Best BMO Credit Cards

The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege stands as one of Canada’s most elite credit cards, offering an exceptional 5x BMO Rewards points on groceries, dining, drugstore purchases, gas, and travel, paired with a massive welcome bonus of up to 120,000 points and a unique $200 annual lifestyle credit. Reserved for high earners with individual incomes of $150,000 or household incomes of $200,000, this premium card delivers exclusive benefits including six annual airport lounge visits, mobile device insurance up to $1,000, and comprehensive travel coverage up to $5 million.

While the $599 annual fee places the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege among Canada’s most expensive credit cards, the combination of accelerated earning rates, anniversary credits, and the innovative 25% points boost for adding authorized users can generate substantial value for affluent households. The card’s spending caps of $15,000 to $25,000 on bonus categories require strategic usage, but cardholders who maximize the welcome bonus and lifestyle credits while leveraging the extensive travel benefits can extract value far exceeding the annual fee, making this a compelling choice for high-spending travelers seeking premium rewards and exclusive experiences.

The BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard delivers impressive cash back rates of up to 5% on groceries, 4% on transit, 3% on gas and EV charging, and 2% on recurring bills, combining premium earning potential with comprehensive travel benefits typically reserved for points-based cards. With a generous welcome offer providing 10% cash back in the first three months plus a waived first-year annual fee worth $120, this card targets high-earning Canadians who want straightforward cash rewards without the complexity of points programs.

While the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard’s monthly caps on bonus categories limit maximum earning potential and the $80,000 income requirement restricts accessibility, the combination of high cash back rates, travel medical insurance, roadside assistance, and Mastercard Airport Experiences creates exceptional value for affluent households. The flexibility to redeem cash back directly to your credit card, bank account, or investment portfolio provides practical options that resonate with financially savvy consumers seeking tangible returns on their everyday spending.

The Students BMO CashBack Mastercard provides an ideal entry point for Canadian students to build credit history while earning meaningful cash back rewards, offering 3% on groceries (up to $500 monthly), 1% on recurring bill payments (up to $500 monthly), and 0.5% on all other purchases with no annual fee. The welcome bonus of up to 5% cash back during the first three months on spending up to $2,500 provides up to $125 in initial rewards, designed to align with realistic student spending patterns rather than requiring unattainable spending thresholds.

Beyond rewards earning, this card’s greatest value lies in helping students establish positive credit history through responsible use, while providing practical benefits like purchase protection on electronics, flexible redemption options, and zero liability coverage for fraud protection. With accessible eligibility requirements including $0 minimum income and basic age/residency criteria, the card recognizes the financial realities of student life while providing a foundation for future financial opportunities. Students should view this as a stepping stone toward premium cards after graduation, using it to build the credit history necessary for post-graduation financial milestones like apartment rentals and eventually mortgages.

The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite revolutionizes everyday rewards by offering 5x BMO Points per dollar on essential spending categories including groceries, dining, gas, and transit, with a generous welcome package worth $570 including 60,000 bonus points, a $50 lifestyle credit, and first-year annual fee waiver. Designed for professionals earning at least $60,000 annually, this card transforms routine purchases into substantial rewards while providing modern benefits like mobile device insurance up to $1,000 and comprehensive travel coverage.

While the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite caps accelerated earning at $50,000 annually and charges a $120 annual fee after year one, its focus on everyday spending categories where most households concentrate their expenses creates exceptional value for urban professionals and families. The combination of high earning rates on essentials, anniversary lifestyle credits, and the innovative Pay with Points feature that lets you redeem for specific purchases makes this one of Canada’s most practical rewards cards for those who prioritize daily spending over travel purchases.

The BMO Cashback Mastercard is one of Canada’s most accessible no-fee cash back credit cards, offering straightforward rewards without annual fees or complex category rotations. New cardholders can earn up to 5% cash back during their first three months, plus enjoy ongoing rates of 3% on groceries (up to $500 monthly), 1% on recurring bills (up to $500 monthly), and 0.5% on all other purchases with no limit.

