Quick overview of the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
BMO’s newest premium travel rewards card, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card comes with a hefty welcome bonus, high rewards earning rates, fine dining experiences, lounge access*, and plenty more. If you’re an avid traveler or someone who enjoys the finer experiences, read on to see if this card is worth its annual fee and a slot in your wallet.
Who's it for?
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is for high income individuals who love to travel and enjoy fine experiences. It is clear that this card will not be accessible to many Canadians due to its strict eligibility requirements but for those who qualify, there is no doubt this card has a lot to offer.
Our favourite part of this credit card is easily the rewards scheme. Earning 5 BMO Rewards points on every dollar spent on travel, dining, gas, groceries, and drug store purchases is a robust rewards scheme that is hard to match in Canada. Add to that bonus points earned by additional cardholders, and this credit card could make you a mountain of points from everyday spending.
Pros and cons of the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Pros
-
Strong welcome bonus
-
High rewards earning rate*
-
Earn more when you add supplemental cards*
-
Annual lifestyle credit of $200*
-
Mobile device insurance*
-
Extensive travel insurance*
-
Extended warranty and purchase assurance*
-
Visa Airport Companion membership and 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year - over $250 USD* in value
-
Access to Visa Infinite Dining Series and Visa Infinite Wine Country*
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
High eligibility requirements
-
The welcome bonus is not awarded immediately
-
High rewards earning rate reduces after $50,000 spend
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card welcome offer
When you start spending with the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, you’ll be awarded 50,000 points when you spend $6,000 in the first 3 months, plus 30,000 points when you spend at least $30,000 in the first 6 months. Receive an additional 40,000 points when you spend at least $75,000 in the first year..
Annual fee and interest rates
This credit card is a premium card, and so it has a premium fee. The annual fee for this credit card is $499, and there are no additional fees to add an additional cardholder. The purchase interest rate on this credit card is 20.99%, and cash advances are subject to an interest rate of 23.99% (21.99 for Quebec residents).
Not everyone will qualify for this credit card, due to the stringent requirements set out by BMO. To be approved for the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, you’ll need a personal income of at least $150,000, or a household income of $200,000. You’ll also need an excellent credit score.
Earning rewards with the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
As we mentioned above, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card lets cardholders earn an impressive 5 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent in essential categories like travel, dining, gas, groceries, and pharmacy*. This bonus applies up to an annual threshold of $50,000, and after that, you’ll earn 1 BMO Rewards point per $1 spent in these categories. Other purchases will earn 1 BMO Rewards point per $1 spent*. Overall this is an excellent earn rate, which we would expect from a premium travel rewards credit card with a hefty annual fee.
Redeeming BMO rewards
Following the regrettable devaluation of BMO Rewards points by BMO in 2021, the value of 1 BMO point when redeemed for travel, including flights, car rentals, hotel rooms, and vacation packages, is now approximately $0.0067 (150 points = $1 in redemption value). Other redemption options include:
- Redeeming BMO Rewards points for gift cards or merchandise
- Investing BMO Rewards points in a BMO Investment Account
- Cashing in points for statement credit (with a maximum value of $0.005 per point)
Cardholders should note that the value they receive for their points varies depending on the redemption method chosen. Please refer to the table below for detailed information.
Learn more about the BMO Rewards program by reading our complete BMO Rewards Guide.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* card insurance coverage
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* card comes with comprehensive insurance coverage, especially for travel. Here's a breakdown of the insurance benefits that comes with this card:
- Common carrier accident insurance: This policy covers up to $500,000in the event of your accidental death or injury on any licensed common carrier.
- Out-of-province/country emergency medical insurance: This policy includes up to $5 million of coverage for 25 consecutive days (for card holders under 64 plus their spouses and dependents) or the first 3 days (for travellers aged 65 and older) on out-of-province trips.
- Trip cancellation insurance: You're covered for up to $5,000 per trip overall.
- Trip interruption insurance: You're covered for up to $25,000 per trip for all insured people overall.
- Baggage delay, loss, and damage insurance: If any harm comes to your luggage while you're on a trip, this coverage covers up to $2,500 of losses incurred.
- Car rental collision and loss damage insurance: This policy covers a rental period of up to $85,000.
- Hotel burglary insurance: In the event of a hotel burglary, you are covered up to $2,500.
- Mobile device insurance: Cardholders are covered for up to $1,000 for their new mobile devices.
- Extended warranty and purchase security insurance: When you make purchases with this credit card, those purchases are protected for 120 days from theft or damage. Also, all purchases with warranty will have their coverage automatically doubled, up to a maximum of 1 year.
Extra card benefits
Priority pass
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card members enjoy a Visa Airport Companion membership and 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year – valued at more than $250 USD.*
Exclusive Visa experiences
Visa cardholders have priority access to exclusive entertainment events, including the Toronto International Film Festival and the Visa Infinite Dining Series. The dining series features exclusive events with chefs across the country. You’ll also have access to exclusive tastings at wineries in Ontario, B.C. and California via Visa Infinite Wine Country. Finally, the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection entitles you to automatic room upgrades when available, complimentary breakfast for two, and food and beverage credits at hotels worldwide.
