With over 120 different partners, you can take advantage of the AIR MILES Rewards program for travel redemptions, cash, and more. But did you know that there's a way to get even more out of the program? AIR MILES has 2 upper tiers, Gold Status and Onyx status.
Today, we'll look specifically at the Onyx status so you can get the most out of your miles, no matter what you're redeeming them for.
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AIR MILES Onyx benefits
From increased reward value to exclusive benefits, Onyx status takes your miles even higher.
Improved flight rewards
One of the best Onyx benefits is getting access to improved flight rewards. You can save up to 40% on the cost of reward flights.
It’s definitely a major perk – it can get you some major miles savings for your travel redemption.
But there’s a catch…There’s no information saying what flights are available that qualify for the discount. You’ll need to go hunting to see what flights you could get for 40% fewer miles.
In fact, in our latest round of Air Miles flight research of 15 flights, we didn’t get a single discount. We were able to save a little on the taxes and fees – between $5 to $7 on average. Our conclusion on this benefit? Your mileage may vary.
Related: AIR MILES Cash Miles: How To Earn, Maximize, And Redeem Non-Travel Rewards
AIR MILES Personal Shopper
If you’re the type of person who loves getting free merchandise with your AIR MILES, having Onyx status will let you stretch your miles even more.
Many items are available for discounts of up to 20%. There are select deals that require 40% fewer miles as well (unlike flights, these ones are advertised on the merchandise page). Here’s an example:
But the basic merchandise catalogue isn’t the only way you can use your miles. Being an Onyx member means you get access to the Personal Shopper Service.
This service lets you get almost anything you want, even if it’s not in the merchandise catalogue.
In fact, AIR MILES states they were able to get someone a brand new Mercedes for their miles. The only limit to what you can get is the size of your AIR MILES bank.
And there’s no cost to using the service either. It’s all part of being an Onyx collector.
Access to exclusive events
Want to experience something you won’t forget? Onyx collectors get access to exclusive events such as wine tastings, fine dining experiences, as well as celebrity meet and greets.
Onyx collectors also get up to 20% off seasonal activities, like golfing and spa visits.
Access to priority customer service
Finally, if you ever find yourself needing to call AIR MILES customer service, Onyx collectors have their own dedicated number so you’ll be given first priority when you call.
The number to call is 1-844-399-ONYX (6699).
How To Get Onyx Status
So how do you get Onyx status? All you need to do is collect 5,000 miles in a calendar year. But that can seem like a lot of AIR MILES to earn in one year…And no, just earning at the typical base rate of 1 mile per $20 doesn’t make the cut. Just to earn a 1,000 miles this way requires you to spend roughly $1,667 per month at AIR MILES sponsors.
You’ll have to come up with a new gameplan.
But don’t worry – here’s a starter’s guide for getting there.
Take advantage of major AIR MILES promotions
Taking advantage of AIR MILES promotions such as Mega Miles will give your miles bank a serious boost.
In the past year, these 2 promotions would have given you 3,000 miles on their own, half the total you need. And that doesn’t include the other bonus miles the sponsors gave out as well.
Bonus offers from sponsors
Many sponsors also offer bonus miles on select products or as part of spending a minimum amount.
Logging in to your AIR MILES account will show where you can earn bonus miles while you’re out shopping.
AIR MILES credit cards
To put you over the top, an AIR MILES credit card can earn you the miles you need to go the rest of the way.
The best part is welcome bonuses count towards your status as well. And to top it off, some of these cards even give you Air Miles status just by having the card.
Here are our favourite AIR MILES cards.
| Credit Card | Welcome Bonus | Base Earn Rate | Annual fee and income requirements | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard | 9,000 miles, first year free (terms) | 1 mile per $12 | * $120 annual fee * 80K personal/150K household income requirements |
Apply Now |
| BMO AIR MILES Mastercard | 1,200 2,500 miles (terms) | 1 mile per $25 | * No annual fee * 15K personal income requirements |
Apply Now |
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard
The best AIR MILES card right now is the
Why this card? First, it comes with one of the best sign-up bonuses of any AIR MILES card – 3,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Then, earn 1 mile for every $12 you spend on the card, plus triple miles at participating Air Miles partners. These are some of the highest earn rates of any personal AIR MILES card.
You’ll also get the first year free.
Want more? It also comes with some great perks. The best one is a 25% discount on the number of miles required for 1 reward flight per year, up to 750 miles saved
It also gives you automatic Onyx status – no need to worry about reaching that high threshold.
This card will also give you airport lounge access through DragonPass.
And with 14 (out of
If you won’t settle for anything less than the best, this is the card for you.
×1 Award winner 
GC: $150
1x Award winner
$150 GeniusCash + Up to 9,000 bonus AIR MILES + 3x the AIR MILES at partners.*
BMO AIR MILES Mastercard
For an AIR MILES card that has no annual fee, the
Earn a sign-up bonus of 1,200 2,500 miles after spending $1,500 in the first 110 days, and an additional $450 at wholesale clubs and grocery stores.
And this card will let you earn 3 miles for every $25 at select sponsors, plus 1 mile for every $25 spent everywhere else.
For no annual fee, you’ll get a good sign-up bonus and earn up to 3 miles for every $25 spent.
To summarize
Getting AIR MILES Onyx status will help you take your miles even higher.
And while not easy to get, using the right strategies will make it easier.
Does Onyx status interest you?
Do you already have Onyx status and have an experience to share?
Let us know in the comments below.
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