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BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard Review 2024: Is It Worth It? 

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

NerdWallet Rating

NerdWallet CA

Great for frequent travellers looking for a flexible rewards program and don’t mind paying an annual fee.

Cardholders can earn 5x BMO Rewards points on eligible travel purchases and enjoy complimentary Mastercard Travel Pass membership, rental car discounts and travel insurance. Learn more about how we evaluate cards .

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is a rewards credit card with an annual fee of $150. Cardholders can redeem BMO Rewards points for travel bookings, merchandise, investment accounts and more.

BMO Ascend™ World Elite® Mastercard®

• Welcome offer: Get up to 90,000 points and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.*
• 5x the points for every $1 spent on eligible travel purchases,* 3x the points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and entertainment purchases and recurring bill payments,* 1 point for every $1 spent everywhere else.*
• Now get the highest rewards points for travel of any premium flexible travel card in Canada!†
• Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass,* with four annual complimentary passes.
• Access over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world – all at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges.*
• Get valuable benefits and offers for digital everyday services from a variety of on-demand apps and subscription services.
• Points you can use to cover all flight charges & taxes.*
• Fly on any airline, with no blackout dates.*
• Best-in-class travel and medical insurance (unlimited trips per year).*
• BMO Concierge Service.*
• Unlock Mastercard Travel Rewards cashback offers when you travel and shop outside of Canada.
• *Terms and conditions apply.
• †Statement based on a comparison of the redeemable value of the non-promotional travel rewards points earned on premium flexible Canadian credit cards as of May 3, 2022. “Flexible” is defined as points earned when you purchase travel anywhere and “premium” refers to cards with an annual fee of ≤ $150 or has an income requirement of ≤ $150,000 annual individual income.
• BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.
• Full review
• Customer ratings
• Eligibility
• How to apply

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard vs BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard

• Rating methodology

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard full review

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard earns between one and five BMO Rewards points per CAD spent, depending on the type of purchase you make. The card comes with an impressive suite of travel insurance and perks, such as $5 million in travel medical coverage and four free airport lounge passes per year.

Benefits of the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

• High coverage amount for travel medical insurance ($5 million).
• Annual fee is rebated if you have a BMO Premium Chequing Account. 
• Mastercard Travel Pass membership provided by DragonPass, and four free passes per year.
• 25% discounts at National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car.

Drawbacks of the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

As a travel rewards card, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard drawbacks include:

• No hotel burglary insurance. 
• A 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in other currencies.

Who should get the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard?

People who spend big on travel will get the most out of this card’s highest earn rate (5x), free airport lounge membership, travel insurance coverage and rental car discounts.

Is the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard worth it?

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard may be worth it if you pay for airport lounge access and insurance when travelling — the card’s free DragonPass membership and four free passes, $99 and $140 USD, respectively, plus the complimentary travel insurance, can save you money. 

BMO customer ratings

• Below average in customer satisfaction: BMO ranks 9th in J.D. Power’s 2023 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study.
• Average Trustpilot rating: 2.8 out of 5 possible stars based on more than six customer reviews, as of this writing.
• Low Better Business Bureau rating: 1.03 out of 5 possible stars based on over 360 customer reviews, as of this writing. 

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard eligibility

Who qualifies for the bmo ascend world elite mastercard.

To apply for the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, you must:

• Be at least the age of majority in your province or territory.
• Have not declared bankruptcy in the last seven years.
• Have an annual income of at least $80,000 ($150,000 for households). 

Approximate credit score needed for approval

Canadian credit card issuers rarely disclose required credit scores , which makes it hard to know your chances of approval when comparing credit cards. However, higher scores generally mean better chances of approval, and that’s true regardless of the type of credit you’re applying for. Want to learn more? Visit our “ What Credit Score is Needed for a Credit Card? ” page.

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard rewards

Earn up to 90,000 BMO Rewards points.

• Get 45,000 points when you spend $4,500 in the first three months. 
• Get another 3,750 points when you spend at least $2,500 each billing cycle (from the fourth and fifteenth month of opening the account), up to 45,000 points. 

Get the first year’s annual fee waived ($150 value).

Offer expires May 31, 2024, as of this writing.

• Earn 5x BMO Rewards points on eligible travel purchases.
• Earn 3x BMO Rewards points on eligible entertainment, dining and recurring bill payments.
• Earn 1x BMO Rewards points on everything else. 

According to the BMO website, 150 BMO Rewards points is worth $1 when redeemed for travel-related purchases. One way to cover the $150 annual fee is by earning roughly 23,000 points per year and using them on travel purchases – a value of $153.

How to apply for the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

Follow the below steps to apply for the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard online:

• Click the Apply Now button on the card’s landing page. If you do not have a Canadian address, you will need to book an appointment with the bank and apply in person. 
• Agree to the terms and conditions and click Next. 
• Enter your personal information, such as name, date of birth and contact details. 
• Enter your SIN , if applicable.
• Enter employment details and any other financial information requested. 
• Review and submit your application. 

The online application takes roughly seven minutes to complete.

If you’re looking for a travel credit card from BMO but aren’t married to the idea of BMO Rewards points, you might consider the BMO AIR MILES World Elite. The cards have similar annual fees, but differ in the rewards they earn. While BMO Rewards points can be redeemed for travel bookings and merchandise, as well as used to fund investment accounts and pay for purchases, AIR MILES can be redeemed for cash rewards, merchandise and travel bookings.

Reasons you might want a different card

You may want to consider a different card if you:

• Typically carry a balance and want a lower interest rate. 
• Do not travel regularly enough to benefit from the card’s travel earn rates and perks.
• Want to earn a different type of reward, such as airline miles . 
• Earn less than $80,000 per year ($150,000 for households).

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard facts

Methodology to choose the best rewards credit cards.

NerdWallet Canada selects the best rewards credit cards based on overall consumer value as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our  evaluation methodology  include each card’s cash-back earning rates, rewards structure (such as flat-rate or bonus categories), annual fee, redemption options, promotional APR period for purchases, bonus offers for new cardholders, and noteworthy features such as insurance, loyalty bonuses or the ability to choose one’s own rewards categories.

About the Author

Georgia Rose is a lead writer on the international team at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Independent and The Associated…

DIVE EVEN DEEPER

23 Best Credit Cards in Canada for April 2024

NerdWallet Canada’s picks for the best credit cards include top contenders across numerous card categories. Compare these options to find the ideal card for you.

Interest charges don’t need to be a mystery. Use our credit card interest calculator to see how much interest you’d owe if you carry a credit card balance.

Best BMO Credit Cards in Canada

The best BMO Bank credit cards in Canada include a variety of no-fee Mastercards, several Visa Infinite options, and co-branded travel credit cards that earn Air Miles.

9 Best Mastercard Credit Cards in Canada for April 2024

The best Mastercard credit cards offer a diverse array of rewards, including cash back, Air Miles, points and more.

BMO Travel Insurance Application

Before you begin:.

You must be a Canadian resident and covered by a valid Canadian Government Health Insurance Plan

You must purchase coverage before you leave your province or territory of residence

This coverage is designed exclusively for BMO Financial Group customers

Please review existing travel insurance coverage you may already have.

Please enter the details of your trip below:

Who is the coverage for.

This field identifies the group of people who will be covered by the policy. Dependent children are automatically covered under a family plan. Please review the certificate of insurance for the definition of “ Dependent Child ” to ensure coverage.

Departure Date

The date and time on which you depart from your province or territory of residence on Your Trip (using local time at Your Canadian address).

Return Date

The date and time that you return to your province or territory of residence on Your Trip (using local time at Your Canadian address).

Travel Medical Coverage

Provides emergency medical coverage for the first 4/10/23 days of your trip, for an unlimited number of trips each year. Additional days can be purchased to protect trips that are longer than 4/10/23 days. The Annual Multi-Trip Emergency Medical Plan is available to customers who are a resident of Canada, are covered by a valid Canadian Government Health Insurance Plan and under the age of 75 on the effective date of the certificate of insurance.

Trip Protection Coverage

Includes baggage/personal effects, flight delay and trip interruption (post departure) coverage. Trip cancellation (prior to departure) can be added and requires the cost of trip for a quote.

Trip Cancellation Coverage is only available up to $20,000. If you require coverage above this, please call Allianz Global Assistance at 1-800-661-9060.

Quick Information and Resources

How to File a Complaint

CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators group of companies P.O. Box 5065, 151 North Service Road Burlington, ON L7R 4C2 1-800-263-9120

Our focus is on earning and maintaining customer loyalty through superior service. However, we understand that despite our best efforts, we may not always meet our customers’ expectations. If you are not satisfied with any aspect of our service, we offer a complaint resolution procedure to ensure your concerns are effectively handled in a timely manner.

If your concern is related to the travel insurance underwritten and administered by Allianz Global Assistance, please share it via the Allianz Global Assistance Complaint Resolution Process .

