BMO has no single minimum credit score for approval. Expect about 700-plus for rewards cards, about 620-plus for conventional mortgages, and about 300-plus for a secured card.
A credit score is a three-digit number lenders use to judge repayment risk. According to BMO's official mortgage guide, each BMO product sets its own underwriting standard BMO's homebuying mortgage guide. That structure matters because a score that fails for one card can pass for another product.
Official resource:
- Apply through Lendingtree’s official page — Use this page to review requirements and apply directly.
Table of Contents
- What Do BMO Credit Cards Require?
- What Do BMO Home Loans Require?
- What If Your Score Is Low?
- Why Is the Score Not Enough?
What Do BMO Credit Cards Require?
WalletHub reports that most BMO unsecured rewards cards need good credit around 700 or higher WalletHub's BMO credit-card guidance. That group includes Premium Rewards, Cash Back, and Business Platinum Rewards. Applicants below that range face weaker approval odds for those cards.
The BMO Platinum Mastercard sets a higher bar. WalletHub places its requirement around 750 or higher, reflecting premium positioning. Apply for standard rewards near 700, and wait on premium cards until near 750.
What Do BMO Home Loans Require?
LendingTree's BMO mortgage review puts conventional loans at about 620 to 640 minimum LendingTree's BMO mortgage review. Scores near 680 or higher bring better approval odds and lower rates. A borrower at 640 can qualify, while a borrower near 690 may price better.
LendingTree also lists BMO FHA loans at 580 minimum with 3.5% down. Business Insider notes BMO VA loans accept scores as low as 580 Business Insider's BMO mortgage review. That VA cutoff is favorable because many lenders add 620 overlays even though VA sets no official minimum.
What If Your Score Is Low?
WalletHub and NerdWallet describe the BMO Boost Secured Card for bad, limited, or damaged credit down to about 300. It requires a minimum $300 refundable security deposit. That deposit typically sets the credit limit.
A secured card can serve as a starting point before unsecured rewards. On-time payments and low balances build a record for a later upgrade. Treat the deposit as your limit control, not as a fee.
Why Is the Score Not Enough?
WalletHub and Upgraded Points note that score alone does not decide BMO approval. BMO also weighs income, debt load, inquiries, employment, and housing status.
A 710 score with heavy debt can lose to a 700 score with cleaner finances. Strengthen the full profile before you apply: Pause new credit applications for several months, then apply for the product that fits your current score.
- Pay down revolving balances to lower debt load
- Pause new credit applications to limit inquiries
- Verify income, employment, and housing details match your application
- Consider a secured card or co-signer when unsecured approval looks weak
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