BMO Checking Account Bonus & Promotions: April 2025

Q: Does BMO have referral bonuses?

BMO offers limited-time referral bonuses in Canada [1] but not in the U.S. Nevertheless, this may change in the future.

BMO Checking Account Bonus Offers 2025

You know how these checking bonuses go—they don't stick around forever! Don't miss these limited-time offers from BMO:

Personal Checking Account - Up to $600 Bonus

Open a new BMO Smart Money Checking, BMO Smart Advantage Checking, or BMO Relationship Checking account. Earn $100 bonus each consecutive month, up to 6 months, you have a cumulative total of $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits that post to your account.

Click Here to Get Deal

Expires 12/15/2026

What does BMO stand for?
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: Business Checking Account - $1,500 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 $100,000 or more on the 30th day after account opening. Balance in the account must be $100,000 or more from the 31st to the 90th day after opening the account.

Get Deal

Expires 2/1/2027

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.

Get Deal

Expires 2/1/2027

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.

Get Deal

Expires 2/1/2027

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.

Get Deal

Expires 2/1/2027

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.

Get Deal

Does BMO have referral bonuses?
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 - $1,500 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 $100,000 or more on the 30th day after account opening. Balance in the account must be $100,000 or more from the 31st to the 90th day after opening the account.

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.

Personal Checking Account - Up to $600 Bonus
Open a new BMO Smart Money Checking, BMO Smart Advantage Checking, or BMO Relationship Checking account. Earn $100 bonus each consecutive month, up to 6 months, you have a cumulative total of $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits that post to your account.

How long does it take to get the BMO bonus?
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.

Personal Checking Account - Up to $600 Bonus

Get Deal

Expires 12/15/2026

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

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Are BMO sign-up bonuses taxed?
BMO sign-up bonuses are considered income by the IRS

therefore, they're taxable. BMO may send you a Form 1099-INT, but even if they don't, you're required to report your bonus in your next tax filing.

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:

Member FDIC

Bank of America Advantage Banking - Up to $500 Cash Offer

Learn More

Expires 1/31/2027

The up to $500 cash offer must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
The offer is for new checking customers only.
Offer expires 01/31/2027.
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 of account opening.

Cash Bonus Total Direct Deposits

$100 $2,000

$300 $5,000

$500 $10,000+
After the Deposit Period ends, and once you satisfy all the requirements, we will attempt to deposit the earned bonus directly into your new eligible personal checking account within sixty (60) days. The new eligible personal checking account must be open and in good standing up to and including the date any earned bonus is paid.
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

Cash Bonus	Total Direct Deposits
$100	$2,000
$300	$5,000
$500	$10,000+

Member FDIC

HSBC Premier - Up to $3,000

Earn a cash bonus when you open an HSBC Premier checking account and complete qualifying activities.

Get $1,000: Deposit or invest $50,000 to $99,999
Get $1,500: Deposit or invest $100,000 to $249,999
Get $2,000: Deposit or invest $250,000 to $499,999
Get $3,000: Deposit or invest $500,000+

The $50,000 minimum Qualifying Balance may qualify you for the promotional cash bonus, but HSBC Premier checking account has a $50 monthly maintenance fee unless you meet Premier qualification criteria (for example, $100,000 in combined balances).

How the offer works

Open a Premier checking account by December 31, 2026
Add your preferred amount of deposits and/or eligible investments within 30 days
Maintain your balances for 3 full consecutive months
Remain opted-in to receive HSBC marketing emails

If all offer requirements are met, the bonus will be paid within 8 weeks.

Your partner for every stage of life
We offer a unique range of products and privileges that gives you more of the things you care about. Plus, a personal Wealth Relationship Manager to help you reach your goals.

Wealth: Get access to a variety of investment solutions through HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. Investments are Not FDIC Insured; are Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of the Bank; and May Lose Value.
Health: Enjoy the support of a health and wellness concierge service, plus complimentary membership to 24/7 telemedicine services for you and your family.
Travel: Our credit cards come with a competitive range of rewards and benefits that complement your lifestyle.
International: Manage your finances around the world, with Premier privileges in select countries, perfect for global lifestyles.

Learn More

Expires 12/31/2026

Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $400 Bonus

Open an Account

Expires 1/27/2027

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 is ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Mobile Banking Apps among National Banks by JD Power.
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.

Member FDIC

Key Select Checking® - $500 Bonus

Learn More

Expires 12/11/2026

Earn $500 after qualified activities until 12.11.26 with interest-bearing Key Select Checking®.

Open a Key Select Checking® account online by December 11, 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

Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $400 Bonus

Open an Account

Expires 1/27/2027

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 is ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Mobile Banking Apps among National Banks by JD Power.
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.

Member FDIC

Bank of America Advantage Banking - Up to $500 Cash Offer

Learn More

Expires 1/31/2027

The up to $500 cash offer must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
The offer is for new checking customers only.
Offer expires 01/31/2027.
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 of account opening.

