Air Miles is one of Canada's oldest loyalty programs, operating since 1992 with over 11 million active collector accounts. The program splits into two currencies: Dream Miles (for flights and experiences) and Cash Miles (for instant in-store redemptions). This guide covers the full Air Miles ecosystem — how to earn, which BMO cards accelerate earning, and whether Air Miles is still worth collecting in 2026.
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Use KOHO for non-Air Miles categories and keep your cashback simple.
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Air Miles — Dream Miles vs Cash Miles
| Currency | Value | Best Use | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dream Miles | ~$0.085–0.125/mile | Flights, hotels, experiences | 5 years from earn date |
| Cash Miles | 95 Cash Miles = $10 | In-store at Shell, Metro, Sobeys | No expiry |
Air Miles Partners (Major)
| Partner | Earn Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shell Canada gas stations | 1 mile per $40 spent | Also stacks with Shell GoCar program |
| Metro (Ontario) | 1 mile per $20 spent | Plus grocery partner bonus events |
| Sobeys / IGA / Safeway | 1 mile per $20 spent | Empire partner |
| Rexall | 1 mile per $10 spent | Best pharmacy earn rate |
| LCBO (Ontario) | 1 mile per $10 spent | Useful for Ontario residents |
| Home Hardware | 1 mile per $20 | Home improvement |
Best BMO Cards for Air Miles
| Card | Air Miles Earn | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMO Air Miles World Elite MC | 3x at Air Miles partners + 2x elsewhere | $120 | Maximizing Air Miles |
| BMO Air Miles Mastercard | 1x at partners | $0 | No-fee collection |
| BMO Air Miles Mastercard (No fee) | 1x at partners | $0 | Starter option |
Is Air Miles Still Worth It in 2026?
Air Miles has faced headwinds in recent years — program devaluations, expiry of miles, and the rise of more flexible programs like Aeroplan, Scene+, and PC Optimum. However, it still offers genuine value for specific shopper profiles:
- Shell gas loyalists: Collecting Air Miles at Shell stacks efficiently with a BMO Air Miles card.
- Ontario Metro shoppers: Metro remains a strong Air Miles partner with bonus events.
- Cash Miles users: The 95 Cash Miles = $10 redemption is straightforward and reliable.
- Rexall pharmacy shoppers: High earn rate (1 per $10) makes Rexall the best pharmacy for Air Miles.
For most Canadians who primarily shop at Loblaw (PC Optimum) or Sobeys (Scene+), Air Miles is no longer the primary program worth optimizing. But for Metro/Rexall/Shell regulars, it still provides meaningful returns.
Air Miles Strategy for 2026
- Use Cash Miles for instant in-store redemptions (reliable 1.05¢/mile value)
- Save Dream Miles for flights (0.085–0.125¢/mile — better than Cash if redeemed well)
- Stack BMO Air Miles World Elite MC (2x non-partner) with all Shell/Metro/Rexall visits
- Consider whether Scene+ or PC Optimum better serves your primary grocery store