BMO Checking Account Bonus & Promotions: January 2026
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BMO rolls out enticing checking offers from time to time to attract new customers. Find the latest bonus deals here.
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Thinking about switching banks or opening your first checking account? If you love a good deal (who doesn't?), BMO's promotions might be worth checking out.
Explore what it's offering right now and see if this is a good time to make a banking move.
BMO Checking Account Bonus Offers 2026
You know how these checking bonuses go—they don't stick around forever! Don't miss these limited-time offers from BMO:
BMO is an acronym for Bank of Montreal, a highly diversified financial services organization established in Canada over two centuries ago. BMO is also its stock ticker symbol in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).
Other BMO account bonus offers
The following bonuses might also work for you:
BMO: Savings Account - Up to $60 Bonus
Open a new Statement Savings account. Earn $5 every month when you save $200 or more per month. Your account is only eligible for 12 consecutive months beginning with the month your account is opened. See terms and conditions for more information.
BMO: Business Checking Account - $1,000 Bonus
Open a new BMO Digital Business Checking, BMO Simple Business Checking, BMO Premium Business Checking, or BMO Elite Business Checking account online or at a branch. Account balance must be $50,000 or more on the 30th day after account opening. Balance in the account must be $50,000 or more from the 31st to the 90th day after opening the account.
BMO: Business Checking Account - $750 Bonus
Open a new BMO Digital Business Checking, BMO Simple Business Checking, BMO Premium Business Checking, or BMO Elite Business Checking account online or at a branch. Account balance must be $25,000 or more on the 30th day after account opening. Balance in the account must be $25,000 or more from the 31st to the 90th day after opening the account.
BMO: Business Checking Account - $400 Bonus
Open a new BMO Digital Business Checking, BMO Simple Business Checking, BMO Premium Business Checking, or BMO Elite Business Checking account online or at a branch. Account balance must be $4,000 or more on the 30th day after account opening. Balance in the account must be $4,000 or more from the 31st to the 90th day after opening the account.
BMO offers limited-time referral bonuses in Canada[1] but not in the U.S. Nevertheless, this may change in the future.
How do I get my bonus at BMO?
Business Checking Account - $1,000 Bonus
Open a new BMO Digital Business Checking, BMO Simple Business Checking, BMO Premium Business Checking, or BMO Elite Business Checking account online or at a branch. Account balance must be $50,000 or more on the 30th day after account opening. Balance in the account must be $50,000 or more from the 31st to the 90th day after opening the account.
Business Checking Account - $750 Bonus
Open a new BMO Digital Business Checking, BMO Simple Business Checking, BMO Premium Business Checking, or BMO Elite Business Checking account online or at a branch. Account balance must be $25,000 or more on the 30th day after account opening. Balance in the account must be $25,000 or more from the 31st to the 90th day after opening the account.
Business Checking Account - $400 Bonus
Open a new BMO Digital Business Checking, BMO Simple Business Checking, BMO Premium Business Checking, or BMO Elite Business Checking account online or at a branch. Account balance must be $4,000 or more on the 30th day after account opening. Balance in the account must be $4,000 or more from the 31st to the 90th day after opening the account.
Bonuses offered during an active BMO promotion are often credited into your new account within 100 days of opening it.
How much is a BMO checking account?
To open any BMO personal checking account, you only need $25[2] as initial deposit. Meanwhile, here are the monthly fees you can expect by checking type:
| Type | Monthly Maintenance Fee | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| BMO Smart Advantage Checking | $0 | Paperless statements |
| BMO Smart Money Checking | $5 | Waivable if you're under 25 years old. |
| BMO Relationship Checking | $25 | Waivable with a daily ledger balance of $10,000 minimum, or a monthly combined balance of at least $25,000, or as a client under the Best of BMO U.S. program |
BMO Smart Money Checking
- No minimum balance required
- Fee-free transactions at more than 40,000 Allpoint® network ATMs nationwide
- $5 monthly maintenance fee ($0 if you're under 25 years old)
BMO Relationship Checking
- Up to $25 rebated per statement period on ATM surcharge fees charged by other banks
- $25 monthly fee may be waived if you meet any of the following requirements: minimum daily ledger balance of $10,000 or more for the previous calendar month, monthly combined balance of $25,000 for the previous calendar month, if you have a BMO Investment Services (BIS) account, or if you are a Best of BMO US client.
