Best BMO Credit Cards for 2020

Woman sitting on bright living room floor browsing on her phone

The Bank of Montreal (BMO) is one of the most popular banks in Canada, coming in at number four for the highest total assets in the country. Being such a powerhouse, it’s no wonder BMO has a lot to offer its customers. From cash back credit cards to travel rewards and balance transfer options, you would be hard-pressed not to find an option that could suit your needs.

Known for having great AIR MILES offers and extra perks, BMO has a wide selection of offerings that set them apart from other providers. We’ve taken the time to summarize the top 10 BMO credit cards in Canada, to help make your decision a little easier.

 

Our top picks
Credit cardGreat featuresAnnual feeFirst-year value*

1. BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card 

 

  • Flexible BMO Rewards redeemable for travel or statement credits, $50 annual lifestyle credit, travel insurance
$120 (Waived year 1)$996

2. BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*

  • AIR MILES, travel insurance, travel perks, two free lounge passes every year
$120 (Waived year 1)$774

3. BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Privilege Card

 

  • Flexible BMO Rewards redeemable for travel or statement credits, $200 annual lifestyle credit, travel insurance, six free lounge visits per year, Priority PassTM membership
$499$891

4. BMO CashBack Mastercard®*

  • No fee, cash back
$0

$383

5. BMO CashBack Mastercard®* for Students

  • Student
$0

$364

6. BMO Rewards Mastercard®*

  • Flexible BMO Rewards points that can be spent on travel or statement credits (cash back)
$0

$241

7. BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard®*

  • Low-interest rate
$20 (Waived year 1)$275

*The first-year value is based on the RATESDOTCA Best of Finance methodology.

1. BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$450
+ Annual rewards
$546
- Annual fee (First Year Waived)
$0
Total first year value
$996
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card

card image
Welcome bonus
$450
BMO Rewards points
Annual rewards
$546
BMO Rewards points
Annual fees:
$120 (First Year Waived)
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases • 23.99% on cash advances
2025 Winner – Best Card for Young Professionals
Designed for the lifestyle of the urban digital millennial
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$450
Annual rewards
$546
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$450
+ Annual rewards
$546
- Annual fee (First Year Waived)
$0
Total first year value
$996
Annual fees:
$120 (First Year Waived)
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases
23.99 on cash advances
2025 Winner – Best Card for Young Professionals
Designed for the lifestyle of the urban digital millennial
Details at a glance Collapse details

Apply for the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card and earn up to 40,000 bonus BMO Rewards points in the first year. Earn 25,000 BMO Rewards points when you spend at least $3,000 in the first three months and get another 15,000 points when you surpass your 12-month account anniversary. Plus, BMO will waive the $120 annual fee for the primary account holder for the first year.

You can also earn 10% more rewards when you add an authorized user to your account, and you can enjoy a $50 annual lifestyle credit.

According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian will earn roughly $862 in the first year.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Good: You’ve had a credit card or loan for at least six years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments on my existing credit cards for the past three months.

Annual fee:

$120

Each supplementary card has a $50 annual fee.

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • Earn up to 40,000 bonus BMO Rewards points in the first year. Receive 25,000 BMO Rewards points when you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first three months and get another 15,000 points at your 12-month account anniversary. Plus, BMO will waive the $120 annual fee for the first year.

Offer expiry date: October 31, 2021

Rewards:

  • Earn five BMO Rewards points per dollar you spend on groceries, dining, gas and transportation, up to $50,000 in purchases per year. After, earn one point per dollar you spend.
  • Earn one BMO Rewards point per dollar you spend everywhere else you shop.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = 114,400 BMO Rewards points
Monetary value = $812.24
Annual statement credit = $50
Annual fee = $0*
Total earned over the first year (rewards + statement credit - annual fee) = $862.24**

*Get a rebate for the $120 annual fee for the primary cardholder for the first year.

