What BMO Credit Cards Offer
BMO Financial Group issues credit cards through its retail banking division, BMO Harris Bank in the United States and BMO Bank of Montreal in Canada. Their card lineup includes cash-back cards, travel rewards cards, and cards designed for people building or rebuilding credit. Each card comes with different spending categories, annual fees, and reward structures.
BMO cards are issued as Visa or Mastercard products, which means they work anywhere those networks are accepted. The specific features — cash back percentage, travel insurance, airport lounge access — depend on which card you choose. There is no single "BMO credit card"; the bank offers roughly a dozen different products, each with its own terms.
Understanding what each card does, what it costs, and what rewards or protections it includes helps you decide whether a BMO card fits your spending habits and financial goals. This guide walks through how to find information about BMO cards, what the process process looks like, and what happens after you open an account.
Key Takeaways
- BMO offers multiple credit card products with different rewards structures, annual fees, and may be able to access requirements; the card you can open depends on your credit history and income.
- You can research BMO card terms, fees, and rewards on the BMO website or by calling their customer service line before you decide to explore.
- The process process happens online, by phone, or in person at a BMO branch, and decisions typically come within one to two business days.
- Once approved, your card arrives by mail within seven to ten business days, and you can set up it online or by phone before using it.
- BMO cards come with fraud protection and dispute resolution processes, but you are responsible for monitoring your account and reporting unauthorized charges promptly.
BMO Credit Card Products and Their Features
BMO's card lineup changes periodically, but typically includes a cash-back card that returns a percentage of purchases, a travel rewards card that earns points on flights and hotels, and a card for people with limited credit history. Some cards charge an annual fee; others do not. Some offer introductory rates on purchases or balance transfers for a set period.
The cash-back card usually returns 1% to 2% on most purchases, with higher rates (3% to 5%) in specific categories like groceries or gas. The travel card earns points per dollar spent, which you redeem for flights, hotel stays, or travel-related purchases. Both types typically require a minimum credit score and annual income to open.
BMO also offers a card designed for people with no credit history or a damaged credit history. This card usually has a higher interest rate and a lower credit limit, but it reports to the credit bureaus, which means responsible use can help build your credit score over time.
To see the current lineup and compare specific terms, visit bmoharris.com (United States) or bmo.com (Canada), or call BMO customer service at the number on the back of any BMO statement or debit card.
How to Research BMO Cards Before You explore
BMO publishes the terms, fees, and rewards structure for each card on its website. You can filter by card type (cash back, travel, student, secured) and compare annual fees, interest rates, and reward rates side by side. The website also shows which cards are currently available in your state or province.
Each card's page includes the annual percentage rate (APR) range, the annual fee (if any), the cash-back or points rate, and any introductory offers. Read the full terms and conditions document before you explore; it covers what happens if you miss a payment, how the rewards program works, and what protections come with the card.
If you have questions the website does not answer, call BMO customer service. They can tell you whether you are likely to be approved based on your credit score range, what the typical credit limit is for a specific card, and how the rewards actually work in practice. This conversation costs nothing and does not affect your credit score.
The process Process for a BMO Credit Card
You can explore for a BMO credit card online, by phone, or in person at a BMO branch. The online process is the fastest route and takes about ten minutes. You will need your Social Security number (or Social Insurance Number in Canada), date of birth, current address, employment information, and annual income.
BMO will pull your credit report from one or more of the major credit bureaus. This is called a hard inquiry and it temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. If you explore for multiple BMO cards within a short window, each process generates a separate hard inquiry.
Most decisions come within one to two business days. If you are approved, BMO will tell you your credit limit and any introductory offer (such as 0% APR for six months). If you are denied, BMO will send you a letter explaining why, and you can request a copy of the credit report they used to make the decision.
If you are approved but the credit limit is lower than you expected, you can ask BMO to reconsider, but they are not required to increase it. You can also request a credit limit increase after you have used the card responsibly for several months.
