BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard (formerly BMO AIR MILES Mastercard): A Complete Guide to Canada’s Everyday Rewards Credit Card

The BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard®* (formerly BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®*) stands out as an accessible rewards credit card crafted for Canadians who want to earn Blue Points on their daily purchases without paying an annual fee. It pairs BMO, one of Canada’s oldest financial institutions, with Blue Rewards (formerly AIR MILES®†), which lets members redeem points for travel, merchandise, and eGift Cards. The card’s accelerated everyday earning, purchase protections, and absence of annual fee make it well suited for those new to credit or seeking a low-cost way to earn everyday rewards.

This card is designed to help you unlock value from routine spending—whether that’s filling up at the gas station, grabbing coffee, or purchasing groceries. Its simplicity and inclusion of added consumer protections, such as purchase protection and extended warranty, boost its appeal beyond just the rewards. Read on to discover a comprehensive analysis including who this card is ideal for, the card’s features, costs, the application process, and how to maximize its benefits.

Benefits of the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard®* (formerly BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®*)

The BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard®* delivers several practical features and protections for cardholders.

• No annual fee – Enjoy rewards and benefits with no yearly cost, and add an extra cardholder for free.
• 10x the Points at Blue Rewards Partners – 5 Blue Points for every $1 spent at participating Blue Rewards Partners, including travel booked through Blue Rewards Travel, powered by Expedia.
• 2x the Points on everyday essentials – 1 Blue Point for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, electric vehicle charging, wholesale and alcohol purchases.
• Points on everything else – 0.5 Blue Points for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
• Purchase protection coverage – Protects eligible items against loss, theft, or damage for a defined period after purchase.
• Extended warranty on eligible purchases – Extends the original manufacturer’s warranty on eligible items (see the Certificate of Insurance for details).
• Exclusive cardholder offers – Blue Rewards offers at participating brands, plus BMO cardholder discounts such as savings on Cirque du Soleil shows and on National, Alamo and Enterprise car rentals.

Additional features may include zero liability protection for unauthorized transactions and digital banking tools via the BMO app or online banking.

Prerequisites for Applying

To apply for the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard®*, applicants should generally:

• Be a Canadian resident and age of majority in your province or territory (18 or 19+).
• Have a credit history that meets BMO’s credit assessment (no minimum score is published).
• Provide proof of steady income or employment.
• Have a valid Canadian address and government-issued photo ID.

Income requirements are relatively accessible as it’s a no-fee, entry-level card, but all applications are subject to credit approval and verification.

About BMO (Bank of Montreal)

Founded in 1817, the Bank of Montreal (BMO) is recognized as Canada’s oldest incorporated bank, with more than two centuries of legacy in trust, innovation, and customer service. Today, BMO ranks among the country’s top five banks and serves over 12 million customers worldwide, supporting both individuals and businesses. With an extensive branch and ATM network, as well as a strong digital banking presence, BMO balances historic reliability with ongoing modernization.

BMO’s contributions have shaped Canadian economic development, including financing early infrastructure and supporting the arts. The bank is well known for its wide range of financial products—personal banking, mortgages, investments, and a robust lineup of credit cards for every stage of life. Their emphasis on digital solutions is evidenced by user-friendly online platforms and a versatile mobile app, supporting remote banking needs for Canadians at home or abroad.

Who is This Card For?

The ideal user for the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard®* is someone who wants to collect Blue Points steadily through everyday spending without incurring annual fees. This card is especially suitable for:

• Budget-conscious shoppers who prefer no-fee cards yet still want to earn travel or lifestyle rewards.
• Individuals who frequently shop with Blue Rewards Partners such as Dollarama, Instacart, Pharmasave or Fairmont, or book travel through Blue Rewards Travel.
• Students, newcomers, or those new to credit looking to build credit history responsibly.
• Fans of simplicity—people who want extra points on groceries, gas, EV charging, wholesale and alcohol purchases without paying an annual fee.

It’s less suitable for heavy travelers seeking luxurious perks or for those hoping to maximize cash back or travel benefits beyond the Blue Rewards program.

What Rewards and Programs Does the Card Offer?

This card earns Blue Points in Blue Rewards (formerly the AIR MILES®† Reward Program). Here’s how it works:

• 5 Blue Points per $1 at participating Blue Rewards Partners, including travel booked through Blue Rewards Travel, powered by Expedia (10x the base rate).
• 1 Blue Point per $1 on groceries, gas, electric vehicle charging, wholesale and alcohol purchases (2x the base rate).
• 0.5 Blue Points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• Redeem Blue Points for travel, entertainment, merchandise, eGift Cards and in-store purchases with over 400 brands; 1,500 Blue Points = $10 when redeemed in store or for eGift Cards.
• Earn additional Points by also using your Blue Rewards Member Card at checkout with participating Partners.

New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus Blue Points by spending at least $1,500 on net purchases within the first 110 days (applications received by October 31, 2027; conditions apply). Redemption values for other options vary; see bluerewards.ca for details.

Initial Credit Limit

The starting credit limit for the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard®* is based on creditworthiness and BMO’s assessment. While limits vary, typical features are:

• Minimum credit limit: Usually around $500 (sometimes lower for select applicants, but $500 is a common threshold for standard approval).
• Maximum initial credit limit: Often ranges up to $5,000 or higher, but most new users see $500–$2,000 to start.

