The Bank of Montreal (BMO) issues credit cards under two distinct travel loyalty programs: the proprietary BMO Rewards program and the partner-based AIR MILES Reward Program. Earning points on your daily purchases is straightforward, but understanding exactly how many points you need and the precise mechanics of redeeming them for flights is where Canadian travellers truly maximize their financial value.
Because these programs operate on completely different valuation models, there is no single answer to how many points a flight costs. BMO Rewards utilizes a dynamic cash-value system where points translate directly to dollars off any available flight. In contrast, BMO AIR MILES credit cards earn miles that must be redeemed through a specific zone-based chart for flights, meaning the cost fluctuates based on your destination and the season.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| BMO Rewards Value | 15,000 BMO Rewards points = $100 towards travel. |
| AIR MILES (Dream) | Flight costs vary based on distance and low/high season. |
| Redemption Portal | bmorewards.com or airmiles.ca. |
| Taxes and Fees | Can be paid with points (BMO Rewards) or cash/credit. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Redeeming Points for Flights
- Identify Your Program: Check your credit card. If you have a BMO Ascend or Eclipse card, you earn BMO Rewards. If you have a BMO AIR MILES card, you earn AIR MILES.
- Log In Securely: For BMO Rewards, log into bmorewards.com using your BMO Online Banking credentials. For AIR MILES, log into airmiles.ca using your collector number.
- Search Flights: Navigate to the Travel tab and enter your departure city, destination, and travel dates into the booking engine.
- Select and Pay: Choose your preferred flight. For BMO Rewards, apply your points at a rate of 150 points per $1 at checkout. For AIR MILES, select a flight eligible for your current Dream Miles balance and pay the remaining taxes with your BMO credit card.
Pro-Tip: If you are using BMO Rewards, there are absolutely no blackout dates or airline restrictions. Because you are essentially using points as cash, you can book any flight that is publicly available for sale. For AIR MILES, always try to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance, as seat availability for Dream Rewards is strictly allocated by the airlines.
Troubleshooting Common Redemption Pain Points
- MFA Verification Delays: When logging into the BMO Rewards portal, you will be prompted for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). If the SMS short-code is delayed, click the option to have the passcode sent to your registered email address to prevent your session from timing out.
- Browser Errors on Booking Engines: Travel booking portals connect to multiple global airline databases simultaneously. If the flight search screen freezes or returns a blank page, temporarily disable your ad-blockers and VPN, then clear your browser cache before trying again.
- Locked Account ID: Entering your password incorrectly multiple times on either platform will trigger a security lock. For BMO Rewards, you must call the number on the back of your credit card. For AIR MILES, you must use the automated reset tool on their website or call their specific collector support line.
Efficiency Hack for Partial Redemptions
You do not need enough points to cover the entire cost of a flight to travel immediately. BMO Rewards allows for flexible partial redemptions. You can use your points to cover a portion of the airfare (e.g., $300 worth of points) and simply charge the remaining balance to your BMO credit card. This allows you to leverage your rewards instantly rather than waiting years to save up for a fully "free" flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert BMO Rewards to AIR MILES?
No, the BMO Rewards program and the AIR MILES Reward Program are entirely separate entities. You cannot transfer points between the two programs, nor can you combine them to book a single flight.
Do I have to pay taxes and fees on reward flights?
If you use BMO Rewards, you can use your points to cover the entire cost of the ticket, including all taxes and airport fees. If you use AIR MILES, you typically must pay the taxes and airline surcharges out of pocket using your credit card.
