Canadian Loyalty Landscape Upended as Air Miles Programme Set to Retire
TORONTO, January 29, 2026 – Two of Canada’s most recognisable consumer rewards programmes are undergoing historic transformations, signalling the end of an era for millions of collectors. The Bank of Montreal (BMO) has announced it will retire the iconic Air Miles coalition loyalty programme, replacing it with a new system called Blue Rewards this summer. In a separate but related move, Shell Canada confirmed it will end its long-standing partnership with Air Miles, switching to the Scene+ loyalty programme nationwide by late spring.
BMO Phases Out Air Miles for Blue Rewards
BMO, the largest partner and owner of the Air Miles programme, made the formal announcement on January 26, 2026. The financial institution stated the Air Miles brand will be fully transitioned to “Blue Rewards” by summer 2026. According to programme details, existing active Air Miles collectors will have their accounts automatically converted to Blue Rewards accounts. The new programme is promoted as offering a “simple, flexible way to earn and redeem rewards” and will maintain a network of retail partners, including Porter Airlines. A waitlist for a new Blue Rewards credit card has also been established.
Shell Canada Switches to Scene+
Adding to the week’s loyalty programme upheaval, Shell Canada and Scotiabank revealed that Air Miles will cease to be earned or redeemed at Shell gas stations. The petroleum retailer will join the Scene+ programme, which is co-owned by Scotiabank and Cineplex. The transition will begin in Alberta on March 3, 2026, with a nationwide rollout completed by May 26, 2026. This gives collectors a final window to use their Air Miles at Shell locations until March 2 in Alberta and May 25 across the rest of Canada.
Key Facts & Transition Deadlines
| Programme Change | Key Date & Details |
|---|---|
| Air Miles to BMO Blue Rewards | Automatic transition for collectors in Summer 2026. New programme launched by BMO. |
| Shell Canada to Scene+ | Alberta transition: March 3, 2026. National completion: May 26, 2026. |
| Final Air Miles Earning at Shell | Last day in Alberta: March 2, 2026. Last day nationwide: May 25, 2026. |
Broader Loyalty Programme Context
The dramatic shifts occur amidst a period of scrutiny for loyalty and financial services. A recent Reuters analysis highlighted potential risks to airline loyalty programme revenue models should proposed U.S. legislation capping credit-card interest rates move forward. Furthermore, a class-action lawsuit was filed in Virginia this week against Capital One, alleging the bank failed to pay out promised rewards from its “Capital One Offers” programme, underscoring the legal and consumer protection dimensions of the points-and-miles ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my existing Air Miles points?
According to BMO and the official Blue Rewards FAQ, if you are an active Air Miles collector, your miles and account will automatically transition to the new Blue Rewards programme in summer 2026. The value and redemption options are expected to carry over under the new brand.
Can I still use Air Miles at Shell after the switch?
No. Once Shell Canada completes its transition to the Scene+ programme in your region, you will no longer be able to earn or redeem Air Miles at its stations. You must use your existing miles before the cut-off dates: March 2, 2026, in Alberta and May 25, 2026, in all other provinces.
Is the Blue Rewards programme the same as Air Miles?
While core mechanics are expected to be similar, BMO is rebranding and likely refining the programme. It will be a BMO-owned loyalty programme, replacing the Air Miles brand entirely. Partners and earning structures may evolve, but BMO has stated the intent is to make the experience “simple and rewarding” for existing members.