Updated July 27, 2023

BMO Review: Account Good for You?

By Kim P
Read more about BMO
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by the companies mentioned. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the companies.
Ad Disclosure: This article contains references to products from our partners. We may receive compensation if you apply or shop through links in our content. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. You help support CreditDonkey by using our links. (read more)

BMO offers low fees and a large ATM network. But savings rates are low. However, the strong features can still make it a good bank for you. Read on.

5-point scale (the higher, the better)

Pros and Cons

  • Free checking with eStatements
  • Large ATM network
  • Good financial tools
  • Limited branches
  • Low savings APY

Bottom Line

Midwest bank with options for low and high-balance customers

BMO Overview

BMO is one of the oldest national banks in the Midwest with almost a 200-year history. It's headquartered in Chicago and has over 1,000 branches. Though it's mostly located in 22 states, it has fee-free transactions at more than 40,000 Allpoint® network ATMs nationwide.[1]

They offer a variety of personal deposit products, including checking, savings, CDs, and IRAs.

We like that there's a free checking option for low-balance customers. And if you have more to save, you can get higher interest rates with its Relationship Plus Money Market or CD specials.

Keep reading to learn more about BMO.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Free checking option with no balance requirements
  • Only $25 to open checking accounts
  • Fee-free transactions at more than 40,000 Allpoint® network ATMs nationwide
  • Frequent cash bonuses for new customers
  • Good digital tools to help manage your finances

Cons:

  • Branches only in 22 states
  • Low savings interest rates

BMO Promotions

Smart Advantage Checking

This is the most popular BMO checking account and for good reason. As long as you opt for eStatements, there's no monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance required for this account.[2]

Other features include:

  • Choose your debit card from several options
  • Get cash from ATMs with just your smartphone
  • Mobile check deposits, bill pay, and Zelle
  • Personalized support via chat, phone and in branch

Note that this account has a $15 overdraft fee. It applies if the account is overdrawn by more than $50.[3]

Smart Money Checking

The Smart Money checking account is meant to be a safe account with no overdraft fees. It doesn't allow overdrafts - if you don't have the money, the transaction simply will not go through.

It has a $5 monthly service fee that cannot be waived. However, this account is free for young adults under 25 years old.[4]

Note: BMO also charges a $3 fee per month for paper statements. If you opt for eStatements, this fee can be waived.

Relationship Checking

This is the only BMO checking account that earns interest. In exchange for interest and other perks, it requires a high balance in order to waive the hefty $25 monthly maintenance fee.[5]

Some other perks include:

  • $25 monthly rebates on ATM fee surcharges by other banks
  • Free incoming wires
  • No annual rental fee for a 3"x5" Safe Deposit Box
  • Interest rate discounts on lending products

Compare Checking Account Promotions

Savings Builder Account

BMO Savings Builder Account has $0 monthly fee and requires just $25 to open. However, like most national banks, the interest rate is pretty low.

But a pretty cool perk is that during the first year of the account, BMO will reward you with an extra $5 for each month you save $200 or more.[6] This gives you the opportunity to earn an extra $60 for your savings.

Compare Savings Accounts

Relationship Plus Money Market

With just $25, you can open a Relationship Plus Money Market account. There is a $10 monthly service fee unless you maintain a minimum daily balance of $5,000.

They may offer higher interest rates when you bundle it with a BMO Relationship Checking Account Relationship Package. The more money you deposit, the higher your interest rate can be.

Compare Money Market Accounts

CDs

  • Standard CD: BMO offers your standard CD with a variety of maturity dates and just a $1,000 opening deposit. Terms range from 3 months to 5 years.[7]

  • Add-on CD: With this CD, you can make additional deposits after you open the CD. You can deposit money as often as you like. The Add-on CD only comes in 1-year terms and requires a $1,000 opening deposit.

  • Special Rate CDs: BMO also offers a variety of "special" CDs. You'll find higher interest rates and unique terms on these CDs. It also has a $1,000 minimum deposit requirement.

