The Air Miles Frequent Flyer program is the largest loyalty program in Canada with over 9 million members, which makes it a bit surprising that the only two issuers competing for a foothold in the market are AMEX and BMO. And though collectors could benefit from a few more credit cards with airmiles partnerships jumping into the fray, there are still exceptionally valuable offers on…offer.
| Rank | Card | Points | Rate | Fee | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 2,000 | 1=$10 | $120 | Apply NowReview |
| 2 |  | 500 | 1=$20 | $0 | Apply Now |
| 3 |  | 2,000 | 1=$15 | $65 | Apply NowReview |
| 4 |  | 2,400 | 1=$15 | $299 | Apply Now |
| 5 |  | 500 | 1=$20 | $0 | Apply Now |
| 6 |  | 500 | 1=$20 | $0 | Apply Now |
| 7 |  | 500 | 1=$20 | $0 | Apply Now |
Free Miles, Free Points oh my!
On the fee-free side, we recommend getting started with any of the BMO credit cards, which give you 500 free miles (or the equivalent of $10,000 spend on your credit card) just for signing up, no spend required. If you want to really work the system, you can grab a few of the fee free cards and wrack up a ton of free points.
However, if you are willing to shell out an annual fee,you can get 2000 points – which is good for a free flight – on both the AMEX platinum or the BMO world elite.
Yes, this is a bit more expensive than we would like. For slightly more than half the price, one might argue, you can get the AMEX Platinum which offers the same 2000 points. Well, allow us to retort – indeed you pay twice the annual fee, but those 2000 points are immediately yours whereas the AMEX requires $1,500 in spend within three months.Moreover, the earning potential on the BMO dwarfs all comers – 1 point per $10 is excellent Air Miles value – one-third better than the AMEX as a matter of fact. However, what really separates this guy from the pack is the exclusive 25% discount on flight redemptions anywhere in North America for BMO World Elite card holders. For collectors, this is a dream.
Additionally, you get a priority pass membership and two free passes per year, which is worth over $150 a year in and of itself.
An AirMiles Giant Amongst Airmiles Men
Add to this a comprehensive insurance package including medical, trip cancellation and rental collision damage waiver and you have got a firecracker of an Air Miles card, easily the best Air Miles credit card in Canada.
No-fee AirMiles Credit Cards
If you are a student then the BMO SPC card is a no brainer. You get 10-15% off purchases at many popular stores – think the Gap, Banana Republic, tons of restaurants, etc. – and you get it as part and parcel of the card, no need to pay the standard annual SPC card fee.
First 3 months get 3x the miles
No-fee and no-spend requirement
One point per $15-20
No annual fee
Closing Balance
Anyhoo, we know the BMO has a higher annual fee, but man, it sure does separate itself from the pack. It is the go-to card for spending based on its earn rate, and that 25% discount on flights has us screaming hallelujah. Aside from that you have got a bunch of no fee cards that offer 500 points on sign up – I guess the question is, why would you not take the points they are giving you?
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