Best BMO Credit Cards in Canada
Editor’s note: As of January 2026, BMO no longer offers new AIR MILES credit cards.
BMO (Bank of Montreal) is one of Canada’s first banks and one of its largest. It offers a range of credit cards for a wide spectrum of consumers, including travellers, students, newcomers and business owners.
Here are some of the best BMO credit cards currently available in Canada.
Summary of the best BMO credit cards in Canada
| Card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Interest rates | Rewards rate | Apply Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMO VIPorter World Elite®* Mastercard®* | APPLY NOW on BMO's website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on BMO's website | 4.9/5 | $199 Waived first year | 21.99%/23.99% | 1x-3x Points | |
| BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®* | APPLY NOW on BMO's website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on BMO's website | 5.0/5 | $120 Waived first year | 21.99%/23.99% | 1%–5% | |
| BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card | APPLY NOW on BMO's website | ||||
 APPLY NOW on BMO's website | 4.1/5 | $120 Waived first year | 21.99%/23.99% | 1x-5x Points | |
Best BMO credit cards in Canada
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 spent on Porter purchases.*
Points for every $1 spent on gas.*
Points for every $1 spent on transportation.*
Points for every $1 spent on groceries.*
Points for every $1 spent on dining.*
Points for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations.*
Point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis co-branded Porter card offers enriched VIPorter point earn rates and luxurious travel perks befitting a top-shelf travel card for just $199 annually. But high income requirements will put this card out of reach for some applicants. Best for: Frequent Porter flyers.
Pros
- Annual round-trip companion pass.
- Free checked bags.
- Priority airport services.
Cons
- $80,000 individual or $150,000 household annual income requirement.
- Annual companion pass requires $50,000 in annual spending to unlock.
Card details
Card details- Welcome offer: Get up to $2,400 in value* including 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass.* Plus receive $1,000 in Qualifying Spend.*Plus no annual fee in your first year.*
- Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on Porter purchases.*
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on gas and transportation, Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on groceries and dining*, Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations, Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
- A round-trip companion pass per year*, 1 complimentary checked bag*, 1 complimentary carry-on bag on all Porter fare types*, Free PorterClassic seat selection*, Priority re-accommodation for flight delays*, Priority check-in, security, and early boarding*, No VIPorter points expiry*, Earn $1 of qualifying spend for every $25 spent.* *This benefit applies to up to 8 companions travelling on the same booking.
- Your BMO VIPorter credit card comes with comprehensive travel coverage including: 21-day out-of-province or country emergency medical insurance, Car rental-collision/loss damage insurance, Common carrier insurance, Flight delay insurance, Baggage insurance, Hotel burglary insurance.*
- Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass. As a member enjoy lounge access for a fee of just US$32 per person, per visit.* Registration is required. Visit the Mastercard Travel Pass website or use the Mastercard Travel Pass mobile application to register.*
- 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.
- Discover a world of Mastercard Travel Rewards cash back offers when you shop, dine and relax with our partners outside of Canada.
- Save up to 7% on your Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookings at booking.com/mastercardcanada.*
- Access valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services.*
- Shop with extended warranty and purchase protection.*
- Enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
- *Terms and conditions apply
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownCash back on groceries.
Cash back on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation.*
Cash back on gas and electric vehicle charging.*
Cash back on recurring bill payments.
Cash back on all other purchases*.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeA category-strong cash-back card that shines on essential spending categories, including a whopping 5% back on groceries, 4% on transit and 3% on gas. Lofty annual income criteria could be a dealbreaker, though. Best for: Canadians who spend big on groceries or commutes seeking simple cash-back returns.
Pros
- Redeem cash back at any time.
- Discounted airport lounge access for $32 USD per visit.
Cons
- $80,000 individual or $150,000 household annual income requirement.
Card details
Card details- Get up to $650 in value including $40 cash back each month in your first year. Plus we’ll waive the $120 annual fee in the first year.¹ Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee.*
- Earn more cash back on the categories that mean the most: 5% on groceries.* 4% on transit including ride sharing, taxis and public transportation.* 3% on gas and electric vehicle charging.* 2% on recurring bill payments like your monthly phone bill or favourite streaming service.* 1% unlimited cashback on all other purchases.*
- Get valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services.
