Daniela Hanna
The BMO AIR MILES® World Elite® Mastercard® is built for Canadians who still actively collect AIR MILES and want to squeeze strong value out of the program. It earns accelerated miles on groceries and gas/transport, includes a generous ongoing earn rate on everything else, and layers on premium perks like Mastercard Travel Pass airport lounge access, two free annual lounge visits and solid travel insurance. You also typically get a sizeable welcome bonus plus a first-year annual fee rebate, making it a compelling first-year play for AIR MILES fans and a solid long-term keeper if you fly, drive and shop with AIR MILES partners regularly.
Quick highlights
- 🎁 Welcome offer with a large AIR MILES bonus when you meet minimum spend requirements, plus a first-year annual fee rebate for the primary cardholder (offer details change over time).
- 🛒 Earn 3× the Miles for every $12 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners, including many grocery and everyday merchants.
- ⛽ Earn 2× the Miles for every $12 spent at eligible gas stations and on transit purchases like local transportation and rideshares.
- 💳 Earn 1 Mile for every $12 spent on all other eligible purchases.
- 🛫 Includes Mastercard Travel Pass membership with two complimentary lounge visits per year through DragonPass.
- ✈️ Strong travel insurance including emergency medical, trip cancellation and interruption, flight and baggage delay, and car rental collision/loss damage insurance.
- ⭐ Unlock or help maintain Onyx Collector status within AIR MILES, which comes with extra program perks and offers.
Why we like the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard
If you’re still deep in the AIR MILES ecosystem and shop regularly with partners, this card is effectively the program’s flagship credit card in Canada. It hits the essentials: accelerated earn on partner and grocery spend, a solid multiplier on gas and transit, and a respectable base earn rate on everything else. Layer in an often-generous welcome offer (typically a big chunk of bonus Miles plus a first-year fee rebate), and the first year value can be extremely compelling.
What really sets it apart from lower-tier AIR MILES cards is the premium benefits package: Mastercard Travel Pass with two complimentary lounge visits per year, comprehensive travel insurance, car rental coverage, and their top Onyx-level program perks when your collecting activity qualifies. For collectors who know how to redeem AIR MILES well — especially for flights and travel or high-value in-store Cash redemptions — this card can drive a lot of everyday value.
Stand-out features
- ✅ Big welcome offer (Miles + first-year fee rebate) that significantly boosts first-year value, especially if you hit the spend thresholds.
- ✅ 3× Miles on eligible purchases at participating AIR MILES Partners, including many grocery and everyday merchants.
- ✅ 2× Miles on gas and transit, helping you earn more on commuting and road trips.
- ✅ 1× Mile per $12 on everything else, keeping miles trickling in even outside partner categories.
- ✅ Mastercard Travel Pass membership plus two free airport lounge visits per year, with pay-per-use pricing after that.
- ✅ Onyx Collector status for high-volume collectors, unlocking better offers and service within AIR MILES.
- ✅ Comprehensive travel insurance, including emergency medical, trip cancellation and interruption, flight delay, baggage coverage and more.
Good to know
- ⚠️ The AIR MILES program has gone through changes in recent years; its value is still good in specific redemptions but isn’t as universally loved as it once was.
- ⚠️ The exact welcome offer (Miles and fee rebate) changes frequently — always check current terms before applying.
- ⚠️ The annual fee is $120, and additional cards typically cost extra, so you’ll want to use the perks and earn to justify that cost.
- ⚠️ To get maximum value, you generally need to shop at AIR MILES Partners regularly, not just anywhere.
- ⚠️ As a World Elite Mastercard, there’s usually a minimum personal or household income requirement you’ll need to meet.
Pros
- Strong earning power for AIR MILES collectors: 3× on partners/groceries, 2× on gas and transit, and 1× on everything else.
- Welcome offer with a large AIR MILES bonus and a first-year annual fee rebate makes the first year especially attractive.
- Includes Mastercard Travel Pass with two free lounge visits per year, a valuable perk for travellers.
- Comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency medical, trip cancellation and interruption, flight delays and baggage issues.
- Onyx Collector-related benefits and better earning opportunities within the AIR MILES ecosystem.
- Widely accepted Mastercard network across Canada and abroad.
Cons
- Program risk: AIR MILES has seen turbulence and partner changes, which can make some collectors hesitant to fully commit.
