The best BMO credit cards cover a wide range of unique spending habits and financial situations. With balance transfer, travel, and cash back credit cards, BMO credit cards additionally offer SPC and AIR MILES versions as well as both BMO Mastercards and BMO Visa cards. These cards allow you to reap the rewards from your spending and receive perks that you can use, whether that is a discount at participating stores, travel rewards, complimentary insurance or low interest rates.
Our best BMO credit card comparison guide covers the different types of BMO Visa and BMO Mastercard credit cards that are available, as well as the benefits and rewards offered by each card. We also cover the eligibility requirements and how to apply for a BMO credit card, and finally we answer some frequently asked questions about the best BMO credit cards.
We’ve chosen the best BMO credit cards on this page based on the cards available through Finder. These cards are not representative of the entire market. We’ve narrowed down our top picks by considering rewards points, cash back, annual fees, interest rates, balance transfer offers and additional card benefits like signup bonuses.
No single credit card will be the best choice for everyone, so compare your options before picking your new card.
Best BMO credit card for cash back: BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
This card offers a wide range of benefits including an attractive signup bonus and the opportunity to earn cash back. Get up to $335 in additional cash back including 10% cash back in your first 3 months. Plus, get the $120 annual fee waived in the first year. After the promotional period ends, continue to enjoy rewards at the regular rate. Earn 5% cash back on groceries (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation (up to a maximum of $300 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging (up to a maximum of $300 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 2% on recurring bill payments (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter) and 1% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases. Plus, cardholders can enjoy a host of travel and entertainment perks.
Earn rewards. Get up to $335 in additional cash back including 10% cash back in your first 3 months. Plus, get the $120 annual fee waived in the first year.
Earn more. Earn 5% cash back on groceries (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation (up to a maximum of $300 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging (up to a maximum of $300 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 2% on recurring bill payments (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter) and 1% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases.
Rental cars. Save up to 20% on National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car, and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-Car at locations worldwide using the Car Rental Booking tool.
Get other perks. Get 15% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada, and 20% off resident shows in Las Vegas.
Travel coverage. You'll get Get up to $2 million Out-of-Province/Out-of-Country Emergency Medical benefits plus coverage for common carrier accidental death and dismemberment, flight delays and loss/damage/theft of baggage and eligible personal effects.
Annual fee. This card has an annual fee of $120.
Minimum redemption threshold. You'll need to accrue at least $50 in cash back before you can redeem.
Currency conversion. This card has a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%. This will apply on any overseas purchases or any purchases made online with an international retailer.
Minimum income requirement. You'll need to earn a personal income of at least $80,000, or a combined household income of at least $150,000 annually to apply.
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance Rate
23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
Balance transfer APR
23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
Welcome offer
Get up to $335 in additional cash back including 10% cash back in your first 3 months. Plus, get the $120 annual fee waived in the first year.
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on groceries (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation (up to a maximum of $300 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging (up to a maximum of $300 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter), 2% on recurring bill payments (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period—1% unlimited cash back thereafter) and 1% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases.
Best BMO travel card: BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
Designed with the frequent traveller in mind, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard lets you earn reward points that can be redeemed for free merchandise or to help pay for your next trip. Get 5 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases, 3 points per $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases. The annual fee of $150 can be more than offset by travel benefits such as complimentary travel insurance, lounge access and an attractive signup bonus. Get up to 90,000 points and get the $150 annual fee waived by your first anniversary..
Signup bonus. Get up to 90,000 points and get the $150 annual fee waived by your first anniversary..
Rental car collision damage insurance. Get complimentary Collision Damage Waiver benefits (MSRP of up to $65,000).
Reward points. Get 5 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases, 3 points per $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
Travel insurance coverage. Cardholders under 65 years of age get up to $2 million Out-of-Province/Out-of-Country Emergency Medical benefits for unlimited trips per year up to 21 days per trip. Other trip assistance services include emergency cash transfers (subject to available credit up to a maximum of $5,000) as well as coverage for lost/stolen/damaged baggage, trip cancellations/delays/interruptions, flight delays and lost/stolen travel documents and tickets. Cardholders aged 65-74 years old are eligible for separate coverage at an additional cost.
