Is Air Miles Done? Everything You Need to Know About the New BMO Blue Rewards Program

The landscape of Canadian loyalty programs is getting a massive shake-up. If you’ve been collecting Air Miles for decades, you’re about to see some major changes in your wallet.

BMO has officially announced the launch of the BMO Blue Rewards program, a new loyalty ecosystem replacing the Air Miles brand starting in Summer 2026. At the same time, Shell Canada is packing its bags and moving over to the Scene+ network.

If you are wondering what happens to your hard-earned miles or where you’ll earn points for gas now, you aren’t alone. We’ve dug into the details to help you navigate this transition smoothly.

The Big Switch: Air Miles Become Blue Points

For millions of Canadians, the biggest question is: “Will I lose my points?” The short answer is no.

According to the official announcement from BMO Financial Group, existing Air Miles will automatically convert to Blue Points when the program launches in Summer 2026. BMO has promised an “equivalent value” conversion, meaning you shouldn’t lose buying power during the switch.

What You Need to Do Right Now

The best part of this news is that it requires zero action on your part immediately.

Keep using your card: Continue swiping your Air Miles card as usual.
No re-application needed: Existing BMO Air Miles credit and debit cardholders do not need to apply for new cards yet; they will work uninterrupted.
Watch the conversion: While the exact math hasn’t been finalized, the goal is a seamless transition where your purchasing power remains steady.

Shell is Leaving: Mark These Dates

One of the most significant changes is the departure of Shell Canada. After a long partnership, Shell is swapping teams to join Scene+ (owned by Scotiabank, Empire, and Cineplex). This is a major win for Scene+ members but a loss for those who relied on fuel fill-ups to boost their Air Miles balance.

You need to be strategic about when you fill up during this crossover period. Here is the timeline based on your location:

Alberta Residents

Last day to earn/redeem Air Miles at Shell: March 2, 2026.
Shell joins Scene+: March 3, 2026.

Rest of Canada

Last day to earn/redeem Air Miles at Shell: May 25, 2026.
Shell joins Scene+: May 26, 2026.

Pro Tip: If you have a stash of Air Miles Cash miles you were planning to use for gas, try to burn them at Shell before these cutoff dates. After the switch, you will need to scan a Scene+ card to earn rewards on your fuel.

New Partners & The “Expedia” Effect

BMO isn’t letting Shell leave without bringing in some heavy hitters to fill the gap. The BMO Blue Rewards program is pivoting toward a more flexible, digital-first experience.

Who is Joining the Blue Rewards Team?

BMO is expanding its roster with over 400 brands. Notable new and expanded partnerships include:

Travel: A simplified booking platform for flights, hotels, and car rentals powered by Expedia Group. This is huge for travelers who want more availability than the legacy Air Miles catalog offered.
Groceries & Dining: New partnerships with Instacart and MTY Group restaurants (brands like Thai Express, Ben & Jerry’s, and Mucho Burrito).
Retail: Pharmasave and Global Pet Foods remain key partners.

By integrating with Expedia, BMO is likely trying to rival the flexibility seen in other bank travel programs, addressing a long-standing complaint about blackout dates and limited seat availability.

Earning “Accelerators” on Credit & Debit

BMO is differentiating Blue Rewards by aggressively targeting “everyday” spending. They have teased that the new BMO Blue Rewards credit cards will feature built-in “accelerators” for high-frequency categories.

Earning Potential for BMO Clients

Credit Cards: Expect higher multipliers on groceries, wholesale clubs, and gas. This is a direct play to keep your card top-of-wallet for daily errands.
Debit Cards: In a rare move for Canadian banks, BMO Chequing Account holders can opt-in to earn Blue Points on debit transactions for gas, groceries, and even EV charging.

Expert Take: If you are currently shopping for a new credit card, it might be worth waiting. BMO has opened a waitlist for the new cards, offering a chance to win 1 million points. However, until the specific “earn rates” are released, it is hard to say if these cards will beat competitors like the Amex Cobalt or Scotiabank Gold American Express.

Winners and Losers

Change is always messy, but this rebrand looks like a necessary modernization of a program that has struggled in recent years.

Winners: Travelers who want Expedia inventory, BMO banking clients who use debit, and lovers of takeout (thanks to MTY Group).
Losers: Loyal Shell customers who don’t collect Scene+ points, and traditionalists who preferred the old “Cash vs. Dream” miles separation.

For now, sit tight, keep collecting, and maybe download the Scene+ app if you plan to keep filling up at Shell this spring. For more official updates, you can check the Blue Rewards information page.

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