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With a low regular interest rate of 12.99% and the option to pay an even lower 0.99% on balance transfers for the first nine months, this card is a good option for those looking to whittle down credit card debt and minimize interest charges.
Low interest credit cards are more valuable than cash back or rewards cards for people who tend to run a balance. At the regular rate of around 19.99% that most credit cards charge on unpaid balances, interest can add up fast and cancel out any other rewards you might be generating. With a regular interest rate of 12.99%, the BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard can help keep more of your money in your pocket, and its balance transfer promotion can help you pay down debt from your other, higher-interest, cards.
With BMO as the card issuer, the Preferred Rate Mastercard is also ideal for those who prefer keeping all their accounts with a single provider, or who like their card to be affiliated with one of the big banks.
Annual fee: $29
Low interest rate: 13.99% on purchases
Welcome offer: get a 0.99% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee
Card details
| Interest rates | 15.99% on cash advances, 15.99% on balance transfers |
| Income required | $15,000 (personal or household) |
| Credit score | 660 or higher |
Why is this card popular? It’s simple math. Most cards charge around 19.99% in interest. With a regular rate of 12.99%, the BMO Preferred Rate is automatically saving you 7% annually in interest on unpaid balances compared to the average credit card. Depending on how much debt you carry, this could add up to hundreds of dollars annually. Even better, this rate applies across the board to balance transfers and cash advances as well.
With the low interest rate as its marquee feature, this card is aimed towards people trying to reduce their credit card payments. That’s why the 0.99% introductory rate on balance transfers for a full 9 months is such a bonus. New cardholders can transfer debt from higher interest cards and be charged 0.99% for 9 months (a 2% transfer fee applies so, for example, if you transfer $5,000 from another card, you’ll have a $50 transfer fee added to your balance). When the balance transfer offer period is over, any remaining debt will incur interest at 12.99%, a rate that’s still far lower than most cards.
It’s not unusual for low interest cards to be a little lean when it comes to perks. That said, the BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard does come with purchase protection and extended warranty, both of which can help add some peace of mind when you’re making day-to-day purchases.
As a BMO card, the Preferred Rate Mastercard is a good choice if you’re looking to keep things simple by maintaining all your accounts and credit card with a single provider.
While the BMO Preferred Rate offers a very competitive low interest rate, stronger alternatives can be found outside of the Big Five banks. When looking at the competition in this category, it’s wise to compare the regular interest rates, annual fees and balance transfer offers. Some cards, like the MBNA True Line Mastercard, may be a better option for you.
If you’re looking for a low interest card from an established bank, the BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard is a good option. If you’re searching for the absolute lowest rates, balance transfer offers and annual fees, however, you might find something that suits you better. Check out our review of Canada’s best low interest credit cards to aid in your decision.
Annual fee: $99
Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all your purchases
Welcome offer: earn unlimited cash back, no limit to what you can get back
Card details
| Interest rates | 20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers |
| Income required | Personal income of $80,000 or household income of $150,000 |
| Credit score | None specified |
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