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BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card Review

BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card review

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3.8

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Welcome Offer Ends Nov 30, 2024

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!*

5x Earn 5x the points for every $1 spent on groceries, gas, dining in and out and transit.*

10% Earn 10% more points when you add an authorized user to your account.*

$50 Get a $50 annual lifestyle credit to spend however you want*

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

Very Good Recommended Credit Score

$60,000 Required Annual Personal Income

$100,000 Required Annual Household Income

3.8

BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card review

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Quick overview of the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card

The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card is a rewards credit card that offers a decent earn rate in top spending categories. We have reviewed this credit card thoroughly to help you see if it suits your lifestyle.

Who's it 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. For example, if you spend $12,000 annually on groceries and dining out, $1,200 on gas per year, and $6,000 on everything else, that would fetch you 72,000 points – worth up to approximately $480. Combined with the welcome offer of up to 60,000* points* (spending thresholds apply) and $50 annual lifestyle credit*, that would yield up to approximately $930 in BMO Rewards points. Add in the first-year annual fee waiver (worth $120), and this card has a value of approximately up to $1,050. Whoa.

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!*.

Earning points with the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card

Earn 5.00x the BMO Rewards points on groceries, dining, gas and transit*, and 1 point per $1 on everything else*. You can quickly rack up 10.00% more points easily by adding an additional card to your account ($50 per authorized user)*. 

Redeeming BMO Rewards

After the regrettable devaluation of BMO Rewards points by BMO in 2021, 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)

As for the BMO Rewards points program – it’s extremely flexible, and points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or gift cards. Alternatively, you can opt for the Pay with Points program – which allows you to redeem points for virtually anything charged to your card, with redemptions starting at only $1. You can even apply BMO Rewards points as a cash deposit into a BMO investment account.

Card features and 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 5.00x 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

  • Common carrier accident insurance: This policy covers up to $500000 in 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 500000 consecutive days (for card holders under 64).
  • Car rental collision and loss damage insurance: This policy covers a rental period of up to $65000.
  • Extended warranty and purchase security insurance: When you make purchases with your credit card, your purchases are protected for 90 days from theft or damage. Also, all purchases with warranty will have their coverage automatically doubled, up to a maximum of 1 year.
  • Mobile device insurance: This provides $1000.00 in coverage in the event your mobile device is lost, stolen or accidentally damaged.

Other card perks

The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card bundles in some good benefits and extras.

  • Annual $50.00 lifestyle credit*: In a unique move, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card returns an annual $50.00 “lifestyle credit” to be spent however you want. Think of it as mad money, courtesy of BMO.
  • 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.

Pros and cons

The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card nets you lots of points in top spending categories and some really valuable extras like mobile device protection. The inclusion of a “lifestyle credit” is a slick way to signal that these cards are for people who want to treat themselves, and Visa Infinite privileges give cardholders a great place to start. The annual fee is standard for a card in its class, and the welcome bonus with the first-year annual fee waiver makes this a risk-free card to try.

That said, this card isn’t for everyone. The annual income requirement is a Minimum $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household), which may be out of reach for some Canadians. The travel insurance is limited, as it doesn’t include the all-important trip cancellation insurance. Also, while BMO Rewards points are flexible and more valuable than ever with the Pay with Points program, redemption is not instant or automatic. Cardholders still have to log in to BMOrewards.com to apply their points to a card purchase.

Pros

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

Cons

  • High minimum annual income: Minimum $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (household)

  • Insurance doesn't include trip cancellation coverage

What people say

I have the Eclipse Visa Infinte. I find the points with BMO less valuable than other banks.

/u/Top-Wolf9846

Due to the low value of a BMO rewards point (1 point=$0.0067), some cardholders, like this user mentions may find the BMO Rewards program to be less valuable than other popular rewards programs like Amex Membership Rewards. see how we compare other popular cards below.

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 $120.00 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.

American Express Cobalt® Card

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4.9

15,000 pts

Welcome offer

Fair

Suggested credit score

Earn up to 15,000 Membership Rewards® points

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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

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

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

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

Earn 5 times the points on eligible eats and drinks in Canada, including groceries and food delivery. Spend cap applies.

5x

Earn 3 times the points on eligible streaming subscriptions in Canada.

3x

Get 2 times the points on eligible ride shares, transit & gas in Canada.

2x

Earn 1 additional point on eligible hotel and car rental bookings via American Express Travel Online

1x

Earn 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else

1x

Get up to $100 USD hotel credit to use on amenities when charged to the room for a stay of 2 or more consecutive nights through The Hotel Collection from American Express Travel.

$100 USD

Purchase APR

21.99%

Cash Advance APR

21.99%

Annual Fee

$155.88

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.50%

BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card vs. American Express Cobalt

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* 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 $50.00 lifestyle credits, plus a first-year annual fee waiver (worth $120.00)* - 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.

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* Card 

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4.3

up to 35K pts

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Earn up to $1,100* in value in the first 12 months, including up to 35,000 bonus Scene+ points

Expires

Nov 1, 2024

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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

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

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

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Required Annual Personal Income

$60,000

Required Annual Household Income

$100,000

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

Purchase APR

20.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$150

Foreign Transaction Fee

0.00%

BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card vs. Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite*

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite* credit card is a great option if you're seeking a rewards credit card with excellent travel benefits. Although the annual fee on the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is slightly higher than the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card, it offers more extensive travel insurance coverage, such as trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. Additionally, it provides lounge access through a complimentary Visa Airport Companion membership, along with 6 annual lounge passes. Best of all, it offers the benefit of $0.00 foreign exchange fee on transactions.  See our full review on the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite* credit card.

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?

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.

  • What are the eligibility requirements of the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card?

    +

    If you want to apply for the BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite* Card, you should fulfill the following requirements:

    1. Have a Very Good credit score

    2. $60000.00 annual personal income or $100000.00 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.

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