Extended warranty and purchase protection. Get complimentary purchase protection and extended warranty insurance on many of your card purchases. This means that eligible items are automatically covered against theft or damage for 90 days from the date of purchase. Additionally, the original manufacturer's warranty for eligible items is extended for up to 1 additional year.
Annual fee. This card has an annual fee of $150.
Foreign transaction fee. This card has a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%This will apply on any overseas purchases or any purchases made online with an international retailer.
Eligibility requirements. You'll need to earn a personal income of at least $80,000 or a combined household income of at least $150,000 annually.
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($150 thereafter)
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance Rate
23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
Balance transfer APR
23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
Welcome offer
Get up to 90,000 points and get the $150 annual fee waived by your first anniversary.
Rewards
Get 5 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases, 3 points per $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
Best BMO credit card for earning AIR MILES: BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard
The is a solid choice if you're goal is build up AIR MILES with your everyday purchases. You can earn accelerated AIR MILES, which can be redeemed for travel perks and merchandise. Get 3 Miles for every $12 spent at participating AIR MILES Reward Partners, 2 Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store and 1 AIR MILE for every $12 spent on eligible purchases. Earn a bonus of up to 7,000 AIR MILES. Terms apply. Plus, get the annual fee of $120 waived by your first anniversary.
Get bonus Miles. Earn a bonus of up to 7,000 AIR MILES. Terms apply. Plus, get the annual fee of $120 waived by your first anniversary.
Earn Miles. Earn mile per $10 spend in purchases.
Travel coverage. Get peace of mind with a wide range of travel insurance benefits including up to $2,000,000 Out-of-Province/Out-of-Country Emergency Medical Protection as well as coverage for delayed flights, trip cancellations, interruptions and delays, rental car collision damage and baggage loss, theft or damage.
Car rental. Get up to a 20% discount at National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car locations with complimentary Collision Damage Waiver benefits (MSRP of up to $65,000). Plus, enjoy a 7¢/L discount on Shell V-Power premium fuel and 2¢/L on all other Shell fuel every time you fuel up.
Airport lounge access. Use less Miles with an exclusive 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year. Plus, get complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass..
Annual fee. This card has an annual fee of $0 in the first year and $120 thereafter.
Currency conversion. This card has a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%. This will apply on any overseas purchases or any purchases made online with an international retailer.
Minimum income requirement. You'll need to earn a personal income of at least $80,000, or a combined household income of at least $150,000 annually.
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance Rate
23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
Balance transfer APR
23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
Welcome offer
Earn a bonus of up to 7,000 AIR MILES. Terms apply. Plus, get the annual fee of $120 waived by your first anniversary.
Rewards
Get 3 Miles for every $12 spent at participating AIR MILES Reward Partners, 2 Miles for every $12 spent at any eligible grocery store and 1 AIR MILE for every $12 spent on eligible purchases.
Best BMO premium lifestyle card: BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege
From everyday purchases to travel plans, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege benefits every area of your lifestyle. To begin, you'll get a $200 lifestyle credit annually, which you can spend however you like. Earn 5x the BMO Points for every $1 spent on groceries, dining in and out, drugstore purchases, gas and travel. You'll earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else. The card also comes with and impressive sign up bonus: Get up to 120,000 welcome points. Earn 50,000 points after you spend a minimum of $6,000 within the first 3 months, plus earn 30,000 points when you spend at least $30,000 in the first 6 months. Get an additional 40,000 points when you spend at least $75,000 by your first anniversary. You'll also have access to a a host of travel insurance coverage and benefits like airport lounge access.
Earn accelerated rewards. Earn 5x the BMO Points for every $1 spent on groceries, dining in and out, drugstore purchases, gas and travel. You'll earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.
Annual lifestyle credit. You'll receive a get a $200 lifestyle credit annually to spend however you like.
