Lena Hayes
Looking for a no-fee way to collect AIR MILES on your everyday spending? The BMO AIR MILES Mastercard earns miles on groceries, wholesale clubs, liquor stores, and AIR MILES Partners — plus Shell fuel savings and automatic Gold status. A straightforward, low-cost way to rack up rewards for flights, merchandise or cash miles.
Quick highlights
- 💸 $0 annual fee with everyday AIR MILES earning.
- 🛒 Earn faster on groceries, wholesale clubs, and liquor stores.
- ⛽ Save 3¢/L at Shell and earn Miles twice at AIR MILES Partners.
- 🌟 Automatic AIR MILES Gold status for enhanced redemptions.
Why we like the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard
This card makes it easy to earn AIR MILES without paying an annual fee. You’ll collect Miles on everyday purchases and even more at AIR MILES Partners. The Shell fuel discount and automatic Gold status add real-world value for loyal collectors.
Stand-out features
- ✅ No annual fee — keep more of your rewards.
- ✅ Extra Miles on groceries, wholesale clubs and liquor stores.
- ✅ Double Miles at AIR MILES Partners when you show your collector card.
- ✅ Fuel discount and bonus earn at Shell stations nationwide.
Good to know
- ⚠️ No travel or mobile insurance included on this tier.
- ⚠️ Foreign transaction fee of 2.5% applies.
- ⚠️ AIR MILES redemption value can vary based on reward type.
Pros
- $0 annual fee and automatic Gold status offer strong entry value.
- Bonus earn on groceries, wholesale clubs and alcohol retailers.
- Double Miles at AIR MILES Partners with collector card.
- Shell fuel savings of 3¢/L plus Miles on purchases.
Cons
- Limited insurance benefits — none for travel or mobile devices.
- Rewards restricted to AIR MILES ecosystem.
- 2.5% foreign transaction fee on non-CAD purchases.
Rewards program (what you earn)
Earn AIR MILES on every purchase and accelerate your balance at key categories:
- 💳 3 Miles per $25 spent on groceries, wholesale clubs, and liquor retailers.
- 💠 2× Miles at AIR MILES Partner stores and online shops.
- 💵 1 Mile per $25 everywhere else.
How to maximize rewards
- Shop at AIR MILES Partners and show your collector card before paying with this card for double Miles.
- Use it for groceries and Shell fuel to hit bonus categories frequently.
- Stack offers from AIR MILES promotions for seasonal boosts.
- Redeem for travel or experiences to maximize Mile value.
Insurance & benefits (summary)
This no-fee card focuses on rewards rather than insurance. Always read issuer certificates for coverage details and limits.
Included protections
- 🛍️ Purchase protection (90 days typical)
- 🕑 Extended warranty (up to 1 extra year)
Not included on this tier
- ❌ Travel medical or trip insurance
- ❌ Mobile device protection
- ❌ Rental car collision coverage
Rates & fees (quick sheet)
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | ~20.99% (variable) |
| Cash advance APR | ~22.99% |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% |
| Grace period | 21 days on new purchases when paid in full |
Verify current rates and terms with BMO before applying.
Best uses & who it’s for
- 🍁 Canadians who regularly shop at AIR MILES Partners or grocery/wholesale stores.
- 🚗 Drivers who buy gas at Shell and want to save while earning Miles.
- 🎓 Students or newcomers looking for a no-fee starter rewards card.
- 🏠 Families collecting AIR MILES for future travel or merchandise.
Where it falls short
- No travel or mobile-device insurance.
- Foreign-currency purchases add a 2.5 % fee.
- AIR MILES redemption flexibility is more limited than cash-back programs.
Customer reviews
Summary of common user impressions.
What people like
“No annual fee and easy to collect AIR MILES at Metro and Shell.”
“Gold status really helps when redeeming for travel.”
“Perfect starter card for everyday use.”
Common complaints
“Wish it offered better insurance coverage.”
“AIR MILES redemptions can be confusing.”
“2.5 % FX fee is a downside for travel.”
Aggregate sentiment : 4.3 / 5 for value; 3.4 / 5 for perks; 4.2 / 5 for ease of use.
Community insights (Canadian points chatter)
Among Canadian credit-card fans, this BMO card is praised as an easy, no-fee entry into the AIR MILES world. Most agree it’s great for grocery and Shell spending, though advanced collectors often pair it with the BMO AIR MILES World Elite for higher earn rates and insurance.
AI review (straight talk)
The BMO AIR MILES Mastercard is a balanced starter card. It’s ideal for everyday Canadian spending, offering value at common retailers without charging a fee. The trade-off: limited insurance and redemption flexibility. If you’re focused on AIR MILES accumulation rather than travel perks, it’s an excellent fit.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Grocery / Gas | Everywhere Else | Foreign Fee | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMO AIR MILES Mastercard | $0 | 3 Miles / $25 | 1 Mile / $25 | 2.5 % | Gold status, Shell discounts | AIR MILES collectors, everyday spenders |
| BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard | $120 | 1 Mile / $12 | 1 Mile / $12 | 2.5 % | Comprehensive insurance, higher earn | Frequent travellers, premium rewards seekers |
| Scotiabank Scene+ Visa | $0 | 2 pts / $1 on groceries | 1 pt / $1 | 2.5 % | Flexible redemptions, travel partners | Casual spenders wanting flexibility |
Always verify current offers and terms with issuers.
FAQ
Does the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard have an annual fee?
No — it’s completely free.
What’s the earn rate?
3 Miles per $25 at grocery, wholesale and liquor stores; 2× Miles at AIR MILES Partners; 1 Mile per $25 elsewhere.
Are there travel benefits?
Not on this version — the World Elite variant adds travel insurance and airport perks.
Is there a foreign transaction fee?
Yes, 2.5 % on foreign-currency purchases.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take The BMO AIR MILES Mastercard is a dependable, no-fee way to collect AIR MILES in Canada. It’s ideal for everyday spending, especially at grocery stores, Shell and other partners. Not a travel powerhouse, but a solid fit for value-focused Canadians.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.1 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 4.0 / 5 — strong partner earn, moderate elsewhere |
| Benefits & protections | 3.2 / 5 — limited coverage on this tier |
| Fees & costs | 4.8 / 5 — no annual fee; standard FX rate |
| Ease of approval | 4.4 / 5 — broad accessibility |