What people say
It's fine for the first year but it's very mediocre once you're paying the annual fee and not getting the bonus points.
/u/SlashNXS
Due to the low dollar value attached to each BMO Rewards point, like this card user mentions, you may find the rewards less appealing once you use up the bonus points. See below for other great cards to consider.
How the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card compares
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card vs. The Platinum Card
| Card name | BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | The Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | Up to 90,000 points* | Earn up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,400 in value. |
| Rewards | 5x points per dollar spent on travel, dining, gas and groceries, and at the pharmacy*; 1x point per dollar spent on everything else* | Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other card purchases extra points for travel booked through American Express |
| Lifestyle credit | $200* | |
| Other extras | Visa Airport Companion membership and 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year – valued at more than $250 USD*, mobile device insurance*, travel insurance*, exclusive VISA experiences* | Airport lounge access, and priority security lines, travel insurance, exclusive hotel experiences, fast-tracking to higher earning tiers with hotel loyalty programs, exclusive American Express invites, points transfer to other frequent flyer programs |
| Annual fee | $499 | $799 |
The Platinum Card®
3.5
up to 140k pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,400 in value.
Pros
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
1
21.99% - 28.99%
Variable APR Applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. This charge card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances.
$799
Annual Fee Supplementary Platinum Cards: $250 each
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
21.99% - 28.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
1
21.99% - 28.99%
Variable APR Applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. This charge card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances.
$799
Annual Fee Supplementary Platinum Cards: $250 each
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
21.99% - 28.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card vs. The Platinum Card
There aren’t many rewards credit cards that compare to the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, but The Platinum Card® from American Express comes pretty close. The Platinum Card® has a $799annual fee, and for that fee, you receive many of the same benefits as the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card.
Where The Platinum Card® excels is in the extra travel perks. If you’re a real globe-trotter, you’ll be able to take advantage of the ability to transfer your points to any major loyalty rewards programs (such as Aeroplan) and the ability to level up your hotel loyalty points.
That said, if you aren’t likely to use those particular perks, the less expensive BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card will be the better choice.
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card
4.3
up to 35K pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to $1,100* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points
Expires
Jan 3, 2025
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
Pros
-
No FX fees means the card saves you significant expenses on foreign transaction fees
-
Earn up to 3x Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
-
Flexible and straightforward redemption program
-
Visa acceptance globally compared to American Express, especially outside major cities.
-
Enjoy six annual visits to airport lounges
-
Robust insurance offerings, including extended travel emergency medical coverage
-
Access to Visa Infinite Program benefits, with added advantages like a free supplementary card
Cons
-
High annual fee
-
Limited rewards categories for earning reward max rate on purchases
-
Primarily best for travel within Canada
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
$60,000
Required Annual Personal Income
$100,000
Required Annual Household Income
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Required Annual Personal Income
$60,000
Required Annual Household Income
$100,000
3x
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
2x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
1x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
Scene+ points¹ on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and participating Co-ops and more
3x
Scene+ points¹ for every $1 you spend on other eligible grocery stores, dining, eligible entertainment purchases and eligible daily transit options (including ride shares, buses, subways, taxis and more)
2x
Scene+ point for every $1 spent on all other eligible everyday purchases
1x
20.99%
Purchase APR
22.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
$150
Annual Fee First supplementary Card is $0/year ($50/year on each additional Card)
0%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Purchase APR
20.99%
Balance Transfer Rate
22.99%
Cash Advance APR
22.99%
Annual Fee
$150
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card vs. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite*
If you're looking for a travel rewards credit card with a lower annual fee and comprehensive travel insurance, you can consider the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* card. This card comes with complimentary Dragon Pass membership, which gives you 6 free lounge visit passes annually as well as a $0 foreign transactions. You also get access to Scotia's Scene+ rewards program which allows you to redeem points for travel credit, statement credit, free movie tickets and gift cards.
Conditions Apply. Visit here for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite to learn more. *See Card Provider's website and Card Application for complete card details, terms and current offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accuracy of information.
Is it worth it?
Overall, if you are a power credit card user with a high income, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is an excellent way to supercharge your rewards earnings. The welcome bonus* and $200 annual lifestyle credit* makes this card very compelling and the multitude of extra benefits and perks is one of the best we’ve seen on the market.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card eligibility requirements
Not everyone will qualify for this credit card, due to the stringent requirements set out by BMO. To be approved for the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, you’ll need a personal income of at least $150,000, or a household income of $200,000. You’ll also need an excellent credit score.
*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.
Jordann Brown is a freelance personal finance writer whose areas of expertise include debt management, homeownership and budgeting. She is based in Halifax and has written for publications including The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and CBC.
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