Choosing a credit card can be intimidating, and highly personal. But for Blue Rewards Members, a BMO Blue Rewards credit card becomes a smarter and more rewarding choice. Members earn Points faster through everyday purchases and exclusive offers, getting them to rewards faster. Your credit card becomes more than a payment method, it’s the key to getting you more value from the things you already do every day. Not a Member? Join here.
Alex, for example, is looking for their first credit card after landing a full-time job. But once they started researching, things quickly got overwhelming. With cashback, rewards, annual fees, welcome bonuses, travel perks and more, a seemingly simple decision becomes surprisingly complicated.
Meanwhile, Jordan was approaching the same choice from a different perspective. They were already thinking ahead to future trips and looking for ways to maximize the value of everyday spending through premium rewards, like travel.
The right card for you depends on a few things, like how you spend, what you value most, what you can get approved for, and how you like to be rewarded. That’s where BMO Blue Rewards Mastercards come in. From everyday rewards to exclusive travel perks, like a $200 Nexus credit9, there’s an option designed to fit your lifestyles, even if all you need is a card that adds value to the little things.
How does a Blue Rewards Personal Credit Card Work?
The BMO Blue Rewards credit card is your shortcut to earning up to 10x the Points on eligible purchases, getting you one step closer to the next reward with every tap.
Then, you can redeem your Points the way you want. From a family night out to saving on groceries, living in the blue opens means you get access to a world of rewards.
For Alex, that means earning Points on routine spending for things like groceries, gas, and EV charging.
For Jordan, it’s access to premium benefits, while also getting to their next reward 10x faster.
The key is flexibility. Instead of earning in only one way, you earn Points across all your regular purchases!
Why Your First Credit Card Matters
Welcome bonuses and rewards rates can be a great place to start when comparing credit cards. Beyond the rewards, your first credit card can play an important role in helping you build credit, manage spending, develop healthy financial habits, and earn Points as you work toward future rewards.
A good first credit card can help you:
- Build healthy spending habits
- Learn how to manage credit responsibility
- Earn rewards on everyday purchases
No matter what you’re looking for, from everyday rewards to premium benefits, the right card can help you make the most of every purchase.
What Kind of BMO Blue Rewards Credit Cardholder Are You?
Alex: The Everyday Earner
Alex uses their card for groceries, gas, subscriptions, and occasional online purchases. They’re looking for a simple and straightforward way to earn rewards without worrying about annual fees or having to manage lots of extra benefits. For Alex, convenience is key.
Jordan: The Perks Maximizer
Jordan travels several times a year and is looking for benefits that make those trips more enjoyable. They’re interested in earning rewards, but also see their credit card as a tool that can enhance their overall experience. For Jordan, perks matter just as much as Points.
Option 1: BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard®
(Everyday)
The BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard offers:
- No annual fee**
- A welcome bonus of up to 20,000 Points1
- 10x the Points on eligible travel and Partner purchases2
- 2x the Points on eligible purchases like groceries, gas, EV charging and recurring bill payments3
- 0.5x the Points on all other purchases4
Fees and interest rates**:
$0 annual fee
21.99% on purchases
23.99% on cash advances
21.99% for Quebec residents
For first-time credit card holders like Alex, a no-fee card that earns rewards on everyday spending can be a great fit.
Option 2: BMO Blue Rewards World Elite® Mastercard®
(Premium Value)
The BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard offers:
- A welcome bonus of up to 100,000 Points5
- 10x the Points on eligible travel and Partner purchases6
- 2x the Points on eligible everyday spending like groceries, gas, EV charging and recurring bill payments7
- 4 airport lounge passes annually8
- Upto $200 NEXUS Statement credit in your first year9
- Complementary Roadside assistance10
Fees and interest rates**:
$150 annual fee rebate in the first year11
21.99% on purchases
23.99% on cash advances
21.99% for Quebec residents
For Jordan, this card fits perfectly with how they live and spend.
