The main difference between Cash Miles and Dream Miles is that Cash Miles can be used instantly online or in-store to pay for things like groceries and gas, whereas Dream Miles can be redeemed for products, travel, activities, and more.
Ultimately, whether you choose Cash Miles or Dream Miles depends on your personal preferences, spending habits, and travel goals.
What Are Cash Miles?
Cash Miles are a type of reward offered by Air Miles.
These miles can be earned by making purchases with participating partners and can be used to pay for a variety of goods and services.
Cash Miles work as a form of currency, allowing you to redeem them for discounts or even cover the full cost of eligible purchases.
They offer flexibility and convenience, as they can be used for everyday expenses like groceries, gas, or even flights and accommodations.
Where Can Cash Miles Be Redeemed?
You can redeem Cash Miles for instant in-store or online cash rebates at participating Air Miles partners.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of places where you can redeem your Cash Miles:
Grocery Stores: Redeem Cash Miles for groceries at participating stores like Metro, Safeway, Sobeys, and Foodland.
Gas Stations: Some gas station chains, such as Shell and Esso, allow Cash Miles to be redeemed for fuel or in-store purchases.
Retailers: Lululemon, Foot Locker, H&M, and The Source accept Cash Miles for purchases.
Restaurants: Swiss Chalet and Harvey’s offer discounts on meals using Cash Miles.
Travel and Subscriptions: Redeem Cash Miles on participating platforms like UberEats, Spotify, and Via Rail Canada.
What Are Dream Miles?
Dream Miles are a type of reward currency offered by Air Miles’ loyalty program.
Members can redeem Dream Miles for flights, hotel stays, merchandise, and gift cards.
Unlike Cash Miles, Dream Miles are meant to be collected and then redeemed over time, often for travel-related rewards and other great products.
Where Can Dream Miles Be Redeemed?
Dream Miles can be redeemed in a variety of ways, including for flights, hotels, vacation packages, car rentals, and cruises.
You can also use them to purchase merchandise from partner retailers, which offer a wide range of products including electronics, home goods, and fashion.
You can redeem your Dream Miles for a movie night, day passes at a water park or zoo, or for an annual pass at a golf club.
You even have the option to make charitable donations to partner organizations like Kids Help Phone and Food Banks Canada using your Dream Miles.
Comparison Between Cash Miles and Dream Miles
Redemption Options
When it comes to redeeming your miles, Cash Miles and Dream Miles both offer choices for different preferences and needs.
1. Cash Miles
Regardless of whether you redeem your points in person or online, the exchange value is fixed.
For every 95 Cash Miles, you can redeem $10.
2. Dream Miles
Unlike Cash Miles, Dream Miles don’t have a fixed exchange value.
They vary based on things like dates, destination, and which airline you’re flying with.
You can use the Air Miles flight search tool to see the best deals you can get with the points you have.
Transfering Your Points To Someone Else
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to transfer your points to another account.
Whether it’s a gift or you want to accumulate points together to redeem a bigger reward, you have options.
Both Cash Miles and Dream Miles can be transferred to another person’s account.
However, Cash Miles can only be transferred to another Cash Miles account, and Dream Miles can only be transferred to another Dream Miles account.
Here are your options when it comes to transferring your points:
Gift Your Miles To Someone Else | Fee of $0.15 per mile |
Merge Accounts (Same Household) | No fee |
Merge Accounts (Separate Households) | Fee of $0.15 per mile |
You can initiate the transfer by calling Air Miles Customer Care at 1-888-247-6453.
Expiration Policies
As long as you stay active and continue to earn and redeem your Air Miles, your Cash Miles and Dream Miles will not expire.
iHowever, if your account is inactive for 24 months, meaning there is no activity on the account whatsoever, your points will expire.