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AIR MILES Is Gone. Here's What Actually Earns You Travel Now

  If you've been holding onto a Air Miles card waiting to redeem for a flight, the program you signed up for doesn't exist anymore — and the cards that replaced it aren't the best game in town. If you searched "best AIR MILES credit card" and landed here, there's something you need to know first: there is no such thing anymore. AIR MILES, the loyalty program that's been part of Canadian wallets since 1992, officially became BMO Blue Rewards on June 2, 2026. BMO had already stopped issuing new AIR MILES cards back in January, and every collector's Miles converted automatically into Blue Points at a rate of roughly 1 Air Mile to 15.79 Blue Points — no action needed, no lost value. That's good news if you're a longtime collector sitting on a pile of Miles. It's less good news if you were hoping to earn free flights that way going forward, because Blue Rewards was built to compete with PC Optimum and Scene+ — grocery, gas, and everyday spendi...
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Banking Made Simple: How to Switch Banks in Canada Without Paying a Dime

 

Switching banks in Canada doesn’t have to feel like a costly leap of faith. With a little planning and attention to detail, you can make the move without racking up unnecessary fees. Here's how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide to Fee-Free Bank Switching

  • 1. Review Your Current Bank Account
    Check for minimum balance requirements, account closure fees, or penalties for early account termination. Knowing these helps you time the switch properly.

  • 2. Choose Your New Bank Wisely
    Look for promotions like free chequing accounts, waived fees, or sign-up bonuses. Many Canadian banks offer incentives for switching—TD, RBC, Scotiabank, and online banks like Tangerine or Simplii Financial often lead the pack.

  • 3. Open Your New Account First
    Don’t close your old account just yet. Open your new account and set up all required features—especially online banking and direct deposit forms.

  • 4. Transfer Your Automatic Payments & Deposits
    This includes your salary, utility bills, subscriptions, and credit card payments. Give this process a couple of weeks before making the final move.

  • 5. Avoid Overlap Charges
    Coordinate the switch so you’re not stuck paying monthly account fees on both old and new accounts. Most banks charge on a specific day, so align your timing accordingly.

  • 6. Close Your Old Account Confidently
    Once everything’s running smoothly in your new account and any pending transactions clear, close your old account. Ask for written confirmation to avoid surprises.

Pro Tip: Use a bank account switching checklist or speak with a financial advisor if you’re unsure about anything. Some banks even offer concierge-style services to help you transfer everything seamlessly.


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