The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card is a premium credit card designed for Canadians seeking accelerated rewards on everyday spending categories. It offers a primary earn rate of 5 BMO Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible purchases in groceries, dining, gas, and transit. The card includes a $50 annual lifestyle credit and a first-year annual fee waiver, alongside a suite of travel and purchase insurance benefits. Understanding its features, eligibility requirements, and reward structure is essential for evaluating its fit within a personal financial strategy.
Card Features and Earning Structure
The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card is structured to provide accelerated rewards on specific, high-frequency spending categories. Cardholders earn 5 BMO Rewards points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases in restaurants, groceries, gas, and daily transit, which includes public transit, taxis, and rideshares. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar spent. The BMO Rewards points are valued at a rate of 150 points equalling one dollar when redeemed through certain methods, such as the Pay with Points feature for travel. This card also provides a unique $50 annual lifestyle credit that is automatically credited to the primary cardholder's account each year, which can be spent on any purchase without restriction. Adding an authorized user to the account for an annual fee of $50 increases the earn rate on the bonus categories by 10 percent, resulting in 5.5 points per dollar spent in those categories. The card is positioned as a lifestyle card that combines the benefits of a rewards card with functionality similar to a cash back credit card, allowing points to be earned on everyday purchases.
Welcome Offers and Promotional Benefits
New applicants for the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card can access a welcome offer that includes up to 70,000 bonus points. To qualify for this specific welcome bonus, applications must be submitted before May 31, 2024. The card's $120 annual fee is waived for the first year, providing initial cost savings. Additional promotional benefits include six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when the eligible BMO credit card is enrolled in the program. The welcome offer is marketed as providing up to $1,150 in total value, which incorporates the bonus points, the first-year fee waiver, the $50 statement credit, and a monthly streaming statement credit. It is important to review the issuer's website for the most current offer details and eligibility periods, as these promotions are subject to change. The card may also feature promotional balance transfer offers, such as a 0 percent introductory interest rate for 12 months with a 2 percent transfer fee, though these are separate from the core welcome bonus for new cardholders.
Fees and Charges
The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card carries a standard annual fee of $120, which is waived for the first year as part of the promotional offer. Authorized users added to the account are subject to an annual fee of $50 each. For transactions made in a foreign currency, a foreign transaction fee of 2.5 percent is applied to the Canadian dollar amount of the purchase. The card may also offer promotional balance transfer rates, such as a 0 percent introductory interest rate for 12 months, accompanied by a balance transfer fee of 2 percent. Cardholders should be aware that all fees and rates, including regular purchase interest rates, are detailed in the cardholder agreement and are subject to change by the issuer.
Eligibility Requirements and Application
To be eligible for the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card, applicants must meet specific financial thresholds. The minimum requirement is an individual annual income of $60,000 or a household annual income of $100,000. Alternatively, applicants can qualify by declaring a minimum current annual spend of $15,000. Authorized users must be at least 13 years of age and have a Canadian address. The application process is conducted through BMO, and approval is subject to the bank's standard credit assessment. Prospective cardholders should ensure they apply within any specified promotional periods to qualify for welcome bonuses, such as the 70,000-point offer which had a deadline of May 31, 2024. The Bank of Montreal is one of Canada's largest banks and offers one of the largest selections of personal credit cards in the country, with cards ranging from student options to premium travel cards.
Redeeming BMO Rewards Points
BMO Rewards points earned with the Eclipse Visa Infinite Card offer several redemption options, providing flexibility for cardholders. Points can be redeemed for travel purchases, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages booked through any agency or website, using the Pay with Points feature which applies points to the retail cost of the travel. Points are also redeemable for merchandise and gift cards through the BMO Rewards platform, which features over one thousand products from various retailers. The redemption process for past purchases is a three step procedure involving logging into the BMO Rewards account, selecting the Pay with Points tab, browsing recent eligible transactions, and choosing how many points to apply. The standard valuation for redemptions is 150 points for one dollar of value. For example, a cardholder could redeem 63,176 points for a flight from Vancouver to Chicago, covering the retail price including all charges and taxes. The flexible BMO Rewards program allows points to be used for flights, hotel stays, cruises, vacation packages, gift cards, and merchandise.
Insurance Coverage and Protections
The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card includes a package of insurance coverages common to premium credit cards. Mobile Device Insurance provides coverage up to $1,000 if a mobile device is lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged. Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance offers protection for new purchases against damage or theft for a limited period and can extend the manufacturer's warranty. For travel, the card provides Out of Province or Country Emergency Medical Insurance, which covers eligible medical expenses incurred while travelling. Additional travel insurance benefits may include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance. The specific terms, conditions, and coverage limits for all insurances are outlined in the cardholder's certificate of insurance. This comprehensive insurance package is designed to provide cardholders with peace of mind for both everyday purchases and travel, aligning with the card's positioning as a strong choice for Canadians who want comprehensive travel benefits.