Sign up bonus. Get up to 120,000 welcome points. Earn 50,000 points after you spend a minimum of $6,000 within the first 3 months, plus earn 30,000 points when you spend at least $30,000 in the first 6 months. Get an additional 40,000 points when you spend at least $75,000 by your first anniversary.
Additional cardholder benefits. Primary cardholders that add a supplementary card to their account will receive a 25% bonus earn rate.
Travel and entertainment benefits. Enroll in the Visa Airport Companion program, and get six free airport lounge visits annually. Enjoy Priority Security Lane/airport parking/valet service discounts at select Canadian airports, Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge services and exclusive benefits (like free breakfast) with the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection. Take advantage of dining and wine events with Visa Infinite Dining Series and Visa Infinite Wine Country. Get Troon Rewards Golf benefits, including discounts at 95+ resorts and courses worldwide and access to select private US clubs.
Purchase coverage. Get up to 120 days of coverage from the date of purchase for eligible items against theft or damage. Plus, your Extended Warranty Insurance will triple the manufacturer’s warranty of items purchased on the card up to a maximum of two years of coverage.
Travel insurance. Get a comprehensive suite of travel insurance, including out-of province/country emergency medical, common carrier, car rental collision/loss damage, trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, baggage delay/theft/damage, hotel burglary and even more.
Annual fee. You'll have to pay an annual fee of $599 to maintain this card.
Additional cardholder fee. Each additional cardholder will cost a $99 fee.
Currency conversion fee. You'll be charged a currency conversion rate of 2.5%.
Purchase interest rate. The purchase interest rate for this card is relatively high at 21.99%.
Minimum income requirement. In order to be eligible for this card, you'll need a personal income of $150,000 or a household income of $200,000.
Annual Fee
$599
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance Rate
23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
Balance transfer APR
23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
Welcome offer
Get up to 120,000 welcome points. Earn 50,000 points after you spend a minimum of $6,000 within the first 3 months, plus earn 30,000 points when you spend at least $30,000 in the first 6 months. Get an additional 40,000 points when you spend at least $75,000 by your first anniversary.
Rewards
Earn 5x the BMO Points for every $1 spent on groceries, dining in and out, drugstore purchases, gas and travel. You'll earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.
Best BMO credit card for low interest: BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard
The BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard is a simple, no-frills credit card with a low interest rate of 13.99% for purchases and 15.99% for cash advances. You won't earn any rewards points or cash back, but this card's low rate can help you save money and pay down your balance faster. Get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.
Interest rate. Low APR of 13.99% for purchases and 15.99% for cash advances.
Earn rewards. Get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee.
Purchase coverage. Your purchases are covered with Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty coverage and Zero Liability protection.
Balance transfer offer. You can transfer a balance from another non-BMO credit card and pay only 0.99% interest on that amount for 9 months.
Annual fee. This card has an annual fee of $29.
Currency conversion. This card has a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%.
No extras. The BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard doesn't come with any cash back, rewards or other perks like complimentary travel insurance or car rental benefits.
Balance transfer fee. This card charges a balance transfer fee of 2%.
Annual fee
$29
Purchase APR
13.99%
Balance transfer APR
0.99% intro for the first 9 months (then 15.99% )
Balance transfer fee
2%
Rewards
N/A
Best BMO balance transfer credit card: BMO AIR MILES Mastercard
With the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard, you'll earn Air Miles while enjoying a $0 annual fee. Get 3x the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners, 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store, and 1 AIR MILE for every $25 spent elsewhere. Plus, this card comes with an appealing balance transfer offer. Get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% transfer fee will be charged for each transferred balance.
Balance transfer. Get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% transfer fee will be charged for each transferred balance.
Signup bonus. Get up to 1,200 AIR MILES Bonus Miles (enough for $120 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash).
Annual fee. This card has a $0 annual fee.
Additional cardholders. You can get an additional card for $0.
Earn rewards. Get 3x the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners, 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store, and 1 AIR MILE for every $25 spent elsewhere.
Earn even more. Get 2X the points by presenting your BMO Air Miles Mastercard and your Air Miles Card at participating Air Miles Partners.
