BMO replaces Air Miles with new Blue Rewards program + MORE Jan 28th

On January 26, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, a package aimed at addressing affordability issues, particularly for low- and modest-income Canadians. The plan must pass the House before it can become law—essential before making a change to the tax code. We’re unpacking what this could mean for everyday Canadians.

About the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit

Beginning in the spring of 2026 and lasting for six years, this benefit will provide an additional $11.7 billion in support to low- and medium-income Canadians. According to official reports, this credit will “build on the existing Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit”, and you’ll receive it the same way, as quarterly payments.

The first disbursement, coming by June 2026, will be a one-time top-up amount. After that, you’ll receive more regular benefits that will increase over time as they’re indexed to inflation.

Is my household eligible?

The government estimates that the benefit will reach more than 12 million Canadians…

BMO Financial Group has announced it will replace Air Miles with a new loyalty rewards program called Blue Rewards this summer. It said the new program will be available for all Canadians through a newly designed Blue Rewards app, and will be integrated into BMO’s existing mobile banking app and website for the bank’s clients.

Air Miles program members can continue to use their collector cards, and their miles will automatically convert to “Blue Points” at an equivalent value upon this summer’s launch, with no action required. BMO Air Miles credit and debit card holders can also continue using their cards uninterrupted and will receive more program details in the coming months.

BMO revamps Blue Rewards with simpler, personalized perks

The bank said Blue Rewards will feature a simplified booking experience for flights, hotels, and car rentals powered by Expedia Group. It will also build on recent changes, including the ability to earn points on grocery and food deliveries when in-store receipts are scanned using the Blue Rewards app, as well as bonus points at most grocery retailers and wholesale clubs across Canada…