Changes to BMO Airmiles MC?

[coastgirl]

So we got a notice today about changes to the Airmiles Mastercard. It looks on the surface like it's better, but, um, excuse me if I don't trust them to tell me everything! Has anyone sorted through the fine print?

 

[mc'smommy]

You didnt read the pamphlet that came with it ? Outlining the changes ?...

 

[coastgirl]

Yeah, I did, but it doesn't actually compare it to what we have...e.g., we already get some sort of "special booking option" for cardmembers. I thought we already had a miles discount. Maybe this is wider, but I can't tell.

 

[grover]

I haven't rec'd anything yet..I wonder what the changes relate to?

 

[tgropp]

You used to be able to fly anywhere in North America until last year when they changed it to 20% off the number of points needed. Is there a new deal now???

 

[coastgirl]

Yeah, they're saying 25% off as of Aug 3. I'm just wondering if the preferential points for Westjet would change or something like that. (Would we get more choices? Or fewer?) When they made the change a year or so ago to the program, we lost A LOT. Had enough for flights for the family on Westjet, and suddenly it was more. Maybe they actually made it not worth it (as I've heard expressed often here) and BMO decided they needed to find a way to make people keep paying the annual fee for the credit card.

I did read the detail on the "new included travel insurance" and I'm glad I did... talks about "trip interruption insurance" but the ONLY return home it covers is if someone in your immediate family dies. And as far as I can tell, the personal effects insurance covers you...until you pay them back? They're no talk of actual amounts, just we'll advance you the money and it will be billed to your account. Sounds remarkably like...hmm, a credit card to me! It looked like valuable included insurance, but from what I read, it's not worth anything. The CDW insurance is nice, not sure that was free before, but again, I was confused by the language and not sure if it really covers what you want. Something about "doesn't negate the rental co's mandatory insurance"...for European rentals, they really want to charge you that mandatory insurance and it's expensive. In the past, the CC co has spoken with the rental agents on our behalf and gotten it waived. That was CIBC Aerogold, though.

So, when I see these insurance limitations spelled out, it makes me very suspicious of the rest.

 

[WishingMom]

They have also reduced the annual fee from $120 to $99

 

[coastgirl]

...So am I just suspicious by nature?? ;-) Yes, I thought $99 seemed better, but couldn't be sure it had been higher.

 

[CDN Prince Charming]

They have also reduced the annual fee from $120 to $99

I thought it said they were eliminating the annual fee altogether
Guess I'll have to reread it.

 

[CanadianPaco]

I am surprised they are reducing the annual fee!

 

[caisland]

I have the no fee option and they are doubling the airmiles to 1 for $20 instead of 1 for $40. Starts Aug 3rd so my trip to Disney in August sort of helps once I get there.