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
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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?
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?
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
Shannon Terrell