What sets this card apart is its flexibility and simplicity – redeem cash back anytime through direct deposit, statement credit, or investment account transfer. With a recommended 660+ credit score requirement, purchase protection, and a special 0.99% balance transfer rate for nine months, it’s an ideal choice for grocery shoppers, budget-conscious consumers, and anyone seeking reliable cash back rewards without the premium price tag.

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard delivers exceptional value for travel enthusiasts with its impressive 5x BMO Rewards points on travel purchases and 3x points on dining and entertainment, complemented by a substantial welcome bonus of up to 90,000 points and a waived first-year annual fee. Designed for travelers earning at least $80,000 annually, this card combines competitive earning rates with comprehensive travel insurance, car rental coverage up to $65,000, and exclusive perks like Cirque du Soleil discounts and Mastercard Travel Rewards benefits.

While the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard carries a $150 annual fee after the first year, the combination of accelerated earning on travel and lifestyle purchases, generous welcome bonus worth approximately $630 in travel value, and robust insurance coverage creates compelling value for frequent travelers. The card’s focus on travel, dining, and entertainment spending makes it particularly attractive for those who prioritize experiences over everyday purchases, offering one of the strongest travel rewards propositions in the World Elite category without the premium pricing of ultra-exclusive cards.

The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard delivers enhanced AIR MILES earning with 3 Miles for every $12 spent at participating partners, 2 Miles per $12 at grocery stores, and 1 Mile per $12 on everything else, combined with an exclusive 25% discount on one annual flight redemption that can save hundreds on travel bookings. With a generous welcome bonus of 7,000 AIR MILES, first-year annual fee waived, comprehensive travel insurance, and complimentary DragonPass membership for airport lounge access, this card transforms everyday spending into meaningful travel rewards for dedicated AIR MILES collectors.

While the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard requires an $80,000 individual or $150,000 household income and charges $120 annually after year one, the combination of accelerated earning rates, Shell fuel discounts, car rental benefits, and the valuable 25% flight discount creates exceptional value for loyal AIR MILES members. The unique earning structure based on dollars spent rather than percentage back appeals to those who prefer the simplicity of the AIR MILES ecosystem over complex point transfer programs.

The BMO Eclipse Rise Visa Card brings premium-style rewards to the no-annual-fee category, offering 5x BMO Rewards points per $2 spent on recurring bills, groceries, dining, and takeout, effectively earning 2.5 points per dollar in these essential categories. With a generous welcome bonus of up to 25,000 points achievable through moderate spending and simple account setup tasks, plus a 0.99% balance transfer rate for nine months, this card delivers exceptional value without any ongoing fees or minimum income requirements.

While the BMO Eclipse Rise Visa Card’s earning structure of points per $2 rather than per dollar may initially confuse, the combination of strong category coverage, mobile device insurance up to $1,000, and accessibility to those with good credit scores of 660+ makes this an attractive option for budget-conscious rewards seekers. The card particularly shines for those with existing balances to transfer or households spending heavily on groceries and dining, offering a rare combination of debt management tools and ongoing rewards potential without the burden of annual fees.

The BMO Ascend World Elite Business Mastercard targets Canadian businesses with regular spending in key categories, offering 4 points per dollar on gas, office supplies, and internet/mobile bills, plus 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases. With a generous welcome bonus of up to 100,000 BMO Rewards points (earned through 20,000 points after first purchase and 8,000 points monthly for months 3-12 when spending $3,000 per month), the card provides strong initial value, especially with the first-year annual fee waiver that eliminates the typical $149 cost.

This card works best for established businesses that can consistently meet the $3,000 monthly spending requirement and have substantial expenses in the bonus categories. Beyond rewards earning, it includes practical business benefits like Maple virtual healthcare access, comprehensive travel insurance, Shell fuel discounts, and the ability to add up to 22 employee cards at $50 each. While the points program requires more active management than simple cash back, businesses with regular travel and spending in the 4x categories can extract solid value that justifies the ongoing annual fee.