Frequent travellers will find that the annual fee can be offset by the value of lounge access, travel benefits, and enhanced rewards earning potential.
How to Choose the Right Card for You
If you’re comparing options, start by asking yourself a few simple questions:
- Do the benefits of an annual fee card fit my spending habits?
- How often do I travel each year?
- What categories do I spend the most on each month?
- Do I value everyday earning or premium benefits more?
| Feature | Blue Rewards Mastercard | Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $150 (rebate in the first year11) |
| Everyday Earner | ✔ | ✔ |
| Travel Benefits | Basic | Premium |
| Lounge Access | No | Yes |
| NEXUS Credit | No | Yes |
Choose the Blue Rewards No Fee Mastercard if:
- You prefer a no annual fee option
- Most of your spending is on everyday essentials like groceries, gas, EV charging, and wholesale purchases
Choose the Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard if:
- You want all the benefits of the card above, plus
- You travel regularly
- You value premium benefits and experiences
- You want additional travel-focused perks
- You value earning on everyday spending like groceries, gas, EV charging, and wholesale purchases.
Different Spending, Different Rewards
A few months after getting their cards, both Alex and Jordan were happy with their choices. But for different reasons!
Alex had settled into a routine of using their Blue Rewards Mastercard for everyday spending, earning them 8,000 Points on groceries last month just by paying with their card. Then, earned again by scanning their receipts, turning everyday errands into twice the earnings.
Jordan booked their vacation flights through Blue Rewards Travel, and paid with their Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard, earning 13,000 Points from the combined earn rates, and the 10x accelerator. Now, they can save those Points to cover part of their cruise when summer rolls around.
Both Alex and Jordan found the right cards that complimented their habits instead of changing them.
Tips for Responsible Credit Card Use
Make the most of your credit card by knowing what to look for when you choose one:
Use welcome bonuses strategically
Welcome bonuses and rewards rates can be a great place to start, but the long-term value of your card matters way more.
Track your spending habits
The best way to get the most value from your card is choosing the one that aligns with the way you already spend.
Redeem rewards!
Don’t forget to reward yourself with the Points you’ve built up! Check out all the options from Blue Rewards and find something you really want.
Using Your Credit Card Wisely
No matter which card you choose, follow these best credit card practices to build a strong foundation for your personal finances.
Pay your balance in full
Paying your statement balance each month helps you avoid interest charges.
Track your spending
Review your purchases regularly to help stay within budget, look out for suspicious charges and avoid surprises. Download the BMO app or log in to online banking to view your transactions.
Set up payment reminders
Automating payments or setting reminders help make sure you don’t miss a payment.
Choosing your first credit card doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you want a straightforward, everyday option like Alex, or you’re going for premium perks on top of the everyday earn like Jordan, it’s all about understanding your own habits, needs, and how you want to be rewarded.
Visit the BMO Blue Rewards Personal Credit Card page to compare options, explore benefits, and find your perfect match.
Terms and Conditions
**Ongoing interest rates, interest-free grace period, annual fees and all other applicable fees are subject to change. Cash advances include balance transfers, cash-like transactions and Mastercard cheques. For current rates and fees, visit your branch; or, for Mastercard products call the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-263-2263, for the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card call 1-833-256-7137 and for other eclipse Visa cards call 1-833-256-7136. To review current rates and fees for the BMO Prepaid Mastercard, visit bmo.com/rates-fees-prepaid, for all other credit cards visit bmo.com/rates-fees.
