BMO Bank Reviews

(Formerly Named BMO Harris Bank)

  • 4,678,299 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

About BMO Bank (Formerly Named BMO Harris Bank)

BMO Bank is an FDIC-insured bank and financial institution providing a wide range of private, business and commercial banking services. It offers checking and savings account services, a variety of loans, lines of credit, investment management, retirement accounts and planning and other financial services. BMO Bank specializes in cross-border mortgages. Online, virtual banking is available through a mobile app and its website. In-person branches are located in eight states.

Pros
  • Online/mobile banking
  • Service variety
  • Interest-earning accounts
  • Cross-border mortgages
Cons
  • Limited in-person branches
  • Interest rate variations

What is BMO Bank?

BMO Bank offers in-person and online banking services. It offers three checking account options, with monthly fees ranging from $0 to $25. It also provides multiple savings account options, including Savings Builder, Growth Money Market and certificate of deposit (CD) accounts.

In addition to standard checking and savings banking services, BMO Bank also offers mortgage loans, other loans, lines of credit, retirement planning and wealth management. BMO Bank has branch locations in Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. Digital banking can be used nationwide.

How does BMO Bank work?

BMO Bank is a financial institution that offers a wide variety of banking services. In addition to traditional checking and savings accounts, it offers retirement accounts and planning, credit cards, mortgages, loans, lines of credit and financial consulting.

Account management is offered digitally and/or in person at a physical branch. Online banking is available anywhere without needing to go into a physical branch. This includes services like mobile check deposit, transferring funds between accounts and paying bills. Online banking is available through BMO Bank’s website or mobile application.

When you deposit money into a BMO Bank account, it may charge you fees depending on the account type and balance. Loans will also carry interest rates, and savings accounts may earn interest as time goes on. All BMO Bank accounts are FDIC-insured.

BMO checking accounts

BMO Bank offers three checking accounts with various benefits. The table below shows pertinent details about each checking account type but is not intended to be a complete list of fees, features or benefits.

* Fees listed as “waivable” can only be waived under certain conditions outlined by BMO Bank’s website.

BMO Bank products

Other BMO Bank financial and banking services include:

Savings accountsBMO Bank offers two main savings accounts: Savings Builder and Growth Money Market. Both accrue interest and have a $0 to $10 monthly maintenance fee, which is waivable under certain conditions. Additionally, health and certificate of deposit savings accounts are available.
Retirement accounts BMO Bank offers two Individual Retirement Account (IRA) account options: IRA Premium Savers and accounts and IRA CDs. Minimum opening deposits are $100 or $1,000, respectively. Interest rates are variable for both IRA options.
Investments Investment management is part of the BMO Bank service suite. Wealth advisors are available to assist in investment strategies and tactics. Portfolio management, monitoring, reporting and advisory services are available through its investment team.

» RELATED: What is a good investment?

Mortgages Services and lending are available for fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. Additionally, BMO Bank offers low down payment and jumbo mortgages. It specializes in cross-border mortgages to help Canadian citizens buy or refinance a home in the U.S.
Loans/lines of credit A variety of loans and lines of credit are available. These include home equity loans/line of credit (HELOCs), personal loans/line of credit, auto loans, savings-secured loans and private student loans. BMO Bank also offers student loan refinancing services.

» LEARN: Personal loan vs. personal line of credit

Credit cards BMO Bank offers personal and business credit card options. Personal credit cards are Mastercards with cash-back and rewards programs. Annual fees range from $0 to $95.
Online/mobile banking Online/mobile banking is available through BMO Bank’s website or mobile application. Accounts are accessed from anywhere with features like bill pay, money transfers, mobile check deposit and paperless statements. Money management tools are also offered through mobile banking.

BMO Bank rates

Many BMO Bank checking accounts have a $0 monthly maintenance fee, with opportunities to get that fee waived. Otherwise, maintenance fees range from $5 to $25. Savings accounts also have $0 monthly maintenance fees with a waivable $10 fee on the GrowthMoney Market account. Accounts gain variable interest based on the account balance and your geographical location. Loan interest rates will vary based on factors like credit score, loan amount, terms and loan type.