- Extended Warranty Plus.*
- Purchase Protection Plus.*
- Complimentary membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey.*
- Access over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world - all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges.*
- Complimentary Roadside Assistance Program.*
- BMO CashBack World Elite Travel and Medical Protection.*
- BMO Concierge Service.*
- Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada.
- Enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
- *Terms and conditions apply.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on groceries.
Points on dining.
Points on gas.
Points on transit.
Point for every $1 spent on everything else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeBuilt for everyday spending, this mid-tier points card boasts a competitive 5x earn rate on popular spending categories and point-boost incentives for adding an authorized user. But its limited travel insurance may disappoint frequent jetsetters. Best for: Shoppers who spend big on food and commuting.
Pros
- $50 statement credit annually.
- Earn up to 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.
Cons
- Limited travel insurance.
- No airport perks.
Card details
Card details- Get up to $1,150 in value including up to 70,000 Bonus points, monthly streaming statement credit, $50 statement credit, and no annual fee in your first year.*
- Earn 5x the BMO Rewards points on groceries, dining, gas and transit.*
- Get 1 BMO Reward for every $1 spent on everything else.*
- Get a $50 annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want.*
- Mobile Device Insurance that covers you for up to $1,000.*
- Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*
- Pay with Points by browsing your recent transactions & redeem your points for as little as $1.
- Enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
- *Terms and conditions apply.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases.
Points for every $1 spent on eligible dining purchases.
points for every $1 spent on eligible entertainment purchases.
Points for every $1 spent on eligible recurring bill payments.
Point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis card offers a healthy return on travel spending, complimentary airport lounge access and robust travel insurance for added peace of mind. But high annual income criteria will put it out of reach for some. Best for: Higher-income earners seeking competitive rewards on travel dollars spent.
Pros
- Up to 5x points per eligible dollar spent.
- Four free airport lounge visits annually.
Cons
- High $80,000 individual or $150,000 household annual income criteria.
Card details
Card details- Get up to $1,600 in value including up to 100,000 points, Mastercard Travel Pass & 4 Complimentary Lounge Passes, NEXUS Statement Credit and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.¹ Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance transfers for 12 months with a 2% transfer fee.∆∆∆
- 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases,* 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments,* 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
- Now get the highest rewards points for travel of any premium flexible travel card in Canada!†
- Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass,* with four annual complimentary passes.
- Access over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world - all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges.*
- Get valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services.
- Points you can use to cover all flight charges & taxes.*
- Fly on any airline, with no blackout dates.*
- Best-in-class travel and medical insurance (unlimited trips per year).*
- BMO Concierge Service.*
- Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada.
- Enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
- *Terms and conditions apply.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownCash back on grocery purchases.
Cash back on recurring bill payments.
Cash back on all other purchases.*
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis card sports an impressive grocery earn rate of 3% and keeps things simple for student budgets with no annual fee. Beyond cash-back rewards, there aren’t many bells and whistles to speak of, but students seeking budget-friendly simplicity may not mind. Best for: Students who want to earn cash-back where it counts on daily essentials.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Redeem cash-back rewards of as little as $1 whenever you want.
- Up to 20% off car rentals are National, Alamo and Enterprise.
Cons
- No travel insurance.
Card details
Card details- Welcome offer: Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months.*
- Then get 3% cash back on grocery purchases, 1% cash back on recurring bill payments and 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases!*
- Now earn the highest cash back on groceries in Canada without paying an annual fee!†
- Get cash back every time you spend, plus start building a healthy credit history.
- Want to get your cash back ASAP? Now you can redeem your cash back anytime through direct deposit, as a credit on your statement or into your BMO InvestorLine account.*
- No Annual fee.*
- Extended Warranty.*
- Purchase Protection.*
- Receive a discount on car rentals.*
- Enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
- *Terms and conditions apply.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownCash back on grocery purchases.
Cash back on recurring bill payments.
Cash back on all other purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeSnagging 3% cash back on groceries will help you rack up the rewards. That said, monthly spending caps on boosted earn rates could hamper your cash-back accumulation if you’re a bigger spender. Best for: Food shoppers who want easy access to their cash-back rewards.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Redeem cash-back rewards of as little as $1 whenever you want.
