Air Miles
Air Miles is a collectors card that is blue in colour that lets you collect points from hundreds of retailers all across Canada. With these points, you can purchase stuff for your home like a blender, new dishes, pots and pans, a barbecue, sunglasses, movie vouchers, gift cards, hair dryers, magazine subscriptions, vacations, flights and much much more. There is never a limit on how many rewards miles you may collect, and your card will never go inactive. You may also donate your miles to certain charities if you choose to do so. You are able to get the card on its own, in a BMO MasterCard, or in a bank card with BMO. An American Express card is also available.
The best part about your card- it's free. (Single card only. Charges may apply to Credit cards or Bank cards) The only drawback is that you must be 18 to have your own card. Sign up is available online.
Aeroplan
With Aeroplan, there are also different types of cards. There is an American Express, a Visa card from CIBC as well as the single card its self. More charities are in contact with Aeroplan than they are with Air Miles if you choose to donate your miles. Your miles can also easily be exchanged for household items similar to the ones above, as well as vacations. Miles are just as easy to collect, and with Aeroplan your card is also free. The age for the Aeroplan card is also 18, and signing up is as simple as clicking the link below.
Overview:
Over all, both cards are equally as great and equally as free. If you just want a card to collect points on, both of these cards would be great as you could give your unwanted points to many different charities. You could also use your points towards vacations or Christmas presents. While rewards do take some time to add up, there is never a time limit or expiration date therefore you could save for years and celebrate a great retirement trip just by spending your rewards! They say things in life don't come for free. In this case, they're wrong.
Happy Travels!