Daniela Hanna
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a top-tier metal travel card designed for high spenders and frequent travellers. With an earn rate of 5x BMO Rewards points on key everyday categories, a welcome offer worth up to 120,000 points, a $200 annual lifestyle credit, airport lounge access and a robust insurance package, it aims to be your “do it all” premium rewards card — if you can justify the fee and meet the income requirements.
Quick highlights
- 🎁 Welcome offer: up to 120,000 BMO Rewards points for new cardholders under the current promotion (tiered based on spending and first-year milestones).
- 🍽️ 5x BMO Rewards points per $1 on eligible groceries, dining in and out, drugstore purchases, gas and travel in Canada (up to annual category limits).
- 💳 1x BMO Rewards point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
- 👥 25% more points on all purchases when you add at least one authorized user to your account.
- 💸 $200 annual lifestyle credit that you can use on almost any purchase category each card year.
- 🛫 Visa Airport Companion membership with 6 complimentary airport lounge visits per year for the account.
- 🧳 Strong travel insurance, mobile device protection and premium Visa Infinite Privilege benefits.
Why we like the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
This card is all about amplifying the spending many affluent households already do: groceries, dining, gas, drugstore and travel. By awarding 5x BMO Rewards points in those categories, it quietly turns everyday living into a serious stream of travel points.
Add in the welcome offer of up to 120,000 points, a $200 lifestyle credit that’s extremely flexible, a 25% earning boost when you add an authorized user, and six lounge visits through Visa Airport Companion, and you’re looking at a card that can deliver a ton of value if you have the income and spend to match. It also comes with a full Visa Infinite Privilege benefits suite, making it competitive with other premium travel cards in the Canadian market.
Stand-out features
- ✅ Up to 120,000 BMO Rewards points in the first year via a tiered welcome structure tied to spending and account longevity.
- ✅ 5x BMO Rewards points per $1 on eligible groceries, dining, gas, drugstore and travel purchases in Canada (subject to annual category caps).
- ✅ 1x BMO Rewards point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
- ✅ 25% bonus points on all spending when you add an authorized user, boosting 5x categories to an effective 6.25x earn.
- ✅ $200 annual lifestyle credit that can offset anything from travel to dinners, shopping or experiences.
- ✅ Visa Airport Companion membership with 6 complimentary airport lounge visits every year.
- ✅ Comprehensive suite of Visa Infinite Privilege perks: concierge, luxury hotel benefits, premium dining and wine events, and golf privileges.
Good to know
- ⚠️ This is a true premium product: the annual fee is $599, and the income requirement is typically $150,000 individual or $200,000 household.
- ⚠️ The 5x earn rate applies up to specific annual spending caps per category; after you hit those limits, the earn rate drops to 1x.
- ⚠️ BMO Rewards points are most valuable when used for travel or pay-with-points redemptions; merchandise and gift cards tend to give less value.
- ⚠️ Foreign transaction fees still apply, so this is not a no-FX-fee card for international purchases.
Pros
- Massive welcome offer potential — up to 120,000 BMO Rewards points in the first year for qualifying new cardholders.
- Very strong earn rate: 5x on groceries, dining, gas, drugstore and travel, among the highest fixed earn rates in Canada on these categories.
- 25% earning boost when you add an authorized user, which can make sense in a high-spend household.
- $200 annual lifestyle credit that can be used quite flexibly to offset everyday expenses or little luxuries.
- Visa Airport Companion membership with 6 free lounge visits per year, a solid perk for frequent flyers.
- Comprehensive travel and mobile device insurance that matches expectations for a premium card.
- Full Visa Infinite Privilege perks, including concierge, luxury hotel and unique dining/wine experiences.
Cons
- High annual fee of $599 — you need to use the lifestyle credit, lounge visits and bonus categories heavily to come out ahead.
- Very high income requirements mean the card is out of reach for many Canadians.
