Canada’s 7 Best BMO Credit Cards

BMO Credit Cards: What You Need to Know

When choosing a BMO credit card, you should familiarize yourself with what benefits a BMO credit card can offer, what features to look out for, and how BMO credit cards can fit into an optimized credit card strategy.

Why get a BMO credit card?

BMO has rebuilt its credit card lineup around the eclipse Visa brand, a family of travel rewards cards that earn BMO Rewards points at competitive rates across popular spending categories. The eclipse cards stand out for their generous lifestyle credits, which help offset a meaningful portion of the annual fee.

BMO has also partnered with Porter Airlines to offer the VIPorter Mastercard lineup. These cards earn VIPorter points for use towards flights and upgrades, along with perks like complimentary checked bags, lounge access at select Porter-served airports, and VIPorter loyalty status.

If you already bank with BMO, it’s a no-brainer to pick up one of their credit cards. You can get your annual fee for most cards rebated every year if you have a BMO Premium chequing account. This is useful if you plan on keeping a premium card year after year for its benefits and higher everyday earning rates.

What should you look for in a BMO credit card?

BMO offers several types of rewards on their credit cards:

• BMO eclipse Visa cards are BMO’s flagship products, earning BMO Rewards points at up to 5x on popular spending categories like groceries, dining, and transit. The eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege tier adds a $200 annual lifestyle credit, DragonPass lounge access, and enhanced insurance.
• BMO VIPorter Mastercards earn VIPorter points for use towards Porter Airlines flights and upgrades. The World Elite tier includes DragonPass lounge access, additional checked bags, and higher VIPorter loyalty status.
• BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard earns BMO Rewards points at elevated rates on travel, dining, and entertainment. It’s a solid choice for Mastercard loyalists who want strong travel perks including four annual lounge visits and a NEXUS rebate.
• Cash Back cards can be redeemed any time. BMO’s cash back cards have strong earning rates on popular categories, though spending limits apply before your rewards revert to the base level.
• AIR MILES® co-branded cards remain available for collectors of that program, though AIR MILES® redemption value is more limited compared to BMO’s other travel rewards options.

BMO’s eclipse products use the Visa network, while the VIPorter and Ascend cards are Mastercards. All of BMO’s cards come with the standard benefits for their card tier:

• All Visa Infinite* cards have access to Concierge services, the Luxury Hotel Collection, and the Dining Series & Wine Country program
• In addition, Visa Infinite* Privilege cards come with a DragonPass membership which includes six annual visits to participating airport lounges and restaurants each year
• All World Elite®* Mastercards come with a DragonPass membership (although no free passes are offered) and a FlexiRoam eSIM for international data roaming

BMO also offers student credit cards that earn rewards. These might be easier to get approved for if you have no previous credit history.

BMO routinely offers First Year Free promotions for new signups for all cards at or below the World Elite tier. If this incentive ever disappears, it’s better to wait for it to come back before applying.

What’s the optimal strategy for BMO credit cards?

BMO credit cards have become more competitive following the launch of the eclipse Visa lineup. For dedicated travellers, the eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege card is the centrepiece, offering strong earning rates, a $200 lifestyle credit, and premium travel benefits.

The VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is a natural complement if you fly Porter regularly, thanks to VIPorter loyalty perks and an excellent welcome offer. And the Ascend World Elite Mastercard rounds things out for those who want a Mastercard with strong travel-category earning and lounge access.

BMO Rewards points can be redeemed for travel at 0.67 cents per point, which is modest compared to other banks’ programs. However, the eclipse cards’ high earning rates help compensate — earning 5x on groceries at 0.67 cpp is effectively 3.35% back, which is competitive with other banks’ premium cards.

For most travellers, BMO credit cards work best as a complement to a broader strategy anchored by American Express and one of the Big 5 banks with stronger transfer partners. The eclipse cards fill a useful role for everyday spending, while the VIPorter cards serve a niche for Porter loyalists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some questions we frequently hear from readers about the best BMO credit cards in Canada.

Which credit bureau does BMO check?

BMO checks Equifax.

Can I have more than one BMO credit card at the same time?

Yes, you can have any combination of premium and entry-level cards.

Can I get BMO business cards?

Yes, you can apply as a sole proprietor doing business as your own name. Sometimes BMO will ask for business registration documents to support your application, so it’s best to be prepared with those.

“^† Terms and conditions apply please refer to the BMO Website for the most up to date information.”