Cons
- Highest cash back rate only applies to the first $500 spent per billing cycle.
- Low 0.5% baseline rate.
Card details
Card details- Welcome offer: Get 5% cash back in your first 3 months.*
- Then get 3% cash back on grocery purchases, 1% cash back on recurring bill payments and 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases!*
- Now earn the highest cash back on groceries in Canada without paying an annual fee!†
- Get a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months, 2% fee applies to balance amounts transferred.*
- No Annual fee.*
- Want to get your cash back ASAP? Now you can redeem your cash back anytime through direct deposit, as a credit on your statement or into your BMO InvestorLine account.*
- Extended Warranty.*
- Purchase Protection.*
- Receive a discount on car rentals.*
- Enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
- *Terms and conditions apply.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeBMO calls this a reloadable credit card, and honestly, it’s not a bad take. You add funds to the card and spend what you’ve deposited — no credit check required. There’s no risk of overspending, which makes this an optimal pick for budget-conscious cardholders. The downside is that you can’t use it to build or rehabilitate your credit. Best for: Those seeking secure, cash-like transactions, in person or digitally, without the commitment of credit.
Pros
- No interest charges.
- No credit check.
Cons
- Won’t help you build credit.
- No rewards.
Card details
Card details- General fees and features: $6.95 annual fee, $40 dishonoured payment charge, $3-$10 for card balance refund processing, and a $5 card inactivity fee after the card’s expiry date or until card balance has been reduced to $0.00.
- Purchases: No transaction or point-of-sale fees in Canada but a 2.5% foreign exchange fee applies to foreign currency transactions.
- ATM withdrawals: Use your prepaid credit card at any of the 30 million locations Mastercard is accepted, and get cash at over a million ATMs. Cash withdrawals will appear on your statement as a Cash Advance and are subject to a $5 cash advance fee.
- Reload methods: Transfer funds from a BMO chequing or savings account to your BMO Prepaid Mastercard account through online or mobile banking. Or, load directly from any bank account from most financial institutions via bill payment through online banking, ATM, phone banking or at a branch.
- Add the BMO Prepaid Mastercard to your Samsung Pay, Apple Pay or Google Pay digital wallet.
- Make purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted while receiving protection against unauthorized use — making the BMO Prepaid card safer than carrying cash.
- Enjoy extended warranty and purchase protection.
- Zero Liability safeguards you if there is any monetary loss resulting from fraudulent card use.
- Mastercard Identity Check™ adds another layer of security to protect you when you shop online.
- BMO Alerts help confirm that your transactions are really yours.
- Can’t find your card? No worries, you can lock it, unlock it or report it lost or stolen at any time.
- Log in to your mobile or online banking for free, 24/7 access to CreditView with no impact to your credit score.
- Stay on top of your spending with a personalized look at your money.
- To be eligible, you must be the age of majority in the province or territory where you live. In addition, you can’t have declared bankruptcy in the last 7 years. If you do not have a Canadian address, you can open your account by applying at a branch.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on groceries.
Points on dining.
Points on drugstore purchases.
Points on gas.
Points on travel.
Point for every $1 spent on everything else.*
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeStrong rewards rates on everyday spending categories make this card a solid all-around earner. The travel perks, like free airport lounge access, priority airport security and robust insurance, are attractive, too. But steep income criteria and a hefty annual fee will kill the appeal for some prospective cardholders. Best for: High-income earners who want to capitalize on their everyday spending.
Pros
- Up to 5x points on groceries, dining, gas, drugstore and travel.
- Six free airport lounge visits annually.
- $200 annual credit.
Cons
- Steep $599 annual fee.
- High $150,000 individual or $200,000 household annual income requirement.
Card details
Card details- Welcome offer: Get up to 200,000 points.*
- Earn 5x the BMO Rewards points on groceries, dining, drugstore purchases, gas and travel.*
- Get 1 BMO Reward for every $1 spent on everything else.*
- Get a $200 annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want.*
- Mobile Device Insurance that covers you for up to $1,000.*
- Earn 25% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*
- Pay with Points by browsing your recent transactions & redeem your points for as little as $1.
