Compare the best BMO credit cards to maximize your rewards, minimize fees, and unlock travel perks that align with your spending habits.
To weigh BMO against the competition, see our best cash back credit cards and best travel credit cards rankings.
Understanding BMO Credit Cards
BMO structures its credit card offerings around three core reward systems: cash back cards that deposit earnings directly into your account, BMO Rewards points that unlock flexible travel redemptions, and co-branded VIPorter cards for Porter Airlines enthusiasts. Each system serves distinct financial goals.
Cash back cards appeal to budget-conscious consumers who value simplicity, while points-based cards cater to travelers seeking redemption flexibility without airline-specific restrictions. Before comparing individual products, it’s essential to understand that BMO Rewards points hold a baseline value of approximately $0.0067 per point when redeemed for travel—translating to 150 points equaling $1 in travel purchases.
Eligibility for BMO credit cards follows standard Canadian banking requirements: applicants must be permanent residents or citizens, have reached the age of majority in their province (18 in most provinces, 19 in others), and not have declared bankruptcy within the past seven years.
Income requirements vary significantly—no-fee cards typically have minimal thresholds, while World Elite Mastercard products require personal incomes of $80,000 or household incomes of $150,000. The most exclusive cards demand individual incomes exceeding $150,000. Before applying, compare these income benchmarks against your current financial profile to improve approval likelihood. Learn more about credit card approval factors in Canada to strengthen your application strategy.
Best BMO Cash Back Cards
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $0 |
BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* World Eliteᴹᴰ*
BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* is one of Canada’s best cash back Mastercard credit cards.
Currently, for a limited time, you could earn up to $480 cash back in the first year. Specifically, you will earn $40 cash back for each monthly period in which you make $2,000 in purchases on your card.
Plus, there is no annual fee for the first year!
Additionally, you benefit from a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months, as well as a 2% balance transfer fee.
With BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*, you get between 2% and 5% cash back on many categories of purchases:
- 5% on grocery purchases (on the first $500 you spend monthly)
- 4% on transit (on the first $300 you spend monthly)
- 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging (on the first $300 you spend monthly)
- 2% on recurring bill payments (on the first $500 you spend monthly)
Everywhere else, you’ll earn 1% cash back, including at Costco. It is also one of the only credit cards in its category to offer a 2 additional years extended warranty.
Finally, enjoy six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.
BMO CashBack® Mastercard®*
The BMO CashBack Mastercard is a no-annual-fee, cash-back credit card. With the BMO CashBack Mastercard, you can earn 5% cash back for the first three months. This represents a maximum welcome bonus of $125 :
- 5% cash back on up to $500 in eligible grocery purchases, for a $25 bonus
- 5% cash back on up to $500 in eligible recurring bill payments, for a $25 bonus
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in all other eligible purchases, for a $75 bonus
Then you get a cash back rate of:
- 3% cash back on grocery purchases, including at Walmart Supercenters
- 1% cash back on recurring bill payments
You can also get a 0.99% welcome interest rate on balance transfers for nine months.
Finally, enjoy three months of Instacart+ membership and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.
Best BMO Travel Rewards Cards
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | |||
| $0 | |||
| $599 | |||
| $0 |
BMO Ascend World Elite®* Mastercard®*
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is one of the best World Elite Mastercard credit cards with travel points in Canada. With our exclusive welcome offer, you can get up to 115,000 points:
- 60,000 points after $5,000 in purchases within the first 110 days of account opening
- 20,000 points after $10,000 in purchases within the first 180 days of account opening
- 35,000 points after $20,000 in purchases within the first 365 days of account opening
115,000 BMO Rewards points have a value of approximately $770, which you can apply to any travel charged to your card.
And there are no annual fees for the first year for the primary cardholder and additional cardholders! This exclusive offer ends on March 31, 2026.
Plus, enjoy a 0% welcome interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months, as well as a 2% balance transfer fee.
