Originally Posted by
tcook052
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...Story/Business
Bank of Montreal has made a bold move for market share by making big cuts in the number of points you need to travel, while several other banks have introduced an elite new Visa card with perks for big-time spenders and travellers.
BMO's newly revamped Mosaik Gold Air Miles MasterCard offers what in some situations is the most efficient way to generate reward flights in the Canadian market right now. Card holders can book flights using the Air Miles program with 20 per cent fewer points than regular members. Example: Card holders need 840 points for an off-season Toronto-New York flight, down from the standard 1,050.
BMO's re-jigged Mosaik card removes some benefits that used to be offered through a special arrangement with the airline WestJet. However, the new 20-per-cent discount will benefit more people because 11 airlines can now be used for reward flights, including WestJet. The 20-per-cent discount applies across the board to normal Air Miles requirements and BMO says there are no blackout periods or other restrictions.
The article failed to discuss the ease of redemption. 20% discount on nothing is still nothing. I have lots of Air Miles but as noted in one of my earlier posts, even with reasonable advance planning, I have been unable to book any hotel room using them as a Gold level collector.