- Base earn rate on “everything else” is just 1x, which isn’t competitive compared to some other premium cards for unbonused spend.
- Foreign transaction fees still apply on non-CAD purchases, so it’s not ideal for heavy foreign-currency spending.
- To unlock the full 120,000-point welcome, you’ll need significant spending; casual users may not hit the required thresholds.
Rewards program
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card earns BMO Rewards points, which can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise and more. The value sweet spot tends to be travel and pay-with-points redemptions, where points redeem at a straightforward rate.
- 5x BMO Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible groceries, dining (including food delivery), gas, drugstore purchases and travel merchants in Canada, up to defined annual category limits.
- 1x BMO Rewards point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.
- 25% more points on all purchases when you add at least one authorized user to your account, boosting the effective earn rates in all categories.
- Welcome bonus: up to 120,000 BMO Rewards points in the first year, typically structured as:
- A large chunk of bonus points when you reach a spending target in the first few months.
- Additional bonuses at higher spend thresholds in the first 6–12 months.
- Potential anniversary points or rewards when you renew the card and meet annual spending targets.
How to maximize rewards
-
Plan first-year spending around the 120,000-point welcome offer.
Look at the tiers required for each chunk of the bonus and map them to your natural spending. Large, planned purchases like travel, home projects, insurance, tuition or business expenses can make hitting those thresholds much easier without overspending. -
Route all eligible groceries, dining, gas, drugstore and travel to this card.
Those 5x categories are where this card shines — make it your default for grocery runs, nights out, gas fill-ups and travel bookings in Canada. -
Add an authorized user (if it makes sense).
If you have a partner or family member you trust, adding them as an authorized user can unlock the 25% earning boost on the entire account, effectively turning 5x categories into 6.25x and 1x categories into 1.25x. Just make sure the incremental fee for the extra card is worth the return. -
Use the $200 lifestyle credit every card year.
Treat the lifestyle credit as a guaranteed offset to your annual fee. Use it early in your card year on a purchase you’ll definitely make anyway — such as dining, travel or a bigger lifestyle treat — so it doesn’t get forgotten. -
Take full advantage of your six lounge visits.
Spread your complimentary visits across outbound and return legs of key trips. Even a couple of lounge visits with food and drinks can represent meaningful value compared to paying out-of-pocket at the airport. -
Track category caps and adjust when needed.
The 5x earn rate has annual caps per category. If your household is a high spender, you may want to track when you’re close to those caps and consider switching some spending to a different card once you’ve maxed them out for the year. -
Redeem BMO Rewards points strategically.
Aim to use points toward travel and Pay with Points redemptions for the best value. Gift cards and merchandise can be convenient but often provide lower value per point.
Insurance & benefits
Included coverage & perks
- Out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical insurance for eligible trips paid with the card, up to specified age and trip-length limits.
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance when you charge eligible travel arrangements to your card.
- Flight delay insurance to help with meals and accommodations during long delays.
- Delayed and lost baggage insurance when your checked bags are delayed, lost or stolen on an eligible trip.
- Common carrier travel accident insurance when travelling by plane, train, ship or bus paid with the card.
- Car rental collision/loss damage insurance when you decline the rental agency’s coverage and pay the full cost with your card.
- Hotel/motel burglary insurance for eligible personal belongings stolen from your room during a covered stay.
- Mobile device insurance covering eligible smartphones and tablets purchased or financed with the card, up to a defined maximum amount.
- Purchase security for eligible items against theft or accidental damage for a set period after purchase.
- Extended warranty that can extend the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases up to a capped additional period.
- Visa Airport Companion membership plus 6 complimentary annual lounge visits.
- Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge service for help with travel planning, dining reservations, tickets and more.
- Luxury hotel benefits and curated experiences through the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection and dining/wine programs.
Limitations & fine print
- ⚠️ All insurance comes with detailed terms: age limits, maximum trip length, pre-existing condition clauses, deductibles and exclusions. You should review the insurance certificates to understand how coverage applies to your situation.
