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Air miles cash vs dream, what do you need to know.

AirMiles is Canada's largest loyalty program with more than 10 million active accounts.There are two ways to get Air Miles.The Air Miles program has evolved to get to this point.

Several years ago Air Miles faced backlash from its members when it tried to introduce an expired reward miles policy.At the end of 2016 the policy would have come into effect and many Air Miles Collectors were angry at the thought of losing their miles.The good news is that Air Miles canceled its plans for an expiry policy due to heavy pressure from members, as well as legislative changes that would prevent companies from putting expiry dates on earned rewards.

The Cash Miles feature was introduced by Air Miles at the same time it announced its expiry policy.

Traditional rewards for flights and hotels can be found using something called Dream Miles, while collectors looking to instantly redeem miles at grocery stores, gas stations, and at the movies should opt for Cash Miles.It is important to note that Dream Miles is the default setting, so if you want to start earning and redeeming Cash Miles you need to adjust your settings within your Air Miles account.You can't transfer between Dream and Cash.

What is it?Before Cash Miles were introduced, Dream Miles was the Air Miles rewards program.You can find travel rewards, merchandise, and tickets here.

Dream Miles can be used to book flights, hotels, car rentals, package vacations, and cruises.You can book tickets for concerts, plays, sporting events, as well as golf or spa getaways.Electronics and household items are included in the catalogue.

What is your miles worth?A flight from Toronto to Florida starts at 3,500 reward miles.One night at the Westin Bristol Place Toronto Airport is worth 1,065 reward miles.500 reward miles is the starting point for car rentals.

What is it?In December of 2011, Air Miles introduced its Cash feature, which allowed collectors to allocate a portion or all of their future reward miles earnings into their Cash Miles account.Cash Miles allow you to redeem instantly at participating sponsors.

There are three types of cash rewards: redeem in-store for rewards such as groceries, gas, and home renovations, redeem online and get an eVoucher, or donate your reward miles to one of over 86,000.

What is your miles worth?95 reward miles are worth $10 in a standardized format.One reward mile is worth about 10 cents.

Click here to find a full list of Air Miles Cash sponsors.

There is no way to transfer Dream Miles to Cash Miles in this two-tier rewards structure.It's up to the Collectors to choose their earnings preference.

Dream Miles are more valuable than Cash Miles as reward miles are not valid after five years.Hotels, flights, and rental cars are the best value for Dream Miles.Don't bother with the contests and merchandise.

Air Miles Cash is a good program that allows you to save $10 every time you earn 95 reward miles.The number of sponsors makes it possible for collectors to redeem their miles for useful rewards such as groceries, gas, movies, coffee, and even iTunes.

When they made the switch, items such as the Marlin Travel vouchers can no longer be purchased with my dream miles.I don't remember if I was ever informed of that change.

This is a cash grab by Air Miles.The billions of air miles that will end on Dec 31 will affect Air Miles financially.The company's balance sheet will improve on the back of those members who have saved their points for a "real dream" for their retirement, as the contingent liability will disappear.

Air miles cash vs dream, what do you need to know.

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