How to Apply for BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card

Understanding the application process and the specific requirements for premium financial products is essential for a successful experience. Below you will find all the information needed to make an informed decision and apply for the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card today.

Issuer BMO
Type of Reward BMO Rewards points (Travel rewards)
Reward Rates 5 points per $1 on groceries, gas, drugstores, dining, and travel; 1 point per $1 on other spending
Annual Fee $599
Interest Rate (CAT) 21.99%
Minimum Income Required $150,000 personal / $200,000 household
Network Tier Visa Infinite Privilege

BMO Rewards Points and Earning Potential

The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card operates on the BMO Rewards system, which is primarily focused on travel flexibility. Cardholders earn points based on specific spending categories. For every dollar spent on eligible groceries, petrol (gas), drugstores, dining (including restaurants and food delivery services), and travel-related purchases, the card provides 5 BMO Rewards points.

For all other types of spending that do not fall into these accelerated categories, the base earning rate is 1 point per $1 spent. These points can be redeemed through the BMO Rewards centre for flights, hotels, holiday packages, and other merchandise. This rewards structure is designed to benefit frequent travellers and households with high monthly expenses in the mentioned categories.

Annual Fees and Interest Structure

As a high-tier financial product, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card carries an annual fee of $599. If the primary cardholder chooses to add additional users to the account, there is a fee of $99 for each supplementary card. The standard interest rate for purchases is set at 21.99%.

Furthermore, the card features an introductory offer regarding balance transfers. For the first 12 months, cardholders can take advantage of a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers. It is important to note that a 2% transfer fee applies to the amount moved to the BMO account. After the introductory period ends, any remaining balance from the transfer will be subject to the standard interest rate.

Eligibility and Income Requirements

The eligibility criteria for the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card are stricter than standard credit products in Canada. Applicants must meet high minimum income thresholds to qualify for this specific network tier. A minimum personal annual income of $150,000 is required, or alternatively, a minimum household annual income of $200,000.

Applicants must also be Canadian residents and have reached the age of majority in their respective province or territory. Maintaining a strong credit history is generally necessary for approval, given the premium nature of the Visa Infinite Privilege network and the high credit limits typically associated with these accounts.

Additional Perks and Insurance Coverage

The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card includes a wide range of lifestyle and travel benefits designed to offset the annual cost. These features cater to individuals who frequently travel or utilise delivery services.

  • Welcome Offer: A tiered welcome bonus of up to 200,000 BMO Rewards points based on meeting specific spending thresholds.
  • Annual Statement Credit: A $200 annual/anniversary credit that can be applied to the account balance.
  • Airport Lounge Access: Membership in the Visa Airport Companion programme, which includes 6 complimentary lounge visits per year.
  • Instacart Benefits: Six months of Instacart+ membership and a $10 monthly credit toward Instacart purchases.
  • Mobile Device Insurance: Coverage for stolen or damaged mobile devices up to a maximum of $1,000.
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Extensive protection including provincial medical coverage, trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight delay, and baggage insurance.
  • Rental Car Coverage: Collision and damage protection for eligible rental vehicles.

Important Considerations

While the rewards and perks are extensive, potential applicants should consider the total cost of ownership. The $599 annual fee is significantly higher than most travel cards, requiring the user to fully utilize the $200 annual credit and travel benefits to find value. Additionally, the high income requirement makes this card inaccessible to a large segment of the population.

Individuals who do not spend heavily in the 5x points categories—such as groceries or dining—may find that the base 1x point rate on other purchases does not justify the high fee. It is also important to remember that BMO Rewards points are most valuable when used for travel, and redemption values for other items like statement credits or merchandise may differ.