If your concerns relates to BMO services please let us know via the BMO Complaint Resolution Process .

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By Keph Senett  and  Luca Tatulli on May 11, 2022 Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard review

Everything you need to know about BMO Ascend World Elite, from what travel rewards are included to whether it’s worth the annual fee.

If you’re itching to travel again, BMO has a card designed to help you get there. With an attractive insurance package and perks like airport lounge access, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard seeks to tempt users into the BMO Rewards program. But here’s the big question: Is the card good enough to justify the $150 annual fee? We delve into what the card offers and show you exactly how it stacks up against other travel reward cards.

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

• Annual fee: $150
• Earn rates: 5 points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases; 3 points per $1 on dining, entertainment, and recurring bill payments; 1 point per $1 on everything else
• Welcome bonus: You can earn up to 100,000 points and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.
• Annual income requirement: Personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000
• Points values: 1 BMO Rewards point = $0.0067 when redeemed for travel
• Interest rates: 20.99% on purchases, 23.99% on cash advances, 23.99% on balance transfers

5 things you need to know about the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard

• The card lets you collect BMO travel rewards The BMO Rewards program allows you to earn BMO Points on your credit card purchases, redeemable for travel expenses such as flights (including all taxes), hotels, cruises and vacation packages. With the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, you earn 5 points per dollar on travel, 3 points per dollar on dining and entertainment and 1 point per dollar on everything else—a competitive offering.
• The card has a generous sign-up bonus New members can earn up to 100,000 points and the annual fee waived in the first year for both the primary cardholder and authorized users.
• You’ll get airport lounge access Cardholders of the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard receive complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass by DragonPass which entitles them to VIP access and four annual complimentary passes, good at 1,000 airport lounges across the globe.
• It comes with great travel insurance The BMO Ascend World Elite Total Travel and Medical Protection package is a tempting and valuable perk, providing out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical protection up to $5 million, plus coverage for flight delay or cancellation, lost or delayed baggage (including personal effects insurance), and car rental collision damage coverage. Purchased separately, this coverage could cost around $120 per trip, but cardholders get it for an unlimited number of journeys of up to 21 days each.
• It’s widely accepted  While most main credit card processors enjoy extensive international coverage, Mastercard has an edge as the only brand accepted at Costco .

How do I redeem my BMO Rewards?

With BMO Rewards, the redemption process is as simple as logging in to your account. To redeem for rewards, you can avail yourself of the full-service online travel agency or shop from their catalogue. You can book with any airline without blackout dates or seat restrictions, and BMO also offers price matching, so you can be sure you’re getting the very best deal.

What are BMO Rewards Points worth?

Points redeemed for travel come in at a value of 140:$ 1 ($0.007 per point), m eaning that you’ll need 35,000 points for $250 towards travel expenses. Importantly, you don’t have to redeem a minimum number of points, or any, to book travel—and you can pay whatever your points don’t cover by charging that amount to your card. Redemptions for gift cards and merchandise are just as simple (you select from an online catalogue), but you’ll typically get less value from your points compared to travel. Finally, you can redeem your points for financial products, but this option comes at a steep reduction in value. For 7,000 points you can get $50 in a BMO investment account (which is about $0.007 per point) , or for 15,000 points you’ll receive $50 towards your credit card bill (about $0.003 per point). With all these redemption options, the BMO Rewards program is extremely flexible—this is one of the main reasons it’s so popular—but for the very best point-to-dollar ratio, travel rewards are the way to go.

Does BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard have trip cancellation insurance?

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard has a strong travel coverage package, the card offers both trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance. The card has got you covered for up to $1,500 for the non-refundable and non-transferable portion of your canceled trip. As for trip interruption, BMO has also got your back , as it will cover up to $2,000 for the cost of one-way airfare departure and any unused non-refundable prepaid arrangements. 

Does the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard come with lounge access? 

With the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, you get a free membership to Mastercard Travel Pass, which gives you four annual airport lounge visits that can be used at 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.

What are the best ways to benefit from this card?

Even though the BMO Rewards program offers numerous redemption possibilities, travel rewards give you the very best value—with no seat restrictions or blackouts. Add to that the card’s airport lounge access , and travel and medical insurance, and you’ve got a very competitive product for travellers.

Are there any drawbacks to the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard?

Despite a very strong showing in many respects, there are a few drawbacks you should be aware of. The first is that the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard commands an income threshold of $80,000 per year for an individual (or $150,000 per household) an d an annual fee of $ 150 (most travel cards come in around the $120 mark). An extra $30 per year may not matter much to high-earners, but the fee may give you pause, especially when you consider that some cards offer more lucrative bonus categories. The Scotiabank Gold American Express , for example, offers 5 Scotia Points on restaurants and groceries. Finally, the BMO Rewards website could use some work, given that it’s the portal through which users must make redemptions. Improvements to site speed would go a long way to keeping customers happy, and would help cement the brand’s reputation as a top-tier provider. The $ 150 annual fee on the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is nothing to sneeze at, but for frequent flyers, the travel rewards more than make up the expense. Still undecided? New cardholders get their money back instantly in bonus points and a fee waiver, so you effectively have a year to see for yourself. If you’re interested in BMO cards, but don’t want to collect travel rewards, check out our list of BMO’s best credit cards .

Is the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard worth the annual fee?

The answer to whether the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is worth the high annual fee of $150 will depend on a variety of factors. If you’re a frequent flyer and traveler and earn more than the card’s income requirement, the answer is yes. The annual fee would most likely be canceled out by the free lounge access and travel insurance, if you’d be paying for those two services out of pocket each time you travel. On the other hand, the card’s high-income requirement and annual fee may be a barrier for some and a reason to choose another card instead. And, if you’re a fan of earning cash back instead of points then may not be the best choice since there is no such offering with the card. 

More on  credit cards :

• Canada’s best credit cards for gas
• Canada’s best credit cards for grocery purchases
• Best cash back credit cards
• Tangerine credit card review: Is it really the best no-fee credit card in Canada?

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The points redemption on this card are not advantageous at all. On top of using a lot of points you also have to pay money, at a rate that makes absolutely no sense compared to, say, one of the Aeroplan cards. I got this card a year ago and I am getting rid of it before they ding me for the annual fee….

THe redemption program has not been working form the past ten days. No solution no eta

I have 453,000.00 points to use.

Don’t use this credit card, terrible service

Do not use your points to get merchandise. They don’t give you a tracking no. Merchandise not received, no able to get an answer from them. Finally canceled the merchandise but did not get my points back. Terrible service, waited 1h30 to talk to somebody but still did not get my points. Do not get BMO Mastercard World Elite

‘…any airline without blackout dates…’ NOT TRUE! Flights on Qatar Airways from YUL are not available on BMO rewards.

IF YOUTHINK YOU HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH BMO WORLD ELITE ADMINISTERED BY GLOBAL ALLIANZ DON’T WORRY YOU DON’T

So twice I’ve used my points. First time for a coffee maker…. Took at least 5 calls because they couldn’t except my address… go figure, had to have it mailed to a friends house! 2x booked a trip before Covid and so was told I had a year to rebook… spent 3 days calling and a minimum of 4 hours each time on the phone ( at least 3-5 x a day) no answer. Finally got through and they couldn’t find my rescheduled number although this was what they gave me when I called about canceling because of Covid! Took down all my info and said they would call back… it’s been 3 days and nothing! And I’ve sent 5 emails today to see what is going on…. Not even a response. So do I get my points back or is this just another SCAM?? Disappointed customer of BMO rewards

I would hold back off using any BMO credit cards for points right now. They have a new travel system and it has been a disaster. For instance, I used my points on their website for a value of almost $2000. However, the booking didn’t grab the points and after waiting over 3 hours to speak to someone, they said they had to do it manually. I thought it would take a few weeks at most but it seems that this is a very common issue for them right now and it takes about 3 months to get your money back. Basically, i’m set back $2000 for a couple of months. Their supervisor on the phone tried to make me feel better by telling me that I wasn’t the only one and alot of people are facing this issue. He proudly told me that people from April are now resolved and they’re working through cases from May now. When I signed up for this card many years ago, 100 points were worth a dollar, then it became 140 and now it is 150. The entire program has been devalued massively. The extreme difficulty in resolving an issue with your points together with how regularly it seems to be happening makes this one of the worst cards I’ve ever owned. It’s no point having perks you have to painfully jump through hoops to use. Me and my partner will be cancelling all our BMO products after this. I recommend other credit card companies where you are not tied to a bad redemption system. Also, the fact that BMO credit cards ad BMO rewards don’t work together is a huge issue since the bank can’t do much to help resolve your issue. Strongly recommend everyone stay away from BMO credit cards for this reason.

