Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $199 annually
Best BMO Credit Cards in Canada
BMO cards can be easier to compare when the reward path is clear
BMO offers rewards, cash back, travel, and AIR MILES card options. RateBuddy helps compare annual fees, welcome offers, earn rates, benefits, and card fit so you can quickly understand which BMO options deserve a closer look.
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Compare Top BMO Cards
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Ready to refine
Annual fee
$199$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,400
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$306
First-year annual fee
$199 first-year fee waiver applied
$199
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,706
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2% | $108 |
| Dining | $300 | 2% | $72 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 2% | $36 |
| Travel | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$80,000
Minimum household income
$150,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$599
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Travel Rewards
Balance Transfer
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Balance Transfer
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$1,500
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$648
First-year annual fee
Fee charged during the first year
$599
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,549
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 5% | $270 |
| Dining | $300 | 5% | $180 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 5% | $90 |
| Travel | $75 | 5% | $45 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$599
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$150,000
Minimum household income
$200,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$120$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Premium
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$650
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$612
First-year annual fee
$120 first-year fee waiver applied
$120
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$1,262
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 5% | $270 |
| Dining | $300 | 5% | $180 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 5% | $90 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $120 annually
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$60,000
Minimum household income
$100,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$89$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Best for
Travel Rewards
Rewards
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$800
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$157.50
First-year annual fee
$89 first-year fee waiver applied
$89
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$957.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 0.5% | $4.50 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0.5% | $27 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $89 annually
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$150$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Travel Rewards
Balance Transfer
Premium
Best for
Travel Rewards
Balance Transfer
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$650
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$306
First-year annual fee
$150 first-year fee waiver applied
$150
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$956
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 1% | $54 |
| Dining | $300 | 3% | $108 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 1% | $18 |
| Travel | $75 | 5% | $45 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 3% | $27 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $150 annually
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$80,000
Minimum household income
$150,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$120$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Cash Back
Balance Transfer
Premium
Best for
Cash Back
Balance Transfer
Premium
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$320
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$441
First-year annual fee
$120 first-year fee waiver applied
$120
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$761
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 5% | $270 |
| Dining | $300 | 1% | $36 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 3% | $54 |
| Travel | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 2% | $18 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 1% | $54 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $120 annually
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
$80,000
Minimum household income
$150,000
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Travel Rewards
No Annual Fee
Balance Transfer
Best for
Travel Rewards
No Annual Fee
Balance Transfer
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$168
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$288
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$456
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 2.5% | $135 |
| Dining | $300 | 2.5% | $90 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 0.5% | $9 |
| Travel | $75 | 0.5% | $4.50 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 2.5% | $22.50 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0.5% | $27 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Balance Transfer
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Balance Transfer
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$100
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$229.50
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$329.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 3% | $162 |
| Dining | $300 | 0.5% | $18 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 0.5% | $9 |
| Travel | $75 | 0.5% | $4.50 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0.5% | $27 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance
23.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Student
Best for
Cash Back
No Annual Fee
Student
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$100
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$229.50
First-year annual fee
No annual fee
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$329.50
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 3% | $162 |
| Dining | $300 | 0.5% | $18 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 0.5% | $9 |
| Travel | $75 | 0.5% | $4.50 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 1% | $9 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0.5% | $27 |
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0
Primary cardholder
Purchase APR
21.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
23.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
Annual fee
$29$0
First year waived
Purchase APR
13.99%
Cash advance
15.99%
BMO Bank of Montreal
Best for
Low Interest
Balance Transfer
Best for
Low Interest
Balance Transfer
Welcome-offer value
Advertised value estimate, subject to eligibility and provider requirements
$29
Estimated rewards from spending
Based on $1,500 in monthly spending
$0
First-year annual fee
$29 first-year fee waiver applied
$29
$0
Estimated first-year card value
Welcome value + spending rewards − first-year fee
$29
View spending and reward-rate details
| Spending category | Monthly spend | Rate | Annual value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $450 | 0% | $0 |
| Dining | $300 | 0% | $0 |
| Gas and transit | $150 | 0% | $0 |
| Travel | $75 | 0% | $0 |
| Recurring bills | $75 | 0% | $0 |
| Other purchases | $450 | 0% | $0 |
Estimate notes
- No usable reward rate is configured, so spending rewards were not estimated.
