Onyx status is the most elite AIR MILES loyalty status. You can earn Onyx by earning at least 5,000 AIR MILES in one year or using an AIR MILES credit card that automatically gives the status.
We’ll break down each of the flight rewards, discounts, and services you’ll enjoy as a premium member. Plus, we’ll give you tips for maximizing your AIR MILES earning potential.
Key Takeaways
- To earn Onyx status, collect at least 5,000 AIR MILES in a calendar year or get a qualifying BMO credit card.
- Continue to earn 5,000 AIR MILES each year to keep Onyx status.
- Enjoy benefits like a personal shopper, priority care, and increased discounts.
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AIR MILES Onyx benefits
From increased reward value to exclusive benefits, Onyx status takes your miles even higher. For instance, when you pay with your card, you’ll get 1 Air Mile for every $5 you spend towards travel. You’ll also get the following benefits, discounts, and perks. You’ll also get 5x the AIR MILES when you bundle your travel.
Improved flight rewards
Onyx members enjoy the ability to book travel using miles and cash, as well as book travel online or offline without fees.
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 significant miles savings for your travel redemption. That said, it’s a benefit listed as "Travel Month" and it’s coming soon, so not much information is available about when travel month is or which flights apply.
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 10%. There are select deals that require significantly 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.
Ability to transfer AIR MILES
If you have Dream Miles but need Cash Miles or vice versa, you can transfer between the two types without any restrictions. This way, you can use your AIR MILES strategically to get the products and services you want.
Note: As of January 2026, your Dream and Cash Miles will be merged into a single balance, so this won’t be a unique perk to Onyx members. However, flexible redemption will be easier than ever.
Access to extras
Want to experience something you won't forget? Onyx collectors get access to extra surprises, which are a complete mystery on the AIR MILES website, along with contests and giveaways for chances to win prizes.
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 have a qualifying credit card like:
- BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard
- BMO AIR MILES World Elite Business Mastercard
- BMO AIR MILES Business Mastercard
If you don’t have one of these cards, you can earn status by collecting 5,000 miles in a calendar year. Here are a few ways to maximize your AIR MILES earning potential.
Take advantage of major AIR MILES promotions
AIR MILES often runs limited promotions that will give your miles bank a serious boost. For instance, many partners offer bonus miles on select products or for spending a minimum amount. For instance, look at some of the available offers:
In the past year, these two 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.
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 that 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, first year free (terms) | 1 mile per $12 | * $120 annual fee * 80K personal/150K household income requirements | Apply Now |
| BMO AIR MILES Mastercard | 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 – 9,000 miles after spending $20,000 in the first year, and an additional $1,000 at wholesale clubs and grocery stores.
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 
$150 GeniusCash + Up to 9,000 bonus AIR MILES + 3x the AIR MILES at partners.*
GC: $150
1x Award winner BMO AIR MILES Mastercard
For an AIR MILES card that has no annual fee, the
Earn a sign-up bonus of 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 spent at select sponsors, along with 2 miles for every $25 spent on groceries, liquor, and wholesale stores. All other purchases earn 1 mile for every $25 spent. This card will also give you automatic Gold status.
For no annual fee, you'll get a good sign-up bonus and earn up to 3 miles for every $25 spent.
FAQ
What is AIR MILES Onyx status?
Onyx status is the most elite tier of the AIR MILES program. Once you reach Onyx, you’ll earn the most AIR MILES and enjoy premium benefits, discounts, and perks like a personal shopper, unlimited mile transfers, and more.
Can you tell me how to get Onyx status with AIR MILES?
It’s fairly straightforward to earn Onyx status, simply get a qualifying BMO credit card or earn at least 5,000 AIR MILES in a single calendar year. If you don’t quite reach Onyx, you might qualify for Gold status instead.
Is AIR MILES Onyx worth it?
If you’re a regular flyer and can accumulate the required 5,000 points or you want a premium BMO credit card, then Onyx status is easily worth it. You’ll get the most value out of the AIR MILES program.
What is the difference between Gold and Onyx AIR MILES?
The eligibility requirements are easier for Gold status, but you’ll earn fewer AIR MILES than with Onyx status, and you won’t get a personal shopper or priority care as benefits. There are also fewer discounts available.
Is there an AIR MILES Onyx card?
AIR MILES doesn’t issue an Onyx credit card, but you can achieve automatic Onyx status with the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard. Or, you can earn Onyx status by accumulating the required 5,000 points per year.
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