In 2025, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card positions itself as a lifestyle-focused rewards card for Canadians whose spending is concentrated in food and transportation. With 5x BMO Rewards points on groceries, dining, gas and transit in Canada, 1x on everything else, a welcome package worth several hundred dollars in the first year and a recurring $50 lifestyle credit, it is designed to deliver strong long-term value to cardholders who meet the income or spend thresholds and pay off their balance monthly. Add in wide-ranging insurance, mobile device coverage and premium Visa Infinite perks, and it competes directly with some of Canada’s most established rewards cards. At its core, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card charges a $120 annual fee (rebated in the first year), recommends good to excellent credit and typically requires at least $60,000 individual or $100,000 household income, or a minimum $15,000 declared annual spend. You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible groceries, dining, gas and transit purchases within annual category caps, plus 1 point per dollar elsewhere. New cardholders can earn up to 60,000 bonus points by hitting spending milestones in the first year, and receive a recurring $50 lifestyle statement credit. Interest rates are standard for a premium rewards Visa, so carrying a balance is not recommended. For the right profile, the combination of rewards, credits and protections can more than offset the fee.
How Does the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card Really Stack Up?
- Strong earn rate on everyday essentials: 5x points on groceries, dining, gas and transit in Canada lets core, repeatable expenses generate rewards quickly for families and commuters.
- Generous first-year value and lifestyle credit: Up to 60,000 bonus points, a first-year $120 fee rebate and a recurring $50 lifestyle credit create substantial value, especially in year one.
- Flexible BMO Rewards redemptions: Points can be used for travel, statement credits, merchandise, gift cards, investments or donations, tailoring rewards to your personal goals.
- Comprehensive insurance and mobile protection: Travel, purchase and rental car insurance plus up to $1,000 in mobile device coverage provide robust protection for trips and big purchases.
- Visa Infinite premium privileges: Access to Visa Infinite hotel, dining, wine and golf programs, along with a 24/7 concierge, adds premium experiences and services to everyday life.
Main Disadvantages
- Annual fee after the first year: Once the initial fee rebate ends, the $120 annual fee must be justified by ongoing spending and redemption value.
- Income or spend requirements limit accessibility: Minimum $60,000 personal or $100,000 household income—or $15,000 in annual spend—puts the card out of reach for some Canadians.
- Category caps on 5x earning: The 5x earn rate is subject to annual caps; heavy spenders may hit limits and see earnings drop to 1 point per dollar sooner than expected.
- Standard premium-card interest rates: Typical premium-card purchase and cash-advance rates make carrying a balance expensive and can quickly erase rewards.
- BMO Rewards ecosystem may not suit everyone: Because rewards are tied to BMO Rewards, those who prefer cash back or airline/hotel-specific points may find better fits elsewhere.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Confirm eligibility: Ensure you are a Canadian resident of the age of majority, meet BMO’s income or spend guidelines and have a good to excellent credit profile.
- Review the current offer and key details: Check BMO’s official page for the latest welcome bonus, fee rebate, $50 lifestyle credit, earn rates, caps, interest rates and fees.
- Gather personal and financial information: Prepare address history, contact details, employment information, gross income, housing costs and details for any supplementary cardholders.
- Submit your application online or via branch: Complete the secure online form or apply in branch/by phone, verify all details and consent to a credit check, then monitor for updates.
- Activate your card and set up your account: After approval and mail delivery, activate the card via online banking, the BMO app or phone, then set your PIN, wallet access and alerts.
- Link BMO Rewards and use the card strategically: Confirm your BMO Rewards profile is linked, direct grocery, dining, gas and transit spending to the card, and redeem points in ways that match your lifestyle.
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card is a strong choice for Canadians who spend heavily on groceries, dining, gas and commuting, offering 5x points, flexible BMO Rewards redemptions, a rich welcome offer, lifestyle credit and robust insurance that many entry-level cards lack. If your spending in these categories justifies the $120 annual fee after year two and you always pay in full, it can become a key card in your wallet, turning everyday expenses into valuable rewards and added peace of mind.