- Best value is tied to AIR MILES Partners — if you don’t shop at them frequently, you won’t fully benefit from the 3× multiplier.
- The annual fee of $120 (plus any supplementary card fees) requires consistent use of the card and perks.
- No broad bonus for categories like dining or recurring bills; the focus is on AIR MILES Partners, groceries, gas and transit.
- If you prefer straightforward cash-back or flexible bank points, AIR MILES redemptions can feel less intuitive.
- High interest rates mean carrying a balance will quickly wipe out the value of the miles and perks you earn.
Rewards program
The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard earns AIR MILES Reward Miles, which can be used in two main “flavours”: Cash Miles for in-store or online discounts at participating partners, and Dream Miles for travel, experiences, merchandise and more. When you apply for the card or manage your AIR MILES account, you can choose how your Miles are allocated between Cash and Dream balances.
- 3× the Miles for every $12 spent at eligible AIR MILES Partners, including many grocery stores and other everyday merchants in the network.
- 2× the Miles for every $12 spent at eligible gas stations and on local transit and rideshare purchases.
- 1 Mile for every $12 spent on all other eligible card purchases.
- Welcome offer: typically a sizable bonus bundle of AIR MILES when you meet set minimum spend thresholds in the first few months, plus a first-year fee rebate for the primary cardholder (exact details change periodically).
- Onyx benefits: high-volume collectors can access Onyx-level perks (better service, offers and occasional redemption opportunities) within the AIR MILES program.
How to maximize rewards
-
Hit the welcome offer thresholds.
Check the current welcome offer details before applying, then plan your first few months of spending to meet the minimum spend requirements. This is usually where you’ll see the biggest burst of value from the card. -
Prioritize AIR MILES Partners and groceries.
Use this card first at eligible AIR MILES Partners and grocery stores to take advantage of the 3× earn rate. When in doubt, look up whether a merchant is an AIR MILES Partner before big purchases. -
Use it for gas and transit.
Make the BMO AIR MILES World Elite your default card for fuel, transit passes and rideshares. The 2× earn rate here can add up quickly if you commute regularly. -
Stack with in-store AIR MILES offers.
When shopping at partners, you can often receive AIR MILES twice: once from your purchases as a Collector and once from your credit card spend. Combine digital coupons, in-store promos and this card’s multipliers to turbocharge your Miles earn. -
Plan your lounge visits.
Make sure you use both complimentary annual lounge visits through Mastercard Travel Pass — they’re a significant part of the card’s premium value. If you don’t fly much, consider whether a lower-fee card might suit you better. -
Be thoughtful about Cash vs Dream Miles.
If you like instant savings, lean more into Cash Miles; if you’re saving for a bigger trip, prioritize Dream Miles. You can adjust your earn split in your AIR MILES account settings. -
Review partner list and promos regularly.
The AIR MILES ecosystem evolves, with partners changing and promotions rotating. Keeping an eye on new offers can significantly boost how many Miles you earn without extra spending.
Insurance & benefits
Included coverage
- Out-of-province/country emergency medical insurance for eligible cardholders and their families for trips up to a specified length, with coverage limits that can reach into the millions of dollars.
- Trip cancellation insurance that can reimburse non-refundable, prepaid travel costs when you need to cancel for covered reasons prior to departure.
- Trip interruption insurance that can help with extra costs and unused travel expenses if your trip is cut short or disrupted due to a covered event.
- Flight delay insurance to cover reasonable expenses such as meals and accommodations when flights are delayed beyond a defined period.
- Delayed and lost baggage insurance covering essentials for delayed bags and reimbursement for lost, stolen or damaged baggage while in transit with a common carrier.
- Car rental collision/loss damage insurance when you charge the full cost of an eligible rental vehicle to your card and decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW.
- Travel accident insurance that provides coverage in the event of accidental death or serious injury while travelling on a covered common carrier.
- Purchase protection that covers many new purchases against theft or accidental damage for a limited period (typically up to 90 days from the date of purchase).
- Extended warranty that can double the original manufacturer’s warranty on eligible items up to a maximum additional period (often up to one extra year).
Travel & lifestyle perks
- Mastercard Travel Pass membership (DragonPass) with two complimentary airport lounge visits per year and access to a global network of lounges on a pay-per-visit basis after that.
- Premium World Elite Mastercard perks including concierge services, curated offers and access to Priceless Experiences.
