How to Get a BMO Credit Card

(February 2025)

In This Article

Do you need a credit card that can help you save money, earn rewards, and enjoy perks? If so, you might want to consider a BMO credit card. BMO is one of the largest and most trusted banks in Canada and the US, offering a range of credit cards to suit your different needs and preferences. Whether you want to pay less interest, get cash back, collect Air Miles, or access exclusive benefits, there is a BMO credit card for you.

Can you now see how lucky you are?

In case you are now wondering how to get the BMO credit card of your choice, don’t worry. This article shows you how to get a BMO credit card in a few easy steps. You are also going to learn about the different types of BMO credit cards and how to compare them to find the best one for you. By the end of this article, you are going to be ready to apply for a BMO credit card and start enjoying its advantages. What are you waiting for? get started now!

To get a BMO credit card:

  1. Understand How BMO Works
  2. Know How Credit Cards Work
  3. Understand the Different Credit Cards That BMO Offers
  4. Check Your Eligibility
  5. Evaluate Your Financial Situation
  6. Prepare the Documents You Need
  7. Apply for the Card You Want
  8. Receive and Activate Your Card

1. Understand How BMO Works

To get a credit card from BMO, know what BMO is all about. Do you know that BMO Harris Bank is one of the largest commercial banks in the US? You can access the bank in 9 states while you can feel its heavy presence in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Arizona, and Minnesota. The bank shares the rest of its 496 branches with Missouri, Kansas, Florida, and Washington. In addition,  note that aside from credit cards, BMO offers other various financial services such as loans, checking accounts, and saving accounts.

2. Know How Credit Cards Work

To secure a credit card from BMO,  understand how a credit card works. Be aware that a credit card is a card that you can use to buy things or pay bills without using cash. When you use a credit card, you are borrowing money from the bank that gives you the card. The bank will send you a bill every month to show you how much money you owe it. You can pay the bill in full or in part, but if you don’t pay it in full, the bank may charge you interest. Interest is like a fee that the bank charges you for using its money. For instance, imagine you get a credit card from a bank with a credit limit of $1000. If you buy a phone for $500 the bank pays the phone seller and your credit balance goes up by $500 and your available credit goes down by $500. Expect a bill from the bank at the end of the month, the bill shows you your outstanding balance and the minimum amount you can pay to avoid late fees. If you pay the full balance, you can’t pay any interest.

3. Understand the Different Credit Cards That BMO Offers

To obtain a credit card from BMO,  understand the different credit cards that the bank offers. With this issuer, get access to a variety of credit cards, including Mastercard and Visa cards, with different features and benefits. Check out some of the credit cards that BMO offers below.

BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard

Choose this card if you want a low-interest credit card with a $20 annual fee and a 13.99% interest rate for purchases and 15.99% for cash advances.

BMO Rewards Mastercard

Go for this card if you want a no-fee rewards credit card that lets you earn 1 BMO Rewards point for every $1 spent on eligible purchases and redeem them for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or cash credits

BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard

Maximize the opportunity of a cashback credit card that gives you 10% cash back on eligible purchases for the first 3 months ( if you spend up to $2,000), then 1.5% cash back on all purchases thereafter. You can also enjoy comprehensive travel insurance and roadside assistance with the card. However, you may have to pay an annual fee that can be up to $120 and your income requirement is $80,000 personal or $150,000 for the company.

BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard

Select an Air Miles credit card and start earning 1 mile for every $10 you spend on eligible purchases and give you a 15% discount on Air Miles flights within North America. You can also get travel insurance, lounge access, and concierge service. The annual fee is $120 and the income requirement is $80,000 per person or $150,000 per household.

BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Card

Take this card if you want a Visa credit card that earns you 5 BMO Rewards points for every $1 you spend on dining, groceries, gas, and transit purchases and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else. It also gives you an annual $50 lifestyle credit and mobile device insurance. The annual fee is $120 and the income requirement is $60,000 personal or $100,000 household.

4. Check Your Eligibility

To possess a BMO credit card, check your eligibility. Note that to be eligible, you need a clean credit report and a good credit score that’s above 660. You must be a US citizen and live within the jurisdiction where BMO serves. In addition,  meet the minimum income requirement for the card you choose. Finally, provide your personal information, such as your name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, Social Insurance Number, employment status, and income.

5. Evaluate Your Financial Situation

To apply for a BMO credit card,  evaluate your financial situation. Ensure you find out why you need a credit card and how much you need. Why do you want a credit card? Is it to build credit, pay for large purchases, earn rewards, or have an emergency fund?

6. Prepare the Documents You Need

To get a BMO credit card, gather the necessary documents you need to submit along with your application form. Provide the following documents: A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or health card.

Proof of income, such as a pay stub, tax return, or bank statement. Proof of address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement.

7. Apply for the Card You Want

To carry a BMO credit card, apply for the card you want. Visit the BMO website and browse the available credit cards. Compare the features and benefits of each card and find the one that suits your spending and reward needs. Choose a card and click on the “Apply now” button. Fill out the application form and agree to the BMO terms and conditions. Alternatively, you can apply by phone at 1-800-263-2263 through a representative that can take you through the application process.

8. Receive and Activate Your Card

To become a BMO cardholder, receive and activate your card. If BMO approves your application, expect your card through mail within 7 to 10 business days. Otherwise, you are going to receive a letter explaining why.

Recap

To get a BMO credit card, ensure you understand the operational system of the bank and know what makes the credit card unique. Understand the different kinds of credit cards that BMO offers and know the one you qualify for. In addition, evaluate your needs and gather the necessary documents to complete your application. There you are! You can expect your card within a few days.

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