1.BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard applications must be received between June 2, 2026 and October 31, 2026 (the “Offer Period”) to be eligible for this offer. This offer is not available to current or former BMO Blue Rewards cardholders who reinstate a closed account or open a new account for the same card during the Offer Period. Existing BMO credit card cardholders who transfer into this product during the Offer Period are not eligible for this offer. This offer may be withdrawn or changed without notice. Earn 20,000 Bonus Points 110 days after the credit card account open date when you spend a minimum of $1,500 on net card purchases (less refunds and excluding cash advances, cash-like transactions, interest charges, fees, credit or debit adjustments) within the first 110 days of account opening. The Bonus Points will be credited to your Blue Rewards primary Credit Cardholder’s Member Account up to 8 weeks after the conditions for each element of offer are met. If the Credit Card is cancelled within 365 days from the account opening date opened, all Bonus Points earned within that period may be cancelled. To receive Bonus Points, your credit card account must be open and in good standing at time of award. When redeemed in-store at participating partners or on eGift Card; standard daily Points usage limits and terms and conditions apply. Other forms of redemptions are subject to separate terms, conditions, and redemption rates. See bluerewards.ca/value for full details.
2.BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard cardholders will get 5 Blue Points for every $1 in purchases at participating Blue Rewards Partners. Participating Blue Rewards Partners may be added or removed at any time without notice; visit www.bmo.com/bluerewards10x for partner details. This “10x the Points” multiplier is based on the base earn rate of 0.5 Point per $1 spent on card purchases (“Base Points”) and the bonus of 4.5 Points per $1 spent on eligible Blue Rewards Partner purchases (“Bonus Points”). Points will be calculated on the total eligible cumulative purchases made at all participating Blue Rewards Partners and credited to your account within 90 days after the end of the applicable statement period. The number of Points earned will be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Fractions of Points will not be awarded. Eligible purchases are purchases charged to your credit card account (less refunds and excluding cash advances, cash-like transactions, interest charges, fees and credit or debit adjustments). Bonus Points will be earned on eligible purchases at eligible Blue Rewards Partner locations up to a combined maximum of $15,000 in net purchases posted to your account per calendar year period. Once the maximum is reached, purchases will only be eligible to earn Base Points. The “10x the Points” benefit is available on eligible purchases and may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice.
3.BMO Blue Rewards Mastercard cardholders will earn 1 Blue Point for every $1 in purchases in Canada at eligible: (1) Alcohol and Liquor merchants classified by Mastercard’s “Merchant Category Code” as “Package Stores, Beer, Wine, and Liquor” (MCC 5921), (2) Automobile and vehicle fuel merchants classified by Mastercard’s “Merchant Category Code” as “Service Stations (with or without Ancillary Services)” (MCC 5541), “Fuel Dispenser, Automated” (MCC 5542), or “Electric Vehicle Charging” (MCC 5552), (3) Grocery merchants classified by Mastercard’s “Merchant Category Code” as “Grocery Stores and Supermarkets” (MCC 5411), and (4) Wholesale Clubs classified by Mastercard’s “Merchant Category Code” as “Wholesale Clubs” (MCC 5300) (each an “Accelerator Spend Category”). Accelerator Spend Category purchases at participating Blue Rewards Partners will not be eligible for this offer; however, they will continue to earn the “10x the Points” benefit applicable to purchases at participating Partners. For a list of current participating Partners, please visit www.bmo.com/bluerewards10x. The 1 Point includes the base earn rate of 0.5 Points for every $1 spent in card purchases (“Base Points”) and the bonus of 0.5 Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases in each Accelerator Spend Category (“Bonus Points”). Bonus Points will be earned on eligible Accelerator Spend Category purchases at merchant locations in Canada up to a combined maximum of $500 in net purchases in each Accelerator Spend Category posted to your account per statement cycle period. Once the maximum is reached, purchases will no longer be eligible to earn Bonus Points. In no event will BMO (“Bank of Montreal”) be liable or responsible for any claims with respect to an alcohol and liquor purchase made at a merchant that is not classified by MCC 5921, an automobile and vehicle fuel purchase made at a merchant that is not classified by MCC 5541, MCC 5542 or MCC 5552, a grocery purchase made at a merchant that is not classified by 5411 and wholesale clubs purchases made at a merchant that is not classified by MCC 5300. Points will be calculated on the total eligible cumulative purchases made at eligible merchants and credited to your account within 90 days after the end of the applicable statement period. The number of Points earned will be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Fractions of Points will not be awarded. Eligible purchases are purchases charged to your credit card account (less refunds and excluding cash advances, cash-like transactions, interest charges, fees and credit or debit adjustments) and is subject to the Blue Rewards Terms and Conditions and the BMO Mastercard Cardholder Agreement. The offer is available on eligible purchases and may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice.