The BMO U.S. Dollar Mastercard provides a specialized solution for Canadians who frequently shop or travel in the United States, eliminating foreign exchange fees by allowing transactions to process directly in U.S. dollars rather than converting from Canadian currency. With a modest $49 USD annual fee that gets rebated when you spend $3,000 USD or more annually, this unique card saves significant money on exchange rates for cross-border shoppers, snowbirds, and anyone with regular U.S. dollar expenses.

While the BMO U.S. Dollar Mastercard lacks rewards programs, travel benefits, or cash back opportunities, its singular focus on eliminating the typical 2.5% foreign transaction fees creates genuine value for those who can pay their balance in U.S. dollars. For Canadians earning USD income, maintaining U.S. bank accounts, or spending heavily south of the border, this card transforms cross-border financial management from a costly hassle into a streamlined process that can save hundreds or thousands annually on exchange rates.

The BMO AIR MILES World Elite Business Mastercard targets Canadian businesses already committed to the AIR MILES ecosystem, offering 1 AIR MILE for every $12 spent on general purchases and 4x the miles at participating AIR MILES partners like Staples, Shell, and various grocery chains. With a welcome bonus of 8,000 AIR MILES after spending $5,000 in the first three months and a first-year annual fee waiver, the card provides strong initial value, especially when combined with premium benefits like five annual Maple virtual healthcare visits and Mastercard Travel Pass lounge access.

This card works best for businesses that can shift substantial spending toward AIR MILES partners, where the 4x earning rate provides roughly 3.33% return value, making the $149 ongoing annual fee justifiable. However, the base earning rate of just 0.83% on general spending means businesses without strong partner alignment will find limited value. The card requires active AIR MILES program management and strategic spending patterns to extract optimal returns, making it ideal for service-based businesses with office supply needs, fuel expenses, and occasional travel requirements, but less suitable for companies seeking simple cash back rewards.

The BMO AIR MILES Mastercard is a no-annual-fee option for Canadians who want to earn AIR MILES on everyday purchases, though it comes with modest earning rates that may disappoint value-focused consumers. The card earns 3 AIR MILES per $25 spent at participating partners, 2 AIR MILES per $25 at grocery stores, and 1 AIR MILE per $25 elsewhere, translating to roughly 1.2%, 0.8%, and 0.4% returns respectively when redeemed for cash value. The welcome bonus of 1,200 AIR MILES provides approximately $120 in value upon approval.

While the earning rates are low compared to cash back alternatives, the card offers a compelling 0.99% balance transfer rate for nine months and practical benefits like Shell fuel discounts and basic purchase protection. This card works best for existing AIR MILES collectors who want to supplement their earning without paying fees, or those seeking debt consolidation through the promotional balance transfer offer. However, most Canadian consumers will find better long-term value with higher-earning cash back cards or more flexible travel rewards programs.

The BMO Air Miles No-Fee Business Mastercard serves as BMO’s entry-level AIR MILES earning option for Canadian businesses, offering 1 AIR MILE for every $20 spent (0.5% return) and a modest boost to 1.25 miles per $20 at Shell stations. With no annual fee and a welcome bonus of 2,000 AIR MILES worth approximately $200, the card removes cost barriers but provides underwhelming earning rates that require $20,000 in spending to accumulate meaningful rewards equivalent to what competitors offer through much lower spending thresholds.

While the card includes basic business features like free additional employee cards and BMO’s Liability Waiver Program, it lacks travel insurance and premium benefits found on fee-paying alternatives. This card only makes sense for businesses already committed to the AIR MILES ecosystem with very modest spending levels, or those testing AIR MILES integration without annual fee commitment. Most Canadian businesses will find significantly better value with no-fee cash back cards offering 1-2% returns, making this card difficult to recommend except in very specific circumstances where AIR MILES program loyalty outweighs financial optimization.