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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.

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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 here and 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:

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.

Explore BMO Accounts >

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You can deposit and withdrawal funds into your online account, and manage bills using your bank's secure mobile app, website portal, or by visiting an ATM. To deposit funds into your account, you can transfer money from another account, deposit mobile checks by uploading images of the front and back, use ATMs, or set up direct deposits for recurring incoming payments. For withdrawals, you can transfer money to another account, use ATMs, or request an electronic transfer. Use your online account's automatic payments and bill notifications features so you never miss a payment.
In most cases, you can use your online bank account right away. Opening an online account is fast, often taking just 10 to 15 minutes. Approval is typically granted immediately after application submission, allowing you to create your account, login, and begin banking straight away. If additional verification is needed, approval can take an additional 1 to 2 days.
Yes, nearly all online banks provide free ATMs nationwide and/or automatic reimbursements for ATM fees. Most online banks partner with large ATM networks to provide easy access to ATMs no matter where you live. If you run into difficulty locating in-network ATMs, oftentimes the bank will reimburse any out-of-network ATM charges.
The best bank depends on your financial needs. First, determine whether a checking account for everyday transactions or a savings account to earn interest on your deposits is right for you. Then, look for banks that offer low or no fees. competitive interest rates, great customer reviews, and helpful digital tools to manage your finances easily.
Yes, online banks must adhere to strict government regulations and licensing requirements just as traditional banks must, and many provide the same level of FDIC insurance. Robust encryption and cyber-security keep your personal information safe, in a similar way that traditional banks keep their customer databases secure. Selecting a reputable financial institution is key to any safe banking, so be sure to carefully evaluate and compare banks before agreeing to any terms.
FDIC insured banks are financial institutions that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This insurance protects deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, meaning, in the event a bank ever fails, your money is secure.