** This calculation does not include the 10% more rewards cardholders can earn for adding a supplementary cardholder.

You can redeem your points for:

  • Travel
  • Vacation packages
  • Hotels
  • Rental cars
  • Cruises
  • Merchandise
  • Gift cards
  • Turn points into a statement credit
  • Contribute to your BMO investment account

Insurance:

  • Out-of-province/country emergency medical insurance
  • Common carrier insurance
  • Car rental collision and loss damage insurance
  • Mobile device insurance (up to $1,000)
  • Purchase security
  • Extended warranty

Other perks:

  • Primary cardholders can enjoy a $50 annual lifestyle credit after making a purchase equal to or greater than $50 (the amount of the credit).
  • Cardmembers can earn 10% more points when they add an authorized user to the account.
  • Access exclusive wine and dining events through the Visa Infinite Dining Series and Visa Infinite Wine Country collections.

Compare the best credit cards on RATESDOTCA

Find the best credit card for your lifestyle today!

2. BMO® AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$847
+ Annual rewards
$302
- Annual fee (First Year Waived)
$0
Total first year value
$1149
BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite* Mastercard®*

card image
Welcome bonus
$847
AIR MILES Rewards
Annual rewards
$302
AIR MILES Rewards
Annual fees:
$120 (First Year Waived)
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases • 23.99% on cash advances
Great rewards card for Air Miles collectors
Includes comprehensive travel insurance and access perks
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$847
Annual rewards
$302
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$847
+ Annual rewards
$302
- Annual fee (First Year Waived)
$0
Total first year value
$1149
Annual fees:
$120 (First Year Waived)
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases
23.99 on cash advances
Great rewards card for Air Miles collectors
Includes comprehensive travel insurance and access perks
Details at a glance Collapse details

The BMO® AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* is offering new cardholders 2,000 bonus AIR MILES when they spend at least $3,000 within the first three months. Cardholders can enjoy exclusive VIP access and two annual passes with a complimentary membership to Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey. Plus, BMO will waive the $120 annual fee for the first year.

According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian will see $756 in AIR MILES points within the first year.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Excellent: You’ve had a credit card or loan for at least 10 years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments on your existing credit cards for the past six months.

Annual fee:

$120

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • New cardmembers can earn 2,000 bonus AIR MILES when they spend at least $3,000 within the first three months.

Sign-up bonus expiry date: October 31, 2021

Rewards:

  • Earn 1 AIR MILES reward mile for every $10 in credit card purchases.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = 4,400 AIR MILES (including the 2,000 bonus AIR MILES)
Monetary value= $756
Annual fee = $0
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $756

*The $120 annual fee is waived for the first year. Also, we put the value of an AIR MILE at 17.2 cents; however, redemption value varies depending on how you choose to spend your AIR MILES.

You can redeem your points for:

AIR MILES are transferred to the AIR MILES Collector number associated with BMO® AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®* once a month and are redeemed through the AIR MILES program.

  • Merchandise
  • Gift cards
  • Events and attractions
  • Travel

Insurance:

  • BMO AIR MILES World Elite Travel and Medical Protection
  • Collision damage waiver on rental cars
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty
  • Zero Liability

Other perks:

  • Enjoy VIP access with a complimentary membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey and two annual passes.
  • Take 15% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada and 20% off resident shows in Las Vegas.
  • Double-dip on points when you use your AIR MILES Collector card at participating partner stores.
  • Get 15% off flights in North America when you book with AIR MILES Reward Miles and enjoy no blackout dates.

3. BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$333
+ Annual rewards
$791
- Annual fee
$599
Total first year value
$525
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

card image
Welcome bonus
$333
BMO Rewards points
Annual rewards
$791
BMO Rewards points
Annual fees:
$599
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases • 23.99% on cash advances
Exceptional travel perks - including 6 free lounge visit passes
Redeem points for travel or cashback, including "pay with points" on any purchase
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$333
Annual rewards
$791
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$333
+ Annual rewards
$791
- Annual fee
$599
Total first year value
$525
Annual fees:
$599
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases
23.99 on cash advances
Exceptional travel perks - including 6 free lounge visit passes
Redeem points for travel or cashback, including "pay with points" on any purchase
Details at a glance Collapse details

New members of the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card can earn up to 50,000 bonus BMO Rewards points. Get 35,000 BMO Rewards points when you spend at least $5,000 in the first three months and get an additional 15,000 points after your 12-month account anniversary.

Not only that, but this card offers a $200 annual lifestyle credit, and you can earn 25% more rewards when you add an authorized user to your account.