Is BMO insured?
Yes — BMO is FDIC-insured. Your money is FDIC insured for up to $250,000 per depositor.

Compare CD Rates

IRAs

  • CDs: BMO offers IRA CDs for those who want to take the conservative route with their retirement funds. With just $1,000, you can open a retirement CD. The terms range from 3 months to 5 years. The longer the maturity date that you choose and the more money you invest, the higher the interest rate BMO will offer.[8]

  • IRA Premium Savers: This IRA allows you to make deposits as you can or even on an automated basis. You need $100 to open the account and you can make deposits as frequently or infrequently as you like. You can open the account as a traditional, ROTH, or SEP IRA.[9]

What Is the BMO Routing Number?
The BMO routing number is 071025661. You can also see it on the bottom of your personal checks. It's the number on the left-hand side, before your account number.

Banking Features

  • Total Look
    You can link your non-BMO financial accounts. This gives you the chance to see your full financial picture in one place. You can view transactions, track spending, set up savings goals, create budgets, and more.[10]

  • Mobile Cash
    This feature lets you withdraw cash from ATMs with just your smartphone. You don't need to bring your debit card.

  • Overdraft Funding
    If you link a BMO checking and savings account, they will automatically transfer money from your savings to cover overdrafts. This can help you avoid hefty overdraft fees.

  • Auto Save
    You set up the amount and frequency, and BMO will automatically transfer into your savings account for you. It takes the thinking out of saving and helps you avoid spending the money before you have a chance to save it.

  • Large ATM network
    Aside from their own ATMs, BMO is also in the AllPoint network, with over 40,000 ATMs across the US. You can withdraw your money free of charge, even if you're not near a BMO service area.

  • Card Monitor
    You can turn your debit card on and off at any time within the app. Plus, you can control spending by setting restrictions by location, merchant type, and transaction amount.

Contacting BMO
You can reach BMO at 1-888-340-2265, 24 hours a day. They also offer the ability to send private messages via their Facebook and Twitter social media pages. You may also use their branch locator and set up an appointment in-person with a BMO banker.

BMO Downsides

  • Located in mostly 22 states
    Unless you live in AZ, CA, CO, FL, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, UT, WA, WI, or WY, you won't be able to bank locally with BMO.

  • Low savings rates
    As typical of national banks, BMO' savings interest rates are pretty abysmal. Don't expect your money to grow much. But there are some CDs with decent rates if you're willing to lock up your funds for a certain term.

  • $50 to close your account
    BMO charges this fee if you close your checking or savings account within the first 90 days of opening it. If you are unsure if the account will work for you, it may be better to wait until you are truly sure.[11]

How It Compares

Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third is concentrated across the Midwest, South, and Southeast. There is no minimum balance required, no monthly service charge and no minimum deposit to open the traditional checking account, although you will need to fund it within 45 days.[12] They do have a vast network of 50,000 fee-free ATMs and offer online/mobile banking.

Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is truly a national bank, with a presence in 37 states. They have a network of 12,000 ATMs and a variety of account options. Like BMO, they offer interest-free checking accounts with easy ways to avoid the monthly maintenance fee. They also offer 24/7 phone customer service.

Bottom Line

BMO is a full-service bank with a variety of features and benefits to offer. If you're looking for basic checking and savings with low requirements, BMO may offer just what you need.

But if you're looking for high interest rates, you may want to consider online only banks that have less overhead and can offer higher yields.

References

  1. ^ BMO Facts, Retrieved 2/13/2022
  2. ^ BMO Smart Advantage, Retrieved 2/13/2022
  3. ^ BMO Smart Advantage Deposit Account Disclosure and Bank Fee Schedule, Retrieved 2/14/2022
  4. ^ BMO Smart Money, Retrieved 2/13/2022
  5. ^ BMO Relationship Checking, Retrieved 7/20/2023
  6. ^ BMO. Savings Builder Account, Retrieved 2/13/2022
  7. ^ BMO. Certificate of Deposit (CDs), Retrieved 2/13/2022
  8. ^ BMO. IRA Certificates of Deposit (CDs), Retrieved 2/13/2022
  9. ^ BMO. IRA Premium Savers, Retrieved 2/13/2022
  10. ^ BMO Total Look - Add Accounts to Total Look, Retrieved 2/13/2022
  11. ^ BMO. Deposit Account Disclosure and Bank Fee Schedule, Retrieved 2/13/2022
  12. ^ Fifth Third Bank. Compare Checking Accounts, Retrieved 4/5/2022
Chase
Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus

Open an Account
Expires 7/16/2025
  • New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
  • Chase Mobile® app - Manage accounts, pay bills, send money to friends with Zelle® and deposit checks from almost anywhere.
  • 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*
  • Help 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.
  • With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
  • Open your account online now
  • Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
Bank of America
Member FDIC

Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer

Learn More
Expires 5/31/2025
  • The $300 bonus offer 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 05/31/2025.
  • To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
  • Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
  • 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
Member FDIC

U.S. Bank Business Essentials - $500 Bonus

Get Deal
Expires 6/30/2025

Promo code Q2AFL25 MUST be used when opening a U.S. Bank Business Essentials, Silver, or Platinum Business Checking account. Limit of one bonus per business. A $100 minimum deposit is required to open one of the referenced accounts.

Earn your $500 Business Checking bonus by opening a new U.S. Bank Business Essentials or Silver Business Checking account between 4/3/2025 and 6/30/2025. You must make deposit(s) of at least $5,000 in new money within 30 days of account opening and thereafter maintain a daily balance of at least $5,000 until the 60th day after account opening. You must also complete 5 qualifying transactions within 60 days of account opening.

Qualifying transactions include debit card purchases, ACH credits, Wire Transfer credits and debits, Zelle credits and debits, U.S. Bank Mobile Check Deposit or Bill Pay. Other transactions such as (but not limited to) other Person to Person payments, transfers to credit card or transfers between U.S. Bank accounts are not eligible.

New money is considered money that is new to U.S. Bank. Funds must come 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 (e.g., monthly maintenance, paper statement fee, etc.) could reduce the qualifying daily balance, therefore you must make deposit(s) to cover the fees to maintain the daily balance during the qualifying period to be awarded the bonus. Refer to the Business Pricing Information or Business Essentials® Pricing Information Document for a list of fees.

Bonus will be deposited into your new eligible U.S. Bank Business Checking account within 30 days following the last calendar day of the month you complete all of the offer requirements, as long as the account is open and has a positive available balance.

Offer may not be combined with any other business checking account bonus offers. Existing customers (businesses) with a business checking account or customers (businesses) who had an account in the last 12 months, do not qualify.

All regular account-opening procedures apply. For a comprehensive list of checking account pricing, terms and policies, reference your Business Pricing Information or Business Essentials® Pricing Information and YDAA disclosure. These documents can be obtained by contacting a U.S. Bank branch or 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

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account - $325 Bonus

Learn More
Expires 7/8/2025
  • 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
Discover Bank
Member FDIC

Discover® Online Savings - $200 Cash Bonus

Get Deal
Expires 9/11/2025

To qualify for Bonus: Apply for your first Discover Online Savings Account, enter Offer Code CY325 at application, deposit into your Account a total of at least $15,000 to earn a $150 Bonus or deposit a total of at least $25,000 to earn a $200 Bonus. Qualifying deposit(s) may consist of multiple deposits and must post to Account within 45 days of account open date. Maximum bonus eligibility is $200.

What to know: Offer not valid for existing or prior Discover savings customers. Eligibility is based on primary account owner. Account must be open when bonus is credited. Bonus will be credited to the account within 60 days of qualifying for the bonus. Bonus is subject to tax reporting. Offer ends 09/11/2025, 11:59 PM ET. Offer may be modified or withdrawn without notice. Due to new customer funding limits, you may wish to initiate fund transfers at your other institution. For information on funding, see FAQs on Discover.com/Bank. See advertiser website for full details.

Write to Kim P at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.

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