BMO Smart Advantage Checking
- No minimum balance required
- Fee-free transactions at more than 40,000 Allpoint® network ATMs nationwide
- No monthly fees with paperless statements
BMO sign-up bonuses are considered income by the IRS
Is BMO a good bank?
BMO can be considered a good bank if you value a full-service institution with a wide geographical presence and an extensive ATM network. Plus, its fees are quite reasonable and it offers sign-up bonuses occasionally.
However, BMO might not be the best choice if you're looking for white glove customer service in a brick-and-mortar bank. While it has received many accolades from respectable organizations over the years, it contrasts with the negative user experiences shared on social media and review platforms.
BMO checking bonus alternatives
Wondering what other checking bonuses are similar to BMO's offer? Explore your options below:
Bank of America Advantage Banking - Up to $500 Cash Offer
- The cash offer up to $500 is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 05/31/2026.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Your cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of your Qualifying Direct Deposits received in the first 90 days.
Cash Bonus Total Qualifying Direct Deposits $100 $2,000 $300 $5,000 $500 $10,000+ - If all requirements are met 90 days after account opening, Bank of America will attempt to deposit your bonus into your new eligible account within 60 days.
- Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
HSBC Premier - Earn Up to $7,000
- Send and receive money with Zelle® right from our mobile app
- Manage your money safely, easily and fee-free around the world - from Global Money Transfers to multi-currency needs
- Enjoy peace of mind with unique travel benefits available through our credit cards
Here's how the offer works: Open a new HSBC Premier checking account by March 31, 2026. Add New Assets to your Premier checking account, Premier Savings account, Premier Relationship Savings account, Managed Portfolio Account and/or Spectrum account (Eligible Accounts) by March 31, 2026, and maintain the New Assets through June 30, 2026.
- Get a $1,500 Cash Bonus: Add and maintain New Assets of $150,000 to $249,999
- Get a $2,500 Cash Bonus: Add and maintain New Assets of $250,000 to $499,999
- Get a $3,500 Cash Bonus: Add and maintain New Assets of $500,000 to $999,999
- Get a $7,000 Cash Bonus: Add and maintain New Assets of $1,000,000+
If all offer requirements are met, the bonus will be paid by August 31, 2026.
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - $325 Bonus
- Get a $325 new checking customer bonus when you open an Everyday Checking account and receive $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits.
- Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Member FDIC
Chase Total Checking® - $400 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers can receive $400 when you open a Chase Total Checking® account and make direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment.
- Unlock more offers with Chase. Get up to $500 per calendar year by referring friends and family. Plus, get cash back from top brands with Chase Offers when you use your debit card.
- Chase Total Checking® has a $15 monthly service fee, you can easily avoid the fee with direct deposits totaling $500 or more, or a minimum average daily balance each statement period.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ – no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
- Chase Mobile® app makes banking simple. Manage accounts, pay bills, send money to friends with Zelle® and deposit checks on the go with Chase Quick Deposit℠.
- Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. with thousands of ATMs and branches. Use the Chase locator tool to find a branch or ATM near you.
- Chase helps keep your money protected with features like Zero Liability Protection, fraud monitoring and card lock.
- Chase Total Checking includes FDIC insurance up to the maximum amount allowed by law.
Key Select Checking® - $500 Bonus
- Open a Key Select Checking® account online by May 22, 2026.
- Make the minimum opening deposit of $50 and make a total of $5,000 or more in eligible direct deposits within the first 90 days of account opening.
- Your $500 cash bonus will be deposited into your account within 60 days of meeting requirements. Account must not be closed at the time of gift payment.
Bottom Line
If you're ready to make a move, BMO's bonus offers could be your ticket to some extra cash.