They brag about the returns but they used to be 2 percent return on all money spent and the second card used to be paid for considering getting rid of the card. It also takes almost three times the points to get plane tickets compared to what it used to. Very disappointed.

I believe that Mastercard have removed the complimentary lounge passes. You now have ACCESS, but it will cost you $32 USD per person. This drastically reduces the benefit of this card, compared to others.

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• $150 Annual fee – First year free*
• Get 45,000 BMO Rewards points when you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months, and 3,750 points for each subsequent month in which you make at least $2,500 in purchases on your card, for 12 months
• Earn 5 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent on travel
• Earn 3 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent on dining, entertainment, and recurring bills
• Earn 1 BMO Rewards point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, plus 4 annual passes

The sign up bonus of up to 90,000 points is in line with many of the other best travel credit cards in Canada . That said, it’s broken up into two parts. You’ll get 45,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, and 3,750 points for each subsequent month in which you make at least $2,500 in purchases on your card, for 12 months. The card has an annual fee of $150, which is waived for the first year.

As for the earn rate, it sounds good at 5 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent on travel ($15,000 cap); 3 BMO Rewards points per $1 spent on dining, entertainment, and recurring bills ($10,000 cap). All other purchases get you 1 BMO Rewards point per $1 spent. While that may sound good, it’s worth noting that BMO Rewards point is worth .67n cents. That means the card has one of the lowest base earn rates on the market.

What’s appealing about the BMO Ascend World Elite™* Mastercard®* (referral link) is Mastercard Airport Experiences provided by DragonPass and 4 free passes each year. LoungeKey is nearly identical to Priority Pass which has a huge network of airport lounges all over the globe. If you frequently travel, then the included lounge access should be appealing.

Either way, the BMO Ascend World Elite™* Mastercard®* is one of the best credit cards with free airport lounge access . Since lounge membership normally costs $99 USD a year and $32 per visit. You end with $227 USD in lounge passes which is worth more than the annual fee. That said, Plaza Premium lounges recently left LoungeKey. This is significant since most airport lounges in Canada are operated by Plaza Premium. That means your lounge access is of limited use within the country.  

One benefit included with this card that often gets overlooked is the free Boingo Wi-Fi membership. Although you can get free Wi-Fi just about anywhere these days, you can use your Boingo Wi-Fi membership to get internet access on many planes. As in, you can surf while you’re in the air.

I personally think concierge service is a bit overrated since you still need to call them to describe what you want. In the same time, you could have bought the item or made reservations on your own. That said, if you’re trying to make reservations at a restaurant where English isn’t their first language, concierge service could be incredibly useful.

BMO Ascend World Elite™* Mastercard®* Insurance

In my BMO Ascend World Elite™* Mastercard®* review , I’m going to go over the comprehensive insurance package that you get. Not only do you get great travel insurance, but there’s also purchase insurance included.

Travel insurance

• Travel medical – $5,000,000 for 21 days 
• Trip cancellation – up to $1,500 per person / $5,000 total
• Trip interruption – $2,000 per person / $10,000 total
• Trip delay – $200 / Max 10 days
• Flight delay – up to $500 / 6 hours
• Delayed and lost baggage – up to $500 per person / $1,000 total / 6 hours
• Auto rental collision / loss damage – 48 consecutive days / $65,000
• Common carrier travel accident – $500,000

The BMO Ascend World Elite™* Mastercard®* travel insurance is pretty comprehensive but one thing I want to point out right away is that you don’t get hotel/motel burglary included which I find a bit odd. It’s not really a dealbreaker, but considering this is BMO’s top travel credit card, it’s a bit surprising that you don’t get it.

That said, the rest of the travel insurance doesn’t disappoint. Those under the age of 65 get up to $5,000,000 in travel medical for trips up to 21 days. If you’re 65 or older, there is no coverage.

Your trip cancellation insurance is good up to $1,5000 per person but trip interruption only covers each person up to $2,500. The delayed and lost baggage insurance is pretty generous, while the auto rental collision/loss damage is pretty standard.

Here’s the most important thing about the BMO Ascend World Elite™* Mastercard®* travel insurance. If you look at the terms and conditions, it states the following: “Coverage applies only when You charge the full or partial cost of Your Trip to the Primary or Family Cardholder’s Mastercard prior to departure.”

That means if you charge just $1 of your travel expenses to the BMO Ascend World Elite™* Mastercard®* travel insurance, you would be covered. This is significant since most travel credit cards require you to charge 75%-100% of your trip expenses for your travel insurance to be valid.

Purchase insurance

• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty

Although purchase protection and extended warranty are pretty standard for premium credit cards, I can’t state how important they are. With purchase protection, any purchases that are fully charged to your BMO Ascend World Elite™* Mastercard®* will be covered for 90 days from loss, theft or damage. There’s been more than one occasion where I’ve bought something and shortly after I’ve lost it or it’s been damaged. With purchase protection, I’d be able to get it repaired or replaced at no cost. With the extended warranty, the manufacturer’s warranty is doubled up to one additional year which is obviously handy.

How BMO Rewards works

To claim $1 in travel, you need 150 points. Based on this, you end up with a 3.35% return on travel purchases, a 2% return on dining, entertainment, and recurring bills. All other purchases get you .67% in points which is meh. In case you’re wondering, the 150 points is not a typo. BMO devalued its points on May 5, 2021. It now takes 150 points instead of 140 points to claim $1 in travel.

That’s not bad for travel purchases, but it’s a bit low for dining . For example, the American Express Cobalt card gives you a 5% return on dining and the Scotiabank Gold American Express gives you a 4% return. Yes, those are Amex cards, and your Mastercard would be accepted in more places, but it’s important to point out what else is out there.

You can redeem your BMO Rewards points for any travel purchase charged to your BMO Ascend World Elite™* Mastercard®*. Once the charge has been made, you would use the Pay with Points option found in your BMO Rewards account. Once redeemed, you’d see a credit applied to your account in 3 – 5 business days. For more information about BMO Rewards, read my BMO Rewards guide .

Final thoughts

My BMO Ascend World Elite™* Mastercard®* review is neutral. The change in earn rate with spending caps is not something people will be excited about, especially since there are better options out there. That said, the 4 free lounge passes are certainly appealing.

BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information

*Terms and conditions apply

About Barry Choi

Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who frequently makes media appearances. His blog Money We Have is one of Canada’s most trusted sources when it comes to money and travel. You can find him on Twitter: @barrychoi

99 Comments

I’ve had this card for a few years now, really liked it until they recently changed the rules a bit, so you’re getting a bit less velue/$. I was wondering what in your opinion is best travel card in Canada at the moment? When I find a better option I’m planning to try negotiating waving the annual fee or getting a credit in points, any experience with this? Thanks and btw great article!

It depends on what you’re looking for. I like Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card since it offers a decent earn rate, a high sign up bonus, 6 airport lounge passes, and no forex fees. You could likely get BMO to waive the fee or offer you points if you threaten to cancel the card, but you need to be prepared to do so if you don’t like what they say. Alternatively, you could check out my list of the best travel credit cards which focuses on sign up bonuses https://www.moneywehave.com/the-best-travel-credit-cards-in-canada/

If I get an additional card for my partner, will he/she also get a referral to LoungeKey and 4 free passes?

Supplementary card members do not get lounge access passes

I’ve had this card for one month. Saw the inflated rates that you have to book at…. No thanks!!

BMO price matches if you call in.

What do you mean BMO price matches?

Have you had travellers comments about BMO master card world elite? I’m in Maui and my card is blocked…ok for security I guess. But there’s no way to do unblock it by phone no matter what. So what is it good for if you can’t fix problem when away!!!! So that’s it for me!

Hi, I have this card and no you don’t have to book at their high inflates rates, not at all. I have booked multiple trips through – including car rental just this week, and they will match what ever best deal you find on the web. Yes it does take a bit longer to book since you have to do it through their agent (so they can match the price)…but I really love this card. Family of four…booked flight to Europe on points, went to Caribbean on points and as I said, just rented cars for Europe on points. Love the lounge access! We go a bit early to the airport and feel like royalty! Yes the redemption rate was better before but I still think it’s worth it!!

I was denied access to the Maple Leaf lounge at YUL. That was frustrating. Is that legitimate?

This card gives you access to Plaza Premium lounges, not Maple Leaf Lounges.

I have had this card for 30 years , finally booked a trip to use points so now am getting rid of it (can’t get rid of it until your points are used) . They really butchered their reward system , hope it was worth it to them . And still advertising that you get 2 points for every dollar , what a farce . There is a multitude of good cards out there with 2% cash back , no games . I have two other choice reward cards and they are great . You would think companies would learn from the Aeroplane and Airmiles fiascos ???

When they changed the points system, customers saw no devaluation as they received extra points. That being said, the new earn rate is definitely not as good as the old one.