With the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, a premium credit card from BMO, you get:
- 5 points per dollar on travel purchases
- 3 points per dollar on dining purchases
- 3 points per dollar for entertainment purchases
- 3 points per dollar on recurring bill payments
And 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else, including at Costco. You can use BMO Rewards points for all travel purchases made through the agency or website of your choice (plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, all-inclusive packages, Airbnb, etc.) or for rewards and gift cards on the BMO Rewards platform.
The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard also offers:
- 4 complimentary visits to airport VIP lounges
- Excellent premium insurance for your travels or purchases
- Premium concierge service
Finally, enjoy six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card
By applying for our offer for the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card, you can obtain up to 70,000 BMO Rewards points as well as the first-year annual fee waiver of $120:
- 30,000 points after $4,000 in purchases within the first 110 days of account opening
- 20,000 points after $7,000 in purchases within the first 180 days of account opening
- 20,000 points after $12,000 in purchases within the first 365 days of account opening
What’s more, you’ll receive a $50 anniversary credit that you can use as you please. You also receive a $20 monthly credit for streaming service subscriptions for the first year.
With the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card, you can earn 5 BMO Rewards points per dollar spent on:
- Groceries
- restaurants, bars
- Food delivery
- Gas
- local transport
And 1 BMO Rewards point per dollar spent everywhere else. Plus, if you add an authorized user to your account, you’ll earn 10% more points.
You can use BMO Rewards points for all travel purchases made through the agency or website of your choice (plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, all-inclusive packages, Airbnb, etc.) or for rewards and gift cards on the BMO Rewards platform.
Finally, enjoy six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a premium metal card! By applying for this card, you can earn up to 200,000 BMO Rewards points:
- 80,000 points after $6,000 in purchases within the first 110 days of account opening
- 40,000 points after $40,000 in purchases within the first 180 days of account opening
- 80,000 points after $75,000 in purchases within the first 365 days of account opening
Additionally, you benefit from a 0% welcome interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months, as well as a 2% balance transfer fee.
Plus, you’ll receivea $200 anniversary credit to use as you wish!
As well as a membership to the Visa Airport Companion program with six complimentary visits per year to airport lounges.
With this Card, you can earn 5 BMO Rewards points per dollar spent on:
- Groceries
- Gas
- Drugstores
- Travel
- restaurants and bars
- Food delivery
And 1 BMO Rewards point per dollar spent everywhere else.
You can use BMO Rewards points for all travel purchases made through the agency or website of your choice (plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, all-inclusive packages, Airbnb, etc.) or for rewards and gift cards on the BMO Rewards platform.
Finally, enjoy six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.
BMO eclipse rise Visa* Card
The new BMO eclipse rise Visa* Card is a no-annual-fee credit card with travel points, requiring no minimum income.
With this offer, you can earn up to 25,000 points as a welcome bonus:
- 20,000 points after $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- 2,500 points when you redeem 12,000 points with the Pay with Points option over a 12-month period
- 2,500 points when you pay the balance on time for 12 months
What’s more, you can benefit from an interest rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for nine months (a 2% balance transfer fee applies).
With the new BMO eclipse rise Visa* Card, you earn :
- 5 points for every two dollars spent on recurring bill payments
- 5 points for every two dollars spent at the grocery store
- 5 points for every two dollars spent at restaurant and for takeaway
- 1 point per two dollars of purchases for all other purchase categories
You can use BMO Rewards points for all travel purchases made through the agency or website of your choice (plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, all-inclusive packages, Airbnb, etc.) or for rewards and gift cards on the BMO Rewards platform.
The new BMO eclipse rise Visa* Card also offers:
- Mobile Device Insurance
- Purchase Protection
- Extended warranty insurance
Finally, enjoy three months of Instacart+ membership and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.
Best BMO Low-Interest Card
BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard®*
The BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard is a Bank of Montreal credit card that offers a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months.