Just remember to check those requirements carefully and jump on the opportunity while it's hot. After all, nothing feels better than getting a nice welcome incentive.
References
- ^ BMO. Referral Campaign, Retrieved 1/08/2025
- ^ BMO US. Compare Checking Accounts, Retrieved 1/07/2025
Chase Total Checking® - $400 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers can receive $400 when you open a Chase Total Checking® account and make direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment.
- Unlock more offers with Chase. Get up to $500 per calendar year by referring friends and family. Plus, get cash back from top brands with Chase Offers when you use your debit card.
- Chase Total Checking® has a $15 monthly service fee, you can easily avoid the fee with direct deposits totaling $500 or more, or a minimum average daily balance each statement period.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ – no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
- Chase Mobile® app makes banking simple. Manage accounts, pay bills, send money to friends with Zelle® and deposit checks on the go with Chase Quick Deposit℠.
- Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. with thousands of ATMs and branches. Use the Chase locator tool to find a branch or ATM near you.
- Chase helps keep your money protected with features like Zero Liability Protection, fraud monitoring and card lock.
- Chase Total Checking includes FDIC insurance up to the maximum amount allowed by law.
Bank of America Advantage Banking - Up to $500 Cash Offer
- The cash offer up to $500 is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 05/31/2026.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Your cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of your Qualifying Direct Deposits received in the first 90 days.
Cash Bonus Total Qualifying Direct Deposits $100 $2,000 $300 $5,000 $500 $10,000+ - If all requirements are met 90 days after account opening, Bank of America will attempt to deposit your bonus into your new eligible account within 60 days.
- Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
U.S. Bank Business Essentials - $400 Bonus
Promo code Q1AFL26 MUST be used when opening a U.S. Bank Business Essentials® or Platinum Business Checking account. Limit of one bonus per business. A $100 minimum deposit is required to open one of the referenced accounts.
To earn a business checking bonus, open a qualifying U.S. Bank business checking account between 1/15/2026 and 3/31/2026. Make the required deposit(s) in new money within 30 days of account opening, maintain the same required daily balance through the 60th day, and complete 6 qualifying transactions based on posted date within 60 days of account opening.
Business Essentials: $400 bonus with $5,000 new money deposits, daily balance, and 6 qualifying transactions.
Qualifying transactions include debit card purchases, ACH and wire credits or debits, Zelle credits or debits, U.S. Bank Mobile Check Deposit, electronic or paper checks, Bill Pay (excluding payments made by credit card), and payment received via U.S. Bank Payment Solutions. Other transactions, such as person-to-person payments, credit card transfers, or transfers between U.S. Bank accounts, are not eligible.
New money is defined as funds from outside U.S. Bank and cannot be transferred from another U.S. Bank product or a U.S. Bank Affiliate. For accounts opened on non-business days, weekends or federal holidays, the open date is considered the next business day. Account fees may reduce the required daily balance during the qualifying period.
Bonus will be deposited into your new eligible U.S. Bank business checking account within 30 days after the month-end in which all offer requirements are met, provided the account remains open with a positive available balance.
Offer may not be combined with other business checking bonus offers. Existing businesses with a business checking account or had one closed within the past 12 months, do not qualify.
All regular account-opening procedures apply. For full checking account pricing, terms and policies, refer to your Business Pricing Information, Business Essentials Pricing Information, and YDAA disclosure. These documents are available at any U.S. Bank branch or by calling 800.872.2657.
Bonus will be reported as interest earned on IRS Form 1099-INT and recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes. Current U.S. Bank employees are not eligible. U.S. Bank reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time without notice.
Member FDIC
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - $325 Bonus
- Get a $325 new checking customer bonus when you open an Everyday Checking account and receive $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits.
- Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Member FDIC
CIT Bank Platinum Savings - 3.75% APY
- 3.75% APY with a balance of $5,000 or more
- 0.25% APY with a balance of less than $5,000
- $100 minimum opening deposit
- No monthly maintenance fee
- Member FDIC
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