Best BMO credit cards in Canada

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 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.

The best BMO credit card in Canada by category

• Best BMO credit card for cash back: BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard
• Best BMO travel card: BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
• Best BMO premium lifestyle card: BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege
• Best BMO credit card for low interest: BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard
• Best BMO student credit card: BMO CashBack Mastercard For Students
• Best BMO no-fee business card for cash back: BMO Cashback Business Mastercard

Welcome Offer	Rewards	Annual Fee
Best BMO credit card for cash back
BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard	Get $40 cash back each month	Up to 5% cash back	$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)	Get $40 cash back each month in your first year and get the $120 annual fee waived in the first year. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. That's up to $650 in value. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it This card offers a wide range of benefits including an attractive signup bonus and the opportunity to earn cash back. Get $40 cash back each month in your first year and get the $120 annual fee waived in the first year. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. That's up to $650 in value. 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. Pros & cons Pros Get $40 cash back each month in your first year and get the $120 annual fee waived in the first year. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. That's up to $650 in value. 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. Enjoy a host of travel and entertainment perks Cons This card has an annual fee of $120 You'll need to accrue at least $50 in cash back before you can redeem This card has a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% 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
Best BMO travel card
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard	100,000 points	Up to 5x points per $1 spent	$0 annual fee for the first year ($150 thereafter)	Get up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and get the $150 annual fee waived in the first year. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. That's up to $1,600 in value. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it 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 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and get the $150 annual fee waived in the first year. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. That's up to $1,600 in value.. Pros & cons Pros Get up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and get the $150 annual fee waived in the first year. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. That's up to $1,600 in value. 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 Cons This card has an annual fee of $150 This card has a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% You'll need to earn a personal income of at least $80,000 or a combined household income of at least $150,000 annually
Best BMO premium lifestyle card
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege	200,000 points	5 points per $1 spent	$599	Get up to 200,000 welcome points, Visa Airport Companion Program membership & 6 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit, $200 Statement Credit and earn 25% more points when you add another cardholder. That's up to $2,300 in value. Plus, get 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it 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 200,000 welcome points, Visa Airport Companion Program membership & 6 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit, $200 Statement Credit and earn 25% more points when you add another cardholder. That's up to $2,300 in value. Plus, get 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. You'll also have access to a a host of travel insurance coverage and benefits like airport lounge access. Pros & cons Pros Get up to 200,000 welcome points, Visa Airport Companion Program membership & 6 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit, $200 Statement Credit and earn 25% more points when you add another cardholder. That's up to $2,300 in value. Plus, get 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. 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 Travel and entertainment benefits Cons You'll have to pay an annual fee of $599 to maintain this card You'll be charged a currency conversion rate of 2.5% In order to be eligible for this card, you'll need a personal income of $150,000 or a household income of $200,000
Best BMO credit card for low interest
BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard	0% rate on balance transfers for 9 months	N/A	$0 annual fee for the first year ($29 thereafter)	Get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 0.99% transfer fee. Plus, get the $29 annual fee waived for the first year. T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it 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 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 0.99% transfer fee. Plus, get the $29 annual fee waived for the first year. Pros & cons Pros Get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 0.99% transfer fee. Plus, get the $29 annual fee waived for the first year. Low APR of 13.99% for purchases and 15.99% for cash advances. Get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 0.99% transfer fee. Plus, get the $29 annual fee waived for the first year. Cons This card has an annual fee of $29 This card has a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% Doesn't come with any cash back, rewards or other perks like complimentary travel insurance or car rental benefits This card charges a balance transfer fee of 0.99%
Best BMO student credit card
BMO CashBack Mastercard For Students	5% cash back	Up to 3% cash back	$0	Get up to 5% cash back in the first three months (up to max. spend of $2,500). T&Cs apply.	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it 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. Pros & cons Pros $0 annual fee 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). Get up to 5% cash back in the first three months (up to max. spend of $2,500). Cons You'll only receive 0.5 cash back on all other categories of spending You'll have to pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% on any overseas purchases
Best BMO no-fee business card for cash back
BMO Cashback Business Mastercard	10% cash back	Up to 1.5% cash back	$0	Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Valid until June 30, 2026. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee. T&Cs apply.	View details Compare product selection Compare	loading	Why we like it 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 and earn 0.75% on all other eligible card purchases. Plus, earn 1.75% cash back at participating Shell stations until May 25, 2026. Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Valid until June 30, 2026. 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. Pros & cons Pros $0 annual fee Earn 1.5% cash back on eligible gas purchases, office supplies and on cell phone and internet recurring payments and earn 0.75% on all other eligible card purchases. Plus, earn 1.75% cash back at participating Shell stations until May 25, 2026. Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Valid until June 30, 2026. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee. Cons 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

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• How we chose 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.

Types of BMO credit cards available

BMO offers a wide range of credit cards, including rewards, travel, balance transfer, no annual fee, student 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 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, SPC or BMO rewards.

• 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 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 or paying a low interest rate.

Compare BMO Visa and BMO Mastercard credit cards

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Welcome Offer	Rewards	Purchase Interest Rate	Annual Fee	Min. Credit Score
Promoted BMO CashBack Mastercard	5% cashback	Up to 3% cashback	21.99%	$0	Get up to 5% cash back in your first 3 months. Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 660	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
BMO eclipse rise Visa Card	25,000	Up to 5 points per $2 spent	21.99%	$0	Earn up to 25,000 bonus points. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 660	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard	0% rate on balance transfers for 9 months	N/A	13.99%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($29 thereafter)	Get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 0.99% transfer fee. Plus, get the $29 annual fee waived for the first year. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 660	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard	100,000 points	Up to 5x points per $1 spent	21.99%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($150 thereafter)	Get up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and get the $150 annual fee waived in the first year. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. That's up to $1,600 in value. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 760	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege	200,000 points	5 points per $1 spent	21.99%	$599	Get up to 200,000 welcome points, Visa Airport Companion Program membership & 6 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit, $200 Statement Credit and earn 25% more points when you add another cardholder. That's up to $2,300 in value. Plus, get 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 760	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard	Get $40 cash back each month	Up to 5% cash back	21.99%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)	Get $40 cash back each month in your first year and get the $120 annual fee waived in the first year. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee. That's up to $650 in value. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 760	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite	70,000 points	5 points per $1 spent	21.99%	$0 annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)	Get up to 70,000 Bonus points, monthly streaming statement credit, a $50 statement credit, and the $120 annual fee waived by your first anniversary. That's up to $1,150 in value. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 760	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
BMO U.S. Dollar Mastercard	N/A	N/A	21.99%	$49 USD	When your purchases total US$3,000 or more in a year, the next year's annual fee (US$49) is rebated to your card. T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 725	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
BMO CashBack Mastercard For Students	5% cash back	Up to 3% cash back	21.99%	$0	Get up to 5% cash back in the first three months (up to max. spend of $2,500). T&Cs apply.	Min. recommended credit score: 660	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading

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BMO credit cards FAQs

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.

• Does BMO offer Visa products?

  Yes. As of November 2020, BMO now offers Visa products: the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite card and the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege card.

• How do I activate my BMO credit card?

  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.

• How do I access BMO Online Banking?

  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.

• How is interest calculated on BMO credit cards?

  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%.

• How do I check my monthly statement?

  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.

• How can I increase my BMO credit card limit?

  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.

• My BMO credit card is about to expire. How do I get a new one?

  You will automatically be sent a new BMO credit card in the mail.

• How do I cancel a BMO credit card?

  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.

• What other products does BMO offer?

  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.

Written by

Emma Balmforth

Producer

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

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