary based on last-minute short-haul flights
-
Its specific rewards program is best for those interested in the Air Miles loyalty program
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$15,000
3x
the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers
1 Mile
for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else
the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
3x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers
2x
for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else
1 Mile
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate 0.99% introductory interest rate for 9 months (fee applies)*
22.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$0
Annual Fee $0 for supplementary card
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Pros
-
No annual fee with a substantial welcome offer
-
Earn Air Miles with both credit and collector cards
-
Low eligibility requirements
-
Additional Benefits include discounts, insurance, and a low balance transfer rate
Cons
-
A 2% fee applies to balance transfers.
-
Limited redemption options
-
Variable redemption values may vary based on last-minute short-haul flights
-
Its specific rewards program is best for those interested in the Air Miles loyalty program
Eligibility
Good
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Recommended Credit Score
Good
Required Annual Personal Income
$15,000
3x
the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers
1 Mile
for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else
the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners
3x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store*
2x
the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible wholesale clubs, membership-based retailers and alcohol retailers
2x
for every $25 that you spend with your credit card everywhere else
1 Mile
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate 0.99% introductory interest rate for 9 months (fee applies)*
22.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$0
Annual Fee $0 for supplementary card
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Learn more about BMO AIR MILES credit cards
Understanding what your points are worth can go a long way when you’re ready to make AIR MILES redemption. The fewer points you spend, the more you’ll have to use later. And the easiest way to accumulate those points is with a BMO AIR MILES credit card.
Read more: Best AIR MILES credit cards for 2024
Disclosures
This post was not sponsored. The views and opinions expressed in this review are purely my own.
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information
*Terms and conditions apply
Hannah Logan is a Canadian freelancer writer and blogger who specializes in personal finance and travel. You can follow her adventures on her travel blog EatSleepBreatheTravel.com or find her on Instagram @hannahlogan21.
Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk.
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