Quick overview of the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card
For lovers of gas and groceries (and points over cash back), BMO has a card that might tempt you. The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite has quite decent multipliers on a bunch of popular spending categories, a decent welcome bonus, and a few cheeky other perks that add to its not-insubstantial appeal.
You do need to pay $120 per year for the privilege, but BMO saw fit to grace us with the first year fee waived. If that doesn’t scare you off, and you’re eager to start racking up BMO points, it’s worth giving this card a gander.
Who’s BMO eclipse Visa Infinite for?
If you spend a lot on groceries, dining, gas and transit, the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card can help you quickly rack up rewards. This card definitely aims to be the daily-spender card of young, urban professionals who enjoy dining out and look forward to using the $50 anniversary lifestyle credit the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite offers.
I’d also add it makes a pretty good couples card, as adding an additional user to your account can increase your point return by 10% – though you’d have to swallow the $50 additional user fee for that.
Pros and cons
Pros
-
Excellent welcome offer: Get up to 60,000 points and a $50 lifestyle credit
-
Good earn rate in top spending categories
-
First year annual fee waiver* (Value: $120)
-
Includes new mobile device insurance: Up to $1,000 in coverage**
-
Annual $50 lifestyle credit to spend however you like*
-
Includes comprehensive travel insurance
-
Access to exclusive Visa Infinite benefits
Cons
-
High minimum annual income: Minimum $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household)
-
Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card welcome offer
The welcome bonus, which includes an annual fee waiver, is tempting and makes this a risk-free proposition. Get up to 60,000 points worth $400 in travel rewards, a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year - that's a $570 value in your first anniversary!*.
How to earn BMO Rewards points with the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card
The number one best way to earn points on the BMO eclipse Visa is to spend lots with it — at least for the first year. After (and while) you’ve worked on your bonus, spending in the target categories will help you continue to rack up the points. The best bang for your buck will be in the groceries, dining out, gas and transit category which offer 5x points for every $1 you spend – not bad at all. And if you can swallow the extra annual fee for an additional user, a 10% point multiplier on all purchases could move the needle even further in the right direction.
How to redeem BMO Rewards
The value of one BMO point when redeemed for travel, encompassing flights, car rentals, hotel rooms and vacation packages, is now approximately $0.0067 (150 points = $1 in redemption value)
While BMO points aren’t exactly high value regardless of the category they're spent in, there is a significant enough difference that you’ll want to keep it in mind. Despite not being a travel card, BMO points are most valuable when used to book travel through the BMO rewards site. Equally valuable (and a neat option) is to spend your points on investments through BMO.
After that, spending on experiences takes a small dip, and then gift cards, merchandise and statement credits fall off pretty dramatically. Travel and investing (and experiences) are the best way to spend these BMO points.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite key benefits
This card has generous earn rates in major spending categories, which are extra enticing due to the redemption flexibility of BMO Rewards points. The Pay with Points program, in particular, adds ease and value, allowing you to redeem for virtually anything.
- Robust earn rates: Earn 5x the BMO Rewards points on groceries, dining, gas and transit*, and 1 point per $1 on everything else*.
- Lucrative welcome offer: Get up to 60,000 points worth $400 in travel rewards, a $50 lifestyle credit and the $120 annual fee waived in the first year - that's a $570 value in your first anniversary!*
- Broad spending categories: There are a lot of opportunities to earn with this card. The dining category includes restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs, food boxes like HelloFresh, and food delivery services like UberEats. Grocery purchases can be made at supermarkets, liquor stores, convenience stores, and markets. Gas and transit spends include gas stations, taxis, public transportation, and toll roads.
- Flexible, easy redemption: BMO Rewards points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards, cash against your bill, or for virtually any purchase in the Pay with Points program at bmorewards.com. You can also redeem points as a cash deposit into a BMO investment account.
- Extra earning potential: Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card insurance coverage
| Insurance benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Purchase protection | 90 days |
| Extended warranty | 1 year |
| Mobile phone protection | $1,000 |
| Emergency medical (term) | 15 days |
| Travel accident | $500,000 |
| Rental car | $65,000 |
Extra benefits of the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card bundles in some good benefits and extras.
