Call BMO or visit a branch to close your account

The fastest way to close a BMO checking account is to call BMO customer service at 1-800-363-0002 (US) or visit a branch in person with your ID. You can also close the account online through BMO's digital banking platform if you log in and navigate to account settings, though phone and in-person closures tend to process more reliably. BMO will ask you to confirm your account number and verify your identity before proceeding.

Before you call or visit, make sure your account balance is zero or positive. If you have a negative balance (overdraft), you must pay it off first. BMO will not close an account with an outstanding debt. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, those will stop once the account closes, so notify your employer, creditors, and any services that pull money from this account at least a week before closure.

The closure itself is usually instant or takes one business day. Any remaining balance will be mailed to you as a check within 5 to 10 business days, or BMO can transfer it to another account you specify during the closure call.

Key Takeaways

  • Call BMO at 1-800-363-0002 or visit a branch with your ID to close the account; online closure is also available but phone or in-person is more reliable.
  • Your account balance must be zero or positive before closure; pay off any overdraft or negative balance first.
  • Stop all automatic payments and direct deposits at least a week before closing, or update them to a new account.
  • Any remaining balance will be mailed as a check within 5 to 10 business days, or transferred to another account if you request it during closure.
  • The account closes immediately or within one business day, and you will no longer be able to use the debit card or access the account online.

What happens to automatic payments and direct deposits

Any recurring charges or automatic bill payments tied to your BMO account will fail once the account closes. This can trigger late fees or service interruptions if creditors or utilities do not receive payment. Contact each company that pulls money from this account—your insurance provider, loan servicer, utility company, subscription services—and provide them with a new payment method or account number at least one week before you close.

Direct deposits from your employer will also bounce back to your employer's payroll system. Notify your HR or payroll department of your new account details so they can update their records. If you do not update this in time, your paycheck may be delayed or returned, and you may face a gap in income.

If you have pending transactions that have not yet cleared, they may still post to the account after closure. BMO will honor legitimate charges that were authorized before the account closed, even if they process afterward. Fraudulent or disputed charges can still be reported, but you will need to contact BMO within the dispute window (usually 60 days) to file a claim.

Closing the account online versus by phone or branch

BMO's online banking platform allows you to initiate account closure from your computer or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. Log in, go to account settings or account management, and look for a "close account" or "account services" option. Online closure is convenient if you are outside business hours or do not have a nearby branch, but it may take longer to confirm and process than a phone call.

Calling customer service at 1-800-363-0002 is often faster because a representative can answer questions in real time, confirm your identity immediately, and process the closure on the spot. You will receive a confirmation number and can ask where your remaining balance will be sent. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Visiting a BMO branch in person is the most thorough option if you have questions or need to handle multiple accounts at once. Bring your ID and any debit cards associated with the account. The teller will verify your identity, confirm the closure, and can immediately arrange for your balance to be transferred to another account or mailed as a check. This method leaves no room for miscommunication.

What to do with your debit card after closure

Your BMO debit card will stop working immediately or within one business day of account closure. You do not need to do anything special with the card—it will simply decline at checkout or ATM. For security, you can cut it up or shred it, but this is not required.

If you have a new BMO account or are switching to another bank, request a new debit card before you close the old account so you do not have a gap in payment methods. Some people close their old account and activate a new one on the same day to avoid this problem.

Handling outstanding fees or negative balances

If your account has a negative balance (overdraft), you must pay the full amount before BMO will close it. This includes any overdraft fees that have been charged. You can pay online through your BMO account, by phone, at a branch, or by mailing a check to BMO's payment processing center. Ask customer service for the mailing address if you choose to send a check.

If you have monthly maintenance fees that are still pending, those will be charged before closure. Once the account is closed, no further fees can be charged, so timing matters if you are trying to avoid a final fee. Ask BMO when the next fee cycle runs and whether you can close before it posts.

What happens to checks you wrote before closure

Checks you wrote before closing the account may still be presented to BMO for payment after the account closes. If the check is deposited within 6 months of closure, BMO will attempt to honor it if funds are available. If the account is already closed, the check will be returned to the depositor marked "account closed."

To avoid problems, wait until all checks you have written have cleared before you close the account. If you are unsure whether outstanding checks exist, ask BMO to hold the account open for an extra week or two, or request a statement showing recent check activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a BMO checking account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new BMO checking account at any time. However, if you closed the account due to a dispute or negative balance, BMO may review your history before approving a new account. There is no waiting period, but the approval process may take a few business days.

What if I have a pending refund or payment coming to the closed account?

Contact the company sending the refund or payment and provide them with your new account information before the account closes. If a payment arrives after closure, it will be returned to the sender, and you will need to contact them to resubmit it to your new account. This can delay refunds by several weeks.

Do I need to close my BMO savings account if I close my checking account?

No. Checking and savings accounts are separate. You can close one without affecting the other. If you want to close both, you will need to request closure for each account separately, either in the same call or visit or in separate transactions.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking account does not directly affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you close the account with a negative balance and do not pay it, BMO may send the debt to a collection agency, which will harm your credit. Pay any outstanding balance before closure to avoid this.

How long does it take to receive my remaining balance after closure?

If BMO mails a check, it typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. If you request a transfer to another account during closure, the funds may arrive within 1 to 3 business days depending on the receiving bank. Ask for a confirmation number and the expected delivery date when you close the account.