4.Offer is cumulative over the statement period. Award of Blue Points is made for purchases charged to your account (less refunds and excluding cash advances, cash-like transactions, interest charges, fees, credit or debit adjustments) and is subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Blue Rewards Program and the BMO Credit Card Cardholder Agreement. The number of Blue Points will be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Fractions of Points will not be awarded.
5.BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard applications must be received between June 2,2026 and October 31, 2026 (the “Offer Period”) to be eligible for this offer. This offer is not available to current or former BMO Blue Rewards credit cardholders who reinstate a closed account or open a new account for the same card during the Offer Period. Existing BMO credit card cardholders who transfer into this product during the Offer Period are not eligible for this offer. This offer may be withdrawn or changed without notice. $1,600 in value is made up of: Up to $665: Up to 100,000 Welcome Bonus Points (Worth up to $665 in value when redeemed at participating in-store partners or towards eGift Cards*)
6.BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard cardholders will get 10 Blue Points for every $1 inpurchases at participating Blue Rewards Partners. Participating Blue Rewards Partners may be added or removed at any time without notice visit bmo.com/bluerewards10x for partner details. This “10x the Points” multiplier is based on the base earn rate of 1 Point per $1 spent on card purchases (“Base Points”) and the bonus of 9 Points per $1 spent on eligible Blue Rewards Partner purchases (“Bonus Points”). Points will be calculated on the total eligible cumulative purchases made at all participating Blue Rewards Partners and credited to your account within 90 days after the end of the applicable statement period. The number of Points earned will be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Fractions of Points will not be awarded. Eligible purchases are purchases charged to your credit card account (less refunds and excluding cash advances, cash-like transactions, interest charges, fees and credit or debit adjustments). Bonus Points will be earned on eligible purchases at eligible Blue Rewards Partner locations up to a combined maximum of $25,000 in net purchases posted to your account per calendar year period. Once the maximum is reached, purchases will only be eligible to earn Base Points. The “10x the Points” benefit is available on eligible purchases and may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice.
7.BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard cardholders will earn 2 Blue Points for every $1 in purchases in Canada at eligible: (1) Alcohol and Liquor merchants classified by Mastercard’s “Merchant Category Code” as “Package Stores, Beer, Wine, and Liquor” (MCC 5921), (2) Automobile and vehicle fuel merchants classified by Mastercard’s “Merchant Category Code” as “Service Stations (with or without Ancillary Services)” (MCC 5541), “Fuel Dispenser, Automated” (MCC 5542), or “Electric Vehicle Charging” (MCC 5552), (3) Grocery merchants classified by Mastercard’s “Merchant Category Code” as “Grocery Stores and Supermarkets” (MCC 5411), and (4) Wholesale Clubs classified by Mastercard’s “Merchant Category Code” as “Wholesale Clubs” (MCC 5300) (each an “Accelerator Spend Category”). Accelerator Spend Category purchases at participating Blue Rewards Partners will not be eligible for this offer; however, they will continue to earn the “10x the Points” benefit applicable to purchases at participating Partners. For a list of current participating Partners, please visit bmo.com/bluerewards10x. The 2 Points include the base earn rate of 1 Point for every $1 spent in card purchases (“Base Points”) and the bonus of 1 Point per $1 spent on eligible purchases in each Accelerator Spend Category (“Bonus Points”). Bonus Points will be earned on eligible Accelerator Spend Category purchases at merchant locations in Canada up to a combined maximum of $500 in net purchases in each Accelerator Spend Category posted to your account per statement cycle period. Once the maximum is reached, purchases will no longer be eligible to earn Bonus Points. In no event will BMO (“Bank of Montreal”) be liable or responsible for any claims with respect to an alcohol and liquor purchase made at a merchant that is not classified by MCC 5921, an automobile and vehicle