BMO checking account is a type of bank account where you can deposit application in 5 minutes or less. Open an account online in minutes ・ 1-888-340-2265

BMO checking account is where most banking relationships start, and BMO Bank keeps the lineup relatively simple. The bank offers a few distinct tiers, each built around a different kind of customer: one for everyday users who can meet a direct deposit or balance minimum, one for younger customers who want to avoid fees entirely, and one for people who want interest on their checking balance. The common thread is that none of the accounts require a large opening deposit, and the fee structure is straightforward enough that customers rarely get surprised at the end of the month.

BMO Checking Account Types and Features

BMO Bank checking accounts break down into three main products. The Smart Advantage account is the standard choice for most adults: it carries a monthly maintenance fee that disappears with either a recurring direct deposit of $500 or more, or a minimum daily balance of $1,500. The Smart Money account is built for customers under 25 and has no monthly fee at all, which makes it a popular pick for college students and young professionals. The Premium account pays a modest interest rate on balances and refunds out-of-network ATM fees, though it asks for a higher minimum balance to avoid its monthly charge.

Monthly Fees and How to Avoid Them

The fee waiver rules are where most customers either save or spend money. For Smart Advantage, the direct deposit route is the easiest: set up a paycheck, Social Security, or pension deposit and the fee vanishes automatically. The balance minimum works too, but it requires keeping $1,500 in the account every single day of the statement cycle; dip below for even one day and the fee hits. Premium asks for $10,000 across deposit accounts or $25,000 across deposit and investment accounts to waive its charge. Customers who can't meet either threshold usually downgrade to Smart Advantage or Smart Money rather than paying the fee.

Debit Card and ATM Access

Every BMO checking account comes with a Visa debit card that works anywhere Visa is accepted. BMO's own ATM network covers most of its branch locations, and the bank also participates in the Allpoint network, which adds roughly 40,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. Out-of-network withdrawals cost $3 per transaction on the standard accounts, though Premium customers get those fees refunded up to a monthly cap. The debit card itself supports contactless payments, and customers can lock or unlock it instantly through the mobile app if it goes missing.

How to Open a BMO Checking Account

Opening a BMO checking account can be done online, over the phone, or in person at a branch. The online route is the fastest: pick an account type, fill out a short application with personal details, employment information, and identification, then fund the account with a transfer from another bank or a debit card. Most applicants get an answer within minutes, though a small percentage get flagged for manual review if the identity verification step doesn't line up automatically.

Required Documents and Eligibility

BMO asks for the same paperwork most US banks require: a Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), and proof of a US residential address. PO boxes don't count for the address requirement. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, or 16 and up for a joint account with a parent or guardian. BMO also checks ChexSystems during the application, so a history of unpaid overdrafts or forced account closures at other banks can slow things down or lead to a denial.

Funding Your New Account

The minimum opening deposit for a standard checking account is typically small, often as low as $25 if funded by electronic transfer. Customers can also mail a check or bring cash to a branch, though branch visits are obviously slower than the online funding option. Once the account is open and funded, the debit card usually arrives by mail within seven to ten business days, though customers can add the card to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay immediately after approval for same-day spending.