- ⚠️ For many coverages, you must charge a specified portion (often the full cost) of the trip or item to your card to be eligible.
- ⚠️ Lounge visits beyond the 6 free entries per year are chargeable; guest access may count against your free visits or incur additional fees.
- ⚠️ Some benefits apply only when booking through particular channels or using specific codes; always check benefit details before you book.
Rates & fees
| Annual fee | $599 for the primary card. |
|---|---|
| Additional cards | Typically $99 annually per additional authorized user card. |
| Purchase APR | 21.99% on purchases. |
| Cash advance APR | 23.99% on cash advances and cash-like transactions (may vary for Quebec residents). |
| Balance transfer APR | 23.99% unless a promotional rate applies. |
| Foreign transaction fee | Typically 2.5% on purchases made in currencies other than Canadian dollars. |
| Grace period | At least 21 days interest-free on new purchases when you pay your statement balance in full by the due date. |
| Minimum income / assets | Generally $150,000 individual or $200,000 household annual income. In some cases, high historical spending on credit cards may also help qualify. |
| Minimum credit limit | As a Visa Infinite Privilege product, a higher minimum credit limit typically applies (often around $10,000 or more). |
Best for
- ✈️ Frequent travellers who appreciate lounge access, strong travel insurance and premium airport perks.
- 🛒 High-spend households that spend heavily on groceries, dining, gas, drugstores and travel — the 5x categories.
- 👥 Couples or families who can take advantage of the 25% earning boost by adding an authorized user.
- 💼 Professionals and business owners who see regular travel and client entertainment as part of their lifestyle or work.
- 💳 Cardholders comfortable with a high annual fee and confident they can use the $200 lifestyle credit and other benefits every year.
Where it falls short
- The $599 annual fee is significant; if you don’t spend much in the 5x categories or travel enough to use the perks, you may struggle to break even.
- High income requirements make it inaccessible for many Canadians.
- Foreign transaction fees still apply, so you might want a separate no-FX card for heavy foreign-currency spending.
- The 1x earn rate on non-bonus purchases is underwhelming for a premium card.
- To extract maximum value, you need to be organized — track spending thresholds, use the lifestyle credit, and remember to use your lounge visits each year.
Customer reviews
Positive feedback
“The 5x categories line up perfectly with my spending. Groceries, gas and travel are where most of my money goes, so the points add up surprisingly fast.”
“The $200 lifestyle credit and the lounge visits make trips feel more premium. Between those and the welcome bonus, the first year value was excellent.”
Critiques
“The income requirement is steep. It’s a great card once you have it, but it’s not something most people will qualify for.”
“Outside the bonus categories, 1x points is pretty weak for a card that costs this much. I keep a different card for day-to-day non-bonus spending.”
Community insights
Among Canadian rewards enthusiasts, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege is often seen as a “category hammer”: you use it to absolutely crush spending in its 5x buckets, while letting another card cover no-FX spending or non-bonus categories. Many cardholders view the welcome offer and first-year value as outstanding, then evaluate in year two whether their ongoing spending, lifestyle credit and lounge use still justify the $599 fee.
AI review (straight talk)
This card is clearly not built for everyone. It’s unapologetically premium: high fee, high income requirement, lots of perks, and serious rewards on specific categories. If you have the budget and lifestyle to match, the combination of 5x earn, up to 120,000 bonus points, a $200 lifestyle credit, six lounge visits and strong insurance is very compelling.
If you don’t spend much on groceries, dining, gas, drugstores and travel — or if you’d struggle to use the lounge passes and lifestyle credit — the math just doesn’t work the same way. In that case, a lower-fee travel card or a strong cash-back product is likely a better fit. But for high spenders who want to turbocharge everyday earning and enjoy premium travel perks, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card is absolutely worth a hard look.