Your exact approved limit will depend on your income, credit score, and current debt load. Responsible use may lead to gradual increases.

Step by Step to Apply for the Card

If you’re interested in the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard®*, applying is simple:

1. Visit the official BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard page
2. Click “Apply now.” Prepare your personal information—address, income, employment, and government-issued ID.
3. Complete the online application. BMO’s form will ask about your financial status and consent for a credit check.
4. Review the BMO Blue Rewards Terms and Conditions and the cardholder agreement.
5. Submit the application and wait for BMO’s decision (some cases may require additional documentation).
6. If approved, receive an online agreement and later your physical card by mail.

Already a BMO banking client? You can also use the BMO Mobile Banking App to streamline the process.

VISIT THE CARD SITE

Download the BMO App for account management:

• Android
• iOS

Card’s Pros and Cons

Pros:

• No annual fee makes it low-risk and budget friendly.
• Accelerated Blue Points on groceries, gas, EV charging, wholesale, alcohol and at Blue Rewards Partners.
• Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage included.
• No-fee option for those building their credit history (subject to approval).
• Integrates with Blue Rewards (formerly AIR MILES) and its Partners.

Cons:

• Base earn rate of 0.5 Blue Points per $1 outside the bonus categories and Partners.
• Lack of luxury travel perks, airport lounge access, or advanced insurance benefits.
• Standard interest rates (if you carry a balance) are on the high side.
• Limited to the Blue Rewards program for maximum value—less flexible for those preferring cash back or transferable points.
• No premium card features like concierge services or extended travel insurance.

How to Unlock the Card

Once your BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard®* arrives:

1. Call the activation number printed on the card sticker, or
2. Log in to your BMO online banking app/web platform and select the “Activate Card” option.
3. Follow the prompts to verify your identity and finalize activation.
4. Sign the back of your card and set up your PIN at a BMO ATM if needed.
5. Destroy any previous card you may no longer use safely.

Fees and Tariffs

Here are the key costs to be aware of:

For a comprehensive breakdown of all fees and terms, please refer to BMO’s official disclosure document: Important information about BMO Credit Cards (PDF).​

Customer Service

BMO offers several ways for cardholders to get assistance:

• Phone (Customer Contact Centre): 1-800-263-2263 (24/7 support for account issues, lost/stolen cards, etc.)
• Official card page and account login: BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard Site
• In-branch support: Visit your local BMO branch for account help or card services
• BMO Mobile Banking App: Access support, manage cards, or securely message support via the app (download via Android/iOS links above)

DOWLOAD FOR ANDROID

DOWNLOAD FOR IOS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard®* (formerly BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®*)

1. What is the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard and how does it work?

The BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard® (formerly the BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®) is a no annual fee credit card in Canada that lets you earn Blue Points on everyday purchases. You get 5 Points per $1 at participating Blue Rewards Partners, 1 Point per $1 on groceries, gas, EV charging, wholesale and alcohol, and 0.5 Points per $1 on everything else.

2. Does the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard have an annual fee?

No. The card comes with a $0 annual fee, and you can add an extra cardholder for free.

3. How do I earn Blue Points with this card?

Every eligible purchase earns Points. You can maximize rewards by shopping with Blue Rewards Partners, booking through Blue Rewards Travel, and using your card in the 2x categories.

4. Can I redeem Blue Points for travel?

Yes. Blue Points can be used for flights, hotels, car rentals and more through Blue Rewards Travel, powered by Expedia, as well as for eGift Cards, merchandise and in-store purchases (1,500 Points = $10 in store or for eGift Cards). Learn more at bluerewards.ca.

5. What is the credit score needed for the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard?

BMO does not publish a minimum credit score. Approval is subject to BMO’s credit assessment of your full profile.

6. Is this card good for students or newcomers to Canada?

It can be. With no annual fee, it is a practical option for students, young professionals, and newcomers looking to build credit while earning everyday rewards, subject to approval.

7. What are the interest rates and fees?

• Purchase APR: 21.99% (as of October 2026)

• Cash advance APR: 23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)

• Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%

• No annual fee
  Always refer to BMO’s official rates page for the most current info.

8. Does the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard offer insurance?

Yes. You’ll get purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on eligible items. The card does not include travel insurance.

9. How do I apply for the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard?

Go to the official BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard page, click “Apply now,” and complete the secure form with your personal and financial details.

10. Can I manage this card through the BMO mobile app?

Absolutely. You can check your balance, make payments, and get support using the BMO Mobile Banking App, available on Android and iOS.

Want to explore other credit card options?

If you’re comparing the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard with other Canadian credit cards, you might also be interested in these detailed reviews:

• MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus Mastercard® – Discover how this no-annual-fee card helps you earn flexible reward points on everyday spending.
• PC Insiders™ World Elite Mastercard® – Ideal for frequent shoppers at Loblaw banners and PC Optimum collectors.
• RBC Cash Back Mastercard® – A no-fee option offering simple cash back on groceries and gas purchases.
• Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard® – Great for online shoppers, especially Amazon Prime members looking to earn rewards.