Rental car. Save up to 20% off rentals at participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car locations, and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-Car at locations worldwide using the Car Rental Booking tool. Plus, enjoy a 7¢/L discount on Shell V-Power premium fuel and 2¢/L on all other Shell fuel every time you fuel up.
Foreign currency. You'll face a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% every time you use your card overseas or online with international retailers.
Balance transfer fee. Should you take advantage of the balance transfer offer, you'll face a balance transfer fee of 2%.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
21.99%
Balance transfer APR
23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
Balance transfer fee
2%
Rewards
Get 3x the Miles for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners, 2x the Miles for every $25 spent at any eligible grocery store, and 1 AIR MILE for every $25 spent elsewhere.
Best BMO student credit card: BMO CashBack Mastercard For Students
The BMO CashBack Mastercard For Students is cash back credit card designed specifically for students. Earn cash back at a standard rate of 3% on groceries (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period), earn 1% on recurring bill payments (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period) and earn 0.5% on all other eligible purchases (unlimited). You'll earn even more with its sign up bonus. Get up to 5% cash back in the first three months (up to a maximum spend of $2,500, and earn 3% cash back on groceries, 1% on recurring bill payments and 0.5% on all other eligible purchases thereafter).
All that comes with a $0 annual fee.
Annual fee. This card comes with a $0 annual fee.
Earn cashback. Earn cash back at a standard rate of 3% on groceries (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period), earn 1% on recurring bill payments (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period) and earn 0.5% on all other eligible purchases (unlimited).
Car rental discount. Save up to 20% on National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car, and up to 5% on Enterprise Rent-A-Car at locations worldwide using the Car Rental Booking tool.
Purchase protection. Eligible items charged to your card are automatically insured against theft and damage. Plus, double the original manufacturer's warranty on eligible items purchased with your card by up to 1 additional year.
Low return on other purchases. You'll only receive 0.5 cash back on all other categories of spending.
Missed payment fee. You'll have to pay a 24.99% rate on any missed payments.
Currency conversion. You'll have to pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% on any overseas purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance Rate
23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
Balance transfer APR
23.99% (21.99% for Quebec residents)
Welcome offer
Get up to 5% cash back in the first three months (up to a maximum spend of $2,500, and earn 3% cash back on groceries, 1% on recurring bill payments and 0.5% on all other eligible purchases thereafter).
Rewards
Earn cash back at a standard rate of 3% on groceries (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period), earn 1% on recurring bill payments (up to a maximum of $500 per statement cycle period) and earn 0.5% on all other eligible purchases (unlimited).
Best BMO no-fee business card for cash back: BMO Cashback Business Mastercard
With an appealing signup bonus and a $0 annual fee, the BMO Cashback Business Mastercard can be a great choice if you're looking to minimize expenses. Earn 1.5% cash back on eligible gas purchases, office supplies and on cell phone and internet recurring payments, earn 1.75% cash back at participating Shell stations, and earn 0.75% on all other eligible card purchases. Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Valid until December 13, 2025. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee. Plus, this credit card can be used at Costco locations across Canada.
Annual fee. This card's annual fee is $0.
Earn cash back. Earn 1.5% cash back on eligible gas purchases, office supplies and on cell phone and internet recurring payments, earn 1.75% cash back at participating Shell stations, and earn 0.75% on all other eligible card purchases.
Enjoy other perks. Enjoy 15% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada and 20% off resident shows in Las Vegas.
Earn more. Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Valid until December 13, 2025. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee.
Purchase coverage. Eligible items charged to your card can receive purchase protection and an extended manufacturer's warranty.
Costco accessible. You can use your BMO card at Costco locations across Canada.
Minimal perks. You won't get many of the benefits that come with other business credit cards on the market such as travel insurance, expense management tools and rewards points that can be redeemed for free flights and hotel stays.
Cash advance rate. You'll have to pay a 23.99% interest rate on any cash advances.
Annual Fee
$0
Purchase APR
20.99%
Cash Advance Rate
23.99%
Balance transfer APR
23.99%
Welcome offer
Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Valid until December 13, 2025. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee.
