BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege is a premium travel card aimed at frequent spenders and travel lovers. With a generous welcome bonus, high earning rates on travel and dining, and a suite of premium travel benefits, it positions itself as a top contender among Canadian travel credit cards. Below I break down what matters most: benefits, rewards, protections, costs, and whether this card makes sense for your wallet.
Quick overview
- Annual fee: $499
- Annual travel credit: $200
- Welcome bonus: Up to 60,000 points in the first 3 months (subject to minimum spend)
- Earning rate: 5 points per $1 on eligible dining, entertainment and travel; standard rates on other purchases
- Notable perks: Visa Infinite Privilege benefits including airport lounge access, concierge service, hotel upgrades and exclusive experiences
- Insurance: Travel medical, trip interruption, baggage loss, and other comprehensive coverages
Key benefits that stand out
This card packs a suite of premium travel comforts that go beyond simple points accumulation.
- $200 annual travel credit — Helps offset part of the annual fee and can be applied toward travel-related purchases.
- Visa Infinite Privilege access — Includes airport lounge entry, concierge services, and special hotel privileges when you book through the program.
- Hotel upgrades and exclusive experiences — Book through Visa Infinite Privilege and you can receive room upgrades, late checkout, and curated experiences like private concerts or tastings.
- Reward Lounge support — A concierge-style service to help with rewards and account-related questions.
Earning points and the welcome bonus
The BMO Eclipse card targets categories where many travellers and diners already spend.
- 5 points per $1 on eligible dining, entertainment and travel purchases — a strong earning rate for frequent diners and travellers.
- Welcome bonus: Up to 60,000 points within the first three months of membership if you meet the minimum spend requirement. That bonus alone can cover significant travel or statement credits if maximized.
Because the highest earn rate is aligned with dining and travel, cardholders who regularly spend in those categories will see rewards accumulate quickly.
Insurance and travel protections
Comprehensive travel insurance is one of the card’s real selling points. Coverage includes:
- Travel medical insurance
- Trip interruption and trip cancellation protection
- Baggage loss and delay coverage
These protections provide peace of mind on long trips and can replace standalone policies for many travellers. Always read the full policy terms to understand limits and exclusions.
Fees, interest rates, and what to watch for
The card’s premium features come with a premium price.
- Annual fee: $499 high, but potentially justified by the travel credit, lounge access, and other perks if you use them.
- Interest rates: Approximately 20.99% on purchases and 23.99% for cash advances (typical for premium cards). Avoid interest by paying your balance in full each month.
- Foreign transaction fees: There are foreign transaction fees, which can be a drawback for travellers who frequently spend in other currencies. Factor this into your decision if you travel abroad often.
Pros and cons at a glance
Pros
- Very high earning rate (5 points per $1) on dining, entertainment and travel.
- Generous welcome bonus (up to 60,000 points).
- Robust travel insurance and Visa Infinite Privilege benefits including lounges and concierge.
- Hotel upgrades and exclusive experiences when booking through the program.
Cons
- High annual fee of $499 , you need to use the perks to offset this cost.
- Foreign transaction fees make it less ideal as a primary travel card for international spending.
- Rewards value depends heavily on spending in the bonus categories. If you do not spend much on dining, entertainment or travel, the card may not be cost-effective.
Tips to maximize the card’s value
- Plan to use the $200 travel credit every year to directly offset part of the annual fee.
- Concentrate dining, entertainment and travel purchases on this card to hit the 5 points per $1 category.
- Book hotels and special experiences through the Visa Infinite Privilege channels to access upgrades and exclusive perks.
- Meet the welcome bonus minimum spend during the first three months, but only on necessary, planned purchases.
- Always pay the balance in full each month to avoid high interest charges that can wipe out reward value.
Final verdict
The BMO Eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege is a strong premium travel credit card that rewards frequent travellers and active spenders in dining and entertainment. The combination of a solid welcome bonus, 5x points on key categories, comprehensive travel insurance, and Visa Infinite Privilege benefits can easily outweigh the $499 annual fee for the right cardholder.
If you travel often, value lounge access and hotel perks, and can concentrate spending in the bonus categories while paying your balance in full, this card is worth serious consideration. If you do not use the premium perks or travel internationally frequently enough to offset foreign transaction fees, look at lower-fee or no-FX alternatives instead.
Bottom line: A premium card built for premium lifestyles , excellent for frequent travellers and diners who will use its perks; less compelling for light users.