There is no minimum income requirement for this BMO credit card.
You can use this low-interest credit card at Costco because it is a Mastercard credit card.
Finally, you’ll receive insurance on purchases charged to your BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard.
How BMO Rewards Work
BMO Rewards operates as a fixed-value points program rather than a transfer-partner ecosystem like American Express Membership Rewards. Points hold consistent redemption values depending on how you use them. For travel redemptions—including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages through any provider—you’ll redeem at a rate of 150 points per dollar, yielding approximately 0.67 cents per point. Non-travel redemptions (statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, BMO investments) require 200 points per dollar, delivering only 0.5 cents per point. This structure creates a clear incentive to reserve points for travel purchases when possible.
Redemption flexibility is a competitive advantage. Unlike airline-specific programs with blackout dates and limited seat availability, BMO Rewards allows you to book travel through any website or agency, then redeem points against those purchases. You can book the cheapest flight on any carrier, stay at any hotel, or reserve any rental car, and apply points retroactively. This “Pay with Points” feature lets you redeem points directly at participating merchants for eligible purchases like gas and groceries, though the redemption value may be lower than travel bookings.
Comparing BMO to Competitors
BMO’s credit card portfolio competes directly with offerings from RBC, TD, CIBC, and Scotiabank. When evaluating BMO against these alternatives, several factors emerge as decision points: earning rates in your highest-spend categories, annual fees relative to benefits received, income requirements that determine eligibility, and redemption flexibility that affects point value. The table below compares BMO’s flagship travel card against similar products from major Canadian banks to illustrate competitive positioning.
| Feature | BMO Ascend WE | RBC Avion Infinite | CIBC Aventura Infinite | Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $150 | $120 | $139 | $139 |
| Travel Earning | 5 points/$1 | 1.25 points/$1 | 2 points/$1 | 1 point/$1 |
| Dining Earning | 3 points/$1 | 1.25 points/$1 | 2 points/$1 | 2 points/$1 |
| Lounge Passes | 4 annual | 4 annual | 4 annual | 6 annual |
| Income Required | $80k/$150k | $60k/$100k | $60k/$100k | $60k/$100k |
BMO’s Ascend card delivers superior earning rates on travel and dining compared to most competitors, which could translate to faster point accumulation if these categories dominate your spending. However, the higher income requirement may disqualify applicants who would qualify for competing products. The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card uniquely eliminates foreign transaction fees—a significant advantage for international travelers, while BMO charges standard 2.5% foreign exchange fees on all cards except specific premium tiers. Rates and terms may vary by financial institution, so verify current offers before applying.
For cash back enthusiasts, BMO’s 3% grocery rate on their no-fee card outperforms most competitors’ entry-level offerings. Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card and Simplii Financial Cash Back Visa offer customizable 2% categories, but BMO’s fixed 3% on groceries requires no configuration.
If you’re comparing multiple products, use our credit card comparison tool to model earnings based on your actual spending patterns across categories.
Who Should Choose BMO Cards
BMO credit cards align well with specific consumer profiles based on spending habits, income levels, and financial goals. Understanding whether your circumstances match BMO’s strengths helps determine if these products merit application consideration.