Alternatives & comparison
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Categories / Earn | Other Purchases | Key Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | $599 | 5x BMO Rewards on groceries, dining, gas, drugstores & travel | 1x | $200 lifestyle credit, 6 lounge visits, 25% bonus with AU | High-spend travellers who want big category earn |
| BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card | $120 | 5x on groceries, dining & transit (with lower caps) | 1x | $50 lifestyle credit, solid everyday earn | Everyday spenders who want high earn without VIP income requirements |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | $799 | 2x on dining & travel | 1x | Global lounges, rich hotel perks, big welcome bonus | Frequent travellers seeking premium experiences |
| Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite* | $150 | Up to 3x Scene+ on groceries and selected categories | 1x | No FX fees, 6 lounge visits | Travellers who care about no foreign transaction fees |
| RBC Avion® Visa Infinite Privilege* | $399+ | Elevated earn on travel & flexible Avion points | Up to 1.25x | Premium insurance, flexible airline redemptions | High-income travellers who value flexibility and airline partners |
FAQ
What is the annual fee for the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card?
The annual fee is $599 for the primary cardholder. Additional authorized user cards typically cost $99 each per year.
What is the current welcome bonus?
The card is currently promoted with a welcome offer of up to 120,000 BMO Rewards points for new cardholders. The total is usually split into multiple parts tied to spending milestones and your first year with the card. The exact structure can change, so you should always confirm the current offer at the time you apply.
How does the card earn BMO Rewards points?
You earn 5 BMO Rewards points per dollar on eligible groceries, dining, gas, drugstore purchases and travel in Canada, up to annual category limits, and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases. If you add an authorized user, the entire account earns 25% more points on all spending.
How can I redeem BMO Rewards points?
BMO Rewards points can be redeemed for travel through the BMO Rewards portal, applied as a credit with Pay with Points toward eligible purchases, or used for gift cards, merchandise and other rewards. Travel and pay-with-points redemptions usually provide the most consistent value.
Does the card include airport lounge access?
Yes. The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card includes a Visa Airport Companion membership and six complimentary lounge visits each year for the account. Additional visits or guests may use up your free entries or incur extra fees, depending on the lounge’s rules.
What travel insurance is included?
The card includes emergency medical coverage for eligible trips, trip cancellation and trip interruption, flight delay, delayed and lost baggage, common carrier accident coverage, rental car collision/loss damage coverage, hotel/motel burglary insurance, and various purchase protections, all subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the insurance documentation.
Does the card charge foreign transaction fees?
Yes. Purchases made in currencies other than Canadian dollars are subject to a foreign transaction fee, typically about 2.5% on top of the exchange rate.
What income do I need to qualify?
As a Visa Infinite Privilege product, this card generally requires at least $150,000 in individual annual income or $200,000 in household income. In some cases, significant historical spending on credit cards may also help meet eligibility criteria. Approval ultimately depends on BMO’s credit assessment.
Final verdict & ratings
Our take The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is a heavy hitter in the premium space. If you spend a lot on groceries, dining, gas, drugstores and travel — and you’re comfortable with a higher annual fee and income requirement — it can return a serious amount of value through 5x earn, a big welcome bonus and a flexible lifestyle credit.
It’s not the right tool if you’re after simple cash back, if you rarely travel, or if your income and spending don’t align with the premium positioning. But for high-spend households and frequent travellers who like to combine strong earn rates with airport perks and robust insurance, it’s a card that absolutely deserves consideration.
| Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5 |
|---|---|
| Rewards value | 4.6 / 5 — excellent on 5x categories, especially with an authorized user boost. |
| Benefits & protections | 4.7 / 5 — strong insurance, lounge access, lifestyle credit and premium perks. |
| Fees & costs | 3.7 / 5 — high fee, but can be justified with heavy use and strategic spending. |
| Ease of approval | 3.0 / 5 — strict income requirements and standard underwriting make it selective. |