Rewards
Earn 1.5% cash back on eligible gas purchases, office supplies and on cell phone and internet recurring payments, earn 1.75% cash back at participating Shell stations, and earn 0.75% on all other eligible card purchases.
Types of BMO credit cards available
BMO offers a wide range of credit cards, including rewards, travel, balance transfer, no annual fee, student, Air Miles and cash back credit cards. BMO also offers BMO Mastercard and BMO Visa credit cards. Here’s a summary of each of the main types of BMO credit cards you can choose from:
BMO Balance Transfer credit cards
BMO offers a few low interest rate credit cards that typically have $0 or low annual fees, and competitive introductory interest rates for balance transfers. These types of credit cards come with Purchase Security and Extended Warranty on most purchases.
BMO Travel Rewards credit cards
You can earn plenty of travel related perks with BMO Travel Rewards credit cards, including bonus welcome points, points per dollar spent, zero or low annual fees, complimentary travel and medical insurance and luxury travel perks like airport lounge access. You can use your points toward merchandise or travel. You can also purchase prepaid travel credit cards, which you can load with money before you head out on your trip.
BMO Cash Back credit cards
Choose from a selection of cash back credit cards that offer perks like introductory rewards points and higher introductory cash back amounts, points per dollar spent, Air Miles reward miles or exclusive deals and access to tickets, movie premiers and sports games. Additionally, all cash back credit cards come with Purchase Security and Extended Warranty.
BMO No Annual Fee credit cards
BMO offers a selection of no annual fee credit cards that include cash back opportunities, Air Miles, SPC or BMO rewards.
BMO Air Miles credit cards
BMO offers a range of Air Miles credit cards that allow you to earn Air Miles rewards miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases. Many of these cards give new customers bonus Air Miles rewards miles, as well as complimentary travel insurance and zero or low annual fees. BMO also offer a joint Air Miles SPC credit card that allows you to benefit from collecting both Air Miles as well as SPC discounts at select stores across Canada.
SPC cards
SPC cards are catered towards students, offering anywhere between 10-15% off purchases at hundreds of retailers across Canada. These student cards come with no annual fees, as well as Purchase Security, Extended Warranty and exclusive deals and access to movie premiers, sports games and concert tickets.
BMO Business credit cards
BMO offers small business credit cards which can help you rack up BMO rewards points, Air Miles or earn cash back. These cards range in terms of annual fees and interest rates, so browse through the selection before you settle on the card that is right for you and your business.
BMO US dollar credit cards
BMO offers a US dollar credit card that allows you to avoid paying foreign currency conversion fees by charging you directly in US dollars on your credit card. This card comes with an annual fee, however if you spend over $1,000 US dollars in the calendar year, the annual fee for the following year will be rebated onto your credit card.
The benefits of banking with BMO
Some of the features you can enjoy with a BMO credit card include:
BMO rewards
With a BMO credit card, you typically earn 1 point per $1-2 spent on your credit card in BMO Rewards. You can then use your BMO rewards points to purchase merchandise through the online store or travel related products or services.
BMO Internet and mobile banking
If you have a BMO credit card, you can access your account through the secure BMO Online Banking link located on the website. Furthermore, you can download the BMO app to your smartphone and access your accounts that way too. With these convenient options, you can manage your account, pay bills, send transfers to other accounts in Canada and overseas, request a credit limit increase or apply for another BMO product at any time online or via the handy mobile app.
BMO credit card complimentary extras
All BMO credit cards come with purchase security and extended warranty protection. Premium cards, including black, gold, platinum and elite credit cards, come with additional complimentary extras which may include travel insurance, car rental and collision insurance, airport lounge access and other luxury travel benefits.
BMO credit cards security
BMO has a few different security protocols in place including chip technology and MasterCard Secure Code, which offers an additional layer of security when you make purchases online. Furthermore, BMO contact you immediately if there is any unusual or suspicious activity on your credit card account. If you are the victim of fraud, BMO have a team on hand that help you restore your bank balance and financial information.