I am approaching 1 mill in points on my BMO elite account. Do I lose all my reward points if I cancel my credit card? I am thinking of signing up for a card with positive first year incentives.Can the points be transferred to another program?

Unfortunately, BMO Rewards has no transfer partners. You would indeed lose all your points if you cancel the card.

I’ve had this card for years and just signed up for my LoungeKey account. The app doesn’t show any complimentary passes and my confirmation email states all visits are charged at 27USD. When you say four free annual passes, is that the membership (not the entry fee) you’re talking about?

You card gives you the free annual pass AND 4 annual free passes. Check with BMO to see how the passes are credited to you.

Hi Barry. Specifically dealing with Toronto’s Lounge access, terminal three, are there time limits on how long you can linger there? We have to fight traffic to get to our flights, thought about leaving extra early from home and just holing up in the lounge itself. Would they kick you out if you stayed over 3 hours?

Technically speaking, there’s a 2 hour limit, but it’s not like anyone is going around timing you. That being said, if they asked you to leave after 2 hours, they’d be within their rights. I’ve just never heard of any reports where that has actually happened.

Note that Toronto’s T3 international departure hall has 2 different priorty pass lounges. There’s one that caters towards Asian guests which is better as it’s newer and is more spacious.

Am I able to get the signup bonus for this card if I’ve held (and cancelled/closed) the Air Miles BMO World Elite card within the last year?

Yes, you shouldn’t have any issues getting the bonus since it was a different card you held.

It say on my bmo banking plan that if I have a premium plan my annual fee for the credit card is waive. Too bad there have foreign currency marked up of 2.5%

Yes, if the BMO World Elite Mastercard had no forex fees, it would be even more popular.

I am pissed off at BMO looking for a credit card company where your purchases are protected as with BMO there is no protection at all for online sales when you purchase thru an online form for which you get no copy of your purchase.

I bought a CeeVoo Antenna online thru a form and then by phone because they had no options for Canada.

BMO wants a copy of the purchase order, which they did not give me and if I would have ordered thru the form, there would be no copy of the purchase agreement, so no protection at all.

Thanks for nothing BMO, no looking for a bank I can trust

By the way The CeeVoo antenna is a scam

Too bad BMO doesn’t keep up on scams

To be fair, no credit card company would compensate you the money unless you have proof of purchase. As you stated, CeeVoo antenna is a scam so they probably know to not issue these receipts so you can’t perform a chargeback on your credit card.

I have proof of purchase, but they changed the product. Also how are over the phone sales and online sales protected?

How do you get a copy of an online form, or should we record all calls for over the phone credit card purchases as well?

They finally answered their phone and say the other antenna is from their parent company?

Bait and switch scam is my opinion.

As for BMO very poor

Make a screen capture of your online form next time. That should serve as proof of purchase.

Hey Barry, great review!

So I noticed that if you sign up for their premium chequing account , they give you 150$ rebate towards world elite cards annual fees ( therefore making this card free every year). On top of that, being military I can get that premium chequing for 14$ a month instead of 30$ ( im already paying 14 a month with scotia anyways for my scotia one).

So my question is, is it worth it to switch from my scotia gold amex to this card? Im really interested in the lounge access as well as the no annual fee, but what im hesitating on is the amex 4 points for every dollar spent VS this 3 points for 1 system.

Let me know what you think!

The Scotiagold Amex has a slightly higher earn rate. That being said, since you can get the BMO World Elite Mastercard for free, you might as well get it and use it just for the lounge passes.

Yea I think I’ll just get it and keep earning with the Amex. I’ll literally just get the world elite for lounge passes

I recently got the BMO World Elite card, and with my 4 lounge passes, is the anniversary date for reset based on the calendar year, or my own anniversary date?. Thanks.

It’s based on your anniversary date

This is incorrect. The 4 lounge passes are renewed annually and not on your anniversary date. I made this mistake this year and was charged over $75 cad this spring after using the 4 comp passes in March then 2 passes in May. When I called to question the charges I was told the passes were renewed annually. I received bonus rewards points for the trouble.

Interesting, I looked at the handbook and it just says annually. I assumed that meant per anniversary.

Hi, Barry, Thank you for answering those questions, very helpful. I am with BMO for years with premium chequing account. How do I sign up for 4 free lounge pass?

You need to have the BMO World Elite Mastercard for you to get access to the free lounge passes.

I have the BMO World Elite card in my name, but always travel with my husband. Does that mean he can’t come into the lounges with me? What if I got him a supplementary card? I think I read above that he doesn’t get in even with that?

Your husband can get in as long as you’re travelling with him and you have an extra free pass available. Getting him a supplementary card would not get him access.

Hi Barry – I got the BMO World Elite card for the insurance coverage. If I book a flight through BMO Rewards and pay entirely with my points, will the trip still be eligible for trip cancellation/interruption coverage? Should I charge $1 of the cost to my World Elite card to make it an insured trip?

The BMO World Elite Mastercard insurance is indeed quite generous. If you charge $1 to your card in travel expenses, you’re covered.

Hi Barry, What would be considered travel expenses? Does it have to an air flight?Could it be gas on the way to the airport? A hotel on the trip? Since I will have my annual fee waived every year, I am thinking that I should get one of the Scotiabank cards for the better travel rewards. I spend money on food and bills and very little on dining and entertainment. Thank you so much for your very informative articles and advice!

I’m assuming you’re referring to the travel purchases category where you earn 3 points per $1 spent? It would apply to any merchant that’s considered travel e.g. flights, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators. Gas stations are considered gas.

Do you get the annual fee on the BMO card or a Scotiabank card waived? The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card is one of the best all in one cards since it gives you a decent earn rate, good benefits and no forex fees.

Hi Barry, Sorry I wasn’t clear! I can get the BMO World Elite annual fee waived every year. I am wondering about the using the travel insurance? You suggested above that $1 of the trip be charged to the card to get the cancellation/interruption coverage for a trip. My understanding is that even a small part of the trip could be charged to the card to have this cancellation/coverage coverage kick in. Is this correct? You also suggested to someone that they get the card for the lounge passes alone as they would be free since the annual fee is waived. I am thinking that we would earn more points, looking at our spending, with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card because we will be building a house(building materials), rarely eat in restaurants or go to concerts/movies, buy lots of groceries, gas and travel a fair amount (no forex with Scotiabank Passport). We do have a Home Trust Visa and only use it to save the foreign exchange when traveling or buying online out of country. Since we will get the one card annual fee waived, do you think it would be wise to get the Scotiabank and pay the annual fee while taking advantage of the lounge passes and perhaps the cancellation/interruption coverage that would come with the BMO World Elite? Thanks a lot! Sorry for the lengthy post!

The BMO World Elite Mastercard has excellent insurance since their terms are so open e.g. charge any amount and you’re covered. You’re right in that you could charge $10, and trip cancellation would apply.

If you don’t mind paying an annual fee, getting a card like Scotiabank Passport Visa could benefit you since it has a nice sign up bonus and you get 6 free lounge passes a year. Before your first anniversary, decide if you want to keep the card or cancel it. If you plan to cancel, do it before your annual fee kicks in.

Thanks Barry! Your insight is appreciated!

Hi Barry, regarding the lounge passes is given/credited on an annual basis. I wish to clarify what annual means. For example, if I joint BMO World Elite card in October, 2018, when and what month do I get the next 4 lounge passes, in 2019, or 2020? Thanks.

You’d have to call BMO to find out exactly. I was under the impression that it was on the anniversary if your card membership so that would be October but some people have said it’s Jan. of the new year. I checked the handbook and it doesn’t say definitely what the answer is.

Hi Barry. I have a BMO world elite MasterCard but am only entitled to two passes. Does the benefit vary by province? I’m in Ontario.

The BMO AIR MILES World ELite Mastercard gives you 2 annual lounge passes whereas the BMO World Elite Mastercard gives you 4 annual passes.

Thanks. Do you recommend I switch cards?

I personally prefer the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card since it gives you 6 annual lounge passes and has no forex fees.

https://www.moneywehave.com/scotiabank-passport-visa-infinite-card-review/

On a phone call August 21 2019 with MasterCard World Elite I was told I can redeem 14,000 points for $100, today September 24th I called and I was told 12000 points will get me $50. What is going on here? I lost half my dollar amount since the point system has changed and MasterCard claims no record of my conversation.

14,000 points for $100 is in travel. You can claim 12,000 points for a $50 statement credit (not travel) which is why there’s such a difference. You’ll obviously want to use your points for travel to maximize your value.

When I first started with this credit card it was great because I could have access to all Airlines and get decent prices. Later on I was restricted to which airline’s I could book or not book and when I was able to book a flight was at a higher rate than I could get elsewhere. This credit card has gone downhill. Actually I have been paying Colby creditor card for my flights for last 2 years and haven’t used these points as they are worthless to me. Time to change to a credit card that doesn’t change their program (originally I got 2% on all purchases). Bye bye scammy BMO world elite MasterCard.