- Grocery-focused households: Families who spend heavily on groceries benefit from the 3% or 5% rates offered across BMO’s cash back lineup, particularly if monthly grocery spending stays within category caps
- Urban commuters: Individuals who rely on public transit, rideshares, taxis, or frequent dining out maximize value with the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite‘s 5x earning on these everyday categories
- Flexible travel planners: Travelers who prefer booking through discount sites, boutique hotels, or budget airlines appreciate BMO Rewards’ ability to redeem points against any travel provider without blackout restrictions
- Debt consolidators: Consumers carrying high-interest credit card balances could reduce interest costs by transferring balances to the BMO Preferred Rate card’s introductory 0% rate for nine months
- Existing BMO banking customers: If you maintain a BMO Performance chequing account, you receive a $20 annual rebate on certain credit cards, effectively reducing annual fees and simplifying account management
Who Should Consider Alternatives
- Frequent international travelers: BMO charges standard 2.5% foreign transaction fees on most cards, making fee-free alternatives like Scotiabank Passport or Brim Financial more cost-effective for extensive overseas spending
- Airline loyalty program members: If you’re committed to a specific airline like Air Canada (Aeroplan) or WestJet, co-branded cards from those carriers often provide superior value through status benefits and airline-specific perks
- High spenders exceeding category caps: BMO’s monthly spending limits on bonus categories (particularly on the CashBack World Elite) disadvantage consumers who consistently exceed these thresholds in their top spending areas
- Premium card seekers with income constraints: The $80,000-$150,000 income requirements for World Elite products exclude many qualified consumers who might access premium features from competing issuers with lower thresholds
Application Strategy Tips
Timing and preparation influence approval outcomes when applying for BMO credit cards. Credit bureaus assess your financial profile based on recent credit inquiries, existing account balances, payment history, and credit utilization ratios. Before submitting applications, review your credit report for accuracy and consider spacing applications at least three to six months apart to avoid multiple hard inquiries clustering within a short period. If you’re targeting a premium card with high income requirements, ensure your stated income reflects all eligible sources, including salary, bonuses, investment income, and spouse’s income for household calculations.
- Check welcome bonus timing: BMO occasionally enhances welcome offers during promotional periods, so monitor current bonuses before applying and compare against historical offers to identify optimal application windows
- Calculate break-even points: For cards with annual fees, estimate how much you need to spend in bonus categories to recover the fee through rewards earnings, ensuring the card delivers net positive value
- Understand income verification: BMO may request income documentation for premium cards, so be prepared to provide recent tax returns, pay stubs, or Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency
- Consider product stacking: Some consumers hold multiple BMO cards to maximize category bonuses—for example, pairing a no-fee cash back card for groceries with a travel rewards card for dining and transit purchases
After approval, activate your card promptly and set up automatic payments to avoid missed payments that could damage your credit score. BMO offers online activation through their website or mobile banking app, typically completing the process in under one minute. To track spending toward welcome bonus requirements, use BMO’s mobile app or online banking portal to monitor progress against minimum spend thresholds and deadlines.
Bottom Line
BMO’s credit card portfolio delivers competitive value across multiple consumer segments, from budget-conscious shoppers seeking no-fee cash back to premium travelers pursuing comprehensive insurance coverage and lounge access. The standout strength lies in everyday category earning—particularly groceries, dining, and transit—where BMO frequently outpaces competitors’ rates. Redemption flexibility through the BMO Rewards program removes the complexity of blackout dates and limited award availability that plague airline-specific programs, though the fixed-value structure means points won’t deliver outsized value through strategic transfers.
The primary considerations when evaluating BMO cards involve income requirements that may exclude qualified applicants, monthly spending caps that limit earning potential for high spenders, and foreign transaction fees that disadvantage international travelers. Before applying, model your expected earnings based on actual spending patterns, verify you meet income thresholds, and compare total annual costs (fees minus benefits) against alternatives from competing issuers. For most Canadian consumers whose spending concentrates in domestic everyday categories, BMO cards could optimize rewards accumulation more effectively than generalist products. Review current welcome bonuses, calculate your potential earnings, and select the card that aligns most closely with your spending profile and financial objectives.
Before applying, compare our full list of the best credit cards in Canada to make sure this card is the right fit for your wallet.
BMO Credit Cards – FAQ
What credit score do I need for a BMO credit card?
BMO doesn’t publicly specify minimum credit scores for most cards. However, premium products like World Elite Mastercards typically require scores of 760 or higher, while no-fee cards may accept scores around 600-660. Your approval odds improve with higher scores, lower debt-to-income ratios, and established credit history. If you’re building credit, start with the no-fee BMO CashBack Mastercard before progressing to premium tiers.
