Using AIR MILES Cash for Non-Travel Rewards

AIR MILES Cash rewards are the often overlooked option for the AIR MILES rewards program, but we’re here to shed some light on this option. First off, a quick refresher on AIR MILES Cash vs. Dream Miles. Dream Miles are used for larger rewards and experiences like flights or other travel, while Cash Miles can be redeemed for everyday purchases.

As of January 25, 2026, Cash Miles and Dream Miles will be merged into a single balance, so you won't have to choose between them anymore.

Since not everyone wants to travel, Cash Miles are a great way to get guaranteed value from your hard-earned miles. Their fixed value means you’ll get the same reliable discount when shopping with AIR MILES partners online or in person.

How AIR MILES Work: A refresher

AIR MILES is a store loyalty and credit card rewards program owned by the Bank of Montreal (BMO). Members earn Miles by shopping at partner stores, qualifying for bonus offers, and scanning receipts. The more Miles you collect in a single calendar year, the higher your membership status for the rest of that year and the next.

As an AIR MILES member, you can earn AIR MILES Cash or Dream Miles, which can be redeemed in different ways.

Like Aeroplan, you don’t need a credit card to collect AIR MILES, though it certainly helps. BMO AIR MILES credit cards earn extra Miles at partner stores, automatic advanced membership status, and Miles on general purchases – but we’ll examine all your earning options.

How to earn AIR MILES Cash

The next step to maximizing your AIR MILES is to earn as many of them as possible.

There are six ways to add to your Cash Miles and/or Dream Miles accounts:

1. Shop at AIR MILES partners
2. Scan AIR MILES Receipts
3. Shop online offers
4. Link your Mastercard credit card
5. Use a BMO AIR MILES chequing account
6. Use a BMO AIR MILES credit card

The fastest way to earn is to combine multiple methods at once. AIR MILES is an excellent program for double-dipping (i.e., earning points in multiple ways on the same purchase). Here are the basics.

1. Shop at AIR MILES partners

There are over 100 AIR MILES partners across Canada offering Cash Miles for in-store and online purchases. Some stores provide flat earn rates (such as 1 Mile per $30 spent) while others award Bonus Miles if you meet certain conditions.

2. Scan AIR MILES Receipts

You can earn Bonus Miles by buying certain products from a major national or regional grocery store and uploading your receipt with the mobile app. Offers change regularly, so check the app for the most up-to-date promotions.

3. Shop online offers

AirMilesShops.ca rewards you for shopping at 250+ online retailers – including Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, PetSmart, Sephora, and Walmart – with earnings and Bonus Miles. The usual earning rate is 1 Mile per $20 spent (before taxes and shipping), but the occasional promotion asks Collectors to buy certain items or spend a minimum amount or allows you to earn double the miles.

4. Link your Mastercard credit card

You can now earn AIR MILES and opt into special Card Linked Offers by linking your credit card to your AIR MILES account. With a linked card, there’s no need to present your membership card to collect – just use your Mastercard to pay at the till.

5. Use a BMO AIR MILES chequing account

Serious collectors may want to consider signing up for a BMO AIR MILES Chequing Account. For $17.95 per month, you’ll receive 1 Air Mile per $25 spent with a BMO debit card, 2x the miles on eligible grocery and warehouse purchases, and 25 Bonus Miles per month if you have a BMO AIR MILES Mastercard.

You'll also earn 50 Bonus Miles every month if you maintain a balance of at least $4,000 in the account. It’s a step toward earning Miles on every dollar spent (not just at partner stores), but it’s not quite as lucrative as an AIR MILES credit card.

6. Use a BMO AIR MILES credit card

A BMO AIR MILES credit card is the best way to earn Miles on every purchase and double-dip using partner stores and bonus offers. The best AIR MILES credit cards in Canada earn up to 3 Miles per $12 spent at AIR MILES partners, which include:

• Alamo, Budget, and National Car Rental
• Global Pet Foods and Pitou Mondou & Compagnons
• Irving and Shell
• Kent and Timer Mart
• Liquor Mart, Liquor Store, and the NSLC
• Pharmasave

Plus, reward credit cardholders get 1 Mile for every $12 – $25 of general purchases:

Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome bonus	Rewards	Apply now
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard	$120	$150 GeniusCash + Up to 9,000 bonus miles, first year free (terms)	* 1 Mile for every $12 spent * 3x the Miles for every $12 at participating Air Miles partners * 2x the Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery, liquor, and wholesale stores	Apply Now
BMO AIR MILES Mastercard	$0	$20 GeniusCash + Up to 1,200 2,500 bonus miles (terms)	* 1 Mile per $25 spent on all purchases * 3x the Miles for every $25 at participating Air Miles partners * 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery, liquor, and wholesale stores	Apply Now

How to redeem AIR MILES Cash

There are just two ways to redeem Cash Miles: in-store discounts or eVouchers. Either option gives you $10 off for every 95 Cash Miles you redeem. You can redeem up to $750 worth of Cash Miles per day using either of the following methods. We’ve also listed some of the most popular retailers (though the eVoucher partner list is extensive).

Note that not all in-store partners are available in every province or territory.

If redeeming in store, keep an eye out for the occasional promotion, such as $10 for 95 Cash Miles with a 25-Mile kickback bonus.

eVouchers never expire. If you misplace an eVoucher code or PIN, click "My Orders" in the top right corner to get another copy.

How to get an AIR MILES membership

If you’ve read this far and are intrigued, but don’t already have a membership, here’s how to join AIR MILES:

1. Head to airmiles.ca and click "Join Now" in the top right corner.
2. Enter and verify your email address.
3. Set up your password to access your online account.
4. Complete your account profile to immediately earn 15 bonus miles.
5. Scan the digital AIR MILES membership card to start using your in-store or online right away.

Once you’re a member, fool around in the site’s dashboard, where you can see the latest promotions, your recent transactions, and the AIR MILES you’ve earned. You can also book travel and designate whether you want to earn Cash Miles, Dream Miles, or both.

You’ll also see your membership status and can learn more about the benefits that come with your status tier.

FAQ

What are AIR MILES Cash Miles?

AIR MILES Cash Miles allow you to cash in 95 AIR MILES for $10 towards an in-store purchase at a partnering retailer or online with an eVoucher that can be redeemed with over 100 partnering merchants.

Can you tell me how to cash in AIR MILES for flights?

You can use AIR MILES Cash for an eVoucher that earns you a discount with airlines like Air Canada and Porter, or you can use AIR MILES Dream Miles to book travel using a combination of miles and cash.

How do I convert AIR MILES to Cash Miles?

In your AIR MILES account, you can transfer miles. Blue members can transfer 500 miles per year, Gold Collectors 3,000 Miles per year, while Onyx Collectors can perform an unlimited number of transactions.

Where can I redeem AIR MILES cash in Canada?

In person, you can shop at Kent, Pharmasave, Shell, Irving, and book tickets for live events through TFL. Online, you can use eVouchers with over 100 popular retailers, like Apple, Starbucks, Indigo, and Ikea.

Do cash rewards expire?

Although AIR MILES Cash doesn’t expire, you do need to keep your account active by making a transaction at least once every 24 months. You can earn a single mile, redeem some miles, or transfer miles to keep your account active.