The lounge access to BMO elite card is very cheap. I am right now in LAX airport and lounge access for this card is only till 10:30 am. This means most time of the day it is not usable.

I’m guessing that’s something LAX implemented because there are too many crowds. It has nothing to do with Mastercard.

Hi Barry, I have the BMO World Elite Card for two years and never know how to use the lounge access at the airport, and if I never use before, will the balance carry over year to year? And I usually travel with guess, can I bring guess with me? How many guess allow, and is there a charge for the guess?

First you need to create an account – https://airport.mastercard.com/en/create-account

The four annual passes do not carry over, but you can use them on guests. One pass per guest as well as for you. As long as you have passes, there is no charge. Once you run out of passes, it’s $32 CAD per visit, per person.

BMO World Elite used to be a pretty good card and I spend a lot on it – until now. I am now looking for an off-ramp because the card and service has gone downhill and the travel booking experience is not great as there are always better prices and booking options available directly on the airline sites. I have examples of the BMO Rewards site not working at all and not providing any options whereas the airline sites have a plethora of options. BMO needs to do what Scotiabank is doing with their Passport Infinite card which is brilliant as it allows you to apply your credit to past purchases so you aren’t stuck booking through the bank’s credit card rewards vendor. I also have the Scotiabank Passport Infinite and it has a much lower fee, no supplementary card fee, more lounge visits as well as zero FX fee. Definitely a better option.

Does BMO charge you for the airport lounge visits or memberships fee if you cancel the card before the annual fee kicks in?

No, you won’t get charged for the lounge visits or the annual fee for the second year as long as you cancel it before your anniversary. Obviously any unused lounge passes would be void as soon as you cancel your card.

My husband has a BMO world elite mastercard and I just registered it on airport experiences website. It said that he has 2 free passes to lounges. We are travelling with another couple and I am wondering if we can take them as guest into the plaza lounge in Toronto. I know we will have to pay the cost ( can you confirm $32 CAD each) and would it be just charged to our credit card upon entering the lounge. Also is there a time limit on how long you can stay in the lounge area.

You should be able to bring them as a guest. I believe it’s $32USD, not CAd but I could be wrong. The limit is technically for 3 hours but not one checks.

Can I give my free pass to friend going to thr lounge without me ? Thanks

Hi! I have had the BMO world elite air miles m/c for years. On this forum, I am reading people are collecting BMO points of some sort with use of this card. Is the BMO world Elite air miles card the same as the BMO world elite card? I didn’t know there was a difference.

Hi Krystal,

They are two different cards. There’s the BMO World Elite Mastercard and the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard.

The Air Miles version earns you Air Miles while the regular one earns you BMO Rewards points. Which one is more valuable depends on how you like to redeem your travel.

I plan to use my aeroplan points for a filght to Venice and Hanoi. If I pay the taxes of the flight ticket with the BMO WE mastercard, will I be covered with the travael insurance, trip cancellation trop interruption, flight delay, Delayed and lost baggage ?

Yes, you would be covered as long as you charge any amount to your BMO World Elite Mastercard.

Will this card cover my car rental insurance in Ireland?

You would need to check directly with BMO’s insurance provider for that answer

Looking for senior’s coverage and just looked up BMO World Elite insurance policy before signing up and it looks like it only covers medical if you are 65 and under now.

https://www.bmo.com/pdf/World_Elite_Cardholder_Agreement.pdf

You’re right. I’m not sure if this is a recent change or I just screwed up.

I’m sure it was correct originally when you wrote it but it seems they change these benefits regularly. National Bank’s says “10 days for over 65” which is great compared to others (and OK for me) but despite what it sounds like, it is a bit deceiving as after a long search to find the insurance policy, it seems it’s capped at 74. NB also says it gives access to the Lounge in Montreal (not sure if that’s of any benefit when you live in the other Provinces) but again, the small print says “for international travel”.

BNS says 10 days for 65 or older but the policy is dated 2017 so will check that out to see if they cap it as well. Of course (as you indicated) it may be better to purchase separate insurance if you are over 65 for better coverage. Insurance is a big deal as we get older when travelling!! Many thanks again for your great site and all the information.

Yeah I would advise just getting a separate policy, it’s just more secure and you can find out exactly what you’re covered for at the time of purchase.

If I booked a hotel (3-star or higher) with BMO world elite MasterCard, is the breakfast free according to Mastercard Luxury Portfolio ?

It depends on the hotel but generally speaking, you only get complimentary upgrades, early check-in and late checkout.

Does my BMO Mastercard Elite travel insurance apply to BMO Reward trips?

As long as you paid the remaining balance with your BMO World Elite Credit Card, you’re good.

Is Scotia bank Visa Passport Infinite better than BMO world Elite I was planning on switching what do you recommend? I like the Fact that Scotia has no foreign exchange rate. I

Scotiabank has arguably a better rewards program, but you could argue the BMO World Elite Mastercard has better insurance and the first year is free.

Forex is also a huge benefit of the Scotiabank card but there are credit cards with no annual fee that don’t charge forex fees.

You kind of need to look at everything offered and decide what’s best for you.

Can you give me a list of “no annual fee that don’t charge forex fees.” I was looking at Rogers but I see there program is being downgraded in June 2020.

This article lists all your options. It includes the ones with fees so just read the bullet points.

https://www.moneywehave.com/canadian-credit-cards-without-foreign-transaction-fees/

I have a BMO World Elite Master card. I have booked airfare and hotels for a holiday in Netherlands next month for my wife and I. The airfare was paid using my Reward points and the hotels on my Master card. Due to the current issues with travel, I am concerned the trip may be cancelled. If that happens, can I claim the points used for the flight reservation and the cost of lost hotel bookings? Thanks

AYou would only be able to make a claim if Amsterdam has a travel advisory.

Hi Barry, I have had a BMO World Elite Mastercard for 8 years and have used the complimentary passes that were a benefit of this card several times. However, in March 2020 I visited a LoungeKey airport lounge (Heathrow) but on my next statement I noted a charge, even though I had not been to an airport lounge for over 18 months. I disputed the charge with BMO and was told there are no complimentary passes with this card. When did this change and were you aware of that? Thanks, Chris

The BMO World Elite Mastercard still has lounge access – https://www.bmo.com/main/personal/credit-cards/bmo-rewards-world-elite-mastercard/

I don’t get why the rep was told there are no complimentary passes when there are clearly 4.

I would call back and ask again.

Is there a direct comparison showing detailed numbers for BMO world elite Mastercard vs Scotiabank Passport Visa benefits, insurance, etc?

For price matching, let’s say you find a cheaper price on Air Canada’s site compared to the BMO Travel portal. BMO will price match.

As for comparing the card to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite, you can check out my two reviews.

https://www.moneywehave.com/bmo-world-elite-mastercard-review/ https://www.moneywehave.com/scotiabank-passport-visa-infinite-card-review/

Thank you very much! Great info gained.

I have the world elite and plan to use Paytm to pay property tax charged to the MC. Can I use the BMO rewards to pay the balance once the bill is posted? (Points to pay CC balance)?

BMO Rewards does allow you to use points to claim a statement credit. In case you didn’t know, Paytm recently increased their fees so using them to pay your property taxes may not be worth it.

Thanks. The property is rental so the charges are deductible. I have a great number of points and will be cancelling the card since the only value was the (4) lounge key passes. The Scotia Visa has 6 Priority Pass passes and has no FOREX so I should not be carrying two cards with passes especially when there is no travel for at least 2021. Thanks

Hi Barry. Thanks for all the great info, and especially for replying to comments. I have always saved my BMO World Elite points just for travel, because of the 1.4% return compared to the much lower return for either merchandise or statement credit. However, I recently noticed on their rewards site (under the “invest” section) that they are offering $100 for 15000 points redeemed, as long as it goes into one of three types of BMO bank accounts. This is a 1.33 % rate of return for cash, which is way better than what you would get for a statement credit, although it seems like it’s pretty much the same thing (since I could just use the money in the account to pay my statement). Is there something I’m missing? I don’t currently have a BMO bank account, but one of the account types that is eligible for the offer has no monthly fees, so it’s not like I’d be losing out that way. Just wondering your thoughts on this. (BTW, I was only able to see the $100-for-15000 points offer when I was signed into my account; the info is not there when I am not signed in.

In the past, using points for the invest section usually only applied to things such as RRSP, TFSA, Investorline etc.

Is there now a regular bank account that it applies to? The $100 for 15,000 points may also just be a limited time offer.

Hi Barry. Big fan of your site. It could be worth mentioning that Lounge Key and Priority Pass recently lost access to Plaza Premium lounges, which makes those 4 free passes much less valuable. I have this card, and am planning to cancel it for that reason.

https://creditcardgenius.ca/blog/priority-pass-loungekey-plaza-premium

I had been meaning to update this with the change, but frankly, I’ve been too lazy.