fuel purchase made at a merchant that is not classified by MCC 5541, MCC 5542 or MCC 5552, a grocery purchase made at a merchant that is not classified by 5411 and wholesale clubs purchases made at a merchant that is not classified by MCC 5300. Points will be calculated on the total eligible cumulative purchases made at eligible merchants and credited to your account within 90 days after the end of the applicable statement period. The number of Points earned will be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Fractions of Points will not be awarded. Eligible purchases are purchases charged to your credit card account (less refunds and excluding cash advances, cash-like transactions, interest charges, fees and credit or debit adjustments) and are subject to the Blue Rewards Terms and Conditions and the BMO Mastercard Cardholder Agreement. The offer is available on eligible purchases and may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice.
8.Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass is a worldwide program run by DragonPass International Ltd. This benefit will be available to all cardholders of a BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard and a BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard (“eligible cardholders”). Eligible cardholdersare required to comply with the Conditions of Use available online at mastercardtravelpass.dragonpass.com or on the Mastercard Travel Pass mobile application, as well as any additional terms and conditions applicable to the lounge or offer being used by the eligible cardholder. The Conditions of Use are subject to change from time to time without notice to Issuer or the eligible cardholders. Eligible cardholders wishing to access a participating lounge must present their Mastercard Travel Pass mobile app or membership document showing the QR code and DragonPass membership number (this may be obtained by the eligible cardholder by registering an account at mastercardtravelpass.dragonpass.com or downloading the Mastercard Travel Pass application from the app store) to the lounge receptionist and reference “Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.” Value and benefits of the Mastercard Travel Pass complimentary membership are subject to change without notice. Use the four complimentary passes per calendar year for yourself as the primary cardholder or to cover the cost of the lounge visit of your travelling companion. To identify the primary cardholder on your account, please check the name on your monthly statement. After using four passes, you and your travelling companion can continue to enjoy lounge access for a fee of just US$32 per person, per visit. For a complete list of open and eligible lounges, please visit mastercardtravelpass.dragonpass.com.
9.Up to $200: NEXUS Statement Credit:Receive one statement credit up to a maximum of $200 CAD when NEXUS Application Fee is charged and posted in the first year on your Primary card regardless of NEXUS Application status. To be eligible for the NEXUS Statement Credit, the Primary Account must be in good standing at the time of the NEXUS program membership application fee is charged and posted. BMO has no control over the NEXUS program and terms and conditions are defined by NEXUS Program. The amount will be credited to your account up to 12 weeks after the conditions of the offer are met.
10.With the BMO CashBack World Mastercard, BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard and the BMO Blue Rewards World Elite Mastercard, you will receive a free membership of the Dominion Automobile Association and the benefits of their BMO Roadside Assistance Program (Basic Coverage). Membership terms and the features of the plan are described in the Certificate that you will receive or access the Certificate using the following link bmo.com/roadsideassistancebasic. DAA requires BMO to provide any information reasonably required for the sole purpose of confirming that you are covered by the Program.
11.Up to $200: Annual Fee Rebate: The Primary Cardholder annual fee of $150 will be rebated in the first year and will appear as a fee and a credit on the first statement. Each Additional Card annual fee of $50 will also be rebated in the first year if added at the time of primary cardholder’s application and will appear as a fee and a credit on the first statement. After the first year, the annual fee plus any additional cardholder fees will appear on your credit card statement twelve (12) months after the account open date.