According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian will see a value of $686 in the first year.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Excellent: You’ve had a credit card or loan for at least 10 years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments on your existing credit cards for the past six months.

Annual fee:

$499

Each supplementary card has a $99 annual fee.

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • Get up to 50,000 bonus BMO Rewards points in the first year. Receive 35,000 BMO Rewards when you spend at least $5,000 in the first three months and get another 15,000 points for your 12-month account anniversary.

Offer expiry date: October 31, 2021

Rewards:

  • Earn five BMO Rewards points per dollar you spend on groceries, dining, drugstore, gas and travel, up to $100,000 in purchases per year. After, earn one point per dollar you spend.
  • Earn one BMO Rewards point per dollar everywhere else you shop.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = 138,800 BMO Rewards points
Monetary value = $985.48
Annual statement credit = $200
Annual fee = $499
Total earned over the first year (rewards + statement credit - annual fee) = $686.48*

*This calculation does not include the 25% more rewards cardholders can earn for adding a supplementary cardholder.

You can redeem your points for:

  • Travel
  • Vacation packages
  • Hotels
  • Rental cars
  • Cruises
  • Merchandise
  • Gift cards
  • Turn points into a statement credit
  • Contribute to your BMO investment account

Insurance:

  • Out-of-province/country emergency medical insurance
  • Tripp cancellation/trip interruption insurance
  • Baggage delay, loss and damage insurance
  • Common carrier insurance
  • Car rental collision and loss damage insurance
  • Hotel burglary insurance
  • Mobile device insurance (up to $1,000)
  • Extended warranty
  • Purchase security insurance

Other perks:

  • Primary cardholders can enjoy a $200 annual lifestyle credit after making a purchase equal to or greater than $200 (the amount of the credit).
  • Cardmembers can earn 25% more points when they add an authorized user to the account.
  • Save time and connect to the Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge for top recommendations and reservations.
  • Take advantage of the complimentary Priority PassTM membership and access over 1000 airport lounges in 148 countries. Plus, receive six free lounge visits per year. This benefit has a value of roughly US$300.
  • Enjoy perks at select Canadian airports, including admittance to the Priority Security Lane and savings on airport parking and valet services.
  • Access exclusive wine and dining events through the Visa Infinite Dining Series and Visa Infinite Wine Country collections.

4. BMO® World EliteTM Mastercard®*

Get up to 40,000 bonus points when you sign up for the BMO® World Elite™ Mastercard®*. Get 30,000 bonus points when you spend at least $3,000 within the first three months. Receive another 10,000 bonus points on your 12-month account anniversary. Cardholders can enjoy complimentary membership to Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey, with exclusive VIP access and four passes per year. Plus, BMO will waive the annual fee for the primary cardholder for the first year.

According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian will see $675 in BMO Rewards points within the first year.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Excellent: You’ve had a credit card or loan for at least 10 years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments on your existing credit cards for the past six months.

Annual fee:

$150

Each additional supplementary card has a $50 annual fee.

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • New cardmembers can earn up to 40,000 bonus BMO Rewards points. Earn 30,000 points when you spend at least $3,000 within the first three months and get another 10,000 points when you hit your 12-month account anniversary. Plus, BMO will waive the annual fee for the primary cardholder for the first year.

Sign-up bonus expiry date: October 31, 2021

Rewards:

  • Get three BMO Rewards points per dollar spent on travel, dining, and entertainment purchases.
  • Get two BMO Rewards points per dollar spent everywhere else.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = 95,200 BMO Rewards points
Monetary value= $675
Annual fee = $0
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $675

*The $150 annual fee is waived for the first year.

You can redeem your points for:

  • Travel
  • Vacation packages
  • Hotels
  • Rental cars
  • Cruises
  • Merchandise
  • Gift cards
  • Turn points into a statement credit
  • Redeem a minimum of 15,000 points toward a $100 financial reward in your BMO investment account

Insurance:

  • BMO World Elite Travel and Medical Protection
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty

Other perks:

  • Enjoy the complimentary membership in Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by LoungeKey, with VIP access and four annual passes.
  • Cardholders receive 15% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada and 20% resident shows in Las Vegas.