Smart of you to cancel. With the removal of Plaza premium, your lounge passes are almost useless in Pearson (unless you’re flying T3) and Vancouver.

DO NOT GET THIS CARD.

I am a physician who has been using their World Elite Master Card for 3 years now. I make almost all my purchases with the card, and they’ve continued to increase my credit limit accordingly. I hadn’t run into any issues with them initially – but that was because I hadn’t had any issues needing to be dealt with period. But I remember the first couple of times I needed assistance (to dispute unfair charges), the bank did little to help my cause. Not particularly satisfied, I continued with them anyways, mostly for the travel perks including lounge access.

Then things really got bad. Due to COVID, I hadn’t been able to use the lounge pass until recently when lounges finally reopened in my city (Toronto). I attempted to use the pass a few days ago and was shocked to hear that, actually, BMO neglected to renew its contract with Toronto’s Pearson Airport this summer. I ended up needing to pay for the lounge. I sent an angry message via my online account asking for compensation for the lounge cost, as it should’ve been included in my credit card anyways and I had used it at the same location in pre-covid days without problem. I had also said that if they fail to resolve the matter appropriately, I wanted to move forward with canceling my card. The rep who messaged me back gave a standard message stating that with my World Elite I have access to “1000 airport lounges”….and basically provided no explanation as to what just happened nor any compensation. They said to feel free to message them again if I still wanted to cancel the card.

And here, ladies and gents, is where things went from bad to ridiculous: every time I tried sending a message (to cancel the card) a 404 error showed up. At a loss, I ended up “disputing” the airport lounge payment in order to write down my desire to move forward with the cancellation. Another 404 message. Essentially anything I tried to do on that account took me to a 404 page as if they’re purposely stopping me from cancelling. I figured maybe if I accessed via my phone instead of my laptop, I may miraculously be able to send the message. Not so – in fact I suddenly ended up being locked out of my account. I called various service numbers at BMO, first to try and access my online account again. And then to actually cancel my card and close my account. Both times I was told I had to “visit a branch and provide ID in order to proceed”. No explanation as to why, only that my account was “flagged” as such and they had no clue. I frustratingly told them that from the very beginning starting with my application for this card, I had never needed to step into a branch to “provide ID” in order to do anything. I am currently traveling and won’t be back home to “step into a branch” until another 2 weeks. Again, crickets on their end as to any suitable explanation.

So, now I’m abroad without access to my credit card account or any ability to monitor what the heck this fraudulent bank is doing to it until I return. I’m pondering whether to report it stolen or something just so they’d actually close the card. It’s apparent they’re putting up barriers upon barriers to stop me from canceling, and in the meantime just cementing my decision further to do so. I will never ever use any of BMO’s services again.

All very valid points.

In regards to the lounge access. Plaza Premium lounges (which are in almost every Canadian airport) recently left Priority Pass and Mastercard Airport Experiences.

So technically, it wasn’t BMO’s fault. That said, you’re not wrong as the lounge passes are almost useless in Canada now.

I’ve been advising my readers to switch to the American Express Gold Rewards Card since they specifically give you Plaza Premium passes.

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BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard Review for : A Travel Card for Investing

By Stefani Balinsky | Published on 10 Aug 2023

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard , formerly the BMO World Elite Mastercard, has the potential to be an outstanding credit card . It is a travel card with some points conversion features that makes it good to have for inflation and if you are building an investment portfolio. Is that enough to make you want to pay more for the card? Let’s see.

The Welcome Offer

In terms of impact, the BMO Acend World Elite Mastercard Welcome Offer packs a heavy punch. You get 60,000 BMO Rewards points and they waive the $150 annual fee for the first year. The details are in the fine print.

The 60,000 points are tiered. You earn the first 30,000 points once you spend $3,000 CAN in the first 3 months of having the Mastercard. Your next 30,000 points depend on your spending habits between month 4 and month 15 of your card membership. You need to spend $2,000 net each month to get 2,500 points each time.

Spending $2,000 is easy when you use your card for groceries and fuel alone. Add in your streaming services, bills, and occasional fun? You reach the minimum threshold fast.

A card that lets you earn points quickly

You have unlimited opportunity to earn points with this card. It lets you earn 3x the points for every $1 spent on travel. You earn 2x the points for $1 spent on everything else. That is a step up from a basic credit card.

What do the points actually mean?

That is the beauty of BMO Mastercards. With the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard , the points redemption value is simple and straightforward. Your 60,000 points can mean $600. 

We put in a monthly spend of $2,000 in the BMO site’s points estimator and it seems that a net $24,000 in a year, that is $2,000 x 12, lets you walk away with 105,300 points. The dollar value is $1,053.

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard and travel

As we wrote, the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is a travel card. When you travel, you get access to airport lounges. Not only that, you also get access to over 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world at no added cost, and no added fees or roaming charges.

Let’s get back to the potential 105,300 points we earned in the first year. According to BMO’s calculations, that is a free ticket from Halifax to Paris, France. An extra 6,700 points is a ticket from Toronto to Istanbul, Turkey. Those are very good rewards for using your BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard daily food, gas, and entertainment.

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard and travel insurance

Here is where the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard shines compared to the BMO Rewards Mastercard. You get travel emergency medical coverage plus a host of other insurances.You are covered for up to $2,000,000 in eligible medical expenses. You are covered for 21 consecutive days.

Eligibility criteria with credit cards is always limited.You have options if the credit card does not cover you for travel emergency medical insurance because of a pre-existing condition or you are over age 65. You can always take out your own travel insurance . 

Redeem your points for products, experiences and more

Your points work like regular currency. Why not exchange them for travel or goods? You can use your points to pay off your credit card balance. 

Turning your BMO points into an investment

There are two really great perks that you get when you get the card. Your points can convert to dollars to pay off your credit card balance or to invest in a BMO Investment account. It really stretches your spending power.

You earn points by spending real dollars. Those dollars are gone. However, because you used your World Elite Mastercard, the investment power of those funds remains with you. You can turn the points into a deposit in your BMO Investment account. 

Is the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard worth it?

The BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard is a nice choice for Canadian travelers seeking a good rewards rate and Elite travel perks. If you invest with BMO, the card adds money to your portfolio. OK, it adds money if you exchange your points for a deposit to a BMO Investment account. Still, that is a smart money move and a clear benefit to having the card. If you travel, it is a good card. Just be aware that you are paying an annual fee and a higher interest rate than with other cards. 

BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard Rating

Benefits and perks of the bmo ascend world elite mastercard.

• 3x points per $1 spent on travel
• 2x the points per $1 spent on everything else
• No caps or limits on Rewards earning
• Pay your card balance with points
• Invest your points’ cash value in a BMO Investment account
• Emergency Travel Insurance
• Purchase Protection
• Rental Car Collision Coverage
• BMO Concierge Service
• Rental Car Collision/Damage Insurance
• Personal Effects Theft/Damage Protection
• VIP Mastercard Airport Experiences
• Mastercard cashback Travel Rewards Program

Stefani Balinsky

• Book Travel
• Credit Cards

Upcoming Changes to Insurance on BMO Credit Cards

BMO has announced a number of changes to the insurance coverage on many of its credit cards, which take effect as of July 6, 2023.

It’s a bit of a mixed bag of positive and negative changes; however, the most notable amendment is the upcoming loss of flight and baggage delay coverage for award bookings.

BMO has announced a number of changes to insurance coverage on many of its credit cards, which will take effect on July 6, 2023.

The changes affect the following credit cards:

• BMO Ascend® World Elite®* Mastercard®*
• BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Mastercard®*
• BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
• BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card
• BMO CashBack® World Elite®* Mastercard®*
• BMO World Mastercard
• BMO World Elite®* Business Mastercard®*
• BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Business Mastercard®*
• BMO Rewards® Business Mastercard®*
• BMO AIR MILES®† No-Fee Business Mastercard®*

The complete details for changes to each card are listed on the BMO website ; however, we’ll highlight the most notable ones below.

It’s important to note that any bookings made before then will be bound by the current coverage on the credit cards, even if the date of travel is after July 6.

So, as long as you make your booking prior to July 6, 2023, you’ll be bound by the current suite of coverage on your credit card, and the upcoming changes won’t affect your travel. However, any bookings made on or after July 6, 2023, will be bound by the amended insurance coverage.

As a reminder, BMO’s suite of World Elite®†Mastercards currently covers award bookings from any program, since the language on the policies stipulates that you’re covered as long as you charge the full or partial  cost of the trip to your credit card.

This means that by simply paying for the taxes and fees with an eligible BMO World Elite®* Mastercard®*, you’ll enjoy coverage for baggage and flight delays.

However, as of July 6, you’ll need to charge the full cost of your trip to a BMO credit card in order to be covered for flight delay or baggage delay insurance. This is a negative development for anyone who uses certain BMO credit cards to be covered for award bookings in the event of a baggage or flight delay.