How long do I have to meet welcome bonus requirements?
Welcome bonus timelines vary by card and promotion. Most BMO offers require meeting minimum spending thresholds within 90 to 120 days of account opening, though some premium cards extend deadlines to 180 or 365 days for tiered bonuses. Always verify the specific terms on your approval notice and track spending progress through BMO’s mobile banking app to ensure you qualify before deadlines expire.
Can I hold multiple BMO credit cards simultaneously?
Yes, BMO permits customers to hold multiple credit cards concurrently. Many cardholders strategically maintain both a cash back card for everyday purchases and a travel rewards card for dining and trips. However, each application generates a hard credit inquiry, and BMO evaluates your total credit exposure across all accounts when assessing new applications. Space applications several months apart to minimize impact on credit scores.
What happens to my BMO Rewards points if I cancel my card?
BMO Rewards points typically expire when you close your credit card account, and you forfeit any unredeemed balance. Before canceling a card, redeem all accumulated points for travel, statement credits, or other rewards. If you’re downgrading from a premium card to a no-fee option within the BMO family, contact customer service to confirm whether points transfer between accounts.
Does BMO charge foreign transaction fees?
Most BMO credit cards charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in currencies other than Canadian dollars. This applies to both physical purchases abroad and online transactions with international merchants. If you travel internationally frequently, consider fee-free alternatives like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card or Brim Financial cards to avoid these charges. Rates and terms may vary by financial institution.
How do BMO monthly spending caps work on cash back cards?
Cards like the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard impose monthly limits on bonus earning categories. For example, the 5% grocery rate applies only to the first specified dollar amount spent each billing cycle—spending beyond that threshold earns only the base rate of 1%. These caps reset monthly, so unused portions don’t carry forward. Track your spending in high-earn categories to maximize bonus rates before reaching monthly limits.
Are BMO Rewards points transferable to airline programs?
No, BMO Rewards operates as a fixed-value program without transfer partnerships to airline or hotel loyalty programs. Unlike American Express Membership Rewards or certain other bank programs, you cannot convert BMO points to Aeroplan, British Airways Avios, or other frequent flyer currencies. Instead, redeem points directly for travel purchases through any provider at a rate of 150 points per dollar, or use the Pay with Points feature for statement credits.
What’s the difference between BMO Visa and Mastercard products?
BMO issues both Visa and Mastercard credit cards, with product selection depending on specific benefits and partnerships. The eclipse series uses Visa branding and includes Visa-specific perks like Visa Infinite concierge services, while cash back and Ascend cards carry Mastercard branding with Mastercard Travel Pass benefits. Both payment networks offer near-universal acceptance in Canada, though Costco exclusively accepts Mastercard, making BMO’s Mastercard products particularly valuable for Costco shoppers.
How does the Instacart partnership benefit work?
Eligible BMO credit cardholders receive six months of complimentary Instacart+ membership plus a $10 monthly Instacart credit when they enroll their card. Instacart+ normally costs $9.99 monthly and provides benefits like free delivery on orders over $35, reduced service fees, and exclusive discounts. After the promotional period ends, the membership reverts to the standard paid subscription unless you cancel. This perk adds approximately $120 in value during the promotional window.
Can I use BMO points to pay my credit card bill?
While you cannot directly pay your credit card statement with BMO Rewards points, you can redeem points for statement credits against eligible purchases at a rate of 200 points per dollar. Alternatively, deposit cash back earnings from BMO cash back cards directly into your BMO chequing or savings account, then use those funds to pay your credit card bill. For maximum value, reserve BMO Rewards points for travel redemptions where they deliver higher per-point value.
Ratesopedia may receive compensation from certain partners when you click on links or apply for financial products. This compensation does not influence our evaluations or recommendations.
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