- Enjoy a Visa Airport Companion membership and 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year – valued at more than $250 USD.*
- Airport experiences along with Priority Security Lane, airport parking and valet service discounts at select Canadian airports.*
- Enjoy the Visa Infinite Dining Series and Visa Infinite Wine Country.*
- Enjoy six months of Instacart+ and a $10 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
- *Terms and conditions apply.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis low-rate, low-fee card is ideal for those who typically carry a balance. You won’t earn any points or cash back, but getting a discount on interest charges could be a worthwhile tradeoff for the right cardholder. Best for: Anyone who wants to prioritize paying down their card balance over earning rewards.
Pros
- Low $29 annual fee.
- Low 13.99% interest rate.
Cons
- Doesn’t earn rewards.
Card details
Card details- Get a 0% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 0.99% transfer fee and we’ll waive the $29 annual fee for the first year.*
- Enjoy our lowest interest rate of 13.99% on purchases.*
- Free extended warranty and purchase protection.*
- Zero Dollar Liability: protects you from unauthorized use of your credit card.*
- Worldwide acceptance at over 30 million locations.*
- Enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
- *Terms and conditions apply.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $2 spent on recurring bills.
Points for every $2 spent on groceries.
Points for every $2 spent on dining and takeout.
Points
Point for every $2 spent on everything else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThe no-fee BMO eclipse rise Visa offers up to 5x BMO Rewards points across a handful of popular spending categories, including groceries, takeout and recurring bill payments. But the top earn rate is misleading — you only earn 5 points per $2 spent, which means this card’s top rate is actually 2.5x for every $1 spent on eligible purchases. Best for: Everyday shoppers interested in exploring BMO’s in-house rewards program.
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Up to 5,000 bonus points annually.
- Mobile device coverage.
Cons
- No travel insurance.
- Low base earn rate of 0.5x per $1 spent.
Card details
Card details- Get up to 25,000 bonus points for your first anniversary.
- Get 20,000 points when you spend $1,500 in the first 3 months - that's a $133 value!* Plus, earn up to 5,000 bonus points every year. 2,500 bonus points for redeeming at least 12,000 points annually towards your statement balance with Pay with points - that's just 1,000 points per month! 2,500 bonus points for paying your full credit card balance on time for 12 consecutive months.
- Get a 0.99% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months, 2% fee applies to balance amounts transferred.*
- Earn 5 points for every $2 spent on recurring bills, groceries, dining, and takeout. Get 1 point for every $2 spent on everything else!
- Mobile Device Insurance that covers you for up to $1,000.*
- Pay with Points by browsing your recent transactions & redeem your points for as little as $1.
- Purchase Protection.*
- Extended Warranty.*
- Enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
- *Terms and conditions apply.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 spent on Porter purchases.*
Point for every $1 spent on gas.*
Point for every $1 spent on transportation.*
Point for every $1 spent on groceries.*
Point for every $1 spent on dining.*
Point for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations.*
Points for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takePorter Airline aficionados will find much to appreciate in this low-fee entry point to the Porter points program. Cardholders earn 2 VIPorter points per dollar on Porter purchases, plus 1 point per dollar on gas, transportation, dining, groceries and hotels. Annual flight discounts, priority boarding perks, and surprisingly decent travel insurance round out this low-fee card’s offerings. However, cardholders must be ready to splash a hefty $25,000 annually to unlock the flight discount voucher. Best for: Porter loyalists who want some elevated airline perks.
Pros
- Low $89 annual fee for a travel card.
- 35% off one Porter flight booking annually (minimum spend applies).
- Some travel insurance.
Cons
- $25,000 annual spend required to unlock the flight discount voucher.
- Low base rate of 0.5x per $1 spent.
Card details
Card details- Welcome offer: Get up to $1,800 in value including 40,000 VIPorter points and a 35% off flight voucher.* Plus no annual fee in your first year.*
- Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on Porter purchases.*
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on gas and transportation, Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on groceries and dining*, Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations, Earn 0.5 points for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
- Priority re-accommodation for flight delays*, Dedicated check-in*, Early boarding*, No VIPorter points expiry*, Earn $1 of Qualifying Spend for every $25 spent.* *This benefit applies to up to 8 companions travelling on the same booking .