5. BMO® Sobeys AIR MILES®† Mastercard®*

The BMO® Sobeys AIR MILES®† Mastercard®* has undergone some changes. As always, this credit card will reward loyal Sobeys and Foodland shoppers as they pick up their groceries. However, cardholders will now earn three miles for every $25 spent at these stores and participating AIR MILES Partners and one mile for every $25 spent everywhere else.

Based on our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian can earn $419 in AIR MILES points within the first year.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Good: You’ve had a credit card or loan for at least six years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments on my existing credit cards for the past three months.

Annual fee:

$0

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • New cardmembers can receive 950 bonus AIR MILES when they spend $1,000 within the first three months.

Sign-up bonus expiry date: December 31, 2020

Rewards:

  • Earn three AIR MILES for every $25 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners.
  • Earn three AIR MILES for every $25 spent at Sobeys and Foodland.
  • Earn one mile for every $25 spent everywhere else.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = 2,438 AIR MILES
Monetary value = $419
Annual fee = $0
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $419

*We put the value of an AIR MILE at 17.2 cents; however, redemption value varies depending on how you choose to spend your AIR MILES.

You can redeem your points for:

AIR MILES are transferred to the AIR MILES Collector number associated with your BMO Sobeys AIR MILES Mastercard once a month and are redeemed through the AIR MILES program.

  • Merchandise
  • Gift cards
  • Events and attractions
  • Travel

Insurance:

  • Purchase security
  • Extended warranty
  • IDefence Identity Theft Assistance
  • Zero Dollar Liability

Other perks:

  • Cardholders have access to Mastercard Global Services for year-round help for lost or stolen cards, emergency cash advances, and applicable card benefits worldwide.
  • Access BMO pay-as-you-go RoadAssist across Canada and the U.S. and have the charges billed conveniently to your card.

6. BMO®* CashBack Mastercard®*

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$100
+ Annual rewards
$288
- Annual fee
$0
Total first year value
$388
BMO CashBack Mastercard®*

card image
Welcome bonus
$100
BMO Cash Back Rewards
Annual rewards
$288
BMO Cash Back Rewards
Annual fees:
$0
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases • 23.99% on cash advances
2025 Winner– Best Credit Card For Newcomers To Canada
Cash back rewards include the freedom to redeem anytime
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$100
Annual rewards
$288
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$100
+ Annual rewards
$288
- Annual fee
$0
Total first year value
$388
Annual fees:
$0
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases
23.99 on cash advances
2025 Winner– Best Credit Card For Newcomers To Canada
Cash back rewards include the freedom to redeem anytime
Details at a glance Collapse details

The BMO®* CashBack Mastercard®* offers members 5% cash back for the first three months*. After that, earn 3% back on grocery purchases, 1% back on recurring bill payments, and 0.5% back on everything else you buy. Earn even faster by adding additional cardholders for free.

According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian will have $383 within the first year.

*Conditions apply.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Good: You’ve had a credit card or loan for at least six years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments on my existing credit cards for the past three months.

Annual fee:

$0

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • New cardmembers can get 5% cash back for the first three months. You will earn the regular 3% cash back rate on grocery purchases, up to $500 per billing cycle, with a bonus rate of an additional 2% back on your first $500 spend over the first three months. You will also receive the regular earn rate of 1% cash back on recurring bill payments up to $500 per billing cycle, with a bonus rate of an additional 4% cash back on your first $500 spend over the first three months. For all other purchases, you will receive the regular earn rate of 0.5% cash back, with a bonus of an additional 4.5% back on your first $1,500 spend over the first three months.

Sign-up bonus expiry date: October 31, 2021

Rewards:

  • Get 3% cash back on grocery purchases, up to $500 in total purchases per month.
  • Get 1% cash back on recurring bill payments, up to $500 spent per billing cycle.
  • Get 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = $383
Annual fee = $0
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $383

You can redeem your points for:

  • Deposit your cash back into your BMO chequing or savings account.
  • Deposit your cash back into your BMO InvestorLine account.
  • Apply your cash back as a statement credit.

Insurance:

  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty
  • Zero Liability

Other perks:

  • Cardholders can get up to 25% off car rentals at participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car locations.
  • Receive 15% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada and 20% resident shows in Las Vegas.