Comparing BMO Credit Card Options
BMO offers a range of credit cards with different reward structures and fee levels. The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card is a higher tier option with a $599 annual fee, an annual $200 lifestyle credit, a Visa Airport Companion program membership with six lounge passes, and a welcome offer of up to 200,000 points. The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard features a focus on travel with a welcome offer of up to 100,000 points and includes Mastercard Travel Pass with four lounge passes. For cash back, the BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard offers earn rates on categories like groceries and transit, with a welcome offer valued up to $650 and includes free roadside assistance. The BMO CashBack Mastercard is a no fee option that offers 3 percent cash back on groceries, capped at $500 in monthly spending. The following table compares key features of several BMO premium cards.
| Card Name | Key Welcome Offer | Primary Earn Rate |
|---|---|---|
| BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite | Up to 70,000 points | 5 pts/$1 (groceries, dining, gas, transit) |
| BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege | Up to 200,000 points | 5 pts/$1 (travel, dining, groceries, gas) |
| BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard | Up to 100,000 points | 5 pts/$1 (travel), 3 pts/$1 (dining, entertainment) |
| BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard | Up to $650 value | Cash back on categories |
| BMO CashBack Mastercard | 5% cash back first 3 months | 3% cash back on groceries |
Each card has distinct spending category bonuses, insurance packages, and additional perks that cater to different consumer profiles and spending habits. The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite is noted as an impressive earner that gives you 5 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent on almost anything to do with food or transit. This includes 5 points per $1 on groceries, restaurants, food delivery, gas, public transit, taxis, and rideshares. The card also offers a $50 annual lifestyle credit that you can spend however you wish. It is a strong choice for Canadians who want comprehensive travel benefits and flexible rewards.
Common Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
When evaluating the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card, several practical considerations emerge. The 2.5 percent foreign transaction fee makes the card less ideal for frequent international spending compared to cards that do not charge this fee. The accelerated earn rate of 5 points per dollar applies only to the specified categories of groceries, dining, gas, and transit, with all other spending earning at the lower base rate of 1 point per dollar. The welcome bonus of 70,000 points had an expiry date for applications, and such offers are subject to change. Cardholders should also note that the points valuation of 150 points to one dollar defines the reward yield, and redemption for non travel options may offer different value. The card's acceptance is broad as a Visa product, which is generally accepted more widely than some other card networks, particularly in regions with less developed card infrastructure.
Spending Scenarios and Reward Calculations
Understanding the potential reward yield from the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card can be illustrated through example spending scenarios. Based on an estimated monthly spending of $2,200 after the annual fee, calculations have been provided to show potential earnings. With the primary earn rate of 5 points per dollar on eligible categories, a cardholder who spends significantly on groceries, dining, gas, and transit will accumulate points more quickly. Combined with the standard earn rate of 1 point per dollar on other spending, the total annual point accumulation can be substantial. The $50 annual lifestyle credit provides a direct cash value that offsets the card's cost. It is important to remember that reward estimates are based on specific spending patterns and the actual value a cardholder receives will depend entirely on their individual purchases and redemption choices. The card is designed for Canadians who have the travel bug and want comprehensive travel benefits as well as flexible rewards that can be put towards travel, merchandise, and gift cards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the annual fee for the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card?
The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card has a standard annual fee of $120. This fee is waived for the first year as part of the welcome offer for new cardholders. The card also offers a $50 annual lifestyle credit, which can effectively reduce the net cost of the fee. When you add an authorized user to the account, there is an additional annual fee of $50 per card. The card's premium benefits and high earn rates are designed to offset the annual cost for eligible cardholders.
How do I earn the 70,000 point welcome bonus?
To earn the welcome bonus of up to 70,000 BMO Rewards points, you must apply for the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card. The full welcome offer includes these bonus points, a monthly streaming statement credit, a $50 statement credit, and no annual fee in your first year. You must meet the spending requirements and other terms outlined by the issuer to qualify for the bonus points. This offer provides a potential first year value of up to $1,150, making it a significant incentive for new applicants.
What are the income requirements for this card?
The minimum income requirement for the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card is an individual annual income of $60,000. This requirement is noted in the context of a user looking for a card that meets a 60k requirement. Alternatively, applicants can qualify with an annual household income of $100,000 or a minimum declared current annual spend of $15,000. These criteria are designed to ensure cardholders can manage the premium card's features and potential spending levels.
How much are BMO Rewards points worth?
BMO Rewards points are valued at a standard rate of 150 points equalling one dollar. This valuation is used when redeeming points for various rewards. The most valuable redemption category for most cardholders is for travel purchases through the Pay with Points option, as it allows points to cover the retail price of trips including taxes and fees. Points can also be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards, or to cover previous purchases directly.
What is the $50 annual lifestyle credit?
The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card provides a $50 annual lifestyle credit that is automatically credited to the primary cardholder's account each year. This credit is not tied to BMO Rewards points, so you can spend it however you wish on any eligible purchase. To receive the credit, you simply need to keep your account open and in good standing. This feature effectively reduces the net cost of the card's annual fee and adds flexibility to your spending.
Does the card have foreign transaction fees?
Yes, the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card charges a foreign transaction fee of 2.5 percent on every purchase made in a foreign currency. This fee covers the cost of converting the transaction amount into Canadian dollars. For frequent international travelers, this fee can add up significantly over time on all overseas spending. It is a standard charge for many Canadian premium credit cards, though some alternatives may offer lower or no foreign transaction fees.
Sources and further reading
- BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card, overview ratehub.ca
- BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card milesopedia.com
- The best BMO credit cards in Canada 2026 moneysense.ca
- Choosing between the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite and ... wise.com
- BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card Review borrowell.com
This article explains how things work and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules, limits and rates change, so check the current figures with the Canada Revenue Agency, your province or your financial institution before you act.