- Your BMO VIPorter credit card comes with comprehensive travel coverage including: 8-day out-of-province or country emergency medical insurance, Car rental-collision/loss damage insurance, Common carrier insurance, Flight delay insurance, Baggage insurance, Hotel burglary insurance.*
- Shop confidently with an extended warranty and purchase protection.*
- 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 20% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada* and 15% off resident shows in Las Vegas.
- Save up to 7% on your Booking.com prepaid hotel or property rental bookings at booking.com/mastercardcanada.*
- Get even more benefits: You may qualify for the BMO VIPorter World Mastercard tier of this card – which has the same fees and rates, but also includes experiences available only to World Mastercard cardholders.*
- Enjoy three months of Instacart+ and a $5 monthly Instacart credit when you enroll your eligible BMO Credit Card.*
- *Terms and conditions apply
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints for every $1 spent on gas.
Points for every $1 spent on office supplies.
Points for every $1 spent on cell phone and internet bill payments.
Points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeA solid business card that boasts travel insurance, complimentary virtual care visits via Maple and earn rates that top out at 4x per dollar spent. You’ll also get two free airport lounge passes annually, but any extra visits come with a per-use fee. Best for: Businesses seeking a well-rounded card with light airport lounge access.
Pros
- Two free airport lounge passes annually.
- Five free Maple virtual care visits.
Cons
- $50 fee for each employee card.
- 4x earn rate capped at $50,000 per year.
Card details
Card details- Welcome Offer: Get over $1,500 in value!* This includes up to 100,000 BMO Rewards Points – that’s a $669 value in the first year.*
- 0.00% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee.*
- No annual fee for the first year.*
- Here’s how the welcome offer adds up: $135 in value (20,000 BMO Rewards Points) when you make your first purchase.* Up to $535 in value (8,000 BMO Rewards Points from months 3-12) when you spend $3,000 each month.* $701 in value from your premium benefits.* Plus, your $149 annual fee is waived in the first year.*
- Earn 4 BMO Rewards points for every $1 you spend on gas, office supplies and cell phone/internet bill payments.*
- Earn 1.5 BMO Rewards points for every $1 you spend.*
- Get up to 7 cents off per litre on all Shell®± fuel.*
- Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with two annual complimentary passes.*
- *Terms and conditions apply.
- BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
Methodology
BACK TO TOPHow BMO credit cards work
BACK TO TOPThe Bank of Montreal, more widely known as BMO, was founded in 1817 and remains one of Canada’s largest banks and a member of the Big Six.
Like many big banks, BMO offers a variety of personal and business credit cards designed to meet the needs of a wide spectrum of consumers, including travel enthusiasts, students and newcomers looking for their first credit card, and business owners wanting to earn rewards for business-related spending.
Types of BMO credit cards
BMO issues its own credit cards designed to meet a variety of needs and financial goals, including cash back, travel rewards and general rewards cards.
BMO cash-back cards. Cash-back credit cards earn a set amount of money back for each eligible purchase.
BMO travel credit cards. Travel reward cards often have accelerated earn rates for travel purchases and may feature perks like travel insurance or airport lounge access.
BMO general rewards cards. Rewards credit cards earn points through BMO Rewards, which can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards, and statement credits.
BMO business credit cards. Cards that feature benefits and earning categories (such as office supplies) that are of interest to business owners.
BMO student cards. Student credit cards often have features for those who want to build credit history, and may have lower interest rates or annual fees.
BMO low-interest credit cards. Low-interest credit cards are often helpful to those who may carry a balance.
BMO U.S. dollar cards. A U.S. dollar credit card allows you to make purchases in U.S. dollars without paying a foreign transaction fee.
Note: BMO no longer offers new AIR MILES credit cards. Existing AIR MILES cardholders can continue to use their cards, but new applicants should consider BMO Rewards or cash-back options instead.
Types of rewards offered with BMO credit cards
BMO credit cards offer several types of rewards, depending on the card you choose. These rewards can provide value through cash back, points or travel-related perks:
BMO Rewards points. Many BMO credit cards earn BMO Rewards points, which can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards or statement credits through the BMO Rewards platform.
Cash back. BMO cash-back credit cards earn a percentage of eligible purchases back as cash, typically redeemable as a statement credit or deposit.
