The BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard is an excellent choice for those who frequently travel and are passionate about collecting AIR MILES. Its blend of high reward rates, travel perks, and comprehensive insurance coverage makes it a standout option in the premium credit card market. However, it’s crucial to consider how its features align with your spending habits and reward preferences. For AIR MILES collectors and frequent travellers, this card could be a valuable addition to your wallet.
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BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard Review
The BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard stands out in the Canadian credit card market as a premium option for those who love to travel and earn rewards. It’s not just a credit card; it’s a gateway to a world of exclusive benefits and high reward rates, particularly for AIR MILES collectors. This review delves into the card’s features, benefits, and potential drawbacks, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your wallet.
Key Features
- Earning Potential: This card is a powerhouse for earning AIR MILES, offering 1 Mile for every $12 spent, which is the highest AIR MILES reward rate provided by BMO. This accelerated earning potential is a significant draw for AIR MILES enthusiasts. Three different World Elite Mastercard credit cards work for you depending on what you need in a reward program and the best points credit card in Canada.
- Bonus Miles: Amplify your AIR MILES collection with 3x the Miles at participating AIR MILES Partners, a feature that significantly boosts your earning rate.
- Exclusive Discounts: Cardholders enjoy a 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption each calendar year, making travel more accessible and affordable.
Travel Benefits
- Airport Lounge Access: The card includes complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass. While lounge visits are at a fee of US$32 each, the comfort and convenience they offer can be invaluable during travel. The credit card for bad credit Canada comes with purchase protection, travel insurance and access to the airport lounge.
- Travel and Medical Protection: The card offers comprehensive coverage for emergencies when you’re out of your province or country, adding a layer of security to your travels.
- Car Rental Discounts: Enjoy up to 25% off at National Car Rental and Alamo Rent-A-Car locations, making car rentals more budget-friendly.
Additional Rewards and Services
- Merchandise and Experiences: With access to over 1,200 reward options, including merchandise and event tickets, the card opens up a world of possibilities.
- AIR MILES Cash: Use 95 Cash Miles for $10 towards purchases at participating partners, offering flexibility in how you redeem your rewards.
- Concierge Services: The 24-hour concierge service can assist with travel bookings, restaurant reservations, and more, adding a touch of luxury to your experiences.
Security and Protection
- Worldwide Support: The Mastercard Assistance Centre is available 24/7, providing global support whenever needed.
- Mastercard Identity Check: This feature enhances the security of your online purchases, giving you peace of mind.
- Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty: These additional insurances protect your purchases, extending their value and lifespan.
Convenience Features
- BMO Alerts: Stay informed with notifications about your account details and reminders, helping you manage your finances effectively.
- Digital Wallet Compatibility: The card is compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, offering convenience in paying.
- Flexible Bill Payment Options: BMO offers multiple ways to pay your credit card bill, catering to different preferences and lifestyles.
Consumer Review
- Pros:
- The high reward rate is a boon for AIR MILES collectors, making every dollar spent more valuable.
- The travel perks, including lounge access and car rental discounts, are particularly beneficial for frequent travellers.
- Comprehensive insurance coverage provides an added layer of security and peace of mind.
- Cons:
- If you prefer cashback or other types of rewards, this card might not align with your preferences. It’s not the best cash back credit card Canada has.
- Some benefits require additional steps like registration or activation, which might be a hassle for some.
Will You Choose BMO Air Miles Mastercard?
Regarding everyday rewards, BMO Air Miles World Elite complements other Air Miles credit cards, except for the American Express “Air Miles Platinum Card — which earns you more miles per dollar spent on gas, food and transit. Nevertheless, the world’s elite, like the American Express card, has its fair share of disadvantages, such as a small welcome bonus, fewer travel perks and lower acceptance by certain retailers such as discounters. If you’re looking for the best travel rewards credit card Canada has that does not fall into the Airmiles category, read our reviews of Scotiabank Gold American Express (25,000 bonus points) and Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite (30,000 bonus points).
The BMO World Elite (TM) Mastercard (r) comes free with a 35,000 point sign-up bonus worth $250, 4 airport lounge passes and comprehensive travel insurance for the first year. The BMO Cashback World Elite Mastercard is the only one of the three cards to offer a welcome bonus, and it’s worth $260 more than the free annual fee of the first year.
What is the best Scotiabank credit card? Extra miles are an incredible value if you are looking for flights out of your province, as they tend to be more expensive, but if you look at the usual routes like Vancouver to Los Angeles, it will cost you around 2,500 miles, a reasonable amount. In addition, there are approximately 2,000 Dream Miles that you can fly depending on the departure point during the season, with one of the most popular routes being from Toronto to Orlando.
