BMO has officially launched Blue Rewards, its new loyalty program that replaces the AIR MILES program and introduces a growing roster of travel, hospitality and lifestyle partners for Canadian consumers.

The launch includes a new suite of BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard credit cards, a Blue Rewards Chequing Account and BMO Commercial Cards Blue Rewards. The loyalty program will continue to be operated by a BMO subsidiary.

For the travel sector, the new program brings together airline, hotel and travel booking partners while offering members additional ways to earn and redeem rewards across travel purchases and everyday spending. Partners include Porter Airlines, Instacart and Accor hotel brands like Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Sofitel, Rimrock and Novotel. Restaurant partners include several MTY Group brands such as Thai Express, Mr. Sub, Manchu Wok, Mucho Burrito, Pizza Delight and Jugo Juice. BMO said additional partners and features will be added throughout the year.

Existing AIR MILES Reward Miles have automatically been converted to Blue Points with no change in value. Following the consolidation of Cash and Dream Miles, members will continue to earn one simple type of reward point. Members’ existing cards and account numbers remain unchanged.

Members can redeem any amount of Blue Points for partial payment towards trips, and can also use Blue Points to pay for entire trips, including taxes and fees.

Exclusive Value for BMO Clients

Following strong pre-launch interest, BMO unveiled its new lineup of BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard credit cards with Points accelerators on gas, groceries and wholesale purchases. 

• BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard Credit Cards: With these cards, Canadians can earn 10x the Blue Points on Blue Rewards Travel, powered by Expedia and participating partners. The new cards include: BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard; BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard; BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Business Mastercard; BMO Blue Rewards Business Mastercard; and BMO Commercial Card Blue Rewards
   
• BMO Commercial Card Blue Rewards: These cards allow businesses to maximize everyday spend:
  • Earn 1.5x the Points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases
  • Earn 2x the Points for every $1 spent on gas, office supplies and recurring bill payments on utilities
  • Complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass, powered by DragonPass, with two airport lounge passes each year
  • Annual Spend Bonus for Corporate Collect: 25,000 Blue Points for annual spend between $150,000–$249,999; 35,000 Blue Points for annual spend between $25,000–$499,999; and 75,000 Blue Points for annual spend of $500,000 or more
     
• 10x Points across travel and partners: BMO clients earn 10x the Points on travel booked through Blue Rewards Travel and participating partners, including newly added Instacart and MTY Group restaurants
   
• Blue Rewards Chequing Account: BMO clients with a Blue Rewards Chequing Account can earn up to 500 Bonus Points monthly when they maintain a minimum daily balance of $4,000 in their account, and up to 500 Bonus Points monthly when they have a BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard
   
• Welcome offers: 
  • Cardholders can earn up to $1,600 in total value, including 100,000 Blue Points in the first year with the BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard, or up to 20,000 Blue Points with the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard
  • Business cardholders can earn up to $1,750 in total value, including 120,000 Blue Points in the first year with the BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Business Mastercard, or up to 30,000 Blue Points with the BMO Blue Rewards Business Mastercard

Throughout the summer season, members will have access to promotions that make it even easier to earn points. 

To learn more about the Blue Rewards program, go to www.bluerewards.ca. To learn more about the BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard lineup, go to www.bmo.com/blue-rewards.

Source: Travelweek