Travel perks and partner offers. Some BMO cards include travel-related benefits such as car rental discounts, travel insurance and access to special partner offers. These perks can add value even without earning points.
Statement credits and flexible redemptions. With eligible cards, rewards points may be applied directly toward your credit card balance to offset qualifying purchases.
What’s coming: Blue Rewards
BMO is transitioning its legacy AIR MILES program to a new loyalty platform called Blue Rewards, expected to launch in summer 2026. Existing AIR MILES will be converted to Blue Points, and BMO has indicated new Blue Rewards credit cards will be introduced as part of the program.
Common features of BMO credit cards
Available as both Mastercard and Visa cards
BMO mainly offers cards on the Mastercard network, though they have a few Visa credit card options. This means BMO credit card holders have access to some top tier Visa Infinite and Infinite Privilege-brand cards, if they qualify.
Interest rates about average
Aside from the Preferred Rate Mastercard, most of BMO’s personal credit cards feature an interest rate of 21.99% for purchases, and a cash advance rate that ranges between 21.99% to 23.99%.
Multiple no-fee options
Some, but not all, BMO credit cards charge an annual fee; an amount paid upfront, once a year, every year you carry the card. An annual fee may be worth it if the value of the rewards you’ll earn exceeds the cost.
Additional perks and rewards
Savings on rental vehicles at National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car locations when booked through the Mastercard rental tool.
20% off Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada and 15% off resident shows in Las Vegas for eligible BMO Mastercard cardholders.
Potential savings on prepaid hotel or property rentals booked through booking.com/mastercardcanada, depending on the card.
Complimentary Instacart+ membership for a limited period and a monthly Instacart credit with eligible BMO cards.
Most BMO credit cards include purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
How to choose the best BMO credit card for you
When comparing credit card options, be sure to look at the eligibility requirements. It doesn’t make sense to apply for a credit card card that has age, location, income or credit score requirements you can’t satisfy.
Annual fees. Cards that charge annual fees tend to have more and higher value perks than those that don’t. Be sure that the value of any rewards you’ll earn with the card offset what you’ll pay to carry it.
Interest rate. If you tend to keep a balance on your card, it’s wise to look for a card with a lower interest rate.
Rewards or cash back. Rewards can be more lucrative than cash back but can be complicated to redeem.
To help you choose from its wide selection, BMO offers a handy tool that lets you compare up to three cards side by side.
How do I apply for a BMO credit card?
You can apply for a BMO credit card online, over the phone, or by booking an appointment at a branch location. It can take up to 10 business days to get your BMO credit card in the mail, once your application is approved.
Who should consider a BMO credit card?
Anyone who currently banks with BMO and is in need of a credit card should consider BMO’s credit card options. If you’re already a customer, BMO will have access to some of your financial information, and applying for a card will be easier.
Travel reward enthusiasts may want to consider BMO credit cards that earn BMO Rewards points, which can be redeemed for travel through BMO’s rewards portal or applied to eligible travel purchases.
Budget card shoppers who want to avoid annual fees will be pleased to learn that BMO offers three no-fee credit card options, plus three low-fee cards — though one of these is a prepaid card and another is a USD card.
Newcomers to Canada are welcome at BMO, which offers multiple credit card options with attractive rewards — no credit history required.
What’s the best BMO credit card?
The best BMO credit card depends on your spending habits, financial goals and the types of rewards you want to earn.
For example, the BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard® may appeal to those who tend to carry a balance and want a lower interest rate, while rewards-focused cardholders may prefer a BMO Rewards or cash-back credit card.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best BMO credit card?
The best BMO credit card depends on your spending habits, financial goals and the types of rewards you want to earn. The BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard®* is a worthwhile choice for those who tend to carry a balance and want a card with a standard low rate, for example, while Air Miles enthusiasts may be interested in the BMO AIR MILES®† Mastercard®*, which earns extra miles for eligible purchases at participating AIR MILES partners — all without an annual fee.
How do I apply for a BMO credit card?
You can apply for a BMO credit card online, over the phone, or by booking an appointment at a branch location. It can take up to 10 business days to get your BMO credit card in the mail, once your application is approved.
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Shannon Terrell