- AIR MILES Onyx Collector benefits for high-volume collectors, such as enhanced service and special offers within the AIR MILES program.
- Discounts and offers through BMO and AIR MILES partners, adding extra value to everyday shopping and travel.
- Fraud protection and Zero Liability for unauthorized transactions when you meet cardholder responsibilities.
- Contactless and mobile wallet support for easy tap-and-go or smartphone payments.
All insurance benefits are subject to eligibility criteria, limitations, exclusions, maximums and conditions set out in the official certificates of insurance. Always read those documents carefully before relying on coverage or travelling outside your home province or territory.
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $120 for the primary cardholder. First-year rebates are often available as part of the welcome offer, but they can change over time. |
|---|---|
| Additional cards | Supplementary card fees typically apply for authorized users; check current pricing at the time you apply. |
| Purchase APR | 20.99% on purchases (a slightly different rate may apply in Quebec and in cases of missed payments). |
| Cash advance APR | 23.99% on cash advances and cash-like transactions (often 21.99% in Quebec), with interest accruing immediately. |
| Foreign transaction fee | A typical fee (around 2.5%) is charged on purchases made in foreign currencies after conversion to Canadian dollars. |
| Grace period | At least a 21-day interest-free grace period on new purchases when you pay your statement balance in full by the due date. No grace period applies to cash advances. |
| Minimum payment | Generally the greater of a fixed dollar amount or a small percentage of the outstanding balance, plus any past-due or over-limit amounts, as outlined in your cardholder agreement. |
| Income requirement | As a World Elite Mastercard, you’ll typically need to meet a minimum personal or household income threshold to qualify; check current requirements when you apply. |
Best for
- ✈️ AIR MILES collectors who already understand the program and redeem Miles regularly for travel or in-store savings.
- 🛒 Shoppers who frequently visit AIR MILES Partners, especially major grocery chains and everyday retailers in the network.
- ⛽ Drivers and commuters who spend meaningfully on gas and transit and want to earn extra Miles from that everyday spend.
- 🛫 Travellers who value premium perks like airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance.
- 💳 Cardholders with solid income and credit who can qualify for World Elite status and pay off their balance in full each month.
Where it falls short
- Program uncertainty: AIR MILES has had ups and downs, which may make some people more comfortable with flexible bank points or cash-back instead.
- The best earning rates depend on AIR MILES Partners — if you don’t shop with them, your earn rate drops toward the base 1 Mile per $12.
- No no-FX feature; you still pay foreign transaction fees on non-Canadian dollar purchases.
- The annual fee and supplementary fees require you to actively use the lounge access, insurance and partner multipliers to justify the cost.
- If you prefer ultra-simple rewards, juggling Cash vs Dream Miles and partner offers can feel like extra homework.
- Like most credit cards, carrying a balance at 20.99–23.99% interest is expensive and eats into any rewards earned.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“We’re longtime AIR MILES collectors and this card is the engine that keeps our balances growing. Between grocery, gas and partner offers, we earn enough Miles every year to cover a few short-haul flights or a good chunk of a bigger trip.”
“The lounge passes and travel insurance make travelling feel more ‘premium’, even though the fee is reasonable compared with other top-tier cards.”
Critiques
“When AIR MILES partners shifted around, it made the program feel less stable. I still get value, but I’m more cautious about hoarding a big balance.”
“If your grocery store or main shops aren’t AIR MILES Partners, it’s harder to justify this card over a good cash-back product.”
Community insights
In Canadian points circles, the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard is considered the flagship AIR MILES card. Collectors who are committed to the ecosystem and know how to navigate partner offers, in-store promos and Cash vs Dream strategies can get very strong value from it — especially when combined with the welcome offer and first-year fee rebate.
At the same time, many enthusiasts hedge by also holding a flexible bank points or cash-back card, given AIR MILES’ history of partner churn and structural changes. The consensus tends to be: if you love AIR MILES and especially if your main grocery or gas merchants are partners, this card is a powerful choice; if you’re on the fence about the program itself, you might lean toward a more flexible alternative instead.
AI review (straight talk)
This card makes the most sense if you already collect AIR MILES and feel comfortable using the program. In that world, the BMO AIR MILES World Elite is almost a no-brainer: the earn rates line up with normal spending patterns, the welcome offer plus fee rebate turbocharges year one, and the lounge access and insurance perks are genuinely useful for frequent travellers.
