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Checking Accounts

Our checking accounts help you make real financial progress. Enjoy a better banking experience with our simple digital banking tools, nationwide fee-free ATM transactions and personalized service—however you choose to bank.

Let's find the right checking account for you

We offer a variety of checking accounts, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

Most Popular

BMO Smart Advantage Checking

Open online in 5 minutes!

$0 monthly maintenance fee

  • No monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance footnote 1

  • Unlimited transactions at 40,000+ ATMs nationwide

  • Banking at your fingertips with BMO Digital Banking – pay your bills footnote 2, transfer money and more

  • Personalized support through online chat, phone and in branch

Learn more
No Overdraft Fees

Open online in 5 minutes!

$5 monthly maintenance fee

$0 if you're under age 25

  • $0 overdraft fees footnote 3

  • Unlimited transactions at 40,000+ ATMs nationwide

  • Banking at your fingertips with BMO Digital Banking – pay your bills footnote 2, transfer money and more

  • Personalized support through online chat, phone and in branch

Relationship Package Benefits

Open online in 5 minutes!

$25 monthly maintenance fee

or waive this fee - learn how

  • Relationship Packages that offer more benefits the more you bank with BMO footnote 4

  • Unlimited non-BMO ATM transactions footnote 5 and surcharge fee rebates

  • Access to Mastercard ID Theft Protection™ on your BMO Debit Mastercard® footnote 6

  • Interest on your checking balance

Security however you bank footnote 7

Whether you bank via mobile footnote 2, online or telephone, all your banking methods are convenient and secure. footnote 7 Our financial crimes unit combines world-class expertise from cyber security, fraud, physical security and crisis management teams. We work to detect, prevent, respond to and recover from security threats.

Open an account online in 3 simple steps

step one

Apply in minutes

Complete an online application in 5 minutes or less.

step two

Verify your identity

For security, we’ll verify that it’s you in our online tool. We may ask for a photo of your ID and a selfie.

step three

Make a deposit to start banking

Transfer money into your new account. Then, register for digital banking to get started.

Enjoy a better way to bank

Our personalized services and support help you make real financial progress

over fourty thousandfee-free ATMs across the U.S

With nearly as many fee-free ATMs across the US as the three largest banks combined, access to your funds is just as convenient as your local ATM.

Dedicated support anytime, anywhere

Whether you prefer to do your banking at a branch, over the phone or using our digital banking tools.

Atwo hundred yearhistory you can count on

Feel secure knowing you’re backed by BMO’stwo hundred yearhistory of trusted banking and your deposits are FDIC insured.

We make digital banking simple and safe

Bank safely from anywhere with our simple online and mobile banking tools footnote 2.

  • Transfer money on the go with Zelle® footnote 8

    Send, request and receive money from friends and family quickly and easily with Zelle® – all with no user fees from us.

  • Bank from anywhere with mobile check deposit footnote 9

    Skip the trip to the bank and deposit checks directly from your smartphone with mobile deposits.

  • Manage all your accounts securely

    Simplify your banking with BMO Total Look. Manage all your accounts in one place (even if they’re not with us), create budgets and track expenses.

B M O Bank digital banking app on a smartphone

Our customer service sets us apart

Forbes named us one of the World’s Best Banks, thanks to our customer focus and our leading digital and mobile banking tools.

Forbes World's Best Banks logo

Checking accountsFrequently Asked Questions

  • A checking account is a type of bank account that gives you easy access to your money, so it’s commonly used for everyday expenses. Your checking account will allow you to access the money in your account in a variety of ways, including:

    • Withdrawing cash from an ATM or bank teller
    • Making purchases using a debit card
    • Writing checks
    • Sending money to friends and family using Zelle® footnote 8
  • Checking accounts are used to carry out your daily expenses and keep your money secure. They give you quick access to your funds. Here are some common uses for checking accounts:

    • Paying by debit for regular purchases, like groceries, gas and takeout
    • Paying your bills, including utilities, phone and rent
    • Receiving direct deposits, including your paycheck
    • Paying off your credit card balance
  • Opening a new account online is quick and easy. All you need is:

    • Your phone number, email address and U.S. residential address
    • Your date of birth and Social Security Number (SSN)
    • U.S. citizenship (if you aren’t a U.S. citizen, don’t worry – you can apply by phone or in person at a BMO branch)
    • A routing and account number so that you can start adding money to your checking account
  • You can open a checking account online in just a few minutes, which saves you the time spent traveling to a branch. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to open a new account online:

    • Choose the account that’s right for you: Compare checking accounts and choose one that suits your needs.
    • Submit your online application: Fill out your online application, including your contact information, personal details and employment status.
    • Wait for confirmation: We’ll review your application, verify your identity and reach out to you when we’ve opened your new checking account. Then, we’ll send you your new debit card and account info by mail. The full process usually takes a few business days.
    • Fund your account and get banking: Once you deposit your opening balance, you’ll be all set to make purchases, pay bills and get paid through your new checking account!
  • If you’re opening an account online, the application process takes less than five minutes. We’ll then verify your information and send you your new debit card by mail within a few business days.

    If you prefer to open a checking account in person at a branch, the application process should take about 30 minutes. You’ll receive your debit card on the spot, so you can start using your account right away!

  • Switching to a BMO checking account is easy – you can make the change in three simple steps:

    1. Set up direct deposit so your paychecks and other regular payments go directly to your new account.
    2. Transfer your automatic payments over to your new account, so you don’t miss a bill payment.
    3. Close your old account We’ll review your application, verify your identity and reach out to you when we’ve opened your new checking account. Then, we’ll send you your new debit card and account info by mail. The full process usually takes a few business days.

    Looking for a detailed rundown of making the switch to BMOCheck out our Switch Kit

Resources for your savings journey

What is a checking account?

Checking accounts are used for a wide range of transactions and can help you manage your income and expenses. Find out what you should know.

Checking vs. savings accounts: what you should know

Learn more about these products and how they can help you reach your goals. 

CDs vs Money Market accounts: Which one should you choose?

Growing your money isn’t just about how much you earn – it’s also about how much you save.

Ready to get started?

Open an account online in minutes or get in touch if you have any questions.

  • Call us

    Give us a call if you have any questions or you’re ready to open an account.

  • Visit us

    Come in to one of our branches to open your account in person.

    Book an appointment
  • Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

  • Mastercard and Mastercard ID Theft Protection, and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

  • 1Accounts with zero balance may be closed.2Message and data rates may apply. Contact your wireless carrier for details.

  • 3Items that overdraw the account are returned and ATM/everyday debit card transactions are declined.

  • 4To access the benefits in a particular Relationship Package, you must have a BMO Relationship Checking account. See the Deposit Account Disclosure for details.

  • 5No BMO fee; however, the ATM operator or network may charge you a surcharge fee for a transaction or balance inquiry.

  • 6Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. For complete coverage terms and conditions call 1-800-MASTERCARD (1-800-627-8372) for assistance. Refer to the Mastercard Guide to Benefits for more information.

  • 7Visit the BMO Security Center for details.

  • 8U.S. checking or savings account required to use Zelle®At BMO we require you enroll a checking account to use Zelle®. Transactions between enrolled users typically occur in minutes when the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle®. Zelle® should only be used to send money to people and businesses you trust. Zelle® does not offer protection for authorized payments, so money you send may not be recoverable. For details, see the BMO Digital Banking Agreement found at bmo.com/en-us/legal.

  • 9U.S. checking or savings account required to use Zelle®Mobile Deposit is available using the BMO Digital Banking Mobile App. This service may not function on older devices. Users must be a BMO Digital Banking customer with a BMO account opened for more than 5 calendar days. Deposits are not immediately available for withdrawal. For details, please see the BMO Digital Banking Agreement found at bmo.com/en-us/legal.