7. BMO®* CashBack Mastercard®* for Students

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$76
+ Annual rewards
$288
- Annual fee
$0
Total first year value
$364
BMO CashBack® Mastercard®* for students

card image
Welcome bonus
$76
BMO Cash Back Rewards
Annual rewards
$288
BMO Cash Back Rewards
Annual fees:
$0
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases • 23.99% on cash advances
No annual fee card that offering an attractive sign-up bonus
Students can enjoy rental car discounts and shopping insurance
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$76
Annual rewards
$288
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$76
+ Annual rewards
$288
- Annual fee
$0
Total first year value
$364
Annual fees:
$0
Interest rates:
21.99% on purchases
23.99 on cash advances
No annual fee card that offering an attractive sign-up bonus
Students can enjoy rental car discounts and shopping insurance
Details at a glance Collapse details

The BMO®* CashBack Mastercard®* for Students offers cardholders 5% cash back for the first three months*. After that, earn 3% back on grocery purchases, 1% back on recurring bill payments, and 0.5% back on all other purchases, even textbooks and supplies purchased with the card.

According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian student will get $364 back within the first year.

*Conditions apply.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Good: You’ve had a credit card or loan for at least six years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments on my existing credit cards for the past three months.

Annual fee:

$0

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • New cardmembers can get 5% cash back for the first three months. You will earn the regular 3% cash back rate on grocery purchases, up to $500 per billing cycle, with a bonus rate of an additional 2% back on your first $500 spend over the first three months. You will also receive the regular earn rate of 1% cash back on recurring bill payments up to $500 per billing cycle, with a bonus rate of an additional 4% cash back on your first $500 spend over the first three months. For all other purchases, you will receive the regular earn rate of 0.5% cash back, with a bonus of an additional 4.5% back on your first $1,500 spend over the first three months.

Sign-up bonus expiry date: October 31, 2021

Rewards:

  • Get 3% cash back on grocery purchases, up to $500 in total purchases per month.
  • Get 1% cash back on recurring bill payments, up to $500 spent per billing cycle.
  • Get 0.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = $364
Annual fee = $0
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $364

You can redeem your points for:

  • Deposit your cash back into your BMO chequing or savings account.
  • Deposit your cash back into your BMO InvestorLine account.
  • Apply your cash back as a statement credit.

Insurance:

  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty

Other perks:

  • Enjoy discounts on car rentals at participating National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car locations.
  • Cardholders receive 15% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada and 20% resident shows in Las Vegas.

8. BMO®* Rewards Mastercard®*

Apply for the BMO®* Rewards Mastercard®* before October 31, 2021, and earn 15,000 bonus BMO Rewards points when you spend at least $1,000 within the first three months. Not only that, access a low introductory interest rate of 1.99% on balance transfers for the first nine months and pay a 1% fee on the amount transferred.

According to our Best of Finance methodology, you could have $276 in BMO Rewards points within the first year.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Good: You’ve had a credit card or loan for at least six years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments on my existing credit cards for the past three months.

Annual fee:

$0

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • New cardmembers can get 15,000 bonus BMO Rewards points when they spend at least $1,000 within the first three months.
  • Access a 1.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for nine months with a 1% fee on amounts transferred.

Sign-up bonus expiry date: October 31, 2021

Rewards:

  • Earn one BMO Rewards point for every dollar you spend.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = 39,000 BMO Rewards points (including welcome bonus)
Monetary value: $276
Annual fee = $0
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $276

You can redeem your points for:

  • Travel
  • Vacation packages
  • Hotels
  • Rental cars
  • Cruises
  • Merchandise
  • Gift cards
  • Turn points into a statement credit
  • Redeem a minimum of 15,000 points toward a $100 financial reward in your BMO investment account

Insurance:

  • Purchase assurance
  • Extended warranty
  • Zero Liability

Other perks:

  • Receive double the BMO Rewards points and up to 25% off car rentals at National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car locations worldwide.
  • Enjoy 15% off tickets to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada and 20% off resident shows in Las Vegas.

9. Shell CashBack MasterCard® from BMO

For a limited time, the Shell CashBack MasterCard® from BMO is offering new members an additional $50 back when they make their first purchase. And, cardholders will earn 1% cash back for the first six months. Regularly earn 1.5% back when you fill up at Shell locations across Canada and 0.50% back on everything else.