This is an estimate, not a guaranteed cash return. Actual value depends on spending, eligibility, redemption choices and meeting the provider’s offer terms. Reward rates are treated as estimated cash-equivalent percentages.
First year free
Card essentials
Rates, fees and requirements
The important numbers, organized so they are easy to scan and compare.
Annual fee
$0 first year
Then $29 annually
Purchase APR
13.99%
Regular purchase rate
Cash advance APR
15.99%
Cash transaction rate
Balance transfer APR
—
When available
Foreign transaction fee
—
Foreign-currency purchases
Additional card fee
—
Supplementary cardholder
Before you apply
Eligibility snapshot
Recommended credit score
—
Minimum personal income
—
Minimum household income
—
Approval, rates and credit limits are determined by the card provider.
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Why Choose a Credit Card?
Beyond simple convenience, the right credit card offers a layer of consumer protection, financial leverage, and rewards that debit cards or cash simply cannot match.
Zero Liability Protection
Canadian credit cards come with robust federal protections against unauthorized transactions. Unlike cash, which is gone forever if lost, or debit cards which are directly linked to your bank funds, a credit card offers a buffer. If your card is used fraudulently, you are generally not held liable for those charges once reported. This keeps your actual bank account safe and liquid while the bank investigates the issue. It provides peace of mind in an era of increasing digital fraud.
Value-Added Rewards
Every purchase you make is an opportunity to earn a return on your spending. Whether you prefer travel points, merchandise, or cash back, using a credit card allows you to get value back on expenses you were going to pay anyway. Over the course of a year, a standard 1-2% reward rate can accumulate into hundreds of dollars in free groceries or flights. It is effectively a discount on your entire lifestyle, provided you pay your balance in full. Why pay full price with cash when you can earn a rebate with credit?
Building Credit History
Your credit score is your financial passport in Canada, dictating your ability to rent apartments, get a mortgage, or finance a car. Responsible credit card use is one of the most effective and fastest ways to establish this history. By using a card and paying it off on time every month, you demonstrate reliability to future lenders. A long, positive history with a credit card accounts for a significant portion of your credit score calculation. Without this history, obtaining major loans later in life can be difficult or much more expensive.
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Cash Back
Earn money on daily spend.
Travel Rewards
Best for frequent flyers.
SPEC SHEET
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ISSUERS
Browse by Bank & Issuer:
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LOYALTY PROGRAMS
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PAYMENT NETWORKS
Browse by Network:
Filter by Visa, Mastercard, or Amex acceptance.
CARD LEVELS
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From entry-level options to exclusive black cards. Find the eligibility level that fits you.
KNOWLEDGE BASE
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Compare Top BMO Cards Cards and financial strategy.
Disclaimer: Information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Terms subject to change by issuers.
Providing your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is usually optional for credit card applications, though it can help the issuer verify your identity and locate your credit file more accurately. You can generally apply without it, provided you supply other identification details.
Credit card networks (Visa/Mastercard) set their own daily exchange rates, which are generally very close to the market rate. However, unless you have a No-FX fee card, the issuer adds a surcharge (usually 2.5%) on top of this rate, which is why the total cost is higher than the spot market rate.
Contactless payments use encryption technology similar to Chip & PIN transactions. Limits are typically placed on the amount allowed per tap (e.g., $100-$250) to minimize risk. If a thief exceeds this limit, a PIN is required. You are also protected by the issuer's Zero Liability policy for fraudulent tap transactions.
If a transaction pushes you over your limit, the issuer may decline the transaction or, in some cases, accept it and charge an 'Over-Limit Fee' (typically around $29). Exceeding your limit can also negatively impact your credit score. It is best to keep balances well below your limit.
A hard inquiry (from a credit application) typically remains on your credit report for up to 36 months, though its impact on your credit score generally diminishes significantly after the first 12 months.
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