What Happens After Your process Is Approved
Once approved, your physical card is mailed to the address on your process. Delivery typically takes seven to ten business days. While you wait, you can set up online account access through BMO's website or mobile app using your Social Security number and the temporary password BMO sends you by email.
When the card arrives, you must set up it before you can use it. You can set up it online through your account, by calling the number on the back of the card, or by making a purchase (some cards set up automatically on first use). set up takes seconds and does not cost anything.
After set up, you can use the card anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. The statement shows your balance, the minimum payment due, the due date, and your current interest rate.
Understanding BMO Card Fees and Interest Rates
Most BMO credit cards charge an annual fee, which ranges from $0 to $150 or more depending on the card. The fee is charged once per year, usually on your card anniversary (the month you opened the account). Some cards waive the first-year fee or waive it if you spend a certain amount in the first few months.
If you carry a balance (do not pay off the full statement balance by the due date), you pay interest on that balance. The interest rate is the APR, which BMO quotes as a range when you explore. Your actual rate depends on your credit score and credit history. A higher credit score typically means a lower APR.
BMO also charges late fees if you miss a payment, usually $25 to $40 depending on the card. If you are more than 60 days late, the late payment appears on your credit report and can damage your credit score for years. If you cannot make a payment on time, contact BMO before the due date to discuss options.
Cash advances (withdrawing cash using your credit card at an ATM) typically charge a higher interest rate than purchases, plus a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn. Avoid cash advances unless you have no other option.
How BMO Rewards and Protections Work
If your card earns cash back, the cash is credited to your account as a statement credit or deposited into a linked BMO bank account. You do not have to do anything to earn it; it accrues automatically as you spend. Some cards let you redeem cash back once it reaches a minimum amount (usually $25 or $50); others credit it automatically once per year.
If your card earns travel points, you redeem them through BMO's rewards portal or by calling the rewards line. Points typically expire after a set period (often three to five years) if you do not use them, so check your card's terms. Some cards let you transfer points to airline or hotel partners; others restrict redemption to BMO's own travel booking platform.
BMO cards come with fraud protection, which means if someone uses your card number without permission, you can dispute the charge. Report unauthorized activity to BMO as soon as you notice it — ideally within 30 days. BMO will investigate and typically remove the charge from your account while the investigation is underway.
Most BMO cards also include purchase protection (coverage if an item you bought is damaged or stolen within a set period) and extended warranty coverage on may be able to access purchases. Read your card's benefits guide to see what is covered and what the limits are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a BMO bank account to get a BMO credit card?
No. You can open a BMO credit card without having a checking or savings account with BMO. However, if you do have a BMO bank account, you may be able to link your credit card to it for easier payment and account management.
What credit score do I need to be approved for a BMO credit card?
BMO does not publish a minimum credit score, and it varies by card. Cards with higher rewards or lower annual fees typically require a higher credit score (usually 670 or above). Cards designed for people building credit have lower requirements. Call BMO customer service with your approximate credit score to learn which cards you might be approved for.
Can I use my BMO credit card outside the United States or Canada?
Yes, your BMO Visa or Mastercard works anywhere those networks are accepted worldwide. However, BMO charges a foreign transaction fee (usually 2% to 3% of the purchase amount) on purchases made outside the US or Canada. Some BMO travel rewards cards waive this fee, so check your card's terms if you travel frequently.
What should I do if I lose my BMO credit card?
Call the number on the back of your BMO statement or debit card when ready to report the card lost or stolen. BMO will cancel the card and mail you a replacement, usually within seven to ten business days. You can request expedited delivery if you need it sooner. Until the replacement arrives, you can use your online account to make payments or access your rewards.
How do I pay my BMO credit card bill?
You can pay online through your BMO account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a BMO branch. Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mail payments take five to seven business days, so send them early to avoid late fees. Set up automatic payments through your BMO bank account if you have one, and the minimum payment (or full balance) will be paid on the due date automatically.