BMO Bank FAQ

Does BMO Bank offer mobile banking?

Yes. Mobile banking is offered online (web browser) or through its mobile application.

Does BMO Bank charge monthly fees for its checking accounts?

The BMO Smart Advantage Account has no monthly maintenance fee. The Smart Money Account has a $5 monthly maintenance fee or $0 if you’re younger than 25. Other fees may include overdraft, check image, paper statements and non-BMO ATM transaction fees.

What is BMO Bank’s minimum deposit to open an account?

Checking, Savings Builder and Growth Money Market accounts require a $25 minimum opening deposit.

Does BMO Bank offer credit cards?

Yes. It offers five credit cards with varying rewards and cash-back offers.

Is BMO Bank financially stable?

Yes, BMO Bank is financially stable. It’s one of the largest banks in North America and is FDIC-insured, which means deposits are protected up to $250,000 per account holder.

Is my money safe with BMO?

Yes, your money is safe with BMO Bank. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to the legal limit, and the bank employs robust security measures to protect your accounts.

Is BMO Bank good?

BMO Bank is a legitimate, FDIC-insured financial institution. It’s best if you are looking for an entirely online/mobile banking experience. It has in-person branches in eight states, but most banking services can be done through the mobile application or online. In addition to traditional checking and savings account banking services, BMO Bank offers a variety of rewards credit cards, loans, retirement accounts and other financial management services.

BMO Bank (Formerly Named BMO Harris Bank) Reviews

Filter by Rating

  • (2)
  • (10)

Popular Mentions

    How do I know I can trust these reviews about BMO Bank?
    • 4,678,299 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
    Recent
    • Recent
    • Oldest
    • Most helpful

    A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.

    How do I know I can trust these reviews about BMO Bank?
    • 4,678,299 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed April 29, 2025

    I had been a customer of Bank of the West for many years. I have their credit card. BMO bank bought them out and decided to cancel my credit card. They did not inform me of this, and I found it out when my card was rejected at the gas station. Good thing I had another form of payment, or I would have been in trouble! When I called BMO they informed me my card was cancelled "as a business decision" and it had nothing to do with late payments etc. I have never had a late payment. Then I was informed they were keeping my earned rewards. This bank is shady and I would never do business with them.

    Thanks for your vote!

    Not sure how to choose?

    Get buying tips about Banks delivered to your inbox.

      By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

      Thanks for subscribing.

      You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

      Customer ServicePriceOnline & AppStaff

      Reviewed April 14, 2025

      DO NOT USE BMO Bank. I have a credit score of over 800 and never made a late payment. I have had this credit card for more than 15 years (previously Bank of the West.) BMO closed my credit account with no notification and no explanation. They have a clause in their account agreements that says they can do this whenever they want and by using them, we agree to it. When I called the credit department for an explanation, two different agents told me that they mailed an explanation letter on two different days. I went into a branch, and they also could not give me an explanation. I still have not received any letter of explanation from them and nothing in the APP or online shows that my account is closed. At Bank of the West my interest rate was 9.9%. When BMO took over my account two years ago, they raised my interest rate to 14.99% overnight with no explanation. This is by far the worst customer service I have ever seen.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Customer Service

      Reviewed April 5, 2025

      BMO bank gave me a $12,000 credit line. Before my first payment was due, after only using the new card for less than 10 days they cancelled my account, without any notice. When I tried to pay $8 for a dry cleaning bill - it was declined. I called and spoke with a supervisor - they wouldn't even tell me why they cancelled me. I paid $500 10 days before my first payment was due - over 10 times the minimum payment due. If I could give them a 0.000001 start review I would. They have A+ TV commercials - don't believe them. Stay far away, for your own good.

      Thanks for your vote!

      Reviewed March 4, 2025

      Avoid this bank at all costs. I will be leaving this bank once my check clears as they lie, even after I received a signed document. Not gonna argue with them but I will be closing my account with them because I am tired of the headaches and the talking to reps without them saying anything.