According to our Best of Finance methodology, the average Canadian could see a return of over $245 within the first year.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Good: You’ve had a credit card or loan for at least six years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments on my existing credit cards for the past three months.

Annual fee:

$0

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • New cardholders can get a bonus of $50 cash back when they make their first purchase. Plus, earn 1% cash back for the first six months.

Sign-up bonus expiry date: October 31, 2020

Rewards:

  • Earn 1.5% back per dollar spent at Shell locations in Canada.
  • Earn 0.5% back per dollar everywhere else.

Earning potential:

How does this card stack up to other rewards credit cards? We crunched the numbers using our Best of Finance methodology to see how much an average Canadian could earn over a 12-month period.

Rewards earned over a 12-month period = $245
Annual fee = $0
Total earned over the first year (rewards minus annual fee) = $245

You can redeem your points for:

  • BMO CashBack rewards appear as a statement credit.

Insurance:

  • Purchase security
  • Extended warranty

Similar options:

There are three additional Shell Mastercard options, including the Shell AIR MILES®† Mastercard, Shell CashBack World Mastercard, Shell AIR MILES World Mastercard, with a range of features including travel insurance, car rental damage waiver, and alternative rewards options.

10. BMO® Preferred Rate Mastercard®*

The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$0
+ Annual rewards
$0
- Annual fee
$29
Total first year value
$-29
BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard*

card image
Welcome bonus
$0
Annual rewards
$0
Annual fees:
$29
Interest rates:
13.99% on purchases • 15.99% on cash advances
Strong choice for users interested in paying off existing credit card debt
Permanent interest rate of only 13.99%
Details at a glance Collapse details
Welcome bonus
$0
Annual rewards
$0
The estimated dollar amount of benefits you’ll accumulate based on your monthly spending and rewards preference
+ Welcome bonus
$0
+ Annual rewards
$0
- Annual fee
$29
Total first year value
$-29
Annual fees:
$29
Interest rates:
13.99% on purchases
15.99 on cash advances
Strong choice for users interested in paying off existing credit card debt
Permanent interest rate of only 13.99%
Details at a glance Collapse details

The BMO® Preferred Rate Mastercard®* offers members a low-interest rate of 12.99% on purchases and cash advances. Cardholders can also take advantage of the 3.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for nine months. A 1% fee does apply to the amount transferred. Plus, BMO will waive the $20 annual fee for the first year.

Credit score requirement for approval:

Good: You’ve had a credit card or loan for at least six years. You’ve had good credit for the last seven years (no bankruptcies or no defaults on credit as a result of failing to pay debts back to creditors). You haven’t opened a new credit card account, loan, or line of credit in the last nine months. You’ve made the minimum payments on my existing credit cards for the past three months.

Annual fee:

$20

Limited time offer/bonus:

  • Take advantage of the 3.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for nine months. A fee of 1% of the amount transferred does apply.
  • BMO will rebate the $20 annual fee for the first year.

Sign-up bonus expiry date: October 31, 2021

Earning potential:

Although this card doesn’t offer travel perks or cash back, cardholders can take advantage of the low introductory interest rate on balance transfers and the low-interest rate on purchases and cash advances.

Insurance:

  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty
  • Zero Dollar Liability

Other perks:

  • Get 15% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada and 20% off resident shows in Las Vegas.

Rates, product information, and rewards estimates are subject to change at any time and do not constitute financial advice. Information in this article is accurate as of the date of this posting, November 25, 2020.

This article has been updated.

 

 

Hayley Osmond

Hayley Osmond, Freelance writer

Hayley Osmond is an editor and writer in the personal finance space, where she uses her eight years of media and marketing experience to bring content to life. She specializes in money products, including mortgages, home and auto insurance, and credit cards. Hayley holds a Broadcast Journalism diploma from Sheridan College and was awarded the Shaw Media Journalism and Media Award for graduating at the top of her class. Her work has appeared in Global News and diverse digital corporate training materials behind the scenes.

Hayley is passionate about making complex subjects, such as home buying and financial literacy, concise and intriguing. Her work has garnered media coverage from The Globe and Mail, blogTO, Yahoo! News, and CityNews 680 and has been syndicated across other publications.

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