We all love a good deal—especially when it rewards us just for living our everyday lives. Enter the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard, a card that gives your usual spending habits a rewarding twist. Whether you’re gassing up the car, grabbing groceries, or shopping at your favorite brands, this card is designed to help you rack up miles that actually mean something.

It’s not just about stacking points; it’s about what those points can do. Want to shave some bucks off your next grocery trip? Or maybe book a dreamy weekend getaway? With the AIR MILES program, you can turn routine purchases into real-life rewards. And with a welcome bonus that gets you a running start, the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard feels more like a fast track than a credit card.

Key Information about the Credit Card

Issued by the trusted Bank of Montreal, the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard is a great fit for anyone who wants a little more back from their spending—whether you’re a student budgeting your first apartment or a family manager organizing monthly grocery hauls. It’s simple to use, rich in perks, and works like a charm with one of Canada’s most popular loyalty programs: AIR MILES.

You can expect a no-fuss experience with online banking tools, detailed spending insights, and plenty of added security features. The card caters to savvy shoppers, busy travelers, and anyone who wants a smarter way to earn while they spend. While it boasts quite a few impressive advantages, the real charm is how it folds rewards seamlessly into your day-to-day.

How Does the Annual Fee Work?

Surprise: this card comes with a price tag of exactly zero. That’s right—no annual fee. You won’t pay a dime just for having it in your wallet, which already gives it a leg up over many other rewards cards that ask for yearly fees in exchange for their perks. Despite its zero-cost entry, the card still gives you access to bonus miles, partner deals, and special discounts—making it ideal for users who want all the benefits without any financial commitment just to keep the card active.

How Is the Credit Limit Determined?

Your credit limit won’t be one-size-fits-all—and that’s a good thing. When you apply, BMO takes a full look at your financial health to tailor a limit that works for you. They’ll ask about your income, job status, housing situation (rent or mortgage), and your existing financial obligations.

Credit Card Benefits

• Welcome Bonus: Snag 1,200 bonus AIR MILES right out of the gate—that’s $120 in AIR MILES Cash.
• Triple Miles at Partners: Earn 3 Miles for every $25 spent at AIR MILES partners.
• Double Miles at Grocery Stores: Get 2 Miles for every $25 at eligible grocery retailers.
• Miles Everywhere Else: Earn 1 Mile per $25 on all other purchases.
• Shell Fuel Savings: Save up to 7¢ per litre at Shell stations across Canada.
• Car Rental Discounts: Get up to 20% off at National and Alamo, and up to 5% at Enterprise.
• Entertainment Perks: Enjoy discounts on Cirque du Soleil shows—20% off in Canada and 15% off in Las Vegas.

Standout Advantage

Let’s talk game-changer: the freedom to use your AIR MILES in ways that actually matter to you. Some programs lock you into specific reward paths, but not here. With the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard, you get three major redemption options—Dream, Travel, and Cash.

Disadvantages

• High Interest Rates: The standard purchase APR sits at 21.99% and goes even higher for cash advances.
• Limited Grocery Partners: Not every grocery store qualifies for double miles—check before you swipe.
• Low Earning Rate on General Purchases: You only earn 1 Mile per $25 on non-partner purchases.
• Balance Transfer Fee: There’s a 2% fee for the introductory 0.99% balance transfer offer.
• AIR MILES Program Limits: Not all stores or experiences accept AIR MILES redemptions, which could limit how you use your points.

Standout Disadvantage

The biggest downside? The steep interest rates. While you might never plan to carry a balance, life happens—and if you do, that 21.99% APR (or 23.99% for cash advances) can snowball quickly. For users who aren’t able to pay off their balance in full every month, interest could easily outpace the rewards earned.

Who Can Apply for This Card?

To apply, you’ll need to be the age of majority in your province or territory, have a Canadian address, and provide details like your SIN, contact info, income source, housing costs, and employment status. BMO wants to see a stable financial background, so the more thorough and honest your application, the smoother the process will be.

How to Apply for BMO AIR MILES Mastercard

Thinking this card might be the one? Good call. The application process is refreshingly easy and tailored to your style. Whether you’re a fan of doing things digitally or prefer some personal guidance, there’s a route that fits. But don’t click away just yet—we’re about to break down exactly how you can apply for your BMO AIR MILES Mastercard.

Via Website

Applying online is quick, secure, and takes just a few minutes. Go to BMO’s official site, locate the AIR MILES Mastercard page, and click “Apply Now.” You’ll be prompted to provide key info: your name, date of birth, income sources, housing costs, and SIN.

The site uses encrypted forms, so your personal data stays safe. Most applicants receive a response within 60 seconds, which means you won’t be left in suspense. Once approved, your card will be mailed out, and you can start using it as soon as it arrives.

Via the App

Prefer mobile? BMO’s banking app is super user-friendly. After downloading it from the App Store or Google Play, create an account or log in. From there, navigate to credit cards and select the AIR MILES Mastercard. You can apply right from your phone, upload your documents, and even track your application status in real time. Plus, once your card is approved and activated, you’ll be able to manage everything—from checking transactions to locking your card—within the same app.

In-Branch

If face-to-face is more your speed, BMO has physical branches across Canada where you can apply in person. Make an appointment or walk in with your documents ready: government ID, proof of address, and income verification. A bank representative will guide you through the process and answer any questions.