You can close a BMO checking account online through the mobile app or website, but only if you meet certain conditions first
BMO allows you to close a checking account online using their mobile app or website, but the process has real limits. You cannot close the account if you have an outstanding balance, pending transactions, or linked services like bill pay or automatic transfers still active. If your account meets those conditions, you can initiate closure through your online banking portal without calling or visiting a branch. The account typically closes within one to three business days after you submit the request.
The catch: BMO may require you to call their customer service line if your account has complications—overdrafts, fraud disputes, or holds placed by the bank. If you have a linked savings account, credit card, or mortgage with BMO, closing your checking account will not affect those products, but you should verify that no automatic payments pull from the checking account before you close it.
Key Takeaways
- You can close your BMO checking account online through the mobile app or website only if the account has a zero balance and no pending transactions.
- You must cancel or redirect any automatic bill payments, transfers, or direct deposits before closing the account.
- If your account has an overdraft, fraud dispute, or bank hold, you will need to call BMO customer service instead of closing online.
- The account closes within one to three business days after you submit the online request.
- Closing your checking account does not affect other BMO accounts or products you hold.
Steps to close your account through BMO online banking
Log into your BMO online banking account on the website or mobile app. Navigate to the account settings or account management section—the exact location varies slightly between the app and website, but both have a settings menu. Look for an option labeled "Close Account," "Account Closure," or "Manage Account." BMO will show you a checklist of requirements before you can proceed: zero balance, no pending transactions, and no active bill pay or transfer services.
If all requirements are met, BMO will ask you to confirm your closure request and may ask why you are closing the account. You do not have to provide a reason, but BMO may offer retention options at this point. After you confirm, you will receive an on-screen confirmation number. Take a screenshot or note this number—you will need it if you have questions about the closure later. The account will close within one to three business days.
If any requirement is not met, BMO will block the online closure and direct you to call their customer service line. Do not ignore this message; you cannot force the account closed online if the system flags a problem.
What you must do before closing the account
Bring your account balance to zero. If you have money in the account, transfer it to another bank account or withdraw it in cash. BMO will not close an account with a positive balance because the bank needs to know where to send any remaining funds. If you have an overdraft (negative balance), you must pay that amount first—BMO will not close an account with money owed to the bank.
Cancel or redirect all automatic payments and transfers. This includes direct deposits from your employer, automatic bill payments to utilities or credit cards, and recurring transfers to savings accounts. Log into each service that pulls money from this checking account and update the payment method or account number. This step is critical: if you close the account and a payment tries to process afterward, it will fail and may trigger late fees on the bill you were trying to pay.
Remove any linked services. If you have set up bill pay, mobile check deposit, or account alerts tied to this checking account, disable or reassign them first. Some of these services may automatically disable when the account closes, but others may cause the closure to fail or delay.
When you cannot close your account online
BMO requires you to call customer service if your account has an outstanding overdraft, a fraud dispute under investigation, or a hold placed by the bank. These situations mean the account has a legal or financial claim against it that must be resolved before closure. Calling is faster than waiting for an online system to process these cases.
You also cannot close the account online if you have a joint account holder. Both account holders must agree to close the account, and BMO typically requires verbal confirmation from both parties. Call BMO's customer service line and have both account holders available when you call.
If you have a linked mortgage, home equity line of credit, or investment account with BMO, the system may flag the checking account as a primary account for the bank's records. In this case, BMO may require you to call to confirm that you want to close it and understand the implications for your other products.
What happens after your account closes
Once the account is closed, you cannot use the debit card, write checks, or access the account through online banking. Any checks you have already written but not yet cashed may still process if they are presented to the bank within a reasonable timeframe. BMO will honor checks written before closure, so if you have outstanding checks, wait until they clear before closing the account—or contact the payee and ask them to stop payment.
BMO will send you a final statement showing the account closure date and any remaining activity. This statement is important for your records, especially if you need to prove the account is closed for tax or legal reasons. Keep it for at least one year.
If you have a debit card linked to this account, the card will stop working immediately. If you have other BMO accounts, your debit card for those accounts will continue to work normally. Do not throw away the old debit card; cut it up or contact BMO to have it destroyed securely.
Alternatives if you want to keep the account open
If you are closing the account because of monthly fees, contact BMO customer service and ask about fee waivers or account downgrades. BMO offers checking accounts with no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Switching to a no-fee account is faster than closing and reopening an account later.
If you are closing because you want to switch banks, you do not have to close immediately. Open your new account first, transfer your balance, and redirect your automatic payments. Then close the BMO account once everything is set up at the new bank. This approach reduces the risk of a payment failing because the account was closed too early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my BMO checking account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay off any overdraft or negative balance before closing. BMO will not process the closure until the account shows zero or a positive balance. If you cannot pay the overdraft, call customer service to discuss a payment plan.
What if I close my account and then a check I wrote clears?
BMO will honor checks written before the account closed, even if they arrive after closure. The check will process and the funds will be deducted from your account. If your account has no balance, the check may bounce and you could face overdraft fees or a returned check fee.
Do I need to close my debit card separately?
No. When you close the checking account, the debit card linked to that account automatically stops working. You do not need to call separately to cancel the card. If you have other BMO accounts with their own debit cards, those cards will continue to work.
How long does it take for BMO to close my account after I request it online?
One to three business days. You will receive a confirmation number when you submit the request. If the account does not close within three business days, contact BMO customer service with your confirmation number.
Can I reopen a closed BMO checking account?
Yes, but BMO treats it as a new account. You will need to provide identification and go through the account opening process again. There is no penalty for reopening, but the new account will have a new account number.