You can apply for a BMO credit card online at bmo.com, through the BMO app (for existing clients), or at a BMO branch. Most applications take 10 minutes online and deliver an instant decision.
Step-by-Step: Applying Online
- Choose your card — Compare BMO credit cards and check income requirements
- Go to bmo.com — Click “Apply Now” on your chosen card
- Log in or apply as a guest — BMO Online Banking clients can pre-fill personal information
- Complete the application — Provide your name, SIN (optional), annual income, employment, and address
- Submit — BMO runs a hard credit inquiry; most applicants get an instant decision
Income Requirements Quick Reference
| Card Tier | Personal Income | Household Income |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Infinite (eclipse, Preferred) | $60,000 | $100,000 |
| World Elite Mastercard (CashBack WE, Blue Rewards WE, Rewards WE) | $80,000 | $150,000 |
| eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| All other cards (CashBack Mastercard, Blue Rewards, eclipse Rise) | None | None |
See BMO Credit Card Income Requirements for the full table.
Required Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal name and date of birth | As on your government ID |
| SIN (optional) | Helps with credit verification |
| Annual gross income | From all sources |
| Employment status | Employed, self-employed, retired, student |
| Employer details | Name, address, tenure |
| Home address | Current and prior if less than 2 years |
| Monthly housing cost | Rent or mortgage payment |
BMO Client Advantage
Existing BMO banking clients applying through BMO Online Banking or the BMO app benefit from pre-filled information and may receive pre-approved offers in their account dashboard. BMO clients with established savings or investment relationships may also have more favourable approval odds on high-limit cards.
After You Apply
| Outcome | Timing | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Approved — instant | Immediate | Card mailed; arrives in 7–10 business days |
| Pending — more information | 1–3 business days | BMO may call or request documents |
| Declined | Immediate or up to 5 business days | Consider a lower-tier card or no-fee option |
To follow up: call 1-800-263-2263 (BMO Credit Card Centre).
Tips for a Successful BMO Application
- Note the World Elite income gap: The BMO CashBack World Elite ($120) requires $80K personal income — higher than most premium Visa Infinite cards at $60K. If you earn $60K–$79K, the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite ($120, $60K income req.) earns BMO Rewards instead of cash back.
- Look for first-year-free promotions — BMO regularly offers the first year’s annual fee waived on new card approvals
- Apply once — Multiple applications in 90 days can hurt your credit score and approval odds
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Process current as of June 2026. BMO may update its application process at any time. See our Advertiser Disclosure.