      Thanks for your vote!

      Reviewed Feb. 20, 2025

      I am the beneficiary on my mother's POD account. When she died they kept the money in the account & even told me I owed them money. This is the absolute worst bank. Nothing but thieves. Do not recommend.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed Jan. 14, 2025

      Their bank is fragmented and filled with incompetent customer service people. Poor customer service seems to be rife throughout the company. I spent over an hour on the phone being sent to multiple different departments and no one knew how to help me.

      Thanks for your vote!

      Reviewed Nov. 7, 2024

      I had to give it a one star review because that's the only way to get passed that portion of the review, but I would've gave it a negative five-star review. I recently received a settlement for a horrible injury at my job and got a money market account at BMO Harris Bank in Kokomo, Indiana. The teller, Nathan **, who assisted me said it would be better for the large sum I received. I just wanted a savings account. What he neglected to tell me was that they only allow you to move your own money size times a month, afterwards you receive a fifteen-dollar transaction limit fee each time. I was charged forty-five times, maybe more because I couldn't check my account history online that far back.

      I contacted BMO solution/resolution center, which delegated everything to the branch I frequent and was told by the same man who convinced me to get this money market account, Nathan **, he definitely would've told me about these fees and isn't going to refund me anything. It took three days and countless hours trying to resolve this issue and I am sure I lost over twelve hundred dollars dealing with this atrocious company. Please do not make the same mistake. I have told everyone I work with and know not to deal with BMO after this and I hope this gets to anyone thinking of banking with them.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Customer Service

      Reviewed Nov. 4, 2024

      I like to start by saying I would like to give this bank and absolute zero or a minus 100. The experience I have had with this bank has been the absolute worst experience I have ever had with any Bank from being racially profiled because I have money in my bank and having my bank account froze because of that to going online to try to send payments only to have my bank account Frozen again and again because I don't know how old my friends kids are, why would BMO Bank ask me about my friend's children.

      I am no pedophile and have no business knowing anything about my friend's children but because I can't answer questions about the birthdate of my friend's children or where they live BMO freezes my account and I have to go through a process of having myself identified over and over and over again for the exact same thing no matter what I say that's exactly what the problem is they are asking questions about my friend's children, not my own horrible experience. Horrible experience. Horrible experience.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Customer Service

      Reviewed May 8, 2024

      I have two CD accounts with BMO; I am trying to sign into my account for 3 weeks now, and they block me out although I do everything correctly. Called customer service and they can not help; HM!!! I am trying to make sure at maturity they close the account and return the money to the original bank. The way to do it, says customer service, I have to request they send me an application, I fill it out then she runs it by her supervisor and maybe I can change my password. So you have to run through loops to change a password and have access to your money!!!! VERY TROUBLESOME. STAY AWAY FROM BMO, JUST MY TWO CENTS.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Customer ServicePricePunctuality & Speed

      Reviewed Nov. 20, 2023

      Beware of BMO – they take your money without asking! Who in the world do they think they are? It is our money not BMO's!!! A recap of what took place: Bank of the West converted to BMO. During the scrub of monthly withdrawals to occur on September 1st, BMO noticed our state tax amount did not meet the required minimum. Bank of The West was withholding $62.47 a month for years, however BMO indicated $167.64 was the amount required to be withheld. Ultimately, BMO withheld the $167.64 amount without asking us and we did not get our IRA distribution payment on time. They just took our money and held it for several days. After much research and phone calls it was determined that Colorado does not have an 8% requirement for state withholding. They reversed the tax withholding of $167.64 and instead will be withholding the usual amount of $62.47. BMO screwed up and we paid the price. Needless to say we have since left BMO and would never, ever recommend them for banking needs.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Loading more reviews...

      BMO Bank (Formerly Named BMO Harris Bank) Company Information

      Company Name:
      BMO Bank
      Formerly Named:
      BMO Harris Bank
      Address:
      111 W. Monroe St.
      City:
      Chicago
      State/Province:
      IL
      Postal Code:
      60603
      Country:
      United States
      Website:
      www.bmo.com