Of the aforementioned credit cards, the insurance coverage on the BMO Ascend® World Elite® Mastercard ® , the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card, and the BMO AIR MILES® World Elite Mastercard have the strongest overall packages.

Aside from the loss of flight and baggage delay coverage for award bookings, the most notable changes that will affect the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card, and BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite® Mastercard ® as of July 6, 2023, are as follows:

• Out-of-province and out-of-country emergency medical insurance coverage will increase from $2 million to $5 million per insured person, per trip
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance will decrease from $2,500 to $1,500 per insured person for eligible expenses
• Car rental collision/loss damage will be extended to additional drivers whose names are listed on the rental car agreement
• Car rental accidental death & dismemberment and personal effects coverage will no longer be available
• Flight delay insurance will kick in after a delay of four hours instead of six hours
• Coverage for baggage delays increases from $200 to $500 per insured individual
• Baggage delay coverage kicks in after a delay of six hours instead of 12 hours
• Baggage loss, theft, or damage coverage decreases from $750 to $500  per insured

The most notable changes that will affect the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card as of July 6, 2023, are as follows:

• Being diagnosed with an epidemic or pandemic disease will be added as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Baggage loss, theft, damage, and delay insurance will only be included on your outbound trip. Essential items purchased due to a baggage delay upon returning to your home province or territory are not covered.

If you have any of the affected credit cards, be sure to give the changes a thorough read to see how you’ll be affected, if at all. 

How to Ensure Insurance Coverage on Award Bookings

When these changes take effect, you’ll no longer be able to use any BMO credit cards to pay for the taxes and fees on an award booking and be covered for baggage and flight delays.

Once this happens, you’ll only be covered on award bookings that use the same points that you earn with the BMO credit card.

For example, you’ll continue to enjoy flight and baggage delay insurance on AIR MILES® bookings if you pay the taxes and fees with an AIR MILES® co-branded credit card.

Likewise, you’ll be covered for flight and baggage delays on a BMO Rewards booking if you pay for the remainder of the booking with a BMO Rewards credit card.

However, if you were to pay for the taxes and fees on, say, an Aeroplan booking with any BMO credit card, you won’t be covered for flight and baggage delay insurance. 

Instead, you’ll need to pay with a different credit card altogether, such as the National Bank World Elite Mastercard or a co-branded Aeroplan credit card , to be covered for an Aeroplan redemption.

Generally speaking, the same holds true for any other award booking. Paying the taxes and fees on a WestJet Rewards redemption with a WestJet co-branded credit card will ensure coverage, whereas paying with most other credit cards won’t.

Therefore, it’s important to pay for the taxes and fees on an award booking with the right credit card. Otherwise, you might not be covered.

If insurance coverage for award bookings is important to you, consider adding the National Bank World Elite Mastercard to your wallet, especially since it has the best all-around insurance coverage for any Canadian credit card.

Of course, you may also enjoy protection through a private travel insurance plan, the Montreal Convention , EC261 (commonly referred to as EU261), or Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations .

BMO has announced upcoming changes to the insurance coverage on many of its credit cards. While the changes are a mix of positive and negative across the board, the most notable amendment is the upcoming loss of coverage for flight and baggage delay insurance on most award bookings.

Be sure to give the changes a thorough read if you stand to be affected. The changes take effect on July 6, 2023, and until then, it’s business as usual.

Once again, any bookings made prior to July 6 will be covered by the current iteration of insurance, even if travel occurs after July 6. 

† Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to the BMO Website for the most up to date information.

• Earn 80,000 MR points upon spending $15,000 in the first three months
• Plus, earn  40,000 MR points  upon making a purchase in months 14–17 as a cardholder
• And, earn 1.25x MR points on all purchases
• Also, receive a $200 annual travel credit
• Transfer MR points to Aeroplan and other frequent flyer programs for premium flights
• Unlimited airport lounge access for you and one guest at Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Centurion, and other lounges
• Credits and rebates for business expenses throughout the year with Amex Offers
• Bonus MR points for referring family and friends
• Qualify for the card as a sole proprietor
• Annual fee: $799

I think the post need to be updated as I just got off the phone on 2 separate occasions confirming that even if you booked it before July 6th, 2023 we will not be covered under the old policy.

Changes are coming to your BMO CashBack World Elite Mastercard Insurance Effective July 6, 2023, we will be making some changes to the insurance included with your credit card, as well as improving the format and language of your Certificate of Insurance. Please note, if you book and charge travel arrangements to your credit card before July 6, 2023, and are travelling after this date, any eligible claims resulting from your trip will be reviewed based on your current coverage.

Would the Chase sapphire card or the Chase Ritz card provide insurance for all taxes and fees on an award booking? Is there any language on their terms which states maybe the travel must be done in USD or should originate from the US or something like this? If someone has already entered the US credit card strategy, I think those cards would be superior in terms of insurances, right?

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Business Platinum Card from American Express

120,000 MR points

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85,000 Aeroplan points

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100,000 MR points

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Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†

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I'm a financial planner, and I'd recommend annual travel insurance to anyone who loves to travel abroad

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• Frequent and spontaneous travelers will likely benefit from annual travel insurance policies.
• Your credit card may come with some travel protections, but it may not be enough.
• When choosing a policy, look at what it covers, not just what's cheapest.

Summer is just a few months away — and if you're planning a vacation this year, the last thing you want is an unexpected event to derail your plans (and cost you hundreds).

Flights get delayed or canceled constantly. Luggage disappears into the ether. Medical emergencies occur in remote destinations. Yet many jetsetters simply cross their fingers and hope for the best rather than prepare for the worst.

That's why, as a financial planner, I believe it's crucial to consider protecting your trips with the right insurance coverage. One option often overlooked, particularly by frequent travelers, is annual travel insurance .

Annual travel insurance covers all your trips within 365 days. Unlike stand-alone travel insurance, which only covers you for a specific trip, an annual policy covers any trips you take within the year.

That's why I tell clients who travel frequently that an annual policy is a good choice for their needs. By opting for an annual plan, you don't have to go through the hassle of booking multiple policies and potentially save money compared to purchasing individual trip coverage. Here's how it works.

What to look for in a policy

While specifics may vary depending on the insurer and plan tier, most include the following key benefits:

• Trip cancellations or interruptions: You may be able to get reimbursed for expenses (even nonrefundable ones!) related to an illness, injury, or natural disaster that forced you to cancel or cut your trip short.
• Emergency medical and dental care: If you fall ill or get injured while traveling, your insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatment.
• Emergency evacuation: In a serious medical emergency or security situation, your policy will arrange and pay for transportation to a hospital or back to your home country.
• Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage: If your luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged during your trip, you can get financial coverage for essential items while you wait for your stuff to be recovered or replaced.
• Trip delays and missed connections: When your travel plans are disrupted due to issues like mechanical problems or severe weather, you may get reimbursement for additional expenses incurred, like meals, lodging, and transportation.

It's important to note that annual travel insurance plans have limitations. Certain high-risk activities, pre-existing medical conditions, and travel to specific regions may be restricted or require additional coverage.

Some travelers may assume that their credit card's built-in travel protections are enough. While many travel rewards credit cards offer perks like rental car insurance, trip cancellation, and baggage reimbursement, the coverage limits are often much lower than a dedicated annual travel insurance plan.

Credit card coverage for emergency medical care is also particularly limited — capped at a few thousand dollars — which may not be enough in the face of a major international medical emergency.

How much travel justifies an annual plan?

For the occasional traveler who takes one or two trips a year, single-trip policies will probably work for you. But if you fall into any of these buckets, you may want to consider an annual policy:

• Regular international travelers (three or more trips abroad yearly)
• Road warriors frequently away for work
• Adventurers engaging in high-risk activities like heli-skiing, scuba diving, or mountain climbing
• Cruisers and tour group travelers
• Students or retirees taking extended trips throughout the year
• Those visiting developing countries with limited medical care

Annual plans cover all of your trips within a 365-day period after purchasing. They're basically a bundle of multiple policies into one package deal. This means you only have to buy one policy to manage, locking in your coverage for the year.

How to decide if an annual policy makes sense for you

Start by reviewing your travel plans this year — and your risk tolerance. Calculate how much buying individual travel insurance policies would cost you over the next year and compare it to the price of an annual plan.

Don't just focus on the premium — carefully evaluate coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles to ensure you have enough protection for your needs.

An annual policy gives you the flexibility to take spontaneous trips without the hassle of obtaining last-minute insurance. More importantly, it provides peace of mind, knowing that you're covered for a wide range of travel disruptions and emergencies.

As the busy summer travel season ramps up, definitely explore protecting your trips with insurance, especially if you're jetting off internationally. Spending hours on the phone trying to rebook canceled flights or worrying about affording an overseas medical emergency is no way to vacation.