Cash Bonus Total Direct Deposits

$100 $2,000

$300 $5,000

$500 $10,000+
After the Deposit Period ends, and once you satisfy all the requirements, we will attempt to deposit the earned bonus directly into your new eligible personal checking account within sixty (60) days. The new eligible personal checking account must be open and in good standing up to and including the date any earned bonus is paid.
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

Cash Bonus	Total Direct Deposits
$100	$2,000
$300	$5,000
$500	$10,000+

Member FDIC

CIT Bank Platinum Savings - Up to 4.25% APY Boost

Learn More

Expires 12/15/2026

With 6 month boost, you earn:

Tier	Boost APY
Balance over $5,000	4.25%*
Balance less than $5,000	0.75%*

After boost is completed, you will continue to earn our best standard rates:

Tier	APY
Balance over $5,000	3.75%¹
Balance less than $5,000	0.25%¹

Needs to use promo code to qualify: Boost50
Boost lasts 6 months over standard APY
Tiered account
$100 minimum account opening
Member FDIC
No Monthly Service fees
No account opening fees

Disclosures

Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Interest is paid on the entire account balance based on the interest rate and APY in effect that day for the balance tier associated with the end-of-day account balance. APYs — Annual Percentage Yields are accurate as of January 9, 2026: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Interest Rates for the Platinum Savings account are variable and may change at any time without notice. The minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $100.

This is a limited time offer available to New and Existing customers who meet the Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion criteria.

Accounts enrolled in the Platinum Savings Annual Percentage Yield (APY) Boost promotion will receive a 0.50% APY boost on the Platinum Savings current standard APY tiers for 6 months following the opening of a new account or when an existing Platinum Savings account is enrolled in the promotion. The Platinum Savings APY boost will be applied on account balances up to $9,999,999.00. Account balances above $9,999,999.00 will earn the standard APY. If the standard-published APY should change during the promotion period, the APY boost will move with it, offering an account APY above the standard rate.

The Promotion begins on September 29, 2026, and ends December 15, 2026. Customers enrolled in the promotion prior to the end date will receive the APY boost for the 6-month period outlined in the terms and conditions.

The promotion can end at any time without notice.

New CIT Bank Customers: This Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion offer is valid for New CIT Bank customers, who, at account opening, do not have a valid CIT Bank User ID (a "New Customer") or any open CIT Bank accounts provided that the following requirements are met:

New customers must open a Platinum Savings account with a valid Promo Code, Boost50. The Platinum Savings APY Boost Promo Code will appear on the online account opening enrollment web page. The Promo Code must be used at the time of account opening. Accounts opened during the program period without the Promo Code are ineligible to receive the APY boost.
The enrolled Platinum Savings account must be open to receive the APY boost during the promotional period.

CIT Bank Customers with an account prior to the promotion: This Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion is valid for a Primary account owner with an existing account with a CIT Bank User ID before the start of the promotion, provided that the following requirements are met:

Customers without a Platinum Savings account open prior to the Promotion must open a new Platinum Savings account via the enrollment web page using Promo Code Boost50.
Customers with a Platinum Savings account opened prior to the promotion may enroll their current Platinum Savings account into the Platinum Savings Boost promotion via the enrollment web page using Promo Code Boost50.
Customers who are not the Primary account owner on a Platinum Savings account may open a new Platinum Savings account as the primary account owner via the enrollment web page using Promo Code Boost50.
Accounts opened or enrolled during the program period without the Promo Code are ineligible to receive the APY boost.

There is a limit of one Platinum Savings APY Boost promotional offer per account and per Primary customer. If multiple Platinum Savings accounts are opened, only one account per primary account owner is eligible.

There is no minimum account balance requirement to participate in the Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion.

Additional Important Terms

The Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion may not be combined with other promotions.
Customers are ineligible to participate in the Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion if:
- They are earning an APY over the standard rate.
- They participated in a previous APY Boost promotion.
- They participated in a cash bonus promotion in the past 6 months.
Custodial accounts and accounts in the name of a Trust are not eligible.
This offer is non-transferable.

The value of Platinum Saving Boost will be reported as interest income on IRS Form 1099-INT for the calendar year in which it was paid. The recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes.

For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures.

Member FDIC

HSBC Premier - Up to $3,000

Learn More

Expires 12/31/2026

Earn a cash bonus when you open an HSBC Premier checking account and complete qualifying activities.

Get $1,000: Deposit or invest $50,000 to $99,999
Get $1,500: Deposit or invest $100,000 to $249,999
Get $2,000: Deposit or invest $250,000 to $499,999
Get $3,000: Deposit or invest $500,000+

How the offer works

Open a Premier checking account by December 31, 2026
Add your preferred amount of deposits and/or eligible investments within 30 days
Maintain your balances for 3 full consecutive months
Remain opted-in to receive HSBC marketing emails

If all offer requirements are met, the bonus will be paid within 8 weeks.

Wealth: Get access to a variety of investment solutions through HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. Investments are Not FDIC Insured; are Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of the Bank; and May Lose Value.
Health: Enjoy the support of a health and wellness concierge service, plus complimentary membership to 24/7 telemedicine services for you and your family.
Travel: Our credit cards come with a competitive range of rewards and benefits that complement your lifestyle.
International: Manage your finances around the world, with Premier privileges in select countries, perfect for global lifestyles.

No-Fee Business Checking

Get Deal

$0 monthly service fee
$0 minimum opening deposit
Open up to 20 individual business checking accounts
Earn up to 3.21% APY with automated savings
Issue up to 50 Visa® debit cards to your team

Banking services provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC.

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