BMO | Digital Banking Review

Few can compete with BMO’s no-to-low fee checking accounts, account variety, high-yield APY, and digital banking tools. For ultra-savings, check out BMO Alto–fully FDIC insured and owned by BMO Financial Group.

The Essentials:

BMO Bank, formerly BMO Harris Bank, provides a comprehensive range of financial services, from fee-free checking accounts to automatic savings tools.

The FDIC-insured bank maintains over 1,000 branches, 40,000+ fee-free ATMs, and a customer approved mobile app, for top-rated in-person and digital banking needs.

$$$ Cash Bonus: BMO offers cash bonuses* on each of its three online checking accounts, ranging from $250 to $400.

*T&C apply. Click here and scroll to learn more.

Pros

• Branch locations + ATMs
• Highly-rated mobile app
• Open in minutes
• Free checking option

Cons

• Varying account fees
• Low-yield savings account

$$$ High-Interest Savings: For more competitive rates, check out the 5.10% APY BMO Alto Online Savings Account. (Rates accurate at the time of writing).

Highlights

• Digital Tools: BMO Bank’s mobile app offers budgeting and expense-tracking tools, and a one-dashboard view of all your BMO bank and credit card accounts.
• Account Variety: BMO Bank offers several checking accounts, each with its own unique fees, and a saving account.
• Mobile Features: The user-friendly BMO Bank app supports free mobile check deposits and person-to-person Zelle transfers with no BMO user fees.
• Account Fees: Customers may be eligible to waive statement fees and monthly fees* depending on their age, balance thresholds, paperless statement enrollment, and employee benefits programs.
• Rates: BMO offers standard rates on its checking + savings account(s).

*View BMO's waived-fee terms hereand see if you qualify.

Which BMO Account Is Right for You?

BMO Smart Advantage Checking:

• Rewards: Get a $250 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 90 days.
• Perks: No monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance required, and fee-free transactions at more than 40,000 Allpoint® network ATMs nationwide.
• Best for: Customers in need of a straightforward checking account.

BMO Relationship Checking:

• Rewards: Earn a $400 cash bonus with qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $7,500 within the first 90 days.
• Perks: Unlimited non-BMO ATM transactions, up to $25 surcharge fee rebates on non-BMO ATMs, and potential interest earnings.
• Best for: Customers who maintain a higher balance and want additional benefits.

BMO Smart Money Checking:

• Rewards: Receive a $250 cash bonus by having at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the initial 90 days.
• Perks: No overdraft fee, no minimum balance requirement, and fee-free transactions at 40,000+ Allpoint® network ATMs.
• Best for: Younger customers–monthly maintenance fees are waived for under 25-year-olds.

BMO Savings Builder Account:

• Rewards: Earn $5 every month your balance grows by $200 or more for your first year, (not including interest).
• Perks: No monthly maintenance fee and automatic savings tools.
• Best for: Customers interested in convenient banking where they can manage their checking account and grow their savings all in one place.

BMO Alto Savings Account:

• High-interest earning (5.10% APY), online-only savings solution provided by BMO. Learn More. Visit Site.

Final Thoughts

BMO scores high on our list for impressive account variety, fee-free options, convenient mobile tools, and a large network of branches and fee-free ATMs

With three diverse checking options and a no maintenance fee savings account, there's sure to be a BMO account that's right for your banking needs.

Quick Sign-Up: Creating a BMO account should take just five minutes.