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Credit Cards > Reviews

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review 2024: Money-saving perks for fans of the startup carrier

Stella Shon

Allie Johnson

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

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Published 6:07 a.m. UTC April 10, 2024

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Breeze Airways remains relatively unknown, but this startup airline is a breath of fresh air for travelers in underserved areas. The airline offers nonstop routes from smaller airports to popular U.S. destinations, allowing flyers to skip connecting through busy airports.

Now, the low-cost airline is launching its first credit card, the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card * The information for the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . Cardholders can earn BreezePoints on Breeze flights and everyday expenses and redeem them for flights, bags, seat assignments, and more.

Here’s our full Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review and our take on whether frequent Breeze flyers should take a closer look. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card basics

• Annual fee: $89.
• Welcome bonus: 50,000 BreezePoints after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Rewards: Earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• APR: 21.24% to 29.99% variable.
• Recommended credit score: Good to excellent.
• Does the card offer preapproval? No.
• Other benefits: Points never expire with the card, Group 1 Priority boarding, complimentary inflight Wi-Fi on Breeze Airbus fleet, 7,500-anniversary points after spending $10,000 in a year and no foreign transaction fees.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review

A loyalty program is key to repeat business, and Breeze is offering its frequent flyers even more with the debut of a new travel rewards credit card. While the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card isn’t for everyone, it provides plenty of value for the right cardholder.

You can earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

In other words, you can get up to a 10% return on eligible Breeze purchases.

Your BreezePoints never expire as long as you have the card, and you can redeem them at a flat 1-cent-per-point rate for flights and other traveler extras such as checked bags and seat assignments.

But with an $89 annual fee, you’ll need to crunch the numbers to see if the card will provide enough value to justify the cost.

The card offers benefits you’d expect from any airline credit card , such as access to priority boarding for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation. And cardholders get free inflight Wi-Fi, saving $8 each way. (By the end of the year, Breeze plans to become a fleet of all Airbus A220s, one of the most comfortable regional jets to fly.)

In sum, Breeze offers an economical way to fly to dozens of U.S. destinations, and its new credit card is a natural fit for frequent Breeze travelers.

• Elevated points spent on Breeze flights and trip add-ons: That’s one of the best rewards rates on any airline credit card, giving flyers a generous haul of points for booking Breeze flights. 
• Complimentary Wi-Fi for all travelers on the same reservation: You won’t have to pay for internet connectivity, saving you $8 on every one-way flight.
• BreezePoints won’t expire : BreezePoints normally expire after 24 months, but the card will extend their shelf life for as long as your account remains open.
• Anniversary bonus: You’ll get a 7,500-point bonus every account anniversary, worth $75 for Breeze flights and more, if you spend at least $10,000 on the card each year. 
• No free bags: Airline credit cards typically come with a free checked bag, but this card does not waive the cost of checked bags. 
• BreezePoints are worth 1 cent apiece: While Breezy Rewards is a straightforward program, there’s no opportunity for outsized value, as with other frequent flyer program currencies.
• Full rewards only after your flight : With the card’s earning rate, you’ll earn half of the BreezePoints when purchasing the flight and the other half after the flight is complete. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card rewards

Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of Breeze’s first-ever credit card is the ability to earn huge rewards on eligible Breeze Airways purchases. Let’s take a closer look at how the rewards break down:

Cardholders can earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

New applicants can also earn 50,000 BreezePoints after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. 

Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card has around $25,087 in annual expenses that can be charged to a credit card. 

We assumed the example cardholder purchased flights at the base-level ticket (Nice fare class). Here’s how our sample household’s rewards could break down:

Cardholders will earn BreezePoints through the Breezy Rewards program. In this example, the cardholder earned 37,119 points from card purchases, worth $371.19 for Breeze flights, baggage fees, seat assignments, and more. 

Breeze Airways is not part of an airline alliance, nor does it have any partnerships, except with new partner Priceline. You can only redeem your points for Breeze-related purchases, meaning there’s no opportunity to maximize rewards on other airlines. This is a key consideration if you want to apply for the Breeze card. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card perks

An airline credit card is best suited to those who fly almost exclusively with the carrier, and the Breeze Easy Visa is no exception. Cardholders get the major advantage of free inflight Wi-Fi, saving them and companions on the same reservation $8 each way.

Furthermore, cardholders and their travel companions on the same reservation get Group 1 priority boarding. That means you’ll have first dibs on precious overhead bin space. The more you fly, the more value you’ll get from these benefits. 

In addition, cardholders get the chance to earn 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year after spending $10,000 in purchases. Those BreezePoints are worth $75 — nearly the cost of the annual fee — adding even more ongoing value. 

Although the airline has no international flights, the Breeze Easy card is a keeper for traveling abroad because there are no foreign transaction fees. It’s a Visa Signature card, which comes with complimentary travel insurance perks such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage and more.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card drawbacks

One crucial feature the card is missing: a free bag benefit. Most airline credit cards will waive the cost of the first checked bag as a cardholder-exclusive perk. This could be a dealbreaker for some travelers.

At the lowest fare classes, Breeze only allows for one free personal item that must fit under the seat. The airline also operates on a dynamic bag pricing model, so the cost of a carry-on and checked bag will vary slightly depending on your flight route. 

While this may disappoint, remember that BreezePoints can be redeemed for extra charges, including bag fees. For instance, you can use 3,500 BreezePoints to wipe out a $35 carry-on bag charge. And, if you’ve booked a higher fare class (Nicer or Nicest), the cost of bags is included in the ticket bundle.

How the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card compares to other travel cards 

Breeze easy visa credit card vs. chase sapphire preferred® card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which has a $95 annual fee, is ideal for travelers looking to earn bonus points on travel and everyday purchases. You’ll earn 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® has an enticing list of transfer partners, including United and Southwest. Cardholders can redeem miles at an elevated 1.25-cent rate for travel purchases via the Chase travel portal. Unfortunately, you can’t book Breeze Airways flights on Chase Travel, so this isn’t a fit if you want to redeem points for Breeze flights. 

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Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership ® Rewards and Citi ThankYou ® .

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also has a $95 annual fee and offers the benefit of simplicity with 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 2 miles per $1 on other purchases. You can redeem Capital One miles as a statement credit for any travel purchases made within the past 90 days at a rate of 1 cent apiece. This rewards flexibility is a big plus.

It’s also possible to outsize those rewards with Capital One’s airline and hotel transfer partner roster, especially for international flights. You’ll also benefit from a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100), a nice added travel perk. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card vs. JetBlue Plus Card * The information for the JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

We’d be remiss not to offer a comparison to the JetBlue Plus card to see how the Breeze Easy card stacks up. The JetBlue Plus Card has a slightly higher $99 annual fee. It’s also issued by Barclays and offers similar earnings: 6 points per $1 on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2 points per $1 at restaurants and eligible grocery stores and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. 

You’ll earn TrueBlue points, which can be redeemed for flights on the airline or partner carriers such as Qatar Airways or Hawaiian Airlines. The JetBlue Plus card offers a free first checked bag. This benefit provides at least $35 in savings each way, which helps offset the annual fee. 

Is the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card worth it?

Between the card’s welcome bonus and ongoing rewards rates, there’s a lot of potential to stockpile BreezePoints. But unless you exclusively fly with the airline, it’s worth shopping around to see if another travel credit card will serve you better in the long term, especially if your goal is to save money on flights with a range of carriers, rather than just Breeze Airways.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card is right for you if:

• You frequently fly out of the airline’s main hubs .
• You want to earn rewards to save money on Breeze flights and travel purchases.
• You want to save money onboard Breeze flights with the card’s complimentary Wi-Fi.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Airline credit cards, such as the new Breeze Easy card, offer ways for the most loyal flyers to save money on travel. This card is no exception, with plenty of ways to earn BreezePoints, free Wi-Fi and more for ultra-loyal Breeze passengers.

The Breeze Easy card costs $89 per year. This fee is in line with competing travel cards, which you might also want to consider for more flexible rewards earning, redemption and perks.

While the issuing bank, Barclays, does not disclose a specific credit score requirement, you’ll want to have good to excellent credit to increase your chances of qualifying for most travel credit cards. 

Breeze Airways does not offer a true business-class product, but the airline has a spacious recliner seat called “Ascent class” on its Airbus A220 fleet, and extra legroom seats. 

*The information for the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Stella Shon is a freelance writer that connects the dots between personal finance and travel. Her work has appeared in The Points Guy, ValuePenguin and MoneyUnder30, and she's been interviewed by The New York Times, CNBC and more.

Allie is a journalist with a passion for money tips and advice. She's been writing about personal finance since the Great Recession for online publications such as Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MyWalletJoy and ValuePenguin. She's also written personal finance content for Discover, First Horizon Bank, The Hartford, Travelers and Synovus.

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.

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