If, however, you don’t shop at AIR MILES Partners very often, or you’re wary of potential changes in the program, the picture is different. You might get simpler, more predictable value from a high-earn cash-back card or a flexible travel product tied to bank points. So the key question is: do you see AIR MILES as your main rewards “home base”? If yes, this card deserves a top spot on your shortlist. If no, it’s worth comparing it closely with broader travel rewards options before you commit.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Categories / Earn | Other Purchases | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard | $120 | 3× Miles at AIR MILES Partners; 2× on gas and transit | 1 Mile per $12 | Welcome offer + fee rebate, lounge access, strong travel insurance, Onyx perks | Committed AIR MILES collectors who travel and shop at partners |
| BMO AIR MILES Mastercard (no fee) | $0 | Lower AIR MILES earn at partners | Lower base earn | No annual fee, basic earning, fewer perks | Light AIR MILES users who don’t need premium perks |
| General bank-points travel card | $0–$150 | 2–4× on common categories like groceries, dining and travel | 1–2× base | Flexible points, often strong welcome bonus and good insurance | Travellers who want flexibility beyond a single coalition program |
| Cash-back World Elite card | $0–$150 | Up to 3–5% cash back in key categories | 1–2% base | Simple cash-back rewards, sometimes with travel perks and insurance | Users who prefer straightforward cash rather than AIR MILES |
FAQ
What is the annual fee for the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard?
The annual fee is $120 for the primary cardholder. Supplementary cards usually carry an additional fee. Many promotions include a first-year annual fee rebate, but this can change, so it’s important to check the current offer.
What kind of welcome bonus does this card offer?
The welcome offer typically includes a
How does the earn rate work?
You earn 3× the Miles for every $12 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners, 2× the Miles for every $12 spent at eligible gas stations and on transit, and 1 Mile for every $12 spent on all other eligible purchases. Partner and category eligibility can change, so it’s worth periodically checking the list of AIR MILES Partners.
How can I redeem the AIR MILES I earn?
AIR MILES can be redeemed as Cash Miles for in-store or online discounts at participating partners, or as Dream Miles for flights, hotels, car rentals, attractions, events and merchandise. You can adjust how your earn is split between Cash and Dream in your AIR MILES settings.
Does the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard include travel insurance?
Yes. The card includes a suite of travel insurance benefits such as out-of-province emergency medical coverage for eligible travellers, trip cancellation and interruption, flight delay, delayed and lost baggage, travel accident insurance and rental car collision/loss damage coverage, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions in the insurance certificates.
What airport lounge benefits come with this card?
Cardholders receive Mastercard Travel Pass membership (powered by DragonPass), along with two complimentary airport lounge visits per year. Additional visits are available for a per-visit fee. The passes can be used at participating lounges worldwide.
Is there a minimum income requirement for this card?
As a World Elite Mastercard, the BMO AIR MILES World Elite typically requires you to meet a minimum personal or household income threshold, in addition to BMO’s overall credit criteria. Check current requirements at the time you apply.
Who should consider the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard?
This card is a good fit for Canadians who actively collect AIR MILES, shop regularly at AIR MILES Partners, travel enough to use lounge access and insurance, and prefer a coalition program structure over pure cash-back or flexible bank points.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard is a strong choice for dedicated AIR MILES collectors. It offers competitive earn rates in everyday categories, a potentially rich welcome offer, premium perks like lounge access and robust travel insurance, and the ability to accelerate your path to higher-tier program benefits. For the right type of cardholder, the annual fee is easy to justify.
However, the card’s value is tightly linked to the AIR MILES ecosystem. If you don’t shop at partners or feel uneasy about the program’s stability, you may prefer a flexible bank-points or cash-back alternative instead. As long as you understand those trade-offs and like what AIR MILES offers, this card can be an excellent main rewards driver for your wallet.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.2 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 4.3 / 5 — very strong for collectors who maximize AIR MILES partners and promos. |
| Benefits & protections | 4.4 / 5 — lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance and Onyx-level perks. |
| Fees & costs | 3.9 / 5 — annual fee is reasonable if you use the perks and welcome offer, but not the cheapest. |
| Ease of approval | 3.8 / 5 — income requirements and premium criteria mean it’s aimed at mid-to-higher income Canadians. |