How to apply for a BMO credit card
If you’ve done your due diligence and have decided you’d like to apply for a BMO credit card, you can begin your secure online application by clicking on the green “Go to site” button. This button will take you to a secure BMO credit card application page, where you will be able to begin the application process if you have all of the necessary documents and details on hand.
Before you get started on your application, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the specific credit card that you are interested in. Eligibility requirements typically vary between credit cards and providers, but generally include the following:
Eligibility requirements
How old are you? You should be at least the age of majority in your province or territory to apply for your own credit card, which is typically 18 years old.
What is your Canadian residency status? You usually need to be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada to apply for a Canadian credit card.
What is your credit history like? Ideally, you should have a good to excellent credit score and no recent evidence of defaults or bankruptcy. Some cards will accept fair to poor credit, however check with the provider on the specific card before you apply if you have less than good credit.
Information you will need for your application
If you meet the eligibility requirements for the BMO credit card, you can proceed with your application by collecting the following information:
Personal information. You’ll need to provide personal information such as your address and your contact information. You’ll also need to verify your identity by providing an accepted form of identification, such as your driver’s licence number or passport number.
Financial information. You will also need to detail information about your current employment, income and assets like shares or property and your employer’s contact details. If you’re self-employed, you may need to provide information regarding your expenses, liabilities and your accountant’s contact information.
BMO offer a variety of different credit cards that suit unique financial situations and spending habits. Do your research and find a credit card that you can reap rewards from, whether that is collecting Air Miles or paying a low interest rate.
Compare BMO Visa and BMO Mastercard credit cards
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We’ve curated a list of the most commonly asked questions about BMO credit cards. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, or if you’d like to leave us some feedback, get in touch with us using the form at the bottom of this page.
You will receive your new credit card in the mail and the card will have a phone number on it. You will need to call this number to activate your card. You will be required to confirm your identity and provide some details of the new card. Once you have activated your card via telephone, you will be able to use it immediately.
You can access BMO Online Banking via the secure BMO website. Alternatively, you can access your online banking details through the official BMO mobile app.
If you have a balance on your BMO credit card, interest will be calculated daily and charged monthly. Interest rates in Canada vary greatly, and can be as low as 0% (for balance transfer credit cards) or as high as 36%. Typical interest rates sit between 19.99% – 27.99%.
You can choose to receive paper statements in the mail or you can receive email notifications if you bank online. You can always check your balance via the BMO Online Banking site or through the BMO mobile app.
You can increase your credit limit by contacting BMO. Alternatively, you can ask for an increase in your credit limit online or via the mobile app. You can also decrease your limit if you wish via the same methods.
You will automatically be sent a new BMO credit card in the mail.
This will vary depending on the type of credit card you have, as well as your credit limit. As an example, you can earn around 3,000 Air Miles, plus any additional bonus Air Miles reward miles you receive, each year if you have a credit limit of $5,000 per month. You can likely fly from Vancouver to Toronto with around 3,600 miles. As another example, for Air Miles World Elite cardholders who have a monthly credit limit of $10,000, you can earn up to 12,000 miles a year, plus any bonus miles. With this amount, you could fly from Calgary to Sydney, Australia, and still have miles left over.
To cancel a BMO credit card, call BMO at call 1-800-263-2263 or head to your local BMO branch and speak to a teller. Before closing your credit card account, you'll need to pay off your balance in full and cancel any pre-authorized payments. Learn more in our guide to cancelling a credit card.
BMO offers a variety of other products and services including BMO chequing accounts, BMO savings accounts, mortgages, investment accounts, borrowing options, insurance, business solutions and financial advice.
Emma Balmforth is a producer at Finder. She is passionate about helping people make financial decisions that will benefit them now and in the future. She has written for a variety of publications including World Nomads, Trek Effect and Uncharted. Emma has a degree in Business and Psychology from the University of Waterloo. She enjoys backpacking, reading and taking long hikes and road trips with her adventurous dog. See full bio
Emma's expertise
Emma has written 134 Finder guides across topics including:
Looking for a no annual fee credit card that rewards you with money for your spending? Find out if the BMO® CashBack® MasterCard®* for students is right for your needs.
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