- Annual $50 lifestyle credit*: In a unique move, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card returns an annual $50 “lifestyle credit” to be spent however you want. Think of it as mad money, courtesy of BMO.
- Earn more points with an authorized user: 10% extra point earning when you add an additional user
- Visa Infinite perks*: Visa Infinite cardholders enjoy exclusive access to special events, entertainment, and privileges. These include Visa Infinite Dining Services, Entertainment Access, Luxury Hotel Collection, Wine Country, Troon Golf Benefit, and 24/7 Concierge.
What people have to say about the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card
I have the BMO Eclipse infinite, its a good card for the 60k welcome offer, 5x on dining/groceries.. plus 10% more points when u add an AU. It pairs well with my Amex Cobalt card, use the visa when Amex isn’t accepted
Reddit user /u/IssaA1990
What they said! All in all it’s a pretty solid card (especially considering it’s welcome bonus) but probably best to run alongside a better spender like the Cobalt if you can, at least for the first free year.
How the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card compares
When it comes to rewards cards in this category, people are usually looking for the best earn rate and the most extras and benefits. At $120 annually (annual fee waived in the first year)*, a card has to justify that expense. The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card does a good job with the earn rate and has flexible points, but when it comes to the extras, there are stronger contenders.
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card vs. American Express Cobalt
American Express Cobalt® Card
4.9
up to 15k pts
Welcome offerFair
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $150 in value.
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
Eligibility
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
5x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
3x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
2x
the points on everything else
1x
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
1
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
$100 USD
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$155.88
Annual Fee 12.99/month
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$155.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
High earn rates (up to 5% return on spending!)
-
Flexible month-by-month fee structure
-
Free supplementary cards
-
1:1 points transfer with selected hotels, airlines and frequent flyer programs
Cons
-
Accelerated earn rates only apply to purchases in Canada (not to purchases made abroad)
-
Amex has a more limited merchant acceptance rate than Visa and Mastercard
-
Slightly higher than average annual fee
Eligibility
Fair
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Fair
Required Annual Personal Income
$0
Required Annual Household Income
$0
5x
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
3x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
2x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
1x
the points on everything else
1
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
$100 USD
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
the points on eligible eats & drinks purchases in Canada
5x
the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada
3x
the points on eligible gas, transit & ride share in Canada
2x
the points on everything else
1x
additional Membership Rewards point for every $1 you charge on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
1
Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities like dining, spa or other leisure facilities when charged to the room
$100 USD
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
$155.88
Annual Fee 12.99/month
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.5% of the transaction in CDN
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash Advance APR
21.99%
Annual Fee
$155.88
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
For example, the American Express Cobalt® Card charges a $155.88 ($12.99/month) annual fee, but it doesn’t offer a first-year annual fee waiver. However, it offers a more comprehensive travel insurance portfolio that includes more types of insurance – from travel accidents to flight or baggage delays and lost/stolen baggage. Both cards have fairly extensive membership perks, so your decision may well hinge on whether you prefer the membership offerings of Visa or American Express.
The American Express Cobalt® Card attempts to lure in new cardmembers with its tempting welcome offer--Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points* by earning 1,250 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 on your Card in your first year as a new Cardmember. This could add up to 15,000 points in a year.* in the first year (conditions apply). In contrast, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card offers a welcome bonus of up to 60K pts (worth approximately up to $400 in travel), a $50 lifestyle credits, plus a first-year annual fee waiver (worth $120)* - that's a $570 value in your first anniversary!*.
Both credit cards in your wallet are an asset. That way, you’ll never lose out on the opportunity to earn points when you’re at the checkout counter.
*Based on card purchases of $12,000 annually on food purchases, $1,200 annually on gas, and $6,000 annually on everything else.
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card vs BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*
BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*
4.9
up to 10%
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreGet up to 10% cash back in your first 3 months and the $120 annual fee waived in the first anniversary*.
Expires
Nov 30, 2024
Pros
-
Valuable sign-up bonus
-
High 5% cash back rate on groceries
-
Free roadside assistance
-
Excellent extended warranty and purchase protection terms
Cons
-
Restrictive spending limits for most cash back categories
-
Sign-up bonus structure is head-scratchingly complicated
-
High minimum income requirements
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
5%
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
4%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
3%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
2%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
1%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
5%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
4%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
3%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
2%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
1%
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$120
Annual Fee annual fee waived in the first year*
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Valuable sign-up bonus
-
High 5% cash back rate on groceries
-
Free roadside assistance
-
Excellent extended warranty and purchase protection terms
Cons
-
Restrictive spending limits for most cash back categories
-
Sign-up bonus structure is head-scratchingly complicated
-
High minimum income requirements
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
5%
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
4%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
3%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
2%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
1%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
Groceries: 5% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($25 in cash back)*
5%
Transit: 4% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($12 in cash back)*
4%
Gas: 3% cash back up to $300 spent per month ($9 in cash back)*
3%
Recurring Bills: 2% cash back up to $500 spent per month ($10 in cash back)*
2%
Everything Else: 1% cash back, unlimited*
1%
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR 21.99% for Quebec residents
$120
Annual Fee annual fee waived in the first year*
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$120
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Well I’ll put it like this – the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege is a card that’s almost twice as good as its non-premium counterpart (offering a huge welcome bonus, for example). So let’s just say from the point of sheer value, the BMO eclipse Infinite Visa is more bang for your buck than its Privilege kin.
That said, if you’re the kind of person who makes at least $150k per year – the minimum personal income required for the BMO Visa Infinite Privilege card – maybe you don’t care?
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card vs BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*
BMO Ascend World Elite®* Mastercard®*
4.5
up to 90K pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreGet up to 90,000 points and the annual fee waived in your first anniversary for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
Expires
Nov 30, 2024
Pros
-
High-value welcome offer
-
Flexible airport lounge access
-
BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees
-
Great for those who frequently rent cars
-
Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers
Cons
-
So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee
-
Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs
-
Charges foreign transaction fees
-
Relatively high minimum income requirements
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
4
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
5x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
3x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
1x
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
4
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate 21.99% for Quebec residents
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee first year waived
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
High-value welcome offer
-
Flexible airport lounge access
-
BMO Rewards points can be used to cover flight taxes and fees
-
Great for those who frequently rent cars
-
Good for Costco and No Frills shoppers
Cons
-
So-so earn rates relative to its annual fee
-
Points have low redemption value compared to other travel rewards programs
-
Charges foreign transaction fees
-
Relatively high minimum income requirements
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$80,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$150,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$80,000
Required Annual Household Income
$150,000
5x
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
3x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
1x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
4
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases*
5x
Earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments*
3x
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else*
1x
Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, with 4 annual complimentary passes
4
20.99%
Purchase APR
23.99%
Balance Transfer Rate 21.99% for Quebec residents
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee first year waived
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
23.99%
Cash Advance APR
23.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
While it's a bit more expensive, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard probably has the edge over the eclipse. The welcome offer is substantially higher, the insurance way better, and tons of perks for travel lovers.
Is the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite worth it?
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card is a solid option for those who want to accumulate rewards points on their everyday purchases and have flexibility with how they use them.
While the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card includes mobile device insurance*, it’s a little lean on the other coverage, so it wouldn’t be the best for travel insurance. For those who expect to travel, there are cards with better travel insurance packages. However, if you’re interested in the exclusive events and luxury experiences available in Visa Infinite program*, this card is a ticket in.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your spending habits, and what kinds of perks make the most sense for you. If you only plan on having this card for one year I’d say yes, absolutely, 100% – I may even apply for it myself. But beyond that, the $120 annual price tag puts it in an incredibly competitive category of cards, one of which remains the nigh-unbeatable Cobalt. So when the fees start kicking in, I might look elsewhere for better point value.
Eligibility requirements
- ave a Very Good credit score$60,000 annual personal income or $100,000 annual household income
*Terms and conditions apply.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
After years as a product manager at TD Bank and Ratehub.ca, Christine now